Eventful half term
This has been another eventful half term in the life of William Ransom. Although we have now settled into our new environment there is a still lot going on. We are currently replacing the flooring in the main school and looking at some wall art for different places. However, whilst all this is going on it has been ‘business as usual’ in the world of education. We have had some wonderful days, with classes out on trips and visiting speakers, there has also been the continuation of high quality work within the classrooms. Over the next half term we look forward to World Book Day, please make sure you have seen the letter from Mrs Mackilligan, and we are also focussing on story telling that week, with Miss Barnett and a visiting story teller. There are some exciting school trips coming up and the start of Samba drumming for Beech class!
Art days
I am sure your children will have told you about the very successful days we had last week when Kandinsky and Banksy visited school to inspire the children’s art work. We had two wonderful days and I would like to thank the SPA for paying for these days which were for the benefit of all the children in school.
We are very lucky to have such a forward thinking, pro-active Parents Association. They are currently working hard arranging a Race Night for parents. This is a great night; plenty of opportunities to have a little flutter, but at 50p a bet you aren’t likely to lose your shirt! We are looking for companies to sponsor races. For £50 the company can advertise as much as they like and present the winning rosette and champagne! Some parents have already come forward and offered sponsorship but we are looking for more!
Official opening
We are going to be holding an event to mark the official opening of the school extension towards the end of March. The children will be able to see the ribbon being cut – ceremoniously, and then they will all be given a William Ransom pin badge. We would like to be able to offer them a cake – fairy cake style, during the afternoon. If you think you would be able to assist with making some fairy cakes please contact the school office.
Reading books
We are trying to re-energise our school reading books and so would ask that we hold a book amnesty. Please look around at home and see if you have ‘extra’ reading books which belong to school. We would be grateful for their return.
Sad news
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the sudden death of Tracy Ryan, one of our school governors. Tracy had a long association with William Ransom, being one of the original pupils when the school opened in 1972. She was a parent whilst her three boys attended here; an active member of the SPA and in recent years she continued her association with the school as a School Governor.
Tracy will be sadly missed by us all and our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Jez and their sons, Mitchell, Spencer and Harrison.
500 Words writing competition
Once again BBC Radio 2 are running their 500 Words writing competition. This is a lovely competition to enter over half term. This is completely optional but it does compliment the work we have been doing in school on promoting writing across the school. The children will need your permission to submit their stories online and they can also send me a copy to head@wransom.herts.sch.uk and I will put a book of stories together to celebrate them all.
Golf Society
The William Ransom Golf Society continues to be a flourishing group of golfers who meet regularly to enjoy a few hours on the golf course. Following their recent AGM I am delighted to accept £400 for the school. Thank you to them
They have set out their plans for the year ahead and if you are a keen golfer or you know a keen golfer you might like to join them!
Friday 31st March
Friday 5th May
Friday 23rd June
Friday 4th August
Golf on Tour – 29th September – 1st October.
If you would like to know more about The William Ransom Golf Society please contact Richard Nugent, Chairman, on richard04n@aol.com or 07584 642402 and he would be pleased to give you more information
Free School Meals
Do you think you might be entitled to Free School Meals? There is a difference between ‘Universal Free School Meals’ which all KS1 children are entitled to and Free School Meals which will trigger funding for the school if you are eligible. The chart below shows the entitlement to this funding not just for free school meals but also for the remission of music fees.
If you think you might be entitled to something please come in and speak to either me or someone in the office. All matters of this nature are dealt with in a confidential manner. As a school we benefit from this funding so I would urge you to apply, even if your child is in KS1 and you already receive free school meals.
I hope you all have a lovely half term break and I look forward to welcoming you back into school on Monday 20th February.
Yours sincerely
Mary Driver