Keep up to date with news from across both sites and upcoming events with our monthly newsletter.
1. Welcome
A very warm welcome to all those who are joining us this term. We are delighted to open our doors to many new pupils, especially in the early years. We are excited that both Nurseries are filling up rapidly.
2. Celebrating effort, good behaviour and hard work
At Valence, we place a high value on developing children’s sense of worth and self-esteem. We love to celebrate both effort and achievement in academic and social settings. We have an approach where we support pupils to Go for Gold based on the following school rules:
- Listen to and co-operate with each other.
- Follow adults’ instructions.
- Treat everyone with politeness, kindness, courtesy and respect.
- Work to the best of our ability.
- Move safely and calmly around school.
- Respect our school environment.
Children who consistently follow the school rules, who set a positive example for others to follow and who demonstrate a positive attitude to others can achieve a GOLD reward.
3. Home – school communication
We are using Class Dojo for communicating with parents & carers. Your child’s class teacher will invite you to join the class forum. If you have trouble connecting, please talk to the school office.
4. Keep safe
Please ensure that the class teacher is fully aware of the adults whom you have designated to collect your child. If there is a change, please call the office asap. Also, the playground is a busy space, so please keep a close eye on the whereabouts of your child at all times. In the mornings, please escort the younger children to the doors where staff are present.
5. School reminders
- No dogs in the playgrounds, even if they are being carried.
- We have a car-free zone at St. George’s every morning and afternoon, so please walk to school wherever possible. Spoiler alert - there is a car-free zone proposed for Bonham Road too…the borough will be in consultation with the school, parents and local residents soon. We will let you know as soon as we have more information.
6. Wraparound provision
Our before and after school provision (GEMS) is operating on both sites. Please enquire at the offices should you wish to know more details. The provision is run by our highly experienced school staff.
7. Labels
It will help greatly if everyone labels key items, especially water bottles, fleeces, jumpers and coats. A lot of time is spent hunting down mislaid items - many of which are identical!
8. Parent - Teacher meetings
These meetings will take place in the week beginning Monday 16 October. We will be opening up the booking of appointment system soon. This will be an opportunity to meet the class teacher in person and discuss how your child has settled down in the first term.
9. Why is attending school every day so important?
10. Welcome meetings
It was great to see so many parents at the welcome meetings in September. If you missed them, the information is available on the website. Valence Primary School - Welcome Meetings 2023
11. The Roost
Have you been to The Roost? At Bonham Road, the ex-caretaker's house has been refurbished as a fabulous facility that will help families engage more with their children, whilst at St. George's we have a new room specifically set aside as The Roost.
The Roost supports pupils with additional needs who need to access a wide range of services. Local organisations partner with the school to use the house for the benefit of the school community, ensuring that the pupils of Valence continue to have the best provision possible. Please talk to Vicky Goode, our Parent Support Advisor, for more details.
Mr November
Headteacher
