13 Jan 12 - Drighlington Primary School

Otley All Saints CE Primary School
Lisker Drive, Otley, West Yorkshire LS21 1DF
Tel: 01943 464703
e-mail: otleyallsaints@leedslearning.net
Website: www.otleyallsaints.co.uk
Headteacher
Mr Ian Thomson-Smith
13 th January 2012
Spring Newsletter 1
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I was delighted that over the
Christmas period our pupils were able to help to make a difference to how others enjoyed
the festive season. Our choir performed superbly, both at the Victorian Christmas Fayre
and on a visit to Teal Beck residential home. Choir members also sang for customers at
Waitrose on behalf of RNIB, and raised £102.76. Thank you to everyone who attended our
Christmas performances at church – our retiring collections raised £250.86 for Caring For
Life at Cookridge, money which helped to provide a Christmas lunch and gifts for homeless
and vulnerable people.
Bryan Sissons
Thank you to those who have contributed to our collection for Children in Need on behalf of
Bryan Sissons, swimming instructor at Chippindale Pool who died before Christmas. So far
we have collected just over £36, and will be passing this on to Bryan’s family next week.
Staffing
On the last day of term we found out that our planned appointment to join our support staff
would not, after all, be coming to us. We are delighted, however, that Miss Sarah Jones
has agreed to be part of our staff team, and is already helping voluntarily in Year 1 while
her requisite checks are pending. Mrs Bowes-Taylor has kindly agreed to assist in Year 1
also, in addition to her role as Learning Mentor.
Bicycle Stamping
Christmas may well have brought new bicycles (and scooters!) to many of our families.
West Yorkshire Police have told us that they are organising a bicycle stamping and crime
prevention day at Otley Police Station on Saturday 28 th January between 10.00 and 2.00.
Organised by PCSO Luke Riddett, it is an opportunity to mark with post codes any bikes,
scooters, mobile phones, computers etc. They also hope to offer special screws to secure
number plates to vehicles, as they have noted an increase in this type of theft. For more
information please call 01274 471453.
PTA news
Please note that there will be a meeting of the PTA on Monday at 7.30pm in school. This
will be an opportunity to find out about the success of our wonderful Christmas Fair, and to

contribute ideas for further events this term. Do come along – you will be made very
welcome. The November draw for the 50:50 club was made last week (draws are made a
month in arrears to ensure all those who have contributed that month are included in the
draw), and the winners were Gill Raybould (£60) and Kate Barraclough (£15). If you would
like to be included in the draw next time please speak to Julia Timmins in the school office.
Road Safety
One of our neighbours who lives on Trinity Rise reports that, when reversing out of her
drive one afternoon this week, she came close to injuring one of our younger pupils who
walked behind the moving car. This was naturally distressing for all concerned. We will
take time in school to stress the importance of road safety and care around cars, and we
would ask if you could do the same at home.
Visit from Holland
Following successful visits in previous years, this summer we have again agreed to host a
class from JC Van der Wal School in Utrecht, Holland. A party of 23 pupils and 6 adults will
be travelling in cars via the Rotterdam-Hull ferry and will arrive in Otley at noon on Tuesday
12 th June. They will depart in time to be in Hull for 8pm on Thursday 14 th June. In order to
keep costs down they have asked if any of our families would be willing to accommodate
the children (aged 11 to 12) for two nights, preferably in groups of two or three. As in
previous years we will organise a programme of activities during the day and early evening
to give our guests a flavour of English school life. Would you be able and willing to provide
accommodation (including breakfast and evening meal) for Dutch visitors for two nights in
June? It is an excellent opportunity to get to know people from another country and was
much enjoyed by those who were involved. Please return the attached slip.
Celebrating Achievement
Please note that our next assembly celebrating pupils’ achievement inside and outside
school will be on Thursday 26 th January at 10.25am. Parents are very welcome to attend.
Thank you for all the support you give to your children and the school.
Yours sincerely,
Ian Thomson-Smith
Headteacher
Name _____________________________
Visit from Holland, June 2012
We are able to provide accommodation for 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 pupils on Tuesday 12 th June and
Wednesday 13 th June (please delete as appropriate).
Signed _____________________________
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