September News 2023

KEY DATES

Monday 30 October – Friday 3 November      Hallowe’en Holidays

Wednesday 20 December – school closes at      12.30pm for Y1-4 and 1.00pm for Y5-7

Thursday 21 December – Wednesday 3 January (inclusive) – Christmas Holiday   

All key dates are available on the school website (www.gibsonps.co.uk – under Parents - School Closures)

School Communication with Parents – Once again we will be sending letters, newsletters and permission slips via e-mail.  Previously we have used the school NI app however this year we will only be using emails.  It is therefore essential that all parents regularly check their nominated email account to receive up to date information.  If your details have changed or you need further assistance, please contact the school.

Year Group Meeting – All classes are planning a meeting for all parents to outline what you and your child can expect this year including what topics will be covered etc.  This does give both teachers and parents an opportunity to meet face to face which has not happened in quite some time.  Your attendance at these meetings would be appreciated:

The meetings are on the following dates:

• Language Unit – Mrs Shortt’s class - Friday 15 September at 9.30am
• Language Unit – Mrs Davidson/Mrs Beggs class – Monday 11 September at 2.00pm
• Year 1 – Individual parent meetings with teacher
• Year 2 – Monday 11 September at 2.30pm
• Year 3 – Tuesday 19 September at 3.15pm
• Year 4 – Tuesday 12 September at 3.15pm
• Year 5 – Wednesday 13 September at 3.15pm
• Year 6 – Wednesday 6 September at 3.15pm
• Year 7 – Monday 18 September at 3.15pm

Additional Activities – As usual we will be running a series of Additional Activities for our pupils. They are always very popular and normally all activities are over-subscribed.  Details regarding these will be sent home via email next week.  These will begin from:

• Year 2 & 3 Monday 18 September from 2.00 – 3.00pm
• Year 4 – 7 Friday 15 September from 2.00 – 3.00pm.

Breakfast & Afternoon Clubs – School opens at 8.30am every morning.  Children can be left off any time up until school starts at 9.00am sharp. Please note NO pupils are allowed past the pupils’ gates before 8.30am.  If you require supervision for your children before this time or after school, we offer the following:

• Breakfast Club – Runs every school day from 8.00am costing £1.50 per day or £6 per week – no advance booking required.
• Late Class – For pupils in Y1-3 who wish to stay until 3.00pm to ease collection. Costs £1 per day, no booking is required, and money should be sent to class teacher.
• Busy Bees Club – This is a NEW service which runs from 3.00 – 5.00pm every school day. Costing £8 per day this needs to be booked and paid for in advance via the Eduspot online payment portal.

Free School Meals & Uniform Grant – Given the spiralling costs of everything it is essential that everyone eligible applies for free school meals.  While lots of you already have applied please note that until we are notified by the EA you will still be charged for dinners.  Given the delay in the application process it is VITAL that applications are submitted ASAP.  If you need any assistance with this, please contact me at school.

Allergies –  We continue to have a significant number of children who have severe allergies and are required to have Epi-pens.  Please note no NUT products can be sent into school.  Specific classes will be notified about other allergies which impact them. Thank you for your help with this.

Car Park –  We are extremely fortunate to have our own car park; however, it is ESSENTIAL that everyone follows the rules to ensure the safety of our pupils.  ONLY BUSES & EA TAXIS can use the drop off lane.  This will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.

Parent Training – We are running a parent session on Emotional Regulation for Autistic children on Tuesday 12 September at 7.00pm.  This is being facilitated by Middletown Autism personnel.  This training is an unique opportunity to ask questions and implements strategies which can support your child.  Please contact the school office if you wish to book a place.

PTA – We hope to hold our first PTA Meeting of the year towards the end of September.  We are always looking for new members.  It is a great way to become involved in school life and there is no obligation to sign up for any specific roles or hours.  The more members we have the more opportunities we will be able to provide for our pupils.