Last Saturday’s winter fair was a huge success, with a steady stream of families enjoying the fun, activities and great atmosphere. Thank you to Mrs Duce and the FOBS committee for organising this event and to the families who supported and helped out in the run-up or on the day. It was a lovely community occasion.  The money raised by FOBS really does make a difference to your child and our provision at Bowmansgreen as it helps to fund items that we would not otherwise be able to prioritise due to the ongoing difficulties with school funding. Today, I had a sneak preview of the newly painted playground games that FOBS has funded. They look great and pupils will be so excited to use them. Thank you.

On Wednesday, Meila took part in the Advent Carol Service at St Albans Abbey. She bravely performed her solo reading in front of a rather large audience and pupils from schools across St Albans. Well done, Meila! She represented Bowmansgreen brilliantly and really did herself proud.

Please could I remind car drivers not to block the driveways of local residents during the school run. We have recently had several very upset neighbours who have fed back that when they have asked drivers to move from where they have blocked access, they have been ignored or challenged. Please ensure that driveways and paths are not obstructed as we would really like to keep our neighbours and pedestrians happy and safe.

As you might be aware from personal experience, there are a few bugs and illnesses currently doing the rounds. We appreciate that it can sometimes be an inconvenience but we ask that you keep your child off school for forty-eight hours after your child is last sick, to help prevent the spread of infections. Both pupils and staff have been affected recently, with stubborn illnesses lasting several days.

Congratulations to Sarah Pigott who has been elected as a parent governor at Bowmansgreen. Thank you to all five of the nominees for putting the time and effort into standing for this role. It is almost unheard of for so much interest in a governor vacancy and it is a very positive sign and reflection of the support Bowmansgreen has within the community. Thank you.

A Yellow Level 10 Cold-Health Alert has been updated for the East of England and is currently in effect until tomorrow. For up to date information, see the Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service. Please ensure that you send your child into school with a coat, hat and gloves next week, while the weather remains cold.

Next week, pupils can look forward to Anthony Glenn returning to Bowmansgreen, for a very special Shaking up Shakespeare performance of The Nutcracker. It is sure to be highly entertaining and provide lots of opportunities for crowd participation!

On Wednesday, we will have our Christmas lunch. All pupils are invited to join in the festive meal, served to them by staff and our Bowmansgreen House Captains. Pupils can also wear their Christmas jumpers on this day, for a £1 donation to Save the Children.

Pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 have been busy learning their lines and songs for their Nativity performances, which they will soon perform to the whole school and also their parents and carers. Year 3 and Year 4 have also been rehearsing, for their carol concerts which take place on the last Monday of term. There is lots to look forward to over the next couple weeks!

Mrs Fleming, Bowmansgreen’s new Headteacher, is hoping to visit next week; to say hello to pupils and so that we can begin the handover and transition to her taking over as the Headteacher after Christmas. She is very much looking forward to joining Bowmansgreen and I have been sure to stress how lucky she is, to be joining this wonderful school community.

Wrap up warm this weekend!

November 20th is World Children’s Day, with this year’s theme: For every child, every right. Monday’s assembly highlighted the significance of this date and discussed and celebrated children’s rights. We considered what rights are, why they are important and acknowledged that the rights of many children around the world are threatened. It was also an opportunity to reflect upon the fact that many children live in parts of the world where there is war or conflict and that, as the innocent victims, their rights are often denied.

The Childcare Choices website brings together existing childcare offers in one place so parents can access help that fits their family. This could be through Tax-Free Childcare, 30 Hours Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare. Some families might be eligible to use more than one childcare scheme together.
• From April 2024, eligible working parents in England with children aged 2 will have access to 15 hours childcare.
• From September 2024, the 15 hours childcare offer will be expanded to eligible working parents in England with children between 9 and 23 months old.
• From September 2025, eligible working parents in England, with children between 9 months up to school age, will have access to 30 hours childcare.
Visit the Childcare Choices website to check what offer you might be eligible for and sign up to the newsletter.

Tomorrow, our Winter Fair takes place, between 11am – 2.00pm. FOBS have been busy organising and preparing, to help make tomorrow a fantastic day for our school community. Come and have fun in the Snowball-nado; win one of the super raffle prizes; and find bargains on the stalls. Lots to keep everyone entertained! Enjoy the food and drink, face painting, dance and choir performances and much, much more! Join in the fun and help raise funds for our school. There might even be a very special guest…