Letter from the School Governors
Summer 2021
It has been an unprecedented period for the school, moving from a very positive and successful Ofsted inspection into a pandemic and lockdown restrictions!
Despite the difficult circumstances the school has continued to provide the best possible education for all our children, and we would like to thank Mr Rafferty and all the staff for their hard work under often trying circumstances.
As a governing body it is part of our responsibility to provide strategic direction and ensure that the school is properly resourced and supported. Some of the ways we have supported the development of the school are:
• Setting a strategic vision and plan for the school over the next three years
• Provision of support and devices for remote learning during the restrictions
• Providing funding for a Family Link Worker, Jen Marshall, who has provided invaluable support for families during these difficult times
• Developments of the curriculum and the way it is taught, for example the successful introduction of Talk for Writing, Talk for Reading and White Rose Maths
• Improvements to the school premises, for example the new running track, and work starting on the bungalow and library
• Planned development of new outdoor learning and play opportunities
If you would like to understand more about the role of the governors, or are interested in joining the governing body, please contact us via our school email governors@monktonpark.wilt.sch.uk.
Sean Dennien & Ian Sankey
Co-chair of Governors
Last day of term
Just a reminder that our last day of term is Tuesday 20th July!
FOMPS Scarecrow Trail
Scarecrow Trail Grand Total £2331.21
Thank you to the business sponsors, volunteers and everyone that joined us over the trail weekend. The money will be used to improve the library facilities at the school for all of the children to enjoy.
Monkton Mole Awards
Fieldmice: Constance
Rabbits: George
Hedgehogs: Coby
Otters: Penny
Owls: James
Squirrels: Lily
Foxes: Ethan L
Pine Martens: Olivia
Badgers: Keo
Headteacher: Tabatha
Year 6
On our final day next week, Tuesday 20th, could all the Y6s please bring in a spare t-shirt for other children to sign, as well as sharpies if they wish. Children will not be allowed to get the top they are wearing signed as we must keep socially distanced, so the tops will be put on chairs and the children will walk by and sign.
Tesco grant!
You may have noticed that we have been put forward for a customer vote in Tescos. If we win the vote we will receive £1500 towards the development of the bungalow. We would really appreciate it if you can vote by popping in one of the tokens after your shop! Huge thanks to Angela Wilkins for nominating us.
Violins and ukuleles
Foxes held their own class concert this week with Y4 performing 2 violin pieces followed by Y5 showing off their ukulele skills. Both year groups have had a great time learning their instruments and Mr Warner and Mrs Taylor have been very impressed with their progress. It was a delight to watch and a lovely opportunity for them to perform to an audience.
Drums
Foxes, were also treated to some Drum performances on Tuesday. Well done to the boys who performed.
TMA – Tyrone Mings Academy
This week also saw the return of TMA football academy who led a series of taster sessions for the children. They spent the day playing a variety of games and practising their skills. Although the academy is football focused, it’s remit is much more than this as their main aim is to develop children’s all round physical skills – balance, agility and coordination through a range of practices and games and is of course open to girls and boys alike. The children had a fantastic time and the coaches were very complimentary about their attitude and behaviour. Mrs Douglas will be sending out more information soon with payment details, options and the start date for the club in September.
Chance to Shine Cricket
This term YI Rabbits, Otters, Hedgehogs and Squirrels have taken part in the Chance to Shine cricket project. They have had 5 weeks of coaching and a day of mini competitions. This has been a fantastic opportunity for them to further develop their striking, fielding and catching skills and they have been brilliant. Their progress and confidence have been a delight to see and Vickie , their coach has had nothing but praise for their behaviour, attitude and smiles! Well done to everyone and thanks to Vickie for all her hard work.
All Stars and Dynamos Summer Cricket
Wiltshire cricket are running some All Stars and Dynamos cricket sessions at Chippenham Cricket Club over the summer holidays.
The sessions will run every Tuesday starting on the 27th July and finishing on the 17th August.
All Stars for children aged 5-8 will run between 10:00 and 12:00
Dynamos for children aged 8-11 will run between 13:00 and 15:00
If you would like more information and to book a place please use the following links https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars or https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/dynamoscricket
Chippenham Borough Lands Charity
Chippenham Borough Lands Charity (CBLC) are a local grant giving organisation. They have supported our school over many years. The CBLC summer newsletter contains information about a ‘Try Climbing’ event in Chippenham this August along with details about their grant giving and new community website, One Chippenham. You can view or download the newsletter here - https://www.cblc.org.uk/cblc-summer-newsletter/
Wiltshire Parent Carer Council - Holiday Activities Bulletin
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, this has obviously had an impact on services’ abilities to run activities and clubs over the Summer Holidays. There are a few face-to-face activities taking place, however, we have also included in the bulletin extra Online Activities and Learning Resources & Information
Download your copy of the Summer 2021 Short Breaks Bulletin here
Dates for your diary
Last Day of Term Tuesday 20th July
School Re-Opens 8.45am Thursday 2nd September 2021
TD Days 2021/22
Wednesday 1st September 21
Friday 8th April 22
Friday 17 June 22
Friday 22 July 22
Monday 25th July 22