News from EBPS 20th December 2024

Dear parents and carers, 

We made it! The autumn term has been incredibly long but your children have been incredible this week and have kept learning, showing respect, enjoying their Christmas parties and events right up until the end! 

On behalf of all of the staff here at EBPS, I would like to thank you for the many Christmas cards, gifts, messages and positive comments we have received. These are truly appreciated and never taken for granted. 

There are so many highlights of the Christmas season in school but some personal ones for us were: the Reception nativity plays where the singing, speaking and confidence of our youngest children, whether they were “Sparkly Stars” or “Jingle Bells” was superb and shows just how well-settled into school life these children are. Another highlight was Christmas party afternoon on Thursday where every class enjoyed party games (the winning and the losing!) and managed to keep upholding our school values at all times. Finally, carols on the playground on Monday was, yet again, a lovely evening and community celebration.  

The winning house team for term 2 was “Air”. These children spent some time today designing some beautiful stockings which they have taken home. Thanks again to Laurence Cole Bathrooms for sponsoring this reward and all of the materials required. 

Well done also to our term 2 Bartonian winners who were chosen for showing our focus value of kindness. Please see the termly round-up attached for photographs. 

A special thank you to our PTA who, through their hard work and fundraising, kindly paid for every child to enjoy the “Cinderella” pantomime in school yesterday. 

A reminder that school is closed on Monday 6th January 2025 for a teacher training day. Children return to school on Tuesday 7th January to start term 4. Also, as of this date, there will be no access at all between the two school buildings. The only way to access Key Stage Two and the office is via the Churchill Road gate. The “shortcut” will be permanently locked as of January for everyone’s safety. 

Whatever you and your family are doing to celebrate the Christmas season, on behalf of the EBPS community we would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! 

With warmest Christmas wishes, 

Miss Lally & Mr Morris 

Co-headteachers 

The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation 

Once again, we are very grateful to The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation who have provided food parcels, turkeys, toys and gifts to some of our families this Christmas. Thanks to Mrs Brennan (Family Support Worker) who organises this on behalf of the school. 

Staff news 

In January, we welcome Mrs Bryan and Mrs Hunter back from their maternity leaves. Mrs Bryan will resume her role as Daisy class teacher and Early Years Leader. Mrs Hunter will be supporting in lots of classes across the school until the Easter holiday, when she will return to Y1 Violet class (when Mrs Sturman commences her maternity leave.) 

Today we said thank you and goodbye to Miss Barrett who has been Mrs Bryan’s maternity cover. A special thank you to Miss Barrett for her care and commitment to Daisy class children in her time with us at EBPS. We wish her every happiness for the future. 
Yesterday, we also said goodbye to Miss Malone who is leaving to work in the NHS. Miss Malone has been a fantastic HLTA at our school for two years and we are very grateful to her for her hard work – we wish her every happiness and success in her new role. 

School lunches 

Kingswood Catering's menu is now live for you to order meals for 2025.  The deadline for ordering meals for the first week back in school is 10.00am on Thursday 2nd January 2025. Main and vegetarian meals can still be ordered on the morning of the day they are required. Please see attachment. 

Clubs in January 

All Stars Soccer and Hotshots re-commence week commencing 6th January on their usual day and time. 

A reminder that school music clubs (choir and record clubs led by Mrs Levell) re-start as of Monday 13th January.

Letters home this week 

Change to start time for cross country runners – KS2 selected pupils only 

Short reports to parents 

Dance club finishing 

Year 1 WhatsApp group 

Daisy class staffing 

Violet class staffing 

School Holiday Fund Voucher – entitled families only 

Flu vaccine – second chance offer 

Head lice letter – Snowdrop class only 

Carols on the playground 

Attachments 

House point sponsor – Laurence Cole Bathrooms 

Top tips for safety on social media 

Kingswood catering menu now live 

HOUSEPOINTS TERM 2