LYMPSTONE C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL   EXTRACTS FROM GOVERNORS’ NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

 This year’s SATs results for Year 6 have been very good, with 82% of pupils achieving the expected Level 4 in English and Mathematics, and 95% reaching Level 4 in Science, which is very pleasing.  Many of our Year 6 pupils gained even higher levels than expected at this age, with some 32% gaining Level 5 in English, 14% in Mathematics and 32% in Science.  Congratulations to all pupils in Year 6, and many thanks to all the teachers who have enabled them to achieve so well. 

Foundation level pupils have made great progress in their Early Learning Goals, so well done to them, and to all pupils who have clearly put so much effort into their activities at school.  There has been a whole raft of exciting activities and adventures packed into this term, with kite construction and flying, painting of a mural along the new cycle-way, a whole school walk to Exmouth, trips to the coast and the Golden Hind, the Key Stage 2 residential trip and an overnight camping and surfing trip among others.  There is always so much going on in our school.  We are lucky to have such committed and enthusiastic staff throughout the school who make all these things possible, and the Governors would like to thank them all for their hard work and dedication over this academic year.

Once again, we have seen improvements to the fabric of the school this term.  The sensory garden has really established itself this term and has become a beautiful place to sit and reflect.  Thanks again to Emma Jones and the Gardening Club for creating this space, to Councillor Bernard Hughes for his generous donation, the PTFA for the lovely benches, and to those members of the wider community who have been involved in its evolution.  The new fencing and gates have improved the first impression of the school, and new windows have been installed in some classrooms.  Future plans to further enhance our school are to construct ramps at the rear of Class 3, into the present Class 4 and for access to the lower playground, so providing ramped access into and out of the majority of our classrooms and open spaces.  Governors have also agreed to make changes to the upper floor of school house for improved storage, more space and a dedicated preparation room for teachers.

Discussion for the Governing Body this term have again touched upon again the issue of Extended Schools, and we are continuing to research and develop links with care-providers who might be interested in offering after school facilities in the village.      

 Many thanks to Margaret Turgoose for her work in finding out more about the various grants available and in establishing the necessary processes.  We shall continue to discuss this facility next term.  Governors are also looking at the provision of meals for our pupils, and we shall be considering a variety of options in the coming year.

The Governing Body is constantly changing, and we are pleased that John Welton has joined us this term.  Unfortunately, however, we have had to say ‘good-bye’ to two of our colleagues: Carolyn Southard has represented the non-teaching staff very ably on the Governing Body, and has acted as Chair for the Curriculum Committee; and Chrissie Bond has participated in many aspects of our work since being elected as a Parent Governor last year.  Both feel that their other commitments are such that they are unable to continue in their roles as Governors, and it is with regret that we have agreed to let them go!  Our heartfelt thanks to both Carolyn and Chrissie for their hard work and commitment, and we wish them both well.  We hope to find suitable replacements next term, so should you wish to stand as either a non-teaching staff representative, or as a parent Governor, then please don’t hesitate to approach me and find out more about the job.  We would love to hear from you.  I look forward to writing to you again in the Autumn.

 Victoria Laney-Hubbard, Chair of Governors

 FURRY DANCE AND FETE

 Once again the village turned out in force for our annual Furry Dance and Fete.  The weather was kind and everyone enjoyed the amazing mountain bike display, dog show, car boot sale and other attractions at Candy's Field.  During the evening the traditional dance was well supported with costumes ranging from the barely-there to superheroes.

 The committee is very grateful to our sponsors and all those who help make the events run smoothly.  Special thanks go to our volunteer collectors.  We are often asked 'where does the money go?' and the response is simply that it pays for festivities.  This year our expenditure of £1,800 was more than our income of £1,600 resulting in a shortfall of £200 on the day.

 So your support at our Furry Dance fundraisers throughout the year is crucial to help keep this traditional village event alive.  The next one for your diary is the popular Mulled Wine Xmas Fair, which will be on November 29 in the Globe Inn.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 Lympstone Furry Dance Committee