February 2010       Newsletter No. 7

Dear Parent/Carer,

What is happening at Hassocks Infant School this term?
Please download the information sheet detailing the exciting events happening in school during the Spring Term.

Haiti Appeal
Following the very successful ‘bring and buy cuddly toy sale’ organised by the children in Year 2, we are delighted to say that we have forwarded £350.00 to the appeal.  Thank you to everyone who supported this worthwhile event.

Outside Musical Instruments
You will have seen in the past two weeks that we have had a very large xylophone, drainpipe drums and bat pipes installed in the school grounds as part of our musical garden.  We would like to thank the efforts of everyone involved with FoHIS who kindly donated the money to the school to enable us to purchase these.  We have, however, noticed that some children are climbing on them before and after school and would ask all parents to ensure that their children keep off these musical instruments.

Book Fair
We will be running a book fair at school by Travelling Books on Friday 26th February, Monday 1st March and Tuesday 2nd March.  Children and their parents are invited to come into school from 8.50 – 9.15 am and 2.50 and 3.15 pm daily to have a look at the large selection of books.  A leaflet detailing some of the books on offer will be sent home this week.

Parent Consultations
Parent Consultations for the whole school (except Oak class, who have already received a separate letter) will be held on Tuesday 9th March and Wednesday 10th March. The appointment lists will be put up outside each classroom on Monday 1st March for you to sign up against.   If you are not able to get into school to do this, please ring the office and they will be happy to do this for you.

Free School Meals
If you are in receipt of one of the following, Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, support under Part V1 of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999, Pension Credit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Child Tax Credit only with an assessed income below £16,040, your child may be entitled to Free School Meals.  Please speak to Mrs Hurley in the school office, who has the appropriate forms to be filled in.

Sickness/Diarrhoea
There is an increasing amount of sickness/diarrhoea around and we would like to remind all parents that if your child is ill, the Health Protection Agency guidelines are that they remain at home for at least 48 hours after the last bout of illness.  This is to prevent the spread of the infection further.  At Hassocks Infant School we ask all parents to abide by this ruling.

School Trips
The following trips are being organised for the children during school time.  Please note that unless your child is entitled to Free School Meals, they will need a packed lunch on that particular day.  Details about each trip, including cost etc. will follow.

Year 2 - Tuesday 16th March to visit Drusillas Park, Alfriston to learn about the Maasai Tribe.
Year 1 -  Tuesday 22nd June to visit Woods Mill as part of their mini-beast topic.
Year R - Trip to Shoreham Airport may now not take place due to shortage of staff at the Airport.

Year 2 – Transfer to Junior School
All Y2 parents should have received a form to fill in for transferring to Junior School in September 2010.  Please return these to Mrs Hurley in the school office as soon as possible and no later than midday on Friday 26th February.  You are also able to fill in the forms on-line, but please let Mrs Hurley know so that you are not chased up at a later date.

Half Term
The school is closed for the week commencing Monday 15th February and re-opens on Monday 22nd February at 8.50 am.

Jeannie Hughes
Headteacher