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Friday18th May 2012
Dear Parents/Carers,                 
       Half term is fast approaching and we are all desperate for sun:
1. PTA WOMEN’S VITALITY NIGHT 26/4/12: This ladies only event was superbly organised by Sarah Edmondson and was another huge success. A massive Thank You to all who came along, enjoyed the treatments, therapies and general pampering, organised beforehand, helped on the night and cleared up etc. As well as all of the women having a wonderful time, the event raised over £750 for the PTA coffers!
2. PTA Y6 GAMES NIGHT: Thanks to Gill Upton (with help from Sara Walls, Terry, Mary and Ewa Stevens) for organising the second children’s games night on 3/5/12. Y6 children had the opportunity to play a variety of table games, enjoy each other’s company as well as eat pizza! It was a great evening.
3. SPORTS NEWS: 1) SWIMMING: At the regional gala on 12/5/12 our squad of 24 Y4/5/6 competed against five other local schools at Putney pool. On a thrilling night our Boys were 2nd, whilst our Girls were also 2nd so, again, both teams progress to the grand borough finals (for the fifth or sixth year running!) on Saturday 16/6/12. It was incredibly exciting and our whole squad were simply fantastic: a credit to themselves, their families and their school. Sarah Austin & Laura Hurley 2) FOOTBALL: We have now finished our matches in the local Y5/6 Golden League. We have been playing after school every Thursday. During the season, in which we finished 3rd, over 30 Y4/5/6 boys and girls have represented Ravenstone with distinction and pride. Richard Huie
4. CHESS: Four of our pupils, Joseph B Y4, Alec K Y5, Alastair G and Olivier M Y6, reached the Delancey Chess Megafinal over the bank holiday weekend. This is the largest chess tournament in the world and involves ferocious competition. Alec has progressed to the next round.
5. WEBSITE & MATHS: I hope parents are aware that under each year page on the website as well as lots of information on the curriculum there is also a termly maths sheet with some fun maths ideas, problems and games.
6. JUBILEE PARTY: You are all invited to join us for a celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at 2:00pm on Thursday 31st May. We hope that everyone dresses up in 1950s style costume (similar to Evacuees?!) or red, white and blue for a celebration to remember. There will be cakes, drinks, bunting, flags and lots and lots of fun. A separate flyer will go out early next week.
7. HALF TERM: Finally a reminder that we break for half term after the party on Thursday 31st May (Friday 1st June is an Inset day) and children return to school on TUESDAY 12th June

With Best Wishes

Alan Millington
MAY 2012   21st      John Hegley (Poet) in Y6, Y2 to Florence        Nightingale Museum
    23rd   PTA Meeting 7:30pm
25th   Reception to Horniman Museum
29th   Y4 to I-Max Cinema, Waterloo
31st   Diamond Jubilee Party, Break for Whitsun
JUNE 2012   1st     Inset Day then Half Term
    11th   Inset day
    12th   Children return
    16th   Borough Swimming Finals, Putney
    20th   Y2 to Bocketts Fm, Foundation Stage Party
    28th   Sports Day at Tooting Track
JULY 2012   4th   Y2 to Littlehampton
5th   Y3MF to Dulwich Picture Gallery
7th   PTA Summer Fair
9th   New Reception Parents’ meeting 2:15pm
11th   New Nursery Parents’ meeting 2:15pm
11th, 12th, 16th, 17th Summer Show 7:00pm 
13th   Foundation Stage Graduation 2:00pm
16th   Nursery to Hobbledown Farm
18th   Y3TVB to Dulwich Picture Gallery
19th   Y6 Leavers’ Assembly 2:15pm
and Party 5-7:00pm
20th   Last day of term
ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013
SEPTEMBER 2012  4th   Inset Day
    5th   Children Return
    18th   PTA AGM tbc
     24, 25th  Individual Pupil photos
OCTOBER 2012            16, 17th  Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
 22nd   Y6 School Journey, Dorset
 26th   Break for Half term   
NOVEMBER 2012  5th   Inset day
    6th   Children Return
DECEMBER 2012  21st   Break for Christmas
JANUARY 2013  7th   Inset Day
    8th   Children Return
FEBRUARY 2013  15th   Break for Half term 
    25th   Inset day
    26th   Children return
MARCH 2013  28th   Break for Easter
APRIL 2013   15th   Children return
MAY 2013   6th   Bank Holiday
    24th   Break for Half term
JUNE 2013   3rd   Children return
JULY 2013   24th   End of term              NB One Inset day tbc

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Tuesday 17th April 2012
Dear Parents/Carers,
         Welcome back after what I hope was a very relaxing spring break. We look forward to a productive and enjoyable summer term!
1. GOLDEN AWARDS SPRING 2012: The recipients of last term’s Golden Awards for outstanding work and behaviour all term were as follows:
Reception: Marley S, Toby C, Atl O-P, Kacper S
Year 1: Leo S, Maya G, Ella W, Joseph McK
Year 2: Claudia T, Jude S, Sam W, Finbar W-S
Year 3: Charlotte L, Marcel D, Beatrice K, Abdullah W
Year 4: Gabriel C, Maya C, Yunus H, Natasha H
Year 5: Emile S, Charlie L-G, Oscar McF, Naia B
Year 6: Oliwia R, Jade S, Aysha M, Jack A-T
Many congratulations to them all.
2. EASTER RAFFLE: Thanks for your support with our annual Easter raffle in aid of Yameriga School. We raised over £300!
3. PACKED LUNCHBOXES: Could all parents please ensure that, if your child is bringing a packed lunch, then it is in a suitable container/case with their name clearly marked on the outside, if possible. We have had problems with children taking the wrong lunch when they have identical or similar lunchboxes. Please note carrier bags are not suitable.
4. OVERDUE LIBRARY BOOKS/SCHOOL BOOKS: It would help us immensely if all families could have a good look on bookshelves (under beds!) etc. and return any overdue library books or other school books that may be in your homes. 
5. FRIDAY WORK SHARING/CELEBRATION ASSEMBLIES:
These start again this Friday. We are always pleased to welcome you to our Friday assemblies, 10:00-10:15am

A) April 20 May 4, 18 June 15, 29   Years 6, 4, 2, R
Lower Hall: Mrs Bolton, Mr Horsburgh, Mr Huie, Simon’s Reception
Upper Hall: Mrs Lynch, Mr Westland, Ms Pulling, Felicity’s Reception

B) April 27 May 11, 25 June 22 July 6 Years 5, 3, 1
Lower Hall: Mrs Hood, Mr Van Brown, Mrs McMillan
Upper Hall: Ms Hamilton, Mr Friday, Ms Sutton

Please remember to arrive no earlier than 9:45 am and PLEASE leave promptly 10:25am, for the safety and security of all children and staff. (We count you in and out)

6. PLAYING BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL: We are pleased that families use the facilities but I feel I need to remind all parents and carers once again that your children are your responsibility before and after school. You must supervise them. In the morning school staff are on duty from 8:30am. At all times we expect children to treat the equipment with respect and abide by the same rules as they do during the day.
This means no footballs or large balls anywhere except inside the sports pitch. Children are not allowed to ride bikes around the playground. We shall be closing and clearing the playground at 4:30pm from now on.

Please note that there is a wonderful new playground just round the corner at Tooting Triangle, where the council has just invested in over £220 000 worth of excellent specialist play equipment.

With Best Wishes

Alan Millington

APRIL 2012  

16th   Summer Term starts
18th   Class Photos
26th   PTA Vitality Night (change of date)
MAY 2012  

3rd   PTA Children’s Games Night
7th Bank holiday 

14th-17th Year 6 SATs

23rd   PTA Meeting 7:30pm
30th   PTA Cake & Crafts Sale
31st   Diamond Jubilee Party, Break for Whitsun
JUNE 2012  

1st     Jubilee Inset Day
11th   Inset day
12th   Children return
 20th   Y2 to Bocketts Fm, Foundation Stage Party
 28th   Sports Day at Tooting Track
JULY 2012  

7th   PTA Summer Fair
11th, 12th, 16th, 17th Summer Show 7:00pm 
20th   Last day of term

ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013
SEPTEMBER 2012 

4th   Inset Day

5th   Children Return

18th   PTA AGM tbc

24, 25th  Individual Pupil photos
OCTOBER 2012

16, 17th  Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
 22nd   Y6 School Journey, Dorset
 29th   Break for Half term   
NOVEMBER 2012 

5th   Inset day
6th   Children Return
DECEMBER 2012 

21st   Break for Christmas

JANUARY 2013

7th   Inset Day
 8th   Children Return

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Tuesday 27th March 2012
Dear Parents/Carers,
          As we approach Easter, the weather is improving and as ever, there is much going on:
1. INTERNATIONAL EVENING 23/3/12: What a fabulous evening of fun, entertainment and sharing. We travelled around the globe admiring fantastic performances from pupils, staff, ex-pupils and friends of Ravenstone. The talent on show was simply stunning. Thanks to all who came, performed, helped and enjoyed themselves, but especially Mary Hargreaves, Katherine Harvey, Deborah Brodie and Emma D’Cruz for organising the evening. Special thanks to Freddie Morrison for keeping it all going!
2. SPORT RELIEF: Bad timing really (with our International Evening!) but we were very keen to have some fun and support this extremely worthwhile cause. We were so impressed with your children’s determination to ‘get the miles in’ and we achieved way over 750 miles together and thanks to your amazing support and generosity raised in excess of £3000 for Sport Relief. Unbelievable! I would particularly like to thank Catherine Dowler, Morris Tolaram and Simon Lewis for organising the day and all children, staff and parents who contributed. It was an amazing day!
3. OFSTED INSPECTION: We have been possibly expecting a visit from Ofsted as our last inspection was October 2008. However, since our inspection was judged to be ‘Good with Outstanding features’, we have received the letter informing us that we have had our next inspection deferred until summer 2013 at the very earliest. You should have received a paper copy today. We are pleased but obviously continue to do all that we can to improve the quality of the education provided at Ravenstone.
4. EASTER RAFFLE: This week we are holding our annual Easter raffle in aid of Yameriga. Tickets are available from Mary’s room, lunchtime and playtimes, priced 20p each or 5 for £1. The draw will be held in our final assembly.
5. NO FRIDAY ASSEMBLY ON 30th March.: We resume our worksharing and celebration assemblies after Easter on Friday 20th April. A new timetable will be sent the first week back.
6. NUT STRIKE WED 28th March: Unfortunately, the school will be closed tomorrow due to strike action by staff from the National Union of Teachers. School reopens as normal on Thursday 29th March.
7. DELANCEY CHESS CHALLENGE: Thanks to Ewa Stevens for running this chess tournament in the last few weeks: Overall champion was Alec K(Y5) who won every game. Olivier M and Ravin R (Y6) were joint runners up. Joining these in the mega final are Alastair G (Y6) and Joseph B (Y4).
8. EASTER BREAK: We finish on Friday at 3:15pm for the Easter holiday and return on Monday 16th April at 8:45am. There is no inset day at the start of the summer term. However, we now have a Jubilee Inset day attached to the Whitsun holiday, so we will finish for Whitsun on Thursday 31st May with a jubilee party. More details tba. NB: There are two bank holidays during the Whitsun break.
Enjoy the Easter sun!

With Best Wishes

Alan Millington

DIARY
MARCH 2012  28th   School Closed: NUT Strike
30th   End of term (No Assemblies)

APRIL 2012   16th   Summer Term starts
    18th   Class Photos
    26th   PTA Vitality Night (change of date)
MAY 2012   3rd   PTA Children’s Games Night
    14-18th  KS2 Y6 SATs
    23rd   PTA Meeting 7:30pm
30th   PTA Cake & Crafts Sale
31st   Diamond Jubilee Party, Break for Whitsun
JUNE 2012   1st     Jubilee Inset Day
    11th   Inset day
    12th   Children return
  20th   Foundation Stage Party, Y2 to Bocketts Fm
    28th   Sports Day at Tooting Track
JULY 2012   7th   PTA Summer Fair
    19th   Y6 Leavers’ Party tbc
20th   Last day of term

ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013

SEPTEMBER 2012  4th   Inset Day
    5th   Children Return
                                    18th   PTA AGM tbc
                                    24, 25th  Individual Pupil photos
OCTOBER 2012            16, 17th  Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
               22nd   Y6 School Journey, Dorset
                                     29th   Break for Half term   
NOVEMBER 2012  5th   Inset day
    6th   Children Return
DECEMBER 2012  21st   Break for Christmas

JANUARY 2013  7th   Inset Day
    8th   Children Return

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Friday 9th March 2012
Dear Parents/Carers,
It finally looks as if spring is on its way: Our Y2/3/4 athletics squad are CHAMPIONS!
1. SPORTS NEWS: 1) SPORTSHALL ATHLETICS: On 6/3/12 our Y2/3/4 squad matched their older peers by being crowned overall champions in an athletics competition involving 6 schools. They won by a whopping 100 points! Amazing, since for many of our children this was their first taste of competitive sport.        2) GIRLS FOOTBALL: On 7/2/12 our Y5/6 team took part in a 5-aside competition at Wandle recreation centre involving 30 schools. Mr Huie took 8 girls who started slowly, losing by the odd goal to Beatrix Potter, Westbridge and Riversdale. We drew with Brandlehow but finished with an emphatic 6:0 victory against St. Boniface, Natasha scoring 3! We finished fourth in the group, narrowly missing out on qualification. 3) BOYS FOOTBALL: On 29/2/12 Y5/6 competed in a 36 school tournament. In our keenly contested group we played 7 matches only losing one, but narrowly missed out on qualifying for the semi-finals. 4) LEAGUE FOOTBALL: We have resumed our participation in the Tooting football league and are playing regularly on Thursday evenings. We have been winning more games than we are losing!
2. ICT E-SAFETY EVENING: This was a brilliant evening on 8/2/12 and I wanted to thank all the children who came back to share their skills and enthusiasm, the staff who did likewise, the many parents who attended and finally Jo Lynch for organising the whole event. Informative and lots of fun! I was so impressed with your talented children.
3. PTA VALENTINE’S DISCOS 24/2/12: Many thanks to organiser Christine Witty and all the PTA stalwarts who prepared the hall, sold refreshments and tidied up at the Valentine’s discos. Special thanks to Morris and Freddie for playing the music and for keeping the excitement flowing!
4. SAINSBURY’S ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS: We are again participating in this very worthwhile scheme. Last year we collected over 30,000 vouchers (although the scheme is greatly scaled down this year) and received additional coaching in a range of sports and also sports equipment for the Foundation Stage. Please send your vouchers in to the collecting box in the main office.             PLEASE HELP US TO COLLECT AS MANY AS POSSIBLE.
5. PLAYGROUND – BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL: May I remind all parents that children are not allowed to play unsupervised before or after school anywhere in the playground, especially the sports pitch. I am delighted that families and children want to use the facilities but children must be directly supervised and are your responsibility. Please remember that the gates are open and the playground is not secure after school.
6. INTERNATIONAL EVENING FRIDAY 23rd MARCH: Come along between 6:30 and 8:30pm to enjoy a feast of dancing, singing etc. There will be delicious food, a non-alcoholic bar featuring hot chocolate from Ghana. This bi-annual event is always a splendid occasion for all!
7. CLOTHES RECYCLING: Last March, TRAID installed a clothing bank at our school and we now recycle our unwanted clothing and shoes. Please feel free to use the facility. All clothes are re-used and we receive something too! This year this has earned us nearly £500!
8. EASTER EGG RAFFLE: We will be holding our annual Easter Egg raffle in the last week of term (we are a Healthy School, but everyone needs chocolate now and then!) All proceeds to Yameriga.
9. EASTER BREAK: We finish for the Easter break on Friday 30th March at 3:15pm and school resumes for all on Monday 16th April at 8:45am.
Best Wishes

Alan Millington
MARCH 2012 

13th   Y4SH to Recycling Facility
    20th   Y1 to National Gallery
    23rd   PTA Meeting 9:00am,
International Evening
30th   Break for Easter
APRIL 2012

   16th   Summer Term starts
    18th   Class Photos
    26th   PTA Vitality Night (change of date)
MAY 2012

   3rd   PTA Children’s Games Night
    23rd   PTA Meeting 7:30pm
30th   PTA Cake & Crafts Sale

31st  Diamond Jubilee Party, Break for Whitsun
JUNE 2012

   1st    Inset day
    11th   Inset day
    12th   Children return
    20th   Y2 to Bocketts Farm
    28th   Sports Day at Tooting Track
JULY 2012 

  7th   PTA Summer Fair
20th   Last day of term
ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013

SEPTEMBER 2012

4th   Inset Day
    5th   Children Return
                                    18th   PTA AGM tbc
                                    24, 25th  Individual Pupil photos
OCTOBER 2012

            16, 17th  Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
               22nd   Y6 School Journey, Dorset
                                     29th   Break for Half term   
NOVEMBER 2012

5th   Inset day
    6th   Children Return
DECEMBER 2012  21st   Break for Christmas

JANUARY 2013

  7th   Inset Day
    8th   Children Return

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Monday 6th February 2012

Dear Parents/Carers,

1. SPORTS NEWS: BOROUGH ATHLETICS SILVER MEDALLISTS: a) On 14/1/12 we provided half (12) of the Wandsworth Borough squad at the Aviva London Youth games at Crystal Palace. Morris was also co-coach and on a wonderful day the Wandsworth team were overall Champions of the whole of London! b) The school squad then competed in the borough regional Sportshall Athletics tournament held at Tooting Leisure Centre on 17/1/12. Morris coached and supported our team of 28 Y4/5/6 boys and girls, accompanied by Louis and many parents. Out of 12 schools our Girls were first and our Boys were second, so overall we were runaway winners. AGAIN Ravenstone are regional champions! We progressed to the Grand Borough finals on 31/1/12 at Battersea as one of the top 6 Wandsworth schools. The competition was fierce and a superb advert for primary school athletics and we finished a very commendable Second overall, so all of the team achieved Silver medals! c) Lauren N and Tane S (Y6) were selected to represent Wandsworth against Surrey secondary schools on 22/1/12, competing against Y7/8 pupils. Amazing!
2. ICT E-SAFETY EVENING: Next Wednesday evening 8th February we are pleased to be holding an E-Safety and ICT showcase event. It starts at 6:00pm in the Lower Hall with a short film and then there will be the opportunity to observe some of your children using the wide range of ICT equipment that we have in school. You can even have a try yourself! Please come along. Jo Lynch
3. PTA EVENTS: 1) The Parents’ Party on 20/1/12 was brilliant! Thanks to organiser Sue Metcalfe, the band, Amy Winehouse and Paul Metcalfe as Rod! Thanks to all who helped transform the hall before the event, those who helped on the night and the band of intrepid cleaners who came back on Saturday to tidy up, not forgetting those who count and bank all the money. It was a typical great Ravenstone night and we also made over £800. 2) There is a lot to look forward to including the Children’s Valentine’s Disco on 24th February.
4. PARENTMAIL/PAYPAL: We have been sending newsletters, reminders etc via ParentMail and would like to encourage more parents to use +Pay which allows online payments for school meals.
For you to be able to use +Pay you will need to activate it within your ParentMail account. If you do not have a ParentMail account, please contact the school office and complete a Data collection form.
To activate +pay within your ParentMail account -
1) Go to www.parentmail.co.uk
2) Click the Parent login button on the top right hand side of the screen
3) Enter your user name and password and log into your account (if you have forgotten your password select the ‘forgotten password’ link and follow the prompts)
4) Once logged in, click on the Home tab and the green activation box will be displayed.
5) Enter the Activation Key CA83A980D6F12492 into the field
6) Click ‘Activate’
Please be reassured that +Pay operates using a financial infrastructure provided by Barclays Bank and meets the highest levels of Card Security (PCI-Payment Card Industry) standards. Please note that if you still prefer to pay by cash or cheque we can still accept these.
If you have any problems activating your +Pay account, you can email ParentMail at support@parentmail.co.uk Dorothy Bentil

5. HALF TERM: Finally, a reminder that school closes for half term on Friday 10th February and reopens on Tuesday 21st February. (Monday 20th is an Inset day)
Enjoy Half Term!

With Best Wishes

Alan Millington

DIARY 2012

FEBRUARY 2012 7th Girls Football Tournament
8th E-Safety Evening 6:00-8:00pm
10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day
21st Children return
24th Valentine’s Children’s Disco
29th Y5/6 Football tournament, Southfields
Y2 Rainbow Theatre: Great Fire of London
MARCH 2012 6, 7th Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
20th Y1 to National Gallery
23rd PTA Meeting 9:00am,
International Evening tbc
30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012 16th Summer Term starts
18th Class Photos
26th PTA Vitality Night (Note Change of date)
MAY 2012 3rd PTA Children’s Games Night
23rd PTA Meeting 7:30pm
30th PTA Cake & Crafts Sale
JUNE 2012 1st Break for Whitsun
11th Inset day
12th Children return
20th Y2 to Bocketts Farm
28th Sports Day at Tooting Track
JULY 2012 7th PTA Summer Fair
20th Last day of term

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Friday 6th January 2012
Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome back after what I hope was a wonderful, peaceful and restful Christmas
holiday. There is so much to look forward to in 2012 and the end of the year was fantastic!
1. GOLDEN AWARDS: The following children were the recipients of last term’s Golden Awards for consistently excellent work and behaviour:
Reception: Libby C, Ziyaad S, Lauren B, Danny B
Year 1: Sara B, Maxwell E, Orielle G, Thomas D
Year 2: Hari P, Reece O-W , Amy H, Nathaniel L
Year 3: Isaac W, Magda B, Joe R, Scarlett C-E
Year 4: Oscar C, Rachelle F, Barnaby D-J, Katrina T
Year 5: James D, Sophie S, Taha C, Rabia H
Year 6: Indra P, Luke S, Aadil A, Enerel A
Very well done and many congratulations to them all!
2. ‘AN INTER-GALACTIC WEEKEND BREAK’: All of our Foundation Stage children were on stage singing and dancing for two wonderful performances of ‘An Inter-Galactic Weekend Break’ at the end of term. Thanks to Rhian Robbins for the dance, Ted Morris for the music, Max Furnell for the set and Jo Lynch for the lighting, but special thanks to all the Foundation Stage children, the many wonderful Y6 helpers/dancers/singers and all Foundation Stage staff, led by Elaine Flanagan (who wrote and directed), for their help and encouragement. We collected in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and raised over £330. Thank you for your generosity. Both shows were filmed (thanks to Richard Pavitt) and DVDs are now available to order. A form went out today.
3. PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR: The PTA Xmas fair was another amazing success on Saturday 3rd December. The fantastic weather was a bit different to the previous year. Many thanks to the many who helped and all who came along to make it such a special day. We made just over £5200, without estate agent boards (£1800) and Christmas trees (£500+) etc! Very special thanks to Janneke Diemel and Niall Barrett for the organising and keeping everyone calm, also Sara Walls and Sid Smith for so swiftly counting all the money!
4. CAROLS IN ST MARY’S CHURCH: Thanks to all who were able to join us for all of Y1-Y6 singing carols (and other songs) on Monday 12th December at St Mary’s church. We moved to the church a few years ago so as to enable everyone to share the fun in the warm and what an impressive turn out! All of the singers and musicians (over 100!) were wonderful. Again, thank you for your support and generosity. We collected in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and raised £213!
5. THE SNOWMAN: On 8/12/11 we raised approximately £300 for our partner school in Yameriga, Ghana by continuing our annual pyjama party showing of the Snowman and Father Christmas. Thanks to staff who organised and all who came in their pj’s and armed with teddies etc!
6. SPORTS NEWS: District Athletics. 12 of our Y5/6 (TJ, Tane, Lauren, Rhianna, Melissa, Nile, Delano, Natasha, Stephanie, Anna Y6 and Ruben, Haile Y5) have been selected to represent Wandsworth and be part of the borough squad of 24 at the Aviva Youth games on Saturday 14th January. Morris is the co-coach.
7. STAFFING NEWS: a) Sarah Austin is recuperating well after a minor operation and should return to work in a few weeks. b) Carol Anderson is also recuperating after battling illness and we hope to see her back at work very soon. c) Paula Matykiewicz (part-time Nursery Nurse) has secured a full time job in Sutton and left at the end of last term. We wish her all the best and thank her for her hard work, particularly supporting our Polish community.
8. SCHOOL COUNCIL CAKE SALE: On 9/12/11 the members of school council organised a cake sale in aid of The National Austistic Society and raised £110. Marvellous!
9. SADIQ KHAN’S CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION: Every year our local MP organises a competition to design his Christmas card. Over 80 children entered this year and the runner-up and Ravenstone’s winner was Weronika H, Y4. Brilliant!
10. RAVENSTONE CALENDAR: We still have a few copies of this wonderful calendar, price £10 for two, £6 for one.
11. FRIDAY ASSEMBLIES: These start next week and we are all delighted that so many of you are able to attend our Friday worksharing and Stars of the Week assemblies, 10:00-10:15am. Remember you may not see your child’s work, but you will see work from her/his class. Spring term’s timetable is as follows:

A) Jan 13, 27 Feb 10 Mar 2, 16 YEARS 6, 4, 2 Rec
Lower Hall: Mrs Bolton, Mr Horsburgh, Mr Huie, Simon’s Rec
Upper Hall: Mrs Lynch, Mr Westland, Ms Pulling, Felicity’s Rec

B) Jan 20, Feb 3, 24 Mar 9, 23 YEARS 5, 3, 1
Lower Hall: Mrs Hood, Mr Van Brown, Mrs McMillan
Upper Hall: Ms Hamilton, Mr Friday, Ms Sutton

I know you are often keen to say hello to your children but could all visitors please help us by leaving the premises by 10:25am at the very latest.

12. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY: Last half term’s winning class for best attendance and punctuality was Mrs Hood’s Y5. We have set a very challenging target (>96%) for attendance this year and it is our aim that all children attend school all of the time. Obviously, however, school is not a place for your children when they are sick. I thought you might be interested to see year group comparisons for last term. Overall attendance for the autumn term was a very fine 96.4% (94.8% last year, but there was lots of snow!).
Rec: 94.9% Year 1: 96.3% Year 2: 97%
Year 3: 95.9% Year 4: 97.2% Year 5: 96.8%
Year 6: 96.6%
13. RECEPTION APPLICATIONS: Just a reminder that the closing date for applications to Reception for September is next week: 15th January. These must be sent to Wandsworth Council.
14. NURSERY APPLICATIONS: A similar reminder that all applications for Nursery need to be in (to school) by Friday 10th February.
Thank you for all of your cards, gifts and good wishes and a Happy New Year to you all!
Best Wishes

Alan Millington

DIARY
JANUARY 2012 3rd Inset day
4th Children return
10th Y6 to Royal Ballet
11th PTA Meeting 7:30pm
12th Reception to see Gruffalo, Lyric Theatre
20th PTA Party
FEBRUARY 2012 7th Girls Football Tournament
8th E-Safety Evening tbc
10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day
21st Children return
24th Valentine’s Children’s Disco
29th Y5/6 Football tournament, Southfields
Y2 Rainbow Theatre: Great Fire of London
MARCH 2012 6, 7th Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
23rd PTA Meeting 9:00am
30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012 16th Summer Term starts
27th PTA Vitality Night
MAY 2012 3rd PTA Children’s Games Night
23rd PTA Meeting 7:30pm
30th PTA Cake & Crafts Sale
JUNE 2012 1st Break for Whitsun
11th Inset day
12th Children return
28th Sports Day at Tooting Track
JULY 2012 7th PTA Summer Fair
20th Last day of term

NEWSLETTER 4 NEWSLETTER 4 NEWSLETTER 4 NEWSLETTER 4 NEWS 4
NEWSLETTER 4 NEWSLETTER 4 NEWSLETTER 4 NEWSLETTER 4 NEWS 4

Friday 2nd December 2011
Dear Parents/Carers,
Only two weeks to go to the end of term and much has already happened, with a lot more to look forward to:
1. YAMERIGA 50th CELEBRATIONS: Friday 18th November was an amazing success and so much fun. Watch it on our website! The morning marching was truly uplifting and we couldn’t believe how many families joined us to celebrate. The evening party was also an absolutely wonderful occasion. Local MP, Sadiq Khan rightly praised our superb community for all that we do. This wasn’t a fund raiser but we did raise over £750, all of which will go to Yameriga. Thanks to everyone who helped, contributed food etc. came along and especially Mary Hargreaves for organising the whole event.
2. PTA XMAS SHOPPING EVENING: Thursday 24th was also a great success, raising over £1500.Thanks to everybody who helped on the day, tidied up etc. and especially Virginie Trinder, Penny Roughton and Juliet Milward for organising it all, not forgetting all those who came on the night!
3. PTA CALENDAR 2012: The new Ravenstone calendar, featuring lots of photos of children in action, is now available to buy, priced £6 for one or £10 for two. Once again, many thanks to Sue Sutton-Smith, Louise Walker and Sara Walls for their organisation and photography. Available tomorrow at the Christmas Fair and from then on in the main office.
4. SNOWMAN FOR YAMERIGA: On Thursday 8th December we shall again be showing The Snowman 4:45-6:00pm for Reception, Years 1, 2 in aid of Yameriga. Tickets on sale from Monday after school in the lower hall, £3.
5. MATHS GUIDE ON YEAR PAGES: On each Year page on the website there is a short leaflet/guide (Target Maths) which will provide additional help for your child. A new one will appear each term. Max Furnell
6. SPORTS NEWS: a) SWIMMING STARS: Tane S and Luke S (Y6) attended the Wandsworth Junior Championships on 6/11/11 and won a range of medals! b) VOLLEYBALL: Our Y5/6 teams competed in a tournament at Ernest Bevin yesterday: Our Girls were a fine 4th, Boys B team 6th whilst our Boys A team were, again, the overall WINNERS! Thanks to Morris for coaching and taking the teams.
7. STAFF: a) Fiona Walker (Y1) is leaving at Christmas and is moving into the independent sector. I would like to thank Fiona for her hard work and support during her time at Ravenstone. In her place we welcome Mrs Isobel McMillan, an experienced Key Stage 1 class teacher, who has already spent some time in school and will meet her new class next week. b) Sarah Austin is having a minor operation and will be absent from school from now until mid January.
8. LUNCH MONEY: Due to persistent problems, I would like to inform all families that from January you will have to decide whether your child has school dinners or packed lunch on a weekly basis i.e. you cannot chop and change throughout the week. Dinner money for next term is £131.10 for the whole term (57 days @ £2.30), for the first half term is £64.40 (28 days) or £11.50 per week. May I again remind all parents that it is essential to pay in advance.
9. FRIDAY ASSEMBLIES: These have now finished until January. I shall send a new timetable in my first newsletter of the New Year. The first one for parents will probably be 13th January 2012.
10. FOUNDATION STAGE PRODUCTION: There are two showings of ‘An Inter-Galactic Weekend Break’ featuring the Foundation Stage children, 9:30am on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th in the middle hall.
11. CAROL CONCERT: You are all invited to join us for our Christmas Carol concert Y1-6 on Monday 12th December at 2:15pm in St Mary’s church.
12. PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR: Tomorrow, Saturday 3rd December 2:00-5:00pm. Don’t forget the best Christmas Fair around, tomorrow: Lots of gifts, Xmas puddings, the secrets room, the Ravenstone calendar and a chance to visit the great man himself!
On behalf of the children, staff and governors may I wish you all a relaxing and peaceful Christmas holiday. We break at 3:15pm on Friday 16th December and the children return on Wednesday 4th January 2012 at 8:45am. (Tuesday 3rd is an Inset Day for staff.)
With Best Wishes

Alan Millington
DECEMBER 3rd PTA Christmas Fair 2-5:00pm
6th Y4 to Polka Theatre
8th The Snowman (Rec, Y1, Y2) 4:45-6:00pm Lower Hall
12th Carol Concert Y1-6, 2:15pm, St Mary’s
13, 14th F. Stage Christmas Shows 9:45am tbc
14th Children’s Christmas Lunch
16th Y3 to Polka, Break for Christmas

JANUARY 2012 3rd Inset day
4th Children return
11th PTA Meeting 7:30pm
12th Reception to see Gruffalo, Lyric Theatre
20th PTA Party
FEBRUARY 2012 10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day
21st Children return
24th Valentine’s Children’s Disco
MARCH 2012 6, 7th Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
23rd PTA Meeting 9:00am
30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012 16th Summer Term starts
27th PTA Vitality Night
MAY 2012 3rd PTA Children’s Games Night
23rd PTA Meeting 7:30pm
30th PTA Cake & Crafts Sale
JUNE 2012 1st Break for Whitsun
11th Inset day
12th Children return
JULY 2012 7th PTA Summer Fair
13th PTA Party
20th Last day of term
 

NEWSLETTER 3 NEWSLETTER 3 NEWSLETTER 3 NEWSLETTER 3 NEWS 3
NEWSLETTER 3 NEWSLETTER 3 NEWSLETTER 3 NEWSLETTER 3 NEWS 3
Friday 11th November 2011

Dear Parents/Carers,

1. YAMERIGA 50th ANNIVERSARY! As you probably know our partner school is in Yameriga, Ghana. Yameriga is celebrating its 50th anniversary so we are planning a celebration of our own. Next Friday 18th November the whole school will be marching at 10:00am in the back playground, instead of Friday assemblies. In the evening from 6:00-8:00pm all families are welcome to join us for a party featuring the ‘Biggest Birthday Cake in the World’, Ghanaian dancing, music and singing, food, fruity cocktails and a bar and Divine Ghanaian Chocolate. Mary Hargreaves
2. FOOD FOR LIFE: The Gardening Club are delighted to report that food grown in our own playground (tomatoes!) has been served for our lunch. Wonderful!
3. PTA AUTUMN TEA: Many thanks to all the PTA stalwarts for their hard work organising Wednesday’s feast of cakes and biscuits. Everything was consumed ridiculously quickly and we raised over £250! Because of other commitments we were unable to organise the book swap on this day. Now, the book exchange will be part of the Spring Tea in 2012.
4. SPORTS NEWS: a) FOOTBALL: We have been playing our usual matches in the local league and have had many encouraging results. Mr Huie informs me that over 25 children have represented the school. b) TENNIS: I am delighted to report that Marcel C, Natiah M, Maxwell E and Kobe R were identified by Wimbledon Lawn Tennis when they visited us in the summer as having outstanding ability. They have been offered regular training at the All England Club.
5. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY: Many thanks for your hard work and support and last half term our attendance was a brilliant 96.9% (95.9% the equivalent time last year). The best class was Y2MP. Please continue to support us and do not take holidays in term time. Your children need every day at school in order to achieve their very best!
6. PTA ON WEBSITE: The new PTA officers are getting into gear and are very keen to fully utilise the PTA section on the website: Please have a look regularly to ensure you are in the know: www.ravenstoneschool.com.
7. CAROL CONCERT: Monday 12th December 2:15pm: Our annual carol concert featuring all children from Y 1-6 is always a very special occasion and we are again holding it in the afternoon at St Mary’s Church. All are welcome to join us.
8. DOGS: I would like to remind all parents/carers for obvious reasons that dogs are not allowed on the premises at all.

Looking forward to a very productive and enjoyable half term in the run up to the end of term and Christmas.
With Best Wishes

Alan Millington

DIARY

NOVEMBER
18th Yameriga Birthday Celebrations
Marching 10:00am, Party 6-8:00pm
24th Y6 Secondary Transfer Tests,
PTA Xmas Shopping Night
DECEMBER 3rd PTA Christmas Fair 2-5:00pm
6th Y4 to Polka Theatre
12th Carol Concert Y1-6, 2:15pm, St Mary’s
13, 14th F. Stage Christmas Shows 9:45am tbc
14th Children’s Christmas Lunch
16th Y3 to Polka, Break for Christmas
JANUARY 2012 3rd Inset day
4th Children return
12th Reception to see Gruffalo, Lyric Theatre
FEBRUARY 2012 10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day
21st Children return
MARCH 2012 6, 7th Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012 16th Summer Term starts
JUNE 2012 1st Break for Whitsun
11th Inset day
12th Children return
JULY 2012 20th Last day of term

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NEWSLETTER 2 NEWSLETTER 2 NEWSLETTER 2 NEWSLETTER 2 NEWS 2
Friday 14th October 2011
Dear Parents/Carers,
We are very pleased with the way that all of our new children have settled into life at Ravenstone and we hope you enjoy a long and successful relationship with the community:
1. Y6 SCHOOL JOURNEY: On Monday 17th Y6 are off to the PGL Camp, Osmington Bay, Dorset. The children (and staff) will enjoy activities such as Abseiling, Fencing, Quad bike riding, Mountain bike riding, Zip wire, Climbing, Beach walk and many others. The children will learn a lot about teamwork, supporting each other, challenging themselves, becoming independent and having fun. Thanks to the PTA for supporting the trip, enabling all who wanted to, to be able to go.
REMINDER TO Y6: Secondary Transfer forms must be in byFri 21st October (unless you are applying online: Midnight 31st October)
2. CLUBS: Parents often ask for a list of extra curricular clubs currently running:
Music: Ted Morris is running the Ravenstone Singers (children’s choir) after school on Tuesdays (Y4/5/6). Bandworx (the Orchestra) is on Thursdays. The adult choir is still run by MJ on Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm.
Ukulele: For 18 Y6 (after H/T) run by Dan Westland, lunchtimes on Thursdays.
Football: Richard Huie runs Football club on Fridays before school for Y5/6 children.
Athletics: Morris runs this club Tues, Wed lunchtimes Y3-6
KS1 Fit Fun Club: A new gymnastics/fun aerobics club is on Mondays 3:30-4:30pm for KS1 run by Fiona, Simon, Carol and Paula.
Swimming: Sarah Austin and Laura Hurley continue swimming club after school on Wednesdays for 20 Y4/5/6 children.
Oware/Construction/Crafts: These clubs are during lunchtimes.
Chess: Chess continues on Thursday, Friday lunchtimes under the guidance of Ewa Stevens. These are drop-in sessions for all.
Gardening club: This is Monday after school run by Mary and Tara
Storytelling: Matthew Friday and Ty Van Brown run a storytelling club for 60 Y3/4 on Mondays.
Y6 Homework Club: The Year 6 Homework/Secondary Transfer Test sessions run by Max Furnell, Jo Lynch and Min Schulenburg is on Mondays 3:30-4:30pm.
3. Y6 SECONDARY SCHOOL DESTINATIONS: Parents often ask where our children go after leaving us. The answer is many schools all over London: At the end of July we had 51 children in Y6. They went to the following Wandsworth schools: Chestnut Grove (14), Graveney (9), Burntwood (6), Ernest Bevin (7), Elliott (1), Ashcroft Academy (2), St John Bosco (1). 3 pupils went to grammar schools: Sutton (2), Wallington (1). Five children went to independent schools: Whitgift (2), Streatham and Clapham High, Emanuel, Dulwich (1). Out of borough schools: Dunraven (1) Lambeth Academy (1), St Mary’s (1) (Croydon).
4. PARENTS’/CARERS’ SURVEY JULY: We received over 140 completed surveys at the end of last term. 90% Strongly Agreed or Agreed with all of the statements. (Of those 30% Strongly Agreed with everything) The main things that (a very small minority of) parents wanted us to improve were: more sports and clubs for the younger children (we now have a KS1 sports club), maths homework (we believe the home guide offers parents ways of supporting their children’s learning at home and we are adding to this), Summer term parents’ evening (parents are offered appointments, but we need to make more of this) and to be informed of new classes earlier (I will endeavour to arrange this). One parent, whilst worrying about Political Correctness (?), concluded that ‘Overall the school offers a loving, caring, exciting and inspiring environment in which all children can learn together’. Thank you for your helpful contributions.
5. MRS DOMAINGUE: Emily will be returning to Ravenstone after half term to teach Y1 (Ms Sutton) and Y4 (Mr Horsburgh) every Tuesday.
6. FOOTBALL NEWS: Our Y5/6 team were beaten semi-finalists in the Trinity Cup on 6/10/11, only conceding one goal in the whole tournament!
7. PACKED LUNCH ROOM: Please can all parents/carers ensure that their children bring home their lunchboxes/bags daily, for obvious reasons.
8. CYCLES in PLAYGROUND: I would respectfully like to remind all children and parents NOT to cycle anywhere in the playground, either before or after school. There are always very young children wandering around and an accident will happen.
9. WARNING: Parents have informed me that some cars have been broken in to whilst they are collecting children from school, esp. around Cheriton Square.
10. FINALLY: Can all parents/carers please be aware that for obvious safety and security reasons for all children and staff, you are not allowed up the stairs and on the first and second floors unaccompanied. If your child arrives late, take them to the main office and we will deal with them.
We break for half term on Friday 21st October. School re-opens on TUESDAY 1st NOVEMBER. Enjoy half term!
With Best Wishes
Alan Millington
OCTOBER 17-21st Y6 School Journey to Osmington Bay
21st Break for Half term
31st Inset Day
NOVEMBER 1st Children Return
24th Y6 Secondary Transfer Tests
DECEMBER 3rd PTA Christmas Fair pm
6th Y4 to Polka Theatre
13, 14th F. Stage Christmas Shows 9:45am tbc
16th Break for Christmas
JANUARY 2012 3rd Inset day
4th Children return
FEBRUARY 2012 10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day
21st Children return
MARCH 2012 6, 7th Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012 16th Summer Term starts
JUNE 2012 1st Break for Whitsun
11th Inset day
12th Children return
JULY 2012 20th Last day of term
 

NEWSLETTER 1 NEWSLETTER 1 NEWSLETTER 1 NEWSLETTER 1 NEWS 1
FIRST OF THE YEAR FIRST OF THE YEAR FIRST OF THE YEAR
Friday 9th September 2011
Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome back, after what I hope was a very relaxing and peaceful holiday.
I would like to extend a particularly warm welcome to all of our new children and their families. I trust that you will enjoy a long and successful relationship with the community of Ravenstone. We are all settling in and enjoying the first few days with your children. Two of our teachers were married over the summer so Fiona Westwood (Y1) is now Mrs Walker and Jessie Chowdry (Nursery) is now Mrs Cunningham. Congratulations to them both and I’m sure you all join me in wishing them all the best for their futures. As ever, there is much to share:
1. GOLDEN AWARDS: The recipients for last term’s Golden Awards for consistently excellent work and behaviour were as follows:
Reception: Amalia F, Preston T-E, Andrew B, Alice S
Y1: Olivia C, Claudia T, Poppy C, Jannik V D A
Y2: Mimi K, Ayaan G, Phoebe L, Atlanta T
Y3: Weronika H, Ethan B, George T, Georgia Mya-K-I
Y4: Beck S-T, Daha W, Zubia A, Charlie B
Y5: Dean B, Anna T, Asad R, Usman A
Y6: Chloe G, Gabriel M, Danielle W, Khinar P
Many, many congratulations to them all.
2. OWARE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Over 200 children entered the annual Ravenstone Oware competition run by Mary Hargreaves. The winners were as follows: Y1 Tom J, Y2 Archie A, Y3 Daisy G-Y, Y4 Alec K, Y5 Ravin R, Y6 Khinar P. The runner-up was Alec and the overall champion was Khinar.
3. CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS: Over 80 children entered the annual Ravenstone Chess competition run by Ewa Stevens. The winners were as follows: Y1 Tom J, Y2 Ibrahim M Y3 Joseph B, Y4 Alec K, Y5 Oliver M, Y6 Khinar P. Top girl player was Savannah S and overall champion was Olivier M who beat Alec, in a thrilling final.
4. ASPIRE ART COMPETITION: We entered an art competition to design a house of the future, sponsored by Aspire Estate agents, and the winner was Angelique T (Y3) who won a Playstation 3 for herself and also £1000 for the school. Wonderful!
5. EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS: We are busy organising the various clubs that will take place for different groups of children and separate notices will go out asap. NB To make things easier for everyone, all clubs will finish in the penultimate week of term i.e. no clubs in the last week.
6. SUMMER SHOW: ‘Opera. What’s it all about?’: As you may be aware, the summer show (including all current Y2-Y6) was professionally filmed on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th July and DVDs are available to order, a separate form was sent out yesterday. The children watched the DVD this week.
7. PARENTS’/CARERS’ SURVEY: Thank you for your completed survey forms at the end of term. I have looked at the forms over the summer and will discuss with staff and governors before feeding back in my next newsletter.
8. FRIDAY ASSEMBLIES: Every Friday 10:00-10:15am we hold our work sharing/celebration assemblies. All parents are invited to attend and whilst you may not necessarily see your child’s work you will see some from her/his class. We will be delighted to see you, and so will your children! Come along. If you have young children, they are very welcome, only please ensure that they don’t get restless and disturb the assembly. The timetable for this term is as follows:
(Reception will not be participating until all children have settled, possibly after half term. Look out for the notices by the reception classes)

A) Sep 16, 30 Oct 14 Nov 4, 18 Dec 2 YEARS 6, 4, 2, R
Lower Hall: Mrs Schulenburg/Mrs Bolton Y6, Mr Horsburgh, Ms Waugh/Mr Huie Y2, Simon’s Rec
Upper Hall: Mrs Lynch Y6, Mr Westland Y4, Ms Pulling Y2, Felicity’s Rec

B) Sep 23, Oct 7, 21 Nov 11, 25 YEARS 5, 3, 1
Lower Hall: Mrs Hood Y5, Mr Van Brown Y3, Mrs Walker Y1
Upper Hall: Ms Hamilton Y5, Mr Friday Y3, Ms Sutton Y1

(Due to reasons of security, please arrive no earlier than 9:55 for these assemblies and PLEASE ensure you are off the premises by 10:25. A member of staff will count you in and out. We know you are keen to chat to your children, but we CANNOT have parents wandering around the playground. Thank you)
9. PTA SOCIAL/AGM: We are indeed fortunate to have such a talented and committed group of parents who contribute so much to the school, as well as having a lot of fun! This year’s AGM is on Wednesday 21st September at 7:00 for a 7:30pm start. Please come along, we look forward to meeting you.
10. CLASS NEWSLETTERS/INFORMATION/WEBSITE: Class teachers are finalising timetables and information about year groups will be available shortly on www.ravenstoneschool.co.uk.
11. BIKES/SCOOTERS: We are delighted that so many children travel to school by bike or scooter. Can I remind all parents and children that you need to secure your bike or scooter with a decent lock. The school cannot accept responsibility for any bike or scooter on the premises.
12. PLAYGROUND AFTER SCHOOL: The building works are finished and all of the playground is in use again. However, from now on the playground will be closed at 4:30pm. This is for the safety and security of us all. The only people allowed on the premises after 4:30pm are those parents collecting children from Kids’ City.
13. SCHOOL MEALS: I reported last term that Harrison’s the borough’s catering company have put up the cost of school meals from September to £2.30 per day, £11.50 per week. (£ 78.20 half term: 34 days, £156.40 for term: 68 days.) Meals MUST be paid for in advance. Cheques made payable to Ravenstone Primary School Disbursements A/C and MUST HAVE A BANK CARD NUMBER on the reverse. We will soon be able to offer you the option of paying on-line.
14. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY/GOLDEN BADGES: Last year I gave out 18 Golden badges for children having 100% attendance. This year I awarded 36! Astonishing and let’s see if we can do even better next year.
Please can you remember that school starts at 8:45am. The children should be in the line at that time. A prompt start to the day benefits all of us. We start early morning maths and English activities every day. Don’t let your child miss out! School finishes at 3:15pm. Please collect your children on time. In addition, please try to avoid taking holidays during term time. Any leave of absence must be requested in writing. This year we are aiming for 96%+ for our annual attendance.
15. FINALLY, PLEASE TALK TO US….We are not perfect, but we are here to help and we all want exactly the same as you: The very best possible education and range of educational opportunities for all of your children. If you have any worries or queries please arrange to talk to your child’s class teacher, first, or talk to me or Max Furnell (Deputy Head), or any member of the senior leadership team: Laura Lane (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator), Catherine Dowler (Key Stage 1 Co-ordinator and Literacy), Jo Lynch (Key Stage 2 Co-ordinator and Science, ICT) and Elaine Flanagan (Foundation Stage). I am usually around in the playground at the beginning and end of the day or please call to make an appointment.
Looking forward to a very busy, successful and exciting year!
With Best Wishes

Alan Millington

SEPTEMBER 2011
12th Y2 to Waterstones, Piccaddilly
13th Y6 TFL Citizenship Talk
14th Y3 Poetry Walk
20th Y6 Secondary Transfer meeting 5:00pm
OCTOBER

4th Y6 School Journey meeting 5:00pm
11th Y5/6 Anti-Graffiti Show

12th Y5 to Junior Citizen programme
11,12th Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
14th Rainbow Theatre in Y3 (The Romans) , Y4 (The Evacuees)

17-21st Y6 School Journey to Osmington Bay
21st Break for Half term
31st Inset Day
NOVEMBER

1st Children Return
24th Y6 Secondary Transfer Tests
DECEMBER

3rd PTA Christmas Fair pm

16th Break for Christmas
JANUARY 2012

3rd Inset day
4th Children return
FEBRUARY 2012

10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day
21st Children return
MARCH 2012

6, 7th Parents’/Carers’ Evenings
30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012

16th Summer Term starts
JUNE 2012

1st Break for Whitsun
11th Inset Day

12th Children Return
JULY 2012

20th Last day of term

FINAL NEWSLETTER OF YEAR FINAL NEWSLETTER OF YEAR FINAL NEWS
Wednesday 20th July 2011
Dear Parents/Carers, The end of term is finally upon us:
1. ‘OPERA! WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?’: Yesterday we completed the four evening performances of our end of year show during which every child from Y1-Y6 has been on stage singing and dancing. Congratulations to MJ for the music and script, Rhian for the dance, Jo, Max and Matthew for drama and direction and all staff for working so hard with their classes. Thanks to all parents for help with costumes etc. Special thanks to Sarah, Gill, Sue, Ruth et al (PTA) for giving their time to sell tickets before and after school. Your children were absolutely magnificent! Many thanks to Richard Pavitt for filming both shows last week (13/7/11 and 14/7/11). DVDs will be available for sale early in the autumn term.
2. CHESS AND OWARE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Over 80 children entered the annual chess championship, organised by Ewa Stevens. Just under 200 children entered the annual Oware competition organised by Mary Hargreaves. Both competitions are approaching the finals. Winners will be announced this Friday.
3. FOUNDATION STAGE GRADUATION: On Friday we held our Foundation Stage Graduation where all Reception children received a certificate and congratulations for completing the first stage of their education.
4. ASSESSMENT RESULTS/DATA: We sent out the SATs results on Friday. Along with a lot of schools, we have had to send a number of KS2 papers (English) back this year to be remarked.
5. SPORT: To round off a staggeringly successful year: TJ (Y5) was 3rd (out of 33!) in the Jack Petchey All London Individual Table Tennis finals.
6. STAFFING NEWS: a) LEAVERS: As ever at the end of an academic year some staff are moving on: Ruth Hine is leaving Ravenstone after over 15 years service. Ruth is leaving teaching and is taking up a position as carer/support worker at a residential home for people with learning difficulties in Kent.
MJ Paranzino has decided to leave and pursue her developing external music career. She runs three choirs, writes a lot and is also a voice coach etc. Clare McMillan (LSA) is also leaving. I am extremely grateful for the contributions to the community of these valued members of staff over many years. I wish them all the best in their respective future careers.
b) ARRIVALS: Jo Sutton and Simon Horsburgh are joining us as NQTs. Both are Wandsworth SCITT students. Simon has been working in Y5 with us whilst Jo trained at Eardley Primary, Streatham.
Ted Morris is our new music teacher (.6). As well as teaching music at Rockmount Primary, Ted has been our Y4 trumpet teacher this year, so he knows Ravenstone well. He is an accomplished musician who can play a wide range of instruments. Emma Hurley and Jenny Lapish join us as LSAs
I am delighted to welcome these new members of staff and look forward to them settling into the Ravenstone community. Emily Domaingue returns to Ravenstone to teach one day per week.
Alison Bolton (.4) will job-share a Y6 class next year with Min Schulenburg (.6).
Fiona Westwood is getting married and becomes Mrs Fiona Walker.

7. CLASSES FOR SEPTEMBER 2011
The children all met their new teachers today:
Nursery: Jessie Chowdry, Elaine Flanagan, Cilla Chowdry, (Carol, Tara, Sandra)
Reception: Felicity Gray (Bea Patel/Diane Casey), Simon Lewis (Laura Hurley)
Year 1: Fiona Walker (Westwood) (Felicity’s Rec.), Jo Sutton (Simon’s Rec.)
Year 2: Ngaire Waugh/Richard Huie (Y1 RH), Mandy Pulling (Y1 FW)
Year 3: Matthew Friday (Y2 NW/RH), Ty Van Brown (Y2 MP)
Year 4: Simon Horsburgh (Y3 TVB), Dan Westland (Y3 MF)
Year 5: Isobel Hood (Y4 DS), Fiona Hamilton (Y4 DW)
Year 6: Jo Lynch (Y5 FH), Alison Bolton/Min Schulenburg (Y5 IH)
Max Furnell, Catherine Dowler, Laura Lane, Mary Hargreaves, Ted Morris and Rhian Robbins complete the line-up of teachers.
8. SURVEY FORMS: Thank you to all who have sent back the Parents’/Carers’ survey forms. Please do so if you haven’t already.
9. BREAST CANCER CARE: Thanks to School Council who raised £232 for Breast Cancer Care collecting during the week and holding a cake sale on 8/7/11.
10. SCHOOL MEALS: Harrison’s have increased the price of school meals to £2.30 per day, £11.50 per week (£ 78.20 half term: 34 days, £156.40 for term: 68 days.) Meals MUST be paid for in advance.
11. WINNING HOUSE PICNIC: This afternoon the children in Deserts House (100 of them) enjoyed their picnic on the common as reward for being the champion house of 2010/11.
12. PACKED LUNCH ROOM & LOST PROPERTY: Please ensure that you take home your child’s packed lunch box and please check lost property.
13. LEAVERS: On behalf of the staff, parents and governors, I would like to say goodbye to our Y6 and wish them all the best as they move on to the secondary sector. They have been a great Y6 and have much to be proud of. The Y6 parents will be holding the annual leavers’ party tomorrow. We would also like to say ‘Good bye and good luck’ to any other families leaving Ravenstone. We wish you all the best and are proud to have known you and worked with you. Enjoy the summer. Term finishes this Friday 22nd July at 3:15pm
Alan Millington
SEPTEMBER 2011 2nd 5th Inset Days
6th Term starts for children
OCTOBER 2011 21st Break for Half term
31st Inset Day
DECEMBER 2011 16th Break for Christmas
JANUARY 2012 3rd Inset day
4th Children return
FEBRUARY 2012 10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day
MARCH 2012 30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012 16th Summer Term starts
JUNE 2012 1st Break for Whitsun
11th Children Return
JULY 2012 20th Last day of term
 

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Tuesday 5th July 2011

Dear Parents/Carers,
We are approaching the end of term and there is still much to share:
1. PTA SUMMER FAIR: THE ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS: Many thanks to the organiser, Ruth Alexander-Smith and also Sara Walls who sorts the money for virtually every PTA event. Also special thanks to Janneke Diemel and Liz Pleasance for organising the raffle, Annie Taylor and Chris Witty for persuading volunteers and all the other PTA members who work so hard, helping set up, coming on the day, working on the stalls, and clearing up. It was another success, with loads of fun and we made in excess of £6 000, including the estate agents boards: I also want to mention one very generous anonymous donation of £2000 towards the new PA system! Brilliant! You know who you are and many, many thanks.
I must also mention Grace, Koto, Emily (Y4), Katie and Evie (Y2) who ran their own stall selling old toys etc, raising over £50 for Yameriga and Ravenstone.
2. PTA BOND NIGHT: Many thanks to organiser Fanwi for this new event. I understand the cocktails went down a treat, as did some people’s costumes! Many thanks also to the small gang of stalwarts who came in on Saturday to clear up! I think it is absolutely brilliant that we offer such a great variety of events throughout the year.
3. PTA SUMMER CAKES AND CRAFTS: Another great success. Cakes were consumed and crafts enjoyed. This event made over £250.
4. SPORTS NEWS: a) ATHLETICS: On 21/6/11 we entered a squad of 30 in a tournament at Tooting track featuring 8 local schools. Our children were fantastic, continuing our amazing winning run this year, and we finished as overall CHAMPIONS, bringing home another clutch of gold medals. b) VOLLEYBALL: On 16/6/11 we entered a Boys team and a Girls team in a large competition at Ernest Bevin School, involving ten local schools. Our Girls competed with skill and determination, whilst our Boys continued on their winning run and were tournament CHAMPIONS! c) SPORTS DAY: Many thanks to you all for coming along and supporting your children on 22nd June. The weather was decidedly unfortunate, to say the least, but we managed to complete Reception, Year 1 and 2. At least KS2 got some events in before we had to abandon. Apologies to those who thought we should have called it off earlier and also to those who wanted us to continue. At least we tried! Thanks to Fiona and Morris for organising and also the PTA members for preparing and serving refreshments.
d) LONDON YOUTH GAMES 30/6/11: Morris and Louis accompanied our children who were a key part of the Wandsworth squad that became Athletics Champions of the whole of London! Stunning!
5. MUNGA: (MODEL UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY): Every year Y6 participate in MUNGA. All of the children are involved and then six are selected to represent Ravenstone at the official event. This year we were representing Bangladesh and Mary Hargreaves accompanied Francesca K-H, Savannah S, Khinar P, Phoebe S, Ella P and Daisy H to Wandsworth council chamber on 29/6/11 to discuss such issues as the right of everyone to have access to fresh water and child poverty. Teachers from other schools commented on how well our children performed. They were fantastic!
6. DEBATING TEAM: A new one this: On 4/7/11 Oliver B (Y6), Jack A-T and Abbie B(Y5), represented Ravenstone in a debating competition at the Tooting Professional Centre. They were accompanied by Sam Long and performed with skill and determination against children from 20 local schools.
7. BEST ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY: This term we have joint winners: Mr Friday’s Y3 and Mrs Schulenburg’s Y4. Both classes will enjoy a free lunch at a local restaurant.
8. FRIDAY ASSEMBLY: Unfortunately, there will be no more Friday worksharing assemblies this year, (I know it says 8th July on the timetable). The stage is going up and we are in full swing working on the show!
9. INSET DAYS: We are having two inset days at the start of the new academic year and so the first day of term for the children is Tuesday 6th September, as it states on the school calendar. Apologies for any confusion!
With Best Wishes

Alan Millington

DIARY
JULY 2011
11th Meeting for new Reception Parents 2:15pm
12th Meeting for new Nursery Parents 2:15pm
13,14,18,19 Summer Shows Y1-Y6
20th Nursery Sports Day 1:30pm
21st Y6 Leavers’ Assembly/Party pm
22nd Last day of term
ACADEMIC YEAR 2011/12
SEPTEMBER 2011 2nd Inset Day
5th Inset Day
6th Term starts for children
OCTOBER 2011 21st Break for Half term
31st Inset Day
DECEMBER 2011 16th Break for Christmas
JANUARY 2012 3rd Inset day
4th Children return
FEBRUARY 2012 10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day
MARCH 2012 30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012 16th Summer Term starts
JUNE 2012 1st Break for Whitsun
11th Children Return
JULY 2012 20th Last day of term

NEWSLETTER 11 NEWSLETTER 11 NEWSLETTER 11 NEWSLETTER 11 NEWS NEWSLETTER 11 NEWSLETTER 11 NEWSLETTER 11 NEWSLETTER 11 NEWS
Monday 13th June 2011
Dear Parents/Carers,
WE ARE BOROUGH CHAMPIONS AGAIN!!
1. SPORTS NEWS: a) SWIMMING: At the grand borough gala finals on Saturday 11th June our squad of 20 Y4/5/6 competed against five other schools for the title of ultimate Wandsworth swimming champions. Competition was incredibly fierce and our Girls were a brilliant Third overall, whilst our Boys were amazingly CHAMPIONS! It was another fantastic evening at Putney. Many thanks to our wonderful team and our fantastic vociferous supporters. Sarah & Laura
b) LONDON YOUTH GAMES: In addition to Ben B (Sailing) the following children are competing: Jevontae H, Josh H (Y6) and Lauren N (Y5) for Athletics, Tane S (Swimming) and Alastair C (Archery).
2. PTA FOUNDATION STAGE PARTY 25/5/11: Many thanks to organisers Sarah and Suzanne and all the many PTA members who helped at the annual party for our very youngest children. This event is very special as all of our new Reception and Nursery children are invited and so for many it is their first taste of the Ravenstone community. Many parents commented on the wonderful Y6 children who ran stalls; face painted and supported, supervised and encouraged the youngsters. In addition, Michael, from Froggle’s Parties entertained the children. If you want to book him then phone 07830492262 or email: enquiries@froggleparties.com. The event raised over £200.
3. PTA YEAR 5/6 GAMES EVENING 8/6/11: A new venture this, organised by Gill Upton, where Y5/6 children had the opportunity to play a wide range of old (and new) board games together. This was a tremendous success.
4. MINI MARATHON: A huge Thank You to parent Anthea Allen who ran a half marathon in May raising money for charity, and also for Ravenstone: the splendid amount of £1410! We are going to buy a new flat screen television and DVD recorder for the library. Thank you so much.
5. CLASS PHOTOS: Please return your orders by Friday 17/6/11 at the very latest.
6. WINDOWS: The builders are making good progress but the school is still a building site and I have assured the builders that before and after school they can make deliveries, clear rubbish etc. Can I please remind all parents and families that we expect you to arrive no earlier than 8:15am and leave promptly by 3:30pm. Could parents also refrain from driving into the playground at 3:15pm to collect children, just as we sending them home. This is an accident waiting to happen with nearly 500 youngsters running around: Children run freely in the playground and do not expect to find a car reversing on the premises.
7. GENERAL MEETING: EDUCATION: Councillor Kathy Tracey, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s services will be attending a meeting on 16th June 7:00-8:30pm to present an overview of education in the borough and an update about the development of academies etc. Dan Russell (Parent Governor)
8. SPORTS DAY: A reminder that Sports Day is Wednesday 22nd June at Tooting Track. Reception, Y1 and Y2 have the morning and KS2 in the afternoon. More details will follow.
With Best Wishes

Alan Millington

DIARY

JUNE 13th Reception to National Gallery
14th Y1 to Polka Theatre
16, 17th BookFair Lower Hall 3:00pm
16th Meeting Re Wandsworth education, Academies, Lower Hall 7:00-8:
30pm
17th Y4 to Imax cinema am, PTA James Bond Party
20th Y2 to Bocketts Farm
21st Y6 Athletics at Tooting
22nd SPORTS DAY at Tooting Track Rec-Y6
24th PTA Crafts and Cake Sale (date change)
29th Reports sent home tbc
JULY 2011 2nd PTA Summer Fair
6th Parents’/Carers’ evening, Y3TVB to Dulwich Picture Gallery
11th Meeting for new Reception Parents 2:15pm
12th Meeting for new Nursery Parents 2:15pm
13,14,18,19 Summer Shows Y1-Y6 tbc
20th Nursery Sports Day 1:30pm
21st Y6 Leavers’ Assembly/Party pm
22nd Last day of term
ACADEMIC YEAR 2011/12
SEPTEMBER 2011 2nd Inset Day
5th Term starts (Not 6th as on calendar)
OCTOBER 2011 20th Break for Half term
21st Inset Day
31st Children return
DECEMBER 2011 16th Break for Christmas
JANUARY 2012 3rd Inset day
4th Children return
FEBRUARY 2012 10th Break for Half term
20th Inset day tbc
MARCH 2012 30th Break for Easter
APRIL 2012 16th Summer Term starts
JUNE 2012 1st Break for Whitsun
11th Children Return
JULY 2012 20th Last day of term (NB Inset days still tbc)

 

NEWSLETTER 8 NEWSLETTER 8 NEWSLETTER 8 NEWSLETTER 8 NEWS 8
NEWSLETTER 8 NEWSLETTER 8 NEWSLETTER 8 NEWSLETTER 8 NEWS 8
Thursday 7th April 2011
Dear Parents/Carers,
This term seems to have flashed by and we have already arrived at the Easter break. Many thanks to the PTA for the tremendous variety of activities this term:
1. SPRING MUSIC CONCERT: Our annual music concert on Saturday 2/4/11 was another fantastic success! Alongside MJ Paranzino over 150 Y3/4/5/6 children sang, played recorders (Y3), trumpets (Y4), percussion sticks, clarinets (Y5), harmonicas (Y6) and Dan Westland’s Y6 ukuleles, also other instruments with great pride, skill and enjoyment! The collection raised over £260 for Yameriga and The Stroke Association.
2. MORE SPORTING SUCCESS: a) SPORTSHALL ATHLETICS: On 15/3/11 our Y3/4 athletics squad participated in a Sportshall Athletics tournament involving five local schools including Honeywell and Earlsfield. For many of the children it was their first taste of inter-school competition. Ravenstone’s astonishing run of success continued as our younger children mirrored the splendid achievements of the older children and were overall champions. Morris even won the teachers’ race! b) VOLLEYBALL: On 31/3/11 Morris took a Y5/6 team to compete in a volleyball tournament at Ernest Bevin involving 7 local schools and yes, we were the winners! c) SWIMMING: The Wandsworth galas are fast approaching and Sarah Austin and Laura Hurley are busy training our squad. We entered an inexperienced Y4/5 team against 4 local schools at Ernest Bevin on 31/3/11 and finished a brilliant second. Not bad considering the other schools used Y6 children in their squads. d) FOOTBALL: We continue to participate in the local Tooting league, playing games most Thursdays.
3. PTA SPRING TEA: As usual cakes and biscuits were consumed with gusto in the spring sunshine on 23/3/11. Many thanks to organisers Caroline and Diccon Beeny and everyone who baked, sorted, served and cleared up, also those who count and bank the money! We raised £303.
4. PTA PARTY/DISCO: Many thanks to all who helped but especially Sue Sutton-Smith for organizing the Parents’ Disco on 11/3/11. The band were excellent and we had loads of fun, dancing into the small hours and raising just under £600.
5. PTA RUGBY AND BEER: Thanks to Niall Barrratt, Janneke Diemel and Sarah Hill for organising the second Beer and Rugby day on 19/3/11, also all the PTA members who cooked, served etc. and all who came on the day. England’s Grand Slam was thwarted by the brilliant Irish but we had a lot of fun and raised just under £400 for the PTA coffers.
6. COMIC RELIEF/RED NOSE DAY: Thank you to all those children who dressed up and supported Comic Relief on 18/3/11. We raised a total well in excess of £800 which goes to helping the most vulnerable people in this country and in Africa. Brilliant and thank you all!
7. EASTER EGG RAFFLE: We will draw the annual Easter Egg raffle, organised by members of Y6 and in aid of Yameriga, in assembly tomorrow. NB There are no worksharing assemblies tomorrow.
8. WINDOW REPLACEMENT: The scaffolding will go up immediately we break up and work will start replacing the windows of the final elevation of the school over the Easter break. Work will continue during the summer term.
9. COMEDY NIGHT Friday 13th May: Katherine Harvey has organised another comedy night with Arthur Smith, this time in aid of Spencer Lacrosse club, who come in and coach Y5 every year. More details tba.
10. EASTER HOLIDAYS: A reminder that we break for the Easter holidays tomorrow and return to school on Wednesday 27th April. (Tuesday 26th is an inset day: staff in school, but not children. Of course, school is only open Wednesday, Thursday and then Friday is the Royal Wedding followed by Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May. All in all, a bit of a messy start to the term, but don’t blame us. I hope the sun shines and enjoy your holiday, but don’t eat too many Easter eggs or hot cross buns!
Best Wishes
Alan Millington

APRIL 8th Break for Easter 3:15pm
26th INSET DAY
27th Summer Term starts
28th Y1FW to Chelsea Physic Garden
29th Bank Holiday (Royal Wedding)
MAY 2011 4th Y1RH to Chelsea Physic Garden
6th PTA Vitality Night
9-13th KS2 SATs Y6
9th Y2NW/RH to F. Nightingale Museum
12, 13th Class Group Photos
13th Comedy Night in Aid of Spencer Lacrosse
14th Swimming Gala, Putney Baths
16th PTA Children’s Games Night
23rd Y2MP to F. Nightingale Museum
25th PTA Foundation Stage Party pm
27th Break for Half term
JUNE 2011 6th Back after Whitsun
8th Nursery to Horton Park farm
9th PTA Junior Mastermind
10th Y5 Junior Citizen Programme
14th Y1 to Polka Theatre
15th PTA Cake & Crafts sale
21st Y3MF to Dulwich Picture Gallery
22nd SPORTS DAY at Tooting Track Rec-Y6
JULY 2011 2nd PTA Summer Fair
6th Y3TVB to Dulwich Picture Gallery
13,14,18,19 Summer Shows Y1-Y6 tbc
22nd Last day of term
SEPTEMBER 2011 2nd Inset Day
5th Term starts for the children
(Not 6th as it states on the calendar)