Keep up to date with news from across both sites and upcoming events with our monthly newsletter.
1. Special occasions
To all our families who are celebrating Diwali this month, we hope that you have a wonderful occasion. Thank you also for your generosity in bringing in food items during Harvest time. The goods have been passed on to the local food banks. Here is a message from the food bank: I just wanted to write to express enormous gratitude for the wonderful donations we received today from the Bonham site and the St George's Road site. The London Riverside Church foodbank exists to serve individuals, families and the community, but its continued operation is greatly aided by the generous contributions we receive from schools and organisations such as those received today from Valence Primary School. Thank you once again. The donations will be invaluable in helping those in our community that need some assistance.
2. Be on time every day
AM: The playground gates open at 8.30am, and the class doors open at 8.45am. The pupils are straight to work with their morning tasks, so even if they are a few minutes late, they are missing valuable learning time. The class doors close at 8.55am. PM: The playground gates open at 3.00pm. Reception and KS1 finish at 3.15pm, and KS2 finish at 3.20pm. After five minutes, pupils are escorted to the office, where they can be collected. If pupils are regularly collected late, the office will seek to identify ways that the school can support an improvement in punctuality.
3. School reminders
- No dogs in the playgrounds, even if they are being carried.
- Push, do not ride, scooters and bikes in the playgrounds…..
- No smoking or vaping by the school gates. Let’s set a good example to the children.
- We strongly encourage the wearing of school uniform, and we are happy to help out. Come to The Roost if you need some good quality almost-new uniform.
- 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. Let’s get walking...
4. Busy, busy
December at Valence is a very busy time of year – Year group productions, carols, Christmas lunch, class parties, etc. We will keep you informed by parentmail, the school website and social media.
5. 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. The provision is very popular, and spaces are limited.
6. Why is attending school every day so important?
Let’s aim high – aim for 100% attendance. This gives children the best chance to succeed.
7. Do you know what your children are doing online?
Darker autumn days often mean more screen time. Please take time to explore Online Safety Tips for Families. www.nspcc.org.uk online safety (link opens in new window)
8. Helping us….
Valence Primary School is registered with Easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use Easy fundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself! These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to us, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment. www.easyfundraising.org.uk Valence (link opens in new window)
9. Come and help?
If you would like to volunteer at school, please give your name to the offices. It may be that you can help in class with your cooking, art, design or creative skills. Or, if you would like to hear pupils read, this is a great help to those children who need a little extra adult time.
Mr November
Headteacher
