4. Archive Newsletter 09.11.17
Dear Parents/Carers,
As I type, the old school kitchen, dining hall, main hall and reception area of the old building have been razed to the ground. It is fascinating and enthralling to watch the highly skilled demolition team at work. I did consider charging interested parties as part of our fundraising campaign as we do draw quite an audience at drop off and pick up!
The work is progressing at quite a pace and the builders are on schedule to complete the demolition and the landscaping by the end of March.
This does mean that Phase 1 will be required to continue using the pathway around the old building during the process. On a positive note, the exercise is contributing to their mile walk each day! I appreciate it is not ideal but we must remind ourselves that this is just a temporary arrangement. Upon completion, Phase 1 will be connected to the new building via a covered walkway.
To limit the movement to and from the various building, Phase 1 currently use the playground nearest to the new building at lunchtimes, and the main hall in the event of wet play.
Redevelopment of the site
Once the old building has been demolished, the area will be professionally landscaped, mainly to grass. However, over time (fundraising permitting) we will look at introducing an allotment area, sensory garden and an extension to both the Foundation Stage outside area and the Key Stage 1 playground.
The picture above provides a rough guide as to what we intend the area to look like. There are a number of omissions but hopefully it gives you a general idea of our plans. The allotment/sensory area will be situated near to the old kitchen/dining Hall.
Health & Safety during the demolition process
Ensuring the health and safety of the children and all other site users is of paramount importance during the demolition, and the process is carefully managed and monitored by Bowmer & Kirkland. Any work undertaken close to the areas occupied by the children will be completed at the end of the school day or during the weekends. We work in close liaison with the contractors and they provide a regular update on progress. Wayne Catterell (Site Manager) attended the recent Year 1 coffee morning and will be attending the next Parent Council meeting to answer any concerns that may have been raised.
Wayne has also kindly agreed to attend further school assemblies to keep the children up to date on what is happening to the old building and the development of the area once the demolition process is complete. The children will also learn about what can be recycled from the previous building.
Commendation from Kent County Council
We recently received a letter congratulating the school on our achievement outcomes in 2017. The letter from Patrick Leeson – Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, stated that ‘it was very positive to see that the school has attained well above average results at Key Stage 2, with 76.7% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined. It is also good to see strong value added scores in reading, writing and mathematics.
I am pleased with the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard at the end of Key Stage 1 was above the emerging national average across all subjects. Pupils also achieved well in the Year 1 Phonics check 84.4% and at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage 80.7%.
We appreciate that these improvements are due to strong leadership and a sustained effort to remain focused on school improvement. Well done to your staff and your children’.
We are delighted with this recognition. The last year has been undoubtedly very challenging but the children and staff have achieved so much together despite various obstacles along the way.
Alan Duffy
Friday 10th November - SPSA Own Clothes Day
The Own Clothes Day is to raise money and items for stalls at the upcoming Christmas Bazaar on Saturday 25th November.
The 'fine' for participation this Friday is for Foundation Stage and Key Stage one pupils (FS - Year 2) to please bring a bottle of wine of similar (for the bottle tombola), and for KS2 children (years 3-6) to bring a chocolate gift or a £2.00 donation.
Please note that all donations are strictly voluntary and all children are welcome to participate, regardless of whether they bring an item in or not.
Christmas Lunch letters
You will have received a copy of the Christmas Lunch letter yesterday by email, and your child will be bringing home a hard copy (look out for the red letter!) this week.
Please could you ensure that they are completed and returned to your class teacher as soon as possible.
Many thanks
The Banana Leaf has extended an offer to promote community collaboration & donating to SPS on a regular basis. All you must do -
- Enjoy a meal at the Banana Leaf in a group (min 2 ppl)
- Advise staff you are with Sevenoaks Primary School and write “SPS” on your bill
- YOU get 10% off your bill
- 5% of your remaining bill will be donated to the SPSA
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion and excludes gratuity. You may gift the full 15% discount to SPS.
We welcome the new owners of Banana Leaf and look forward to their new seasonal menus. The community thanks you for sourcing locally and continuing the well-loved tribute nights.
Thank you to Chef Chandar Poddar, co-owner of Banana Leaf and parent of SPS
