Newsletter

4 November 2022

 If you've not got much time please read:

• Attendance
• Read with Your Child

Notices and Reminders

Read with Your Child

Thank you to everyone who came on Thursday, it was an impressive turnout with over a 100 people attending. Lots of parents asked about having a copy of the presentations which can be found by clicking this link.

This what you said…

“Really good, very helpful to have the background…” Really great to hear more guidance…” Loved it! Really useful to see how they are taught…”

Watch this space for future With Your Child events showcasing other subjects.

Attendance

Victoria’s school attendance is currently at 91% which is below the recommended 95%. It is essential children get the most out of their school experience, including attainment, wellbeing and wider life chances. Children with the highest attainment have higher rates of attendance and at Victoria we aspire to high standards of attendance from all pupils to be in school ready to learn. We understand that some absences cannot be avoided but we would expect children to attend where possible. We are monitoring attendance weekly and if it is flagged that attendance has reached below 90% for individual children, we will be getting in contact to see how we can help to improve this. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis as patterns that concern us emerge. Thank you for your support in working together on this.

Access via the Alley

Since the worsening weather, the alley by the side of the school has become flooded. From Monday, if you are having problems getting through the alley, you can go through the Reception outdoor area to/from the back playground for drop off and pick up.

Once the flood has cleared the Reception gate will be locked in the morning.

Poppies will be sold all next week, with a suggested minimum donation of 50p. All poppies can be recycled at Sainsbury’s or can be dropped off at school for us to recycle. Children will mark the occasion with a 1-minute silence on Friday 11 November.

Reception Outdoor Area

After a lot of effort organising from Mr Thomson and the expertise of Mr Hillier who did the work, the reception old staging area (which was removed) has now been revamped with fencing and has increased the outdoor area which the children have loved using. The Reception team have lots of wonderful ideas of how to use the area and can’t wait to get started. I would also like to thank the VSA for funding the project.

Book Donations and Wish List

We are currently updating our library books and to help with this we would be grateful for donations of any good quality picture books or chapter books suitable for children aged 3 to 7. Please bring any pre-loved books to the office.

Watch this space… as we are also going to be creating a wish list of new books for anyone who would like to buy a book for the library or reading corners in the classrooms.

Victoria and Thomas Coram Open Events for Prospective Parents

Tours for parent/carers interested in a Reception place at Victoria for September 2023 will be taking place on the following dates. Please contact the school Office on 01442 865781 if you would like to book a place.

Victoria C of E Infant and Nursery Dates

Monday 7 November at 9.00

Wednesday 23 November at 11.00

Tours for Nursery places in September 2023 will take place in January 2023.

School Admissions 2023/2024

To apply for a place for your child from September 2023/2024 click here.

Thomas Coram Dates

Open Mornings for prospective parents/carers

Tuesday 15 November 2022 at 9.00

Thursday 17 November 2022 at 9.00

For entry into Year 3, or into another year group, or if you’re considering Reception and want to see what Thomas Coram offers for junior age children after they leave infant school.

Free School Meals

Also, don't forget to check out Hertfordshire County Council's Free School Meals page click here if you think your child may be eligible for the Pupil Premium Grant.

Volunteers

We are looking for a volunteer for Nursery from 9-11, one morning a week to help take the children to the school library.  If you are interested and don't have a child in Nursery, then please email admin@victoria.herts.sch.uk.

Star of the Week

Acorn - Zack for a great start in the Nursery.

Ash - Evie for behaving excellently and answering lots of questions.

Oak -  Alf for persevering with his letter formation during phonics.

Beech - Hana for great hand to eye coordination when threading a needle and fantastic straight stitches all done independently.

Cedar - Ezra for trying really hard in sewing and creating a brilliant cross stitch.

Hazel - Jacob for a fantastic attitude to learning.

Rowan - Leo for an incredible attitude to learning this week.

 Birthdays

Happy Birthday! this week to the following children:

 Tommy, Scotia and Jonah

Value Champions