End of Autumn Term One Oct 25
Dear families,
The first half term of the academic year is now complete! We have very much enjoyed getting to know our new children and supporting all children to settle into their new year groups. We are always very impressed by the conduct of our children across the school day and how this supports everyone to feel safe and learn.
For those children entitled to benefit-related free school meals, vouchers will be issued for the holiday period. You will receive £10 per child, and they can be accessed via a text that will be sent out tomorrow. If your child does not currently receive benefit-related free school meals, please check the following website for eligibility criteria and to apply online: https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/benefits/free-school-meals/. Benefit-related free school meals are different to universal free school meals, and you will only receive the voucher if you have applied for and are in of receipt of benefit-related free school meals (this can be confusing, so please contact the school if you need any support with this).
Our school website contains a vast amount of information regarding your child’s education at Olive Hill. We would encourage all families to read the fortnightly Headteacher’s Blog, as this contains information about what has been happening in school, along with important reminders and frequently has lots of praise for our wonderful children. You will also find a school calendar on the website which details events for the rest of the autumn term. All dates are subject to change, as sometimes things happen, like snow! We will also add more dates as arrangements are finalised. More detailed communication regarding each event will be circulated closer to the actual date. We also have our Facebook page which is regularly updated with pictures and updates of things going on in school.
The children will return to school on Monday 3rd November. We are committed to providing all our children with the best possible education and care. For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education, it is vital that they attend regularly. Every child should be in school, on time, every day that the school is open unless the reason for the absence is authorised by the school. It is very important therefore that parents and carers make sure that their child attends regularly. As a school we closely monitor the attendance of all our children, including those who are not statutory school age. We are not able to authorise term-time holidays and failure to comply with this could result in a fine. When requests for a leave of absence detail exceptional circumstances, we expect the minimum amount of time off school to be requested. Congratulations to Hazel class who has won the highest-class attendance competition and had a special treat session yesterday, which involved chocolate biscuits. Hazel class alongside the runners up Beech and Birch class were able to wear their own clothes to school today to help them celebrate their fantastic class attendance.
As mentioned, the children will return to school on Monday 3rd November and the term will end on Thursday 18th December. Friday 5th December and Friday 19th December are INSET days and the children will not be required to attend on these days.
As the evenings draw in and we head into the colder months, please ensure you’re your child comes to school with an appropriate coat. After the break, we will also begin rehearsals and preparations for our winter performances, which we know are always a highlight of the term!
Wishing you all a lovely holiday and we look forward to seeing you when we return to school.
Yours faithfully,
Miss Grasby and Miss Walters