Newsletter
The school has a weekly newsletter called the Northbourne News. It is on bright yellow paper and contains all kinds of information about what is happening in school as well as useful dates for your diary.
School Council
We believe that listening to the ideas and opinions of the children is very important. The School Council is a very effective way for the children to express their views.
Each class elects two representatives who meet fortnightly to discuss ideas to improve the school or ways to contribute to school life. Every child has the opportunity to make suggestions to their class representatives.
In the past the Council have raised money to install new play equipment, have raised money for various charities and designed the wildlife area. A Chairperson and Secretary are elected by the Council members and a teacher is present at meetings as an observer. Reports from the meetings are discussed by the school governors.
Parent/Staff Consultations
In the autumn all parents are invited to come to school for a private interview with the class teacher to discuss their child’s progress to date and targets for the year. Teachers are always pleased to discuss particular issues with parents without waiting for these interviews and will be happy to make appointments at mutually convenient times. Teachers will also consult with parents if they have any concerns about a pupil.
After the annual reports are sent home in June/July parents are again offered the opportunity for a private interview with the class teacher.
Parent Help in School
Many parents come into school to help in class, to read with the children or to share particular skills which they have, such as library work, sewing, swimming and cookery. Children love to see their parents being involved in this way and we are very grateful for their support. Anyone who is interested in helping in school is asked to speak to a class teacher or the Headteacher.
Uniform
The Northbourne school uniform is as follows. School sweatshirts and polo shirts with the school logo on the front are available from the school office.
Sweatshirts/jumpers
· School sweatshirts (emerald green with school logo), plain emerald green jerseys or cardigans.
Shirts
· White shirts, white polo shirts (with a collar) or blouses.
Trousers/skirts/summer dresses
· Dark grey skirts or pinafores.
· Dark grey or black trousers, shorts or jogging bottoms.
· Green and white checked summer dresses.
Footwear
· Sensible shoes or trainers in a dark colour.
· Summer sandals, which should be enclosed at the heel and toe.
· Plain white, grey or black socks or tights.
P.E. Kit
· White T-shirts.
· Black shorts.
· Plimsolls or trainers.
The following items are not to be worn to school: denims (jeans); leggings, Bermuda shorts, ‘cut offs’, track suits or shell suits, combat trousers, football shirts.
Parents and Teachers Association (PTA)
The PTA is an energetic and committed group who make a tremendously valuable contribution to the school. They raise money to pay for equipment and activities for the children and provide social occasions for the whole school community to enjoy.
All parents are automatically members of the association and the committee, made up of parents and teachers, is elected each year at an AGM. Their meetings take place about once a term in the evening and last about an hour. Each year they organise a range of events which recently have included Christmas and Spring Fairs, a summer barbecue, table top sales, bingo evenings, quiz nights and school discos.
The committee is always happy to welcome new members. If you would like to find out more, please contact the school office.
Secondary School Transfer
At the age of eleven children in Didcot leave primary school and transfer to secondary school. There are two single sex secondary schools in the town, Didcot Girls’ School and St Birinus School for boys. For the last few years nearly all of our pupils have transferred to one of these schools. However parents have the right to express a preference for another secondary school if they wish. Full details about secondary school transfer are sent to parents during the Autumn term of their child’s last year at primary school.
