|
My blog is into its third year
2012-2013.
Summer term
Week 6
Pret a Portrait will be taking photographs of the children with siblings on Monday morning.
I will be out of school on Monday at a Personnel meeting for Headteachers from Cheshire East.
The Governors are holding an Academy discussion meeting after school on Monday.
KS 1 are looking forward to their sports day on Tuesday afternoon.
Year 6 will be having their trip to Wacky Woods on Wednesday and it is well deserved after their busy week!
On Friday we will be having our once every 7 years - whole school photograph.
I wish you all a great half term holiday. The children have worked very hard this half term and staff will be writing the end of year reports in June.
Week 5
It was Sats week for Year 6 - all the children did their very best. We are proud of you all for working so hard.
Two classes went on school trips this week - Year 4 to the Salt Museum and Reception to Stockley Farm.All the children enjoyed themselves.
We held a Class Representatives meeting on Wednesday evening at 7pm.Thank you for your suggestions. The minutes will be coming out shortly.
I had a meeting with our Middays on Thursday morning for our half termly get together.
We will be announcing the name of the KS2 show in assembly on Friday and also giving out merit certificates and superstar smiles awards too.
Week 4
I hope you had a great Bank holiday? The weather was kind to us.
Well done to the children who sang at the Village Fair on Sunday - Miss Whittingham and Mr Kirk attended too.
Year 3 had two super, sunny days at Tattenhall enjoying their "Black and White" theme and lots of fresh air on the huge field. Thank you to the teachers and Teaching Assistants who accompanied them and visited in the evening.
Year 4 were awarded their swimming badges in assembly from 10 metres up to 800 metres. Well done to you all Mrs Bailey is delighted with your achievements during the year.
We had a Heroes and Heroines assembly on Wednesday. Do pop in and have a look at the book. All the children in Year 6 were particularly praised for their positive and grown up attitude towards their sats assessments, which will be taking place next week. They are a great group of students and we are proud of them all - good luck.
I enjoyed working with Year 2 on Wednesday afternoon. We were focussing on reading comprehension.
I was at Middlewich Primary school on Thursday my monthly e-Caph meeting. It is useful sharing good ideas and finding out about initiatives across Cheshire East schools.
Congratulations to all the children across the partnership who played in the cricket tournament on Thursday. I am delighted to say that we have another trophy in the cabinet.
Have you seen Hermitage in the local paper? We are on the front page of the Sandbach Chronicle and feature inside with bike week photographs.
Good luck to the Dad's at the football match on Sunday - have fun!
Week 3 - bike week don't forget your bikes or scooters
A student has been working in the Reception class this week.
Reverend Kirk led assembly on Monday for the whole school.
Years 1 and 6 worked with sports coaches on Monday afternoon.
The School Council met on Monday afternoon - see their minutes on the School Council page
I met with our Catering superviser. She has some exciting new ideas.
On Wednesday the Headteachers from our partnership of 8 schools met at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive.
Our Workplace and Environment Governors committee met on Wednesday at 4.30pm.
We had the cup match against Holmes Chapel Primary after school on Wednesday. Well played everyone and congratulations to Holmes Chapel who retained the cup winning 3-0.
Our Teaching and Learning Governors committee met at 4pm on Thursday. Mrs Bailey gave a presentation about science developments at Hermitage over the last 2 terms.
PTFA meeting at 7.30pm where we discussed future events including the quiz night and summer fair.
Mr Bevan gave a WOW(World of Work) assembly on Friday morning for the whole school about his job as a mechanic in the army and his job at JCB. The children listened intently and asked some interesting comments. Have a look in the visitors book in the Entrance Hall for his comments following the assembly. We have more planned this term.
I took our four Year 5 and 6 school councillors to a meeting at HCCS about the Parliament trip on Friday afternoon. I showed them photographs of the planned day following my risk assessment of the trip.
Week 2
The Governors held a meeting for parents on Monday to discuss academy schools.
On Tuesday the children wore their uniforms in celebration of St George's Day.
I went to London for 2 days this week to visit the Academy Show at the Excel Arena and also to carry out the risk assessment
for our School Council Parliament trip. It was really helpful giving me the opportunity to listen to schools who have gone through the process.
I visited Year 5 this week to look at their work all about rivers and poetry.
I worked with some Year 2 children with their reading this week and will continue for 6 weeks.We are focussing on reading comprehension.
The Governors Leadership and Management committee took place at 4.30pm on Thursday.
On Saturday morning we would like volunteers to help in the wildlife garden - laying a path. Please let Mrs Bryan know if you are coming along. Also Mr Rowland will be on the playground carrying out checks on bikes. Bike week starts on Monday 29th April.
Week 1
I hope that you had a lovely Easter break and are ready for the busy term ahead?
Welcome to Mrs Chambers,our new bursar, whilst Mrs Chadwick is on maternity leave.
We have some new Easter arrivals into the Reception class - can you guess?
Our staff meeting on Monday introduced staff to our new website and how to use it.
The rocket men returned on Wednesday to work with Years 5 and 6.
I went my monthly E-Caph meeting on Thursday.
I enjoyed spending time in Reception, Year 1 and Year 4 classes this week looking at how hard you are all working.
Week 11 - finishing on Thursday 28th March
Assembly on Monday was led by the School Council.
I visited Brereton Primary later that morning too.
Parent's evenings were held on Monday and Wednesday with the book fair in the hall.
The Golden Time party took place on Tuesday afternoon with 97% of the children having lost no Golden Time this term - well done.
Children from KS2 performed in the Spring music concert on Tuesday evening with highlights from the 2 windbands and the many soloists. Well done to you all - a great evening.
Years 5 and 6 had a talk from the "Rocket Man " on Thursday and they are building their own rockets over the holidays.
End of term assembly - with effort trophies and 100% attendance certificates for 65 children took place too.
We wish Mrs Chadwick all the very best as she goes off on maternity leave.
Happy Easter everyone and we look forward to seeing the children for the start of the summer term on Monday 15th April.
Week 10
The children enjoyed the exciting "Science and Engineering Week" with the stardome visiting school.
The book fair started this week - Thank you to the PTA for running it.
I held termly Pupil Progress meetings with staff in preparation for parents meetings next week.
Year 5 went to Hawkshead in the Lake District - we were glad to see them back from their snowy setting.
I met with Class Representatives on Thursday evening and they made some helpful suggestions with questions from you.
The Easter Egg bingo was lots of fun - thanks to the PRA for organising and Mrs Birch for being caller.
Do send us a question about Academy status if you would like to and/or come to the parents meeting on Monday 22nd April at 7pm to hear a presentation from our Chair of Governors - Mr Janes
Week 8/9 - Fairtrade Fortnight
Our annual Health and Safety review with Cheshire East took place on Monday afternoon. We passed with flying colours.
They said our H and S systems were robust.
The Governors held a Finance meeting on Tuesday morning before the Full meeting next week.
The Fairtrade Committee sold juice and biscuits on Tuesday and Thursday breaktime.
I had a lovely time teaching Reception on Wednesday afternoon as Mrs Vernon was on a course.
I was very impressed with their handwriting.
On Thursday I went to Middlewich Primary school for an E-CAPH meeting.
It was World Book Day on Friday - I read one of my favourite stories in assembly. Have the children told you about it?
I made a prop to go with it. Next time you are in the Entrance see if you can see it?
Years 2 and 3 sold biscuits for St Luke's Hospice and our South African school at breaktime on Friday.
Red Nose Day celebrations - odd shoes!
Week 7 - Fairtrade Fortnight
I hope you all had a good half term?
The Fairtrade committee opened the week with a Fairtrade assembly which we all enjoyed. They sold biscuits and juice on Tuesday and Thursday raising over a £100 pounds.
Miss Wilson led a staff meeting about grammar in children's writing which was really helpful for future planning.
Some 6th formers from Sir John Deane's College performed a drama for Year 6 entitled "Sticks and Stones" - an anti-bullying workshop on Tuesday morning. This was to support our Year 6 transition into Secondary School.
Our School Improvement Partner - Mr Evans carried out lesson observations in Year 2, 3 and Year 6 on Wednesday morning with members of the leadership team.
The mobile library visited Hermitage on Thursday.
I held a Lunchtime Assistants meeting on Thursday morning; we discussed the role of the Year 6 Play Leaders.
On Friday I completed the risk assessment for the trip to Parliament in June for some of the members of our School Council.
Years 6 and Reception sold biscuits for the local Hospice and our South African partner school.
Year 6 had a dress down day as they had been winners in the playground behaviour competition last term - well done!
Week 6
Shrove Tuesday assembly this week - some super pancake flippers in KS1.
Reception parents came to lunch on Tuesday - all classes have now had their parents come for lunch. We will let you know how many took up this opportunity.
I am delighted to tell you that Mrs Chambers will be taking on the role of school Bursar during Mrs Chadwick's maternity leave.
I went to Gawsworth school for a Cheshire East meeting about attendance. I will be talking with Governors and our local schools
about the issue of parents taking holidays in term time.
Year 5 sold Valentine biscuits on Friday to support fundraising for South Africa.I am looking forward to hearing how much money thay raised for this worthwhile cause.
I would like to wish you a happy half term.
Week 5
I hope that you have had a look on the News section of the website to see our visitor last Monday?
At 4.15pm on Monday we had a Workplace and Environment Governors meeting.
We welcomed Year 1 parents for lunch on Tuesday.
The PTA held a Film Night on Friday from 6.30pm to 8pm -Hotel Transylvania.Thank you to the 4 members of staff who attended. The PTFA tell me that they raised £350 - well done and thank you for organising it.
Red Nose Day and World Book Day are coming up - details will be coming out soon.
Week 4
On Monday after school we changed the displays in the hall and the entrance hall - shape and pattern. I hope you like the new displays.
The new interactive whiteboards have been fitted for Years 1, 3, 4 and 6 on Tuesday and Wednesday this week - how exciting!
Year 2 parents had lunch with us on Tuesday.
I carried out the risk assessment for Film Night with Mrs Bevan on Wednesday.I think the evening is now full!
All the teachers went to Goostrey School on Wednesday after school for a staff meeting about Able and Talented learning. We got lots of ideas for challenges for your children.
I went to meeting at Hungerford Primary on Thursday - "Primary First Access Protocol"discussing the placement of children across Cheshire East.
Reports went out for the parents of children in Years 1 and 2 on Friday.
Well done to the footballers who played at Crewe Alex and at HCCS - A and B teams who represented their school. We are into the next round of the cup match - to be held next Friday.
Week 3
Still a covering of snow and ice on the playground for first three days of the week so we had to keep the children safe and inside. By Thursday they were out and about again.
Year 6 had lots of fun at the "Chemistry with Cabbage" workshop all day Monday.
We had 20 parents with children from Years 3 and 4 who enjoyed their lunches on Tuesday.
I was at HCCS on Wednesday with local Headteachers. We looked at their building plans.
A Teaching and Learning Governors meeting was held at 4.15pm on Wednesday.
3 members of staff attended writing courses this week with lots of positve feedback and ideas to bring back to the classroom.
A Leadership and Management meeting was held on Thursday at 4.15pm followed by Class Representatives meeting at 7pm.
You will be receiving the minutes from them shortly.
Reports went out for the parents of children in Years 3 to 6 on Friday.
Education Sunday will be held at the Methodist church on Sunday 27th January.
Snow is falling as I update this blog!
Week 2
I had a meeting on Monday about school admissions in Middlewich. Our staff meeting was about outdoor learning and we could hear the rain driving down on the roof.
We welcomed 20 Year 5 and 6 parents to lunch on Tuesday this week. There were many positive comments about the portion size, quality of food and tastiness.
I went to the MEN Arena on Wednesday evening supporting our children singing in the Young Voices concert.Thank you to the PTFA who paid for the coach. The children joined with over 7,000 other children from the NW to sing in this spectacular venue.
On Thursday I went to Middlewich to the Headteachers Executive meeting and the PTFA meeting at 7pm. We discussed the film night, Easter Egg bingo and other fundraising events. Next week 4 new interactive whiteboards will be delivered and fitted. Thank you to the PTFA for funding these too.
Friday brought the arrival of the snow. The children loved playing on the field.
Week 1
INSET day on Monday 7th January - the staff wrote interim reports for Year 1 to Year 6 children. These will go out in the next few weeks.
The Phonics workshop for parents on Thursday 10th January was well attended. Thank you to Mrs Cox for leading it.The powerpoint presentation is on the front page of the school website.
I met with the School Council on Thursday we are putting together ideas for our cake sale.
On Friday I met (along with 14 other local Headteachers)Fiona Bruce our MP about education cuts and our deep concerns about the implications on school budgets. She has requested a private meeting with Mr Gove to share our discussions.
SPRING TERM 2013
Week 15
We had a great time at the panto on Monday. The children all enjoyed seeing Cinderella and the flying horse!
The Christmas Service at the Methodist Church on Tuesday afternoon was very special and the children sang beautifully.
Well done to the Year 6 with their Bible readings of the Christmas story.
The KS2 Carol Concert at school on Tuesday evening at 6.30pm was packed with family and friends. The choir, 2 windbands and instrumentalists all performed so confidently. It was a real joy.
The KS1 party on Tuesday and KS2 party on Wednesday were noisy affairs with lots of food and games.
Om the last day of term on Thursday - effort trophies and 100% attendance certificates awarded in assembly.
On behalf of the staff and Governors I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We will look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Tuesday 8th January 2013.
Week 14
Thank you for supporting the Christmas Fair on Friday evening - it certainly was busy. I particularly enjoyed the fairtrade hot chocolate - thank you to the committee and Mrs Pulle. The PTFA worked really hard making it such a successful event and a big thank you to the 13 staff and Governors who gave their time too. The PTFA have told me that approximately £3,500 was raised - fantastic.
I call this Nativity week - the dress rehearsal, afternoon and evening performances of the KS1 Christmas production. I enjoyed the production so much. The children had such fun and the singing and acting were super. We feature in the Knutsford Guardian and the Chronicle say we will be on their front page.
Also the Chronicle took photographs for a school report - Year 6 with their recipe book (the business enterprise), Year 5 and their Greek sandles and Year 2's Minpin trees. Look out for these.
Thank you Mrs Whitmore and Miss Johnson for cooking a lovely Christmas dinner. 160 children enjoyed the festive fayre. Thank you to the PTFA who provided the crackers.
More prospective parents came around this week - five possible families for September 2013.
We have carried out pupil progress meetings each afternoon where I met with class teachers and discussed how each child is getting on. Thank you to the staff for their detailed information and to pupils for working so hard this term.
We said good bye and good luck to Mrs Ellis on Thursday(Teaching Assistant in Year 1) as she moved onto a new school closer to home.
Our School Council met on Friday - we talked about the cake sale which we are planning for the Spring Term to help raise money for our South African school's kitchen.
Week 13
You probably saw the childrens pictures in the newsletter? The boccia tournament went so well.
Our eco talk at Cranage Hall on Friday was enjoyed by 75 teachers from Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington schools.
They were so impressed by the confidence shown by the children.
I really enjoyed the choir singing at the Christmas market in Holmes Chapel on Sunday afternoon. So many lovely comments from the general public including, "It has really started my Christmas".
This week I met with Mr Rowland an ex parent to talk about cycling at Hermitage and some ideas for 2013 which will encourage
this great sport.
I visited Etruscan Primary on Tuesday afternoon and talked with the Headteacher of our partner school. We are hoping that they will visit Hermitage in the summer again.
On Wednesday I met with our Lunchtime Assitants for our regular half termly meeting. We talked about playtime rewards which we are introducing - star of the playground, star of the dining room and star at wet lunchtime.
I showed prospective parents around school for September 2013.
Our School Council, Mrs Whitmore and I held a meeting to discuss school dinners on Friday.We welcomed Charlie onto the School Council from Year 3. I will put the minutes onto the School Council site.
Christmas Fair on Friday evening at 6.30pm - do come along.
We are all looking forward to the Christmas nativity next week.
Week 12
Key Stage 1 are beginning to put their nativity play together this week. It is lovely hearing their singing.
I am working with our Eco group in Years 5 and 6 this week - Mrs Bryan and I are talking about "Sustainability - our journey" at Cranage Hall on Friday morning. It includes biodiversity, school grounds, healthy living, global perspectives, recycling, transport and more.
On Wednesday another group of children are at HCCS in a boccia tournament - Year 6 - good luck.
The teachers are carrying out learning walks for 3 mornings this week - all having the opportunity to spend some time in eachothers classrooms and look at children's progress since September. Mrs Lewis is covering the classes.
Week 11
Reverend Kirk led assembly on Monday. She talked about making the right choices.
Several prospective parents visited school this week. They were most impressed by what they saw and the behaviour of the children.
Year 1 enjoyed their visit to Holmes Chapel library. All taking a boook home to share with their families.
Mrs Lewis and I met with 14 Year 5 parents at 6pm on Wednesday and we talked about our plans for a French trip
next September.
Each class was represented at Class Representatives meeting on Wednesday at 7pm.We will send out the minutes from the meeting next week. Thank you for your kind comments and suggestions.
Many parents attended the phonics twilight meeting at 3.45pm on Thursday and Mrs Clow and Mrs Bailey looked after 28 children/toddlers in the creche. The powerpoint is on the website. We hope you find it helpful. If you couldn't make that meeting
we will be running it again on Thursday 10th January at 7pm.
Week 10
I led two assemblies on Monday - we learnt some new games to play at playtime.
Pret a Portrait - school photographer came in on Tuesday.
I really enjoyed taking 4 Year 3 and 4 Year 4 children to HCCS to play Boccia. They did so well both scoring 9 points.
We were first in one group and second in the other.
I attended Holmes Chapel Comprehensive for the Executive Headteachers meeting on Wednesday.
Polling Day was on Thursday - school closed - staff INSET day.
KS1 and KS2 School discos on Friday. Thanks to Mr Kirk and staff for their contributions to the event.
Miss Whittingham tells me that the children sang beautifully at the Shoebox Service at the Methodist Church on Saturday.
See News for item on Remembrance Day
Congratulations to the A Team who won the Year 5/6 football league cluster cup. Thank you to Mr Dow their coach in the picture too. We cheered them on through their 4 tough matches. Well played everyone. It was a chilly evening but so enjoyed by parents and players.
Jubillant A Team Well done to the B team who reached the finals of the Shield Cup.
 All celebrating together.
Week 9
Learning Walks Week - where members of staff have the opportunity to visit each others' classrooms and share good practice.
The caretaker, site maintenance officer and I carried out a full premises health and safety walkabout.
We welcomed 13 families at Open Morning on Tuesday.
I met with our Midday Assistants on Wednesday for our half termly meeting.
Full Governors Meeting on Wednesday at 4.15pm and a talk for parents about South Africa at 6.30pm.
We had a useful PT FA meeting on Thursday planning for the disco and Christmas Fair.
We are packing up the Operation Christmas Child boxes on Friday morning.
Week 8
The children were shown a film about bonfire safety in assembly on Friday.
I interviewed for a new Catering Supervisor and I am delighted to tell you from next week Mrs Whitmore will be our new Catering Superviser.
We were assessed for the renewal of our Basic Skills Quality Mark on Wednesday. We await their decision.
I attended the monthly Headteachers meeting at Middlewich Primary school in my position within the Cheshire East Primary Executive Committee.
Year 3 visited Chester as part of their Romans project. They had a great day - if rather cold.
HALF TERM
Week 7
Parents evenings were held on Monday and Wednesday. Thank you for coming along and chatting to your child's class teacher and Teaching Assistant.
I met with the Headteacher at Holmes Chapel Primary and representatives from the Dane Meadow project on Thursday morning.
We have made some plans for the future including a logo competition and a walk around the site.
Our School Council met on Friday afternoon and they will be talking to the children in assembly about their ideas.
Well done to the footballers for getting into the finals.
Enjoy your half term holiday and see you on Monday 29th October.
Week 6
I took 2 assemblies outside in our covered area this morning because the weather was so sunny and bright - the children loved it!
One comment from a Reception child was, "Your assembly was awesome." - a reminder why it is great being a Headteacher.
Staff appraisal will be taking place over the next two weeks.
We have a Governors meeting - Workplace and Environment on Wednesday after school.
I am at my monthly Cheshire East Headteachers meeting at Middlewich Primary on Thursday.
We have meetings about ICT and spending the money raised by the PTFA on new smartboards for several classes.
Week 5
A really useful 2 hour staff meeting was led by Rebecca Holland (Maths consultant). We focused on practical maths activities
and different ways of using and applying maths. The teachers are trying out the tips.
We held a Governors Teaching and Learning committee meeting which included discussing the school development plan.
What a great day it was on Friday - the French day. Look out for us in the local papers. The children practised speaking French and they liked wearing their red, white and blue. The pain au chocolat was particularly popular. Merci Monsieur et Madame Collier.
Week 4
Our School Improvement Partner visited school on Tuesday. He observed lessons in 5 classes and was most impressed by what he saw. The children have settled well into their new classes and high quality learning is taking place.
19 Year 6 children left for France with 5 staff. Have a great time!
I'm meeting with Mrs Bevan - planning for the PTFA events.
Weeks 2 and 3
PTFA AGM
Year 4 to Burwardsley
25th September - I feel very lucky to have spent 9 days in South Africa. Our visit to our partnership school in Johannesburg was filled with so many emotions. We were welcomed by the children marching up the road waving flags, banging drums and singing. What a welcome! We talked with staff about the education system in SA. We talked with children about their favourite things about their school - our teachers, our learning and feeling safe at school. So similar to our children. They were packed into classrooms ranging from mid 40's to 71 in one classroom with 1 teacher.
They performed a drama and sang beautifully to us. We helped serve their lunch - pap (a maize dish) and soya bean stew. We took a brightly coloured parachute with us to play games on their field. They were so excited with it. We unveiled a plaque and planted 2 trees - supporting their grounds development project. They have created a friendship area where learners can talk with staff if they have any concerns or worries. They had washing lines strung up in classrooms with labels and pictures - another idea Paul and Pinky had brought with them after their visit to Hermitage in June. Mrs Carter and I had the very best of times. At the weekend we were taken to Nelson Mandela's house, the Hector Peterson Museum and a lion park. We are planning to hold an evening for parents and children after half term to share our photographs and stories with you. I will be leading a series of assemblies for the children this term about the visit.
Week 1
5th September - It's great to have the children back into school. They all looked so smart in their uniforms in assembly this morning. We are talking about the Olympics this week and we are very fortunate to have Anna Watkins the gold medal rower from London 2012. She will be talking to the children on Friday. See news section for photos.
She led an assembly and the children acted out a drama - rowing an 8 man boat! She went around all the classes signing autographs and talked to the press too. Thank you Anna for taking the time to visit hermitage and really inspire the children.
Our welcome meetings begin on Friday at 9am. Please see calendar for dates.
The weather forecast looks hopeful for the ECO FUN day - I hope to see you there between 12 and 2pm.
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................
This is my blog of events which happen week by week during the
New School Year 2011-2012
Happy holidays!
It has been a great year and I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of it.
Congratulations to our Year 6 - you worked really hard for your sats assessments and the results were as follows -
Mainstream children
Level 4+ Reading - 100% Level 5 Reading - 62%
Level 4 + Writing - 100% Level 5 Writing - 38%
Level 4 + Maths - 100% Level 5 –Maths - 67%
Level 4+ Science - 100% Level 5 Science - 62%
Including Special Needs children
Level 4+ Reading – 86% Level 4 + Writing – 76% Level 4 + Maths - 86% Level 4+ Science – 86%
The last week of the school year
We had a busy final week.
Parents Evening was from 3.30pm-6pm on Monday. Thank you for taking the time to come and thank your child's class teacher and Teaching Assistant and meet their new teacher. We had so many positive comments in end of year reports too.
Mrs Bevan and I are met with Mr Bethell planning for the eco-day on 8th September - 12 to 2pm. Hopefully you will see the advertising signs around the village. Lots of groups are coming including Stockley Farm and Lower Moss Wood. There will be den building, allotment activities, a treasure hunt, wood carving, local bee keepers. Do come on your bike, scooter or roller skates and leave the car at home (if you can).
On Tuesday we welcomed our friends from Etruscan Primary school in Stoke on Trent. We had a picnic and played on the field. They liked looking around our school.
Mr Collier dropped off our 2 exhibits for the RHS Tatton Park show - the Queen's Lunchbox and a trug with cut vegetables and herbs from the allotment. I went to see them on the Saturday of the show. We received super letters of congratulations from the organisers and judges.
On Thursday evening we held our Leavers Assembly. It was a special occasion and Mr Janes our Chair of Governors spoke about the many successes of the children during their time at Hermitage. We wish all the children good luck for the future.
On Friday 20th July we had our final assembly and awarded the trophies for the year and final merit certificates.
On behalf of myself, Governors and staff I would like to wish you all a happy, sunny summer holiday with lots of success for our athletes at the London 2012 games. We will look forward to welcoming your children back to Hermitage on Wednesday 5th September.
Here are a few snaps I took at the fair on Saturday. Can you see yourself?
I enjoyed my fairtrade smootie. A burger anyone? Having fun
New recruits Spraying hair Au Revoir
One of our winners hook a duck A tasty burger!
in the Olympic challenge
Clowning about Having her nails painted too I couldn't open the chest!
Olympic torch making stall Careful work We used to come to Hermitage!
Now Oliver is Head Boy at HCCS
Week 12
We will be enjoying the dress rehearsal, afternoon and two evening performances of the Lion King this week - good luck everyone. Pupil progress meetings with each class teacher throughout the week are taking place in final preparation for reports going out on Friday. A meeting about planning our South African trip- on Wednesday afternoon. Our School Improvement Partner makes his termly visit on Friday. The P.T.A. Summer Fair will be held on Saturday from 12 to 2. Do come along and join in with the Olympic fun.
Week Year 5 dancers
Year 4 dancers - zebras and flamingos
Andy from the Up and Under Group showed the children the Olympic Torch in assembly on Monday. He carried it in Crewe. All the children got to hold the torch - a piece of history!
I have read and commented on 5 out of the 7 classes reports this week. It is great to see the children moving on so well. Final plans for the summer fair were discussed at our PTFA meeting on Thursday and beginning to think about next year - AGM on 20th September at 7.30pm in Class 5. We held out final CLass Representatives meeting of the year last week. There was lots of praise for the successful and well organised Sports Days. I will be hearing about the discos on Monday.
Week 10
A week entertaining our South African visitors - what a week it was for us all at Hermitage.
We met at Manchester airport at 4pm 
and drove to Warrington where they stayed for their first 2 nights. 11 Warrington and 4 Cheshire schools were involved in the partnership. On Saturday morning we took them to a training session at the Warrington Wolves ground - Miss Kingston our caretaker came along too.
In the afternoon Mrs CLow took Ms Mofokeng and Mr Khoza around Liverpool visiting the Albert Dock and museums around there.
On Sunday Miss Wilson, Mrs Carter and Mrs Grunner took them to the Dewa Centre in Chester and they walked around the city walls.
For the next 5 days they spent their time in school. Mr Khoza(Deputy Headteacher) led an assembly and showed the children photographs of the school in Johannesburg. They have 1348 pupils aged 6 to 14 years in 33 classes. They visited each class and the children asked them questions including - what their day was like, what their homes were like, which sports they played, did they go on trips?, are all the pupils in your school black?, do children have homework, why do you need security around school?
It was a a real opportunity for our children to learn so much about life in a school in South African from the people working there. They presented each class with a South African flag - the rainbow nation.
They were so impressed with our school sports day on Monday afternooon and presented the awards. The morning at the Bridgewater Hall with the windbands was a highlight of the week. 1300 children playing with the Halle orchestra. Congratulations to the children taking part - a really special occasion. We took them to Macclesfield Academy to see a secondary school. Also they went on a canal boat along the Bridgewater Canal at Lymm. So they had a really full few days.
Week 9
Rehearsing for our annual KS2 show is well underway. This year we are performing "The Lion King" - so there will be lots of familiar songs and music.
Year 6 went Holmes Chapel Comprehensive on Tuesday for their second transition days - exciting times.
47 children sang at the Cheshire Show on Wednesday in the sunshine. A super time was had by all.
2 children from Year 5 have been invited to a history day for able and talented at the Blackden Trust on Thursday.
Children from Years 3,4,5 and 6 are taking part in a Mini Olympics Competition at Holmes chapel Comprehensive on Thursday - good luck! Sadly cancelled due to weather.
On Friday afternoon I drive to Manchester airport to pick up our South African visitors who will be spending time during the next week with us - including watching Sports Day, going to the Bridgewater Hall to play with the Halle and observing classes.
Week 8
Our French visitors arrived at Liverpool airport on Monday evening.
Year 6 were at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School on Tuesday - a transition day. They really enjoyed their day especially the science lesson with bunsen burners!
Our french pen pals arrived at Hermitage on Wednesday - Bonjour. We held a welcome assembly for them with our classes singing songs in French. Year 6 delivered a powerpoint about their stay in Anthy sur Leman last September. It was a special occasion and enjoyed by all.
Year 5 had bikeability training on Thursday and Friday - have fun.
Year 6 and the french children spent the day at Tatton Park on a Victorian themed day on Thursday. We had a great time. Here are some photographs of the children dressed up and making scones.
I am meeting with Les Gilbert - a Cheshire East Councillor,the Head of Transport for Cheshire East and our Chair of Governors about the parking outside school on Friday.
Year 3 will entertain us with their dance which they put together at Tattenhall.
Are you planning to come to the campout on Saturday ?- fingers crossed for better weather.
HALF TERM
What a damp half term!
I spent a few days in London at the Queen's Jubilee celebrations. The highlight was the river pageant.
Week 7
We were so lucky with the weather for the KS1 sports afternoon on Monday.
The Jubilee "Big Lunch" on Wednesday was such fun. The children looked great in red, white and blue. See the news section of the website for photographs. Thank you to the kitchen staff and lunchtime assistants for all their hard work and for dressing up.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the torch in Macclesfield, Knutsford or Congleton.
Friday 1st of June - Staff INSET day.
Enjoy your half term holidays.
Week 6
Walk to School week - do try to walk to school at least once this week or park a short distance away and walk.
I am showing more parents around school this week.
The Governors have a finance meeting on Tuesday.
I have a regular meeting with the School Council.
Reverend Kirk will be taking assembly on Wednesday.
I am meeting with the Headteachers from Holmes Chapel Primary and Goostrey Primary to share ideas.
I am looking forward to joining Year 3 at Tattenhall at the end of the week.
Year 6 have a road safety talk on Friday.
Out and about in the grounds last week with the allotment club and helping with the vegetables which will be part of our RHS display in July.
William in the willow tunnel, the bug hotel and wildlife garden
Sweetcorn, cabbage and celery in the greenhouse - all doing well.
Week 5
Well Done Holmes Chapel for winning the cup match. It was good match - both teams played really well. We are playing Indoor cricket on Monday after school - good luck Years 5 and 6.
Sats week for Year 6 - good luck you have prepared well - be confident.
Class Representatives and PTFA meetings on Thursday evening.
I'm showing prospective parents around on Wednesday.
Last week we heard that two more children will be joining our school shortly in Reception and Year 3.
We will be encouraging the children to Walk to School on the week beginning 21st May.
Week 4
Congratulations to Miss Simson who has been appointed our Catering Supervisor.
I spent quite a lot of time fascinated watching the chicks in the nest on Bank Holiday Monday. I think I counted at least 6.
I am at a Local Leader in Education meeting on Tuesday but I will be back in plenty of time to watch the football Cup Match between Hermitage and Holmes Chapel Primary. Good luck to both teams.
On Wednesday I am at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive at our regular Executive meeting - where 7 Primary H/T colleagues meet.
After school staff are meeting with Governors to talk about English, Maths and Science developments in the curriculum.
Thursday takes me to Middlewich Primary to my monthly Cheshire East Primary Headteachers meeting.
Mrs Carter and I go to a meeting in Warrington in the evening to discuss the itinerary for our South African visitors in June.
A finance meeting on Friday with the Governors and meeting with the School Council round off the week.
(I am disappointed that it has been necessary to send out a letter to parents regarding the illegal parking around school. Please consider the safety of all our children. I have contacted Happy Days too in an effort to communicate with the families of all children using Hermitage Drive and roads around school for parking. A walking to school initiative will be led by the School Council in each class.)
Week 3
I hope you found the feedback from the parents questionnaire helpful?
Please send back your interest in the Year 6 French trip for this September by this Friday. We have about 18 pupils at present.
This week I watched a phonics lesson. Thank you to Year 1 for working so hard.
I was really impressed by both KS1 and KS2 pupils in assembly. We talked about being safe in school and in the school grounds.
I met with Mrs Bevan and we carried out the risk assessment for the pudding evening(eating too much!)
I was on the allotment on Tuesday. We had lots of help from Year 2 pupils - excellent at digging. They planted peas too.
We had a Governors meeting on Wednesday. Are you interested in the Parent Governor vacancy?
Week 2
The St Georges Day Assembly was led by the cub leader Alison. She talked about the special day. 76 children were wearing their rainbow, cubs, guides or brownies uniforms and an additional 24 are part of those organisations.We have put up a display in the hall to celebrate the occasion.
22 parents from Year 3 and 4 classes stayed for lunch on Wednesday and enjoyed the roast dinner or homemade quiche. Leeks and rhubarb from the allotment were very tasty.
Evidence of the potatoes shooting in the recycling bags which we planted just before the Easter holidays.
We held 2 Governors meetings after school - Teaching and Learning and Leadership and Management.
This week I have met with all the teachers class by class to talk about the individual progess of pupils.
On Saturday 28th April a group of parents and children worked really hard at the "Big Tidy Up" in the school grounds? We are getting ready for the Jubilee celebrations and we would like our school grounds to look really special. We were weeding, moving bark chippings,digging and sorting out the willow tunnel. Is that Mr Kirk? Thank you so much to those who gave up some time on a sunny day in April!
Week 1
Welcome back everyone. I hope you had a lovely Easter break.
While we were on holiday our blue tit in the nesting box in the woodland has been busy.I counted 7 eggs yesterday - so keep your fingers crossed and keep watching the webcam.
We would like to welcome Mrs Poole who will be with us for 8 weeks in Year 1 on a student placement.
This week Reverend Kirk took assembly on Tuesday.
I met with the Headteachers from Holmes Chapel Primary and Goostrey at our regular half termly get together sharing good ideas.
Mrs Lewis and I talked to parents and children on Wednesday evening about plans for the annual trip to France in September for Year 6 pupils. Thank you for coming along. It was good seeing so many of you are interested.
On Thursday I spent the day at Middlewich Primary School at my monthly CAPH meeting(Cheshire Assosciation of Primary Headteachers). I am the representative for the Holmes Chapel and Partnership group. We discussed attendance, budgets, SEN and training needs for headteachers.
On Friday Mrs Bryan and I met with Hazel Sutcliffe who is a local bee keeper. She will now be visiting Year 3 next week to talk about her bees. Some of you may know her; she had a stall and sold honey at the eco funday last September. She also talked to us about the Holmes Chapel Partnership - Cycling Village Project. Our Year 5 pupils will be taking their bikeability course in June.
I spent a great time on Friday afternoon with a group in Mrs List's class planting vegetables - brussel sprouts, carrots, tumbling tomatoes and leeks on the allotment. Already the potatoes which we planted 3 weeks ago are shooting. I'll take my camera up there next week so you can see the developments.
Congratulations to the children who were awarded Hero or Heroine Headteacher badges this week in Friday's assembly. Do have a look at the Heroes and Heroines book in the Entrance Hall is your child featured in it?
Summer Term 2012
Week 11
The Spring Concert was held on Monday evening.It was such a pleasure listening to the talented children playing instruments, singing in the choir and listening to the Year 5 and 6 windband.
We held an end of term assembly and gave out the achievement cups to Zach in Year 1 and Katy in Year 6.
I am pleased to say I gave out a record number of 100% attendance certificates for the term too.
We are all looking forward to "the wedding" tomorrow.
I would like to wish you all a lovely Easter holiday and we will welcome the children back to school on Monday 16th April.
Week 10
Parents evenings on Monday and Wednesday were busy. Thank you for coming along to talk with the teachers and Teaching Assistants about your child's work.
Our Full Governing Body met on Tuesday for it's termly meeting.The minutes will be posted on the website shortly.
It was the last round of the netball tournament after school on Tuesday. Our 14 netball players did really well coming 5th.
Year 5 have had great weather up in the Lake District at Hawkshead. They talked in assembly all about it.
We held a really useful planning meeting about the allotment and school grounds. We have registered to be a part of the RHS Show at Tatton Park with an entry in the schools competition.
Easter Egg Bingo was sold out in advance! It was a noisy evening with lots of Fairtrade Easter eggs being won by the children. Thank you to Mrs Birch and Mrs Bailey for helping. We raised about £500 with Barclays £4£ matching.
Week 9 -
Years 3, 4 and 5 enjoyed activities provided by Shell education during Monday as part of Science week.
Travelling Books arrived on Tuesday with books for the children to buy in our Book Fair. Thank you to parents for running the fair each evening.
KS1 were all on a trip to Underwater Street in Liverpool on Tuesday. They really loved the day.
Years 5 and 6 visited a Jewish synagogue with Mrs Pulle on Tuesday morning. She has written a commentary about it in the newsletter.
I visited Ash Grove Primary in Macclesfield after school on Wednesday on a gardening course - developing your allotment - lots of ideas to take away.
- it included ideas for an Olympic theme which we will be using.
The Life Education Centre visited school for Years 2,4 and 6 on Friday.
An ambulance visited the Reception class on Friday too.
It was hilarious watching the children walking passed my window all bandaged up!
What an exciting week!
Week 8
Fairtrade tuck was sold this week as part of fairtrade fortnight.
Thank you to the committee who made the wonderful 
"take a step" feet shaped biscuits.
High 5's Netball tournament for Years 5 and 6 took place - 2 more rounds to go.
Friends of Hermitage met at 7.30pm on Thursday 8th March. I am looking forward to coming to the Easter Egg Bingo on Friday 23rd March. Fairtrade Easter eggs will be the prizes.
We had our annual Health and Safety review led by a representative from Cheshire East. She described our Health and Safety measures as "very good".
I enjoyed hearing my two little groups of Year 3 readers today. I will be extending this to hear many children reading across the school.
Mrs Clow and I visited Goostrey school to share good practice between the two schools.
On Friday I got on the coach with the Year 4 class to Fenton Manor to meet up with their pen pals. We had a brilliant day taking part in an Olympic sports theme. The children chatted with their pen pals and we are looking forward to seeing them again in the summer at Hermitage.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 days with Year 6 in Wales. They were a credit to the school. The staff at the centre were so impressed with their positive attitude. Thank you to Mr Collier and the staff for giving up so much of their time too.
Day 3 - Mavina, Mr Collier
and Alex sitting on the bridge Jack enjoying the Katy going down the slope
bike ride
Day 2 - rock climbing - On our 4 hour walk this morning Having a well earned break in
Yasmin on the left and crossing a stream the sunshine
Joseph on the right.
In the lounge at Min-Y-Don Emma and Lauren Mavina and Holly rock climbing
Crate climbing
Week 7
I am off to Wales with Year 6 Monday to Thursday. Then back for Fridays visit to Fenton Manor with Year 4. The children will be meeting their pen pals and taking part in an Olympic style sports day. We will be welcoming the children from Stoke to Hermitage in the summer for a picnic on the field.
Week 6
On Monday I met with the School Council.Oliver chairs the meeting very effectively. They have nearly completed a survey about tuck at school. We will let you know the results soon.
On Tuesday I had my first allotment club of 2012. I took a group of very enthusiastic Year 2's and 3's to the allotment. We dug over two raised beds ready to plant the seed potatoes - early crop. We checked the site looking for signs of spring. The trees in the orchard look healthy. The rhubarb is peeping through. A few onions have survived the winter. Sadly one of the boys found a dead frog in the pond. You may have heard about this?
Well done to the children who took part in the athletics on Thursday. You all did really well.
I met with Mrs Scott at Holmes Chapel Primary and representatives from the Parish Council to discuss ideas for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. We are planning"a big lunch" - a street style party on the playground.Do you have any ideas for this special occasion?
Half Term
I hope you all had a great half term?
Week 5
I attended a Headteachers Conference entitled - "Inspirational Leadership". 45 Headteachers from Cheshire East took part.We had workshops on the creative curriculum, school improvement and managing the school budget. It was good getting to know Headteachers who are new to their role.
Mrs Cox and Miss Wilson are attended a useful phonics course on Tuesday afternoon - getting Year 1 ready for their screening in June.
Years 5 and 6 were involved with a fire and rescue experience on Tuesday. I am looking forward to hearing all about it.
The Min-Y-Don (Year 6 residential) parents meeting and the sats meetings for Years 2 and 6 were held on Tuesday evening. I am going with the Year 6 children, Miss Whittingham, Mrs Slater(TA) and Mr Collier(previous Chair of Governors) to Wales.
Miss Whittingham took a group of Year 5 and 6 children on Wednesday to a boccia tournament - well played everyone.
I hope you found your child's interim report helpful with some targets to work on in English and maths.
Week 4
The highlight of the week must be the success of our athletes at the athletics tournament narrowly beating a local primary school by one point. The children looked so proud with their medals around their necks. Congratulations!
The Headteacher from our partnership school Etruscan Primary in Stoke on Trent visited us this week. We planned two events for the Year 4 class who link with her school. The children will be getting together in March for a sporting theme day. Followed by the Etruscan children visiting Hermitage in the summer term for a picnic in our grounds. We are setting up a class blog between the two schools shortly.Please read about our partnerships in Our School- Links with other schools.
An evening for the parents and children who went to France in September was held this week. The cheese and wine(for adults!) were enjoyed. Thanks to Mrs Lewis for organising it. There is a display in the hall with lots of pictures from Anthy sur Leman - our partner school. We will be welcoming their 19 Year 6 in June.
A Community and Environment Governors meeting on Wednesday discussed many topics including the Olympic Torch run, the 3 year plan for our schools partnership, Holmes Chapel Village Events.
Our school improvement partner - John Evans spent the day with us on Thursday. We carried out some learning walks with him - talking to the children and looking at their books. He was very impressed with all he saw.
I met with the Class Representatives on Thursday evening. You will be receiving the minutes soon. It was a very helpful meeting. Thank you for the many positive comments about items such as the Christmas panto, Young Voices MEN visit, payment on line facility, school dinners and class web pages.
Friday afternoon had an unusual occurance - the fire bell went off - not a planned drill. We all evacuated the building in under 2 minutes calmly - counted all children. What had set it off? I was quickly directed to a worried Year 5 child who had been enjoying himself during Golden Time and had accidentally thrown his plastic dart; narrowly missing the dart board and sticking onto the plastic cover on the fire bell - setting it off! We turned his worries into laughter. An end to a busy week.
I do hope you all enjoy the film on Friday night. Thank you to the Friends of Hermitage for organising it. Mrs Bryan, Mrs Bailey and Mrs Carter will be there too.
Education Sunday at the Methodist Church - come along and support the children in KS2 who are singing at the Methodist Church at 10.15 on Sunday 5th February.
P.S. I did see Mr Kirk up a ladder putting a camera in a bird box! Can you guess why?
Week 3
The week started off with a finance meeting with the Governors in the morning. At 5pm Mrs List and I drove to the MEN Arena to watch the Hermitage choir sing as part of the Young Voices choir. It was a great evening with lots of singing, dancing and flashing lights! We will try to put a video together for you soon so you can share the evening with us.
I have been meeting with each of the teachers this week looking at the progress each child is making in the class. I am reading the interim reports too before they go out at half term.Leadership and Management and Teaching and Learning Governors meetings too.
Week 2
Footballers off to Crewe Alex for a tournament on Monday. Well done I hear you played brilliantly and came second.
Do take part in the star gazing with BBC and Brian Cox from Jodrell Bank - Year 5 especially interested as planets is their current topic. Year 5 have created a super video which answers lots of questions which you might have about the Universe!
At our School Council meeting we decided to carry out a survey to see what sort of tuck the children bring to school each week. We will let you know the results soon.
Week 1
We would like to welcome Miss Simson our new Catering Supervisor. Shortly we will be inviting parents back again for lunch with your child.
Thank you to Mr Buckley for building the bike shed - super job!
I enjoyed planning the next few FOH events on Thursday evening at our meeting.
Film night on Friday 3rd February.
Spring Term 2012
Happy New Year to you all.
I hope that you have had a lovely Christmas holiday.
We are looking forward to an exciting term full of opportunities for us all.
Last Day
We had a visitor on the last afternoon of school.
He came with two helpers called James and Jack.
Happy Christmas to you all and a peaceful New Year.
Last week
Monday - Health and Safety meeting with caretaker and site maintenance officer.
KS2 Carol Service at Methodist Church in the afternoon. I enjoyed reading the poem entitled A Christmas Legend.
Christmas dinner on Tuesday was enjoyed by 175 children and staff.
Wednesday was a busy day with a dentist visiting Year 3, the choir singing to Mothers Union in the afternoon and the KS 2 Carol Concert at 6.30pm in the hall.
We had a great time at the Panto. This was a view out of the coach on the way home.
What a surprise!
Week 13
Mike Oliver(Governor) judged the children's jam jar competition last Friday. a picture of the winners will be put onto the FOH webpage. The K S 1 Nativity play was lovely -"Christmas Hoedown". I was particularly impressed with the singing and smiling faces all around.
Governors Forum at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive attended by 2 of our Governors
Making Christmas cards to send to Etruscan school in Stoke, to France and South African partner schools.
Week 12
I attended an annual Health and Safety briefing in Middlewich with Clive Pritchard(Governor) which was useful.
Fire Drill on Monday. The children exited the building sensibly. As a result of the drill we are installing a bell in the outside porch as some children couldn't hear the alarm whilst playing in the playground on a windy day.
I showed around 5 parents for a places in 2012. They were very impressed by school and the behaviour of the children. Final date for applications for a place in September 2012 is 15th January 2012.
I enjoyed looking at children's homework in particular this week. The enthusiasm and effort which is put in by the children for their research projects is superb.
At the Executive meeting at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive I met with Headteacher colleagues from our Partnership. We talked about our three year plan. We are developing a website which you will be able to access shortly. It will celebrate the work which is going on between the 7 primary schools and the comprehensive.
I worked with School Councillors who went on the trip to Houses of Parliament. Their powerpoint is ready to show in assembly in the New Year. They are working on a picture frame which will be displayed in the corridor.
Helen Scott the Headteacher from Holmes Chapel Primary and I plan to meet with a representative from the Parish Council together regarding plans for the Queens Jubilee celebrations in the village.
The Christmas Fair seemed very busy this year. Thank you to the Friends of Hermitage who put in a lot of time and effort into making the event such a success. I would also like to thank the 15 members of staff who helped too. We could not run the variety of stalls we do without your support.
Week 11
"I like seeing how the children use technology in the classrooms. The talk was informative"."I gained knowledge of ICT in the different year groups, and how ICT is used differently for the different ages of children in the school" - two comments from parents following the successful ICT morning last week.The rehearsals are going really well for the nativity play.We carried out the risk assessment for Christmas fair.We appointed a new Teaching Assistant on Friday. She will be working in Year 2. We wish Mrs Freeman all the best as she leaves us and moves on to Holmes Chapel Primary in a Teaching Assistant role.
I thought Christmas had come early on Friday seeing all the festive hats! The recording of the CD in Year 5's classroom was very secretive. Children positioned at the corner with a sign "Silence recording going on". I look forward to listening to my copy. I believe the CD will be played during the fair.
Week 10
The school photographs were taken on Monday - a busy day for all involved.On Tuesday I enjoyed chatting with the Reception class and looking at their Learning Journey books.In the afternoon I took 8 Year 3 and 4 children to the boccia tournament at Chelford. We played really well. Holmes Chapel Primary won the whole tournament - well done to them.
On Wednesday Miss Wilson worked with 30 children from our partnership in a dance day. The children were exhausted by the end, but all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity - I am looking forward to seeing the DVD.
Thursday - Thank you for your generous donations for the Christmas fair on dress down day.
We had a good discussion at the class representatives meeting on Thursday evening including arrangements for the panto, additional date for parents who missed school lunch, apropriate coloured footwear, numbers of pupils in classes and proposed day of strike action - November 30th.
I attended the Annual Governors Conference on Friday with Mr Janes and Mr Cresswell. An inspirational talk from Liz Cross a Canadian expat with 15 years governor experience in Moss Side was the highlight. She reviewed the challenges we face today and some tools we may use for strengthening our contributions.
An Ofsted Inspector summarised the changes which will be coming into place from January 2012 with the new framework. A useful day for us all.
I look forward to hearing about the ICT morning next week. If you have any comments about the morning please e mail me or the school office.
Week 9
Houses of Parliament visit by our year 5 and 6 School Councillors.
Katy, Katie,Oliver and Alex at Crewe Station at 7.30am ready to get on the train to Euston.
Crossing the road from Portcullis House to the Houses of Parliament with a London bus passing by too!
Our whole group - pupils from Brereton, Chelford,Goostrey, Hermitage, Holmes Chapel Primary, Lower Peover, Peover Superior and Holmes Chapel Comprehensive. 30 pupils and 9 staff.
Lunch by the River Thames with the London Eye behind us.
Who is in the suit at the science museum?
A brilliant visit and one we will share with pupils at school in an assembly. Thank you to Miss Pierce from HCCS for leading the visit to London.
Languages Day was launched by a super assembly - year 6 children talked about their trip to France in September with slides illustrating their adventure. Key Stage 1 and Year 4 sang songs in French. Mr and Mrs Collier helped Mrs Lewis in the french cafe in the hall - pain au chocolat and croissants were very popular! Pupils from HCCS helped our children with their conversational french - merci. The children had dressed up in red, white and blue.
Good luck to the choir and windband who are performing at the Methodist Church on Saturday morning in support of Operation Christmas Child. I am looking forward to listening to you. Thank you parents for your generous donations of filled shoe boxes.
Week 8
The INSET day - ICT focus - control, modelling and assessment was really useful for the teachers and teaching assistants helping them increase their knowledge in these areas. We will be trying these out soon.
The Governors Forum meeting at HCCS was attended by Mr Janes and Mr Oliver from Hermitage where they talked about the constitution.
The Student voice afternoon at HCCS was attended by all the children and adults who are going to the Houses of Parliament. A workshop entitled "Your Voice" will be the main focus, followed by a meeting with our local MP, Fiona Bruce and then onto the science museum. The 4 children from Hermitage will lead an assembly on our return to share with the rest of the school.
At the more able and talented meeting we discussed plans for more events including - a dance workshop at Hermitage for Years 5 and 6 - led by Miss Wilson, an arts day for KS1 at Holmes Chapel Primary and a homework evening for parents at Goostrey in the new year.
The PTFA meeting on Thursday 3rd November was well attended with the bonus of a lovely coconut cake! We talked about some of the events coming up including Christmas fair,disco, photograph session on a Saturday for families.
At the School Council meeting on Friday we discussed a list of ideas which the classes had agreed upon would make Hermitage even better. They are going back to their classes to vote for their top five which we will work on this year.
We said goodbye and good luck to Mrs Dooley on Friday as she goes on maternity leave. Also we congratulated the children who took part in the football competition at HCCS and won a trophy - see next newsletter for details and photograph.
HAPPY HALF TERM TO YOU ALL
Week 7
We held our first Parents Evenings for this school year on Monday and Wednesday(Thursday for Year 1). Thank you for attending. I hope you found the information helpful for you.
We appointed a teaching assistant - Ms Sjokvist - who will start working with us on 7th November - she will be covering Mrs Dooley's maternity leave.
Open Morning on Thursday was a great success. 21 families came to have a walk around school and 2 Headteachers from South Africa. 4 Governors and our Year 6 School Councillors chatted with our visitors too. All the classrooms looked stunning and the children behaved at their usual high standard. The Year 6 windband played Yellow Submarine for our South African visitors in preparation for their visit to Liverpool on Saturday. They told Year 6 that their school day starts at 8am! The classes have 50 pupils in each - all sitting in rows at desks. Their Primary schools both had over 1300 pupils on roll. I wonder if they know all the children's names? In the summer the temperature rises to over 35 degrees centigrade. Lots of interesting facts.
I spent an exciting day in Daresbury with Warrington and Cheshire East schools at a Global Partnerships day. It was attended by the headteachers from South Africa too. We are planning to have a teacher exchange with our school in Johannesburg in 2012.
Week 6
Nicole and Joseph led the recycling assembly on Monday and launched a competition for the children.
Our footballers played really well at Tera Nova on Monday in the driving wind and rain. The sausage and chips were enjoyed by both teams. Thank you to the parents and Governors who joined me on the touchline.I met with the Midday Assistants on Tuesday for our regular half termly chat. We discussed a new timetable for lunchtimes when it is wet.
Our energy monitors Alissa and Sean attended their launch on Tuesday in Congleton and I helped them to make their ECO board in the school hall. Watch out for their future plans with energy conservation.
Our Governing Body had a busy week with a community and environment meeting and an audit of their skills. Look out for their newsletter after half term.
We held our second School Council meeting.
Halloween Bingo sold out on Friday - who was the witch with the green face?
Thank you to the staff who have worked so hard to get the school ready for parents visiting next week. The displays of art work and poetry look stunning.
Congratulations to our neighbours Happy Days for their OUTSTANDING Ofsted inspection. We are all thrilled for you - it is richly deserved.
Saturday Mr Bethell worked in the school grounds with 2 tree surgeons tidying up our trees in readiness for the winter!
Week 5
This week started off quietly with a series of meetings at HCCS at the Governors Forum where we talked about creating a website for our Partnership(HCCS,HCP, Hermitage, Goostrey, Brereton, Chelford, Lower Peover and Peover Superior). Two Governor committee meetings about the teaching and learning and leadership and management of Hermitage took place later in the week. The children have liked their art and poetry week focus. Travelling books arrived - do pop in and see if there is a book for your child. The children will be visiting the book fair in their classes too. I enjoyed reading with a group from Year 3. We were practising reading with more expression in our voices. Mrs Pulle met with fairtrade committee making plans for this year. Mrs Bailey from HCCS visited Year 6 on Friday to begin the transition for the children into Secondary school. The rest of Friday was not what we had expected! Two fire engines arriving, as I evacuated the school, because we could smell an electrical smell at the front of school. An electrician identified it as a switch to the kitchen which needed replacing. I gave the classes 3 class points each because they left the building so sensibly and calmly. The replacement will be taking place on Monday.
I hope you have seen us feature in the local papers this week - Eco Day and France trip.
Week 4
Congratulations to Year 2 who wrote the most postcards this summer.
The eco day was such fun. We were lucky with the weather and lots of you came along. The FOH raised nearly ₤600 which was doubled to ₤1,200 with matched funding from Barclays. We will be spending it on a projector for the school hall. This will enhance assemblies as we will be able to access the internet speedily. We will also buy a new PA system for all our outside activities. 29 bird boxes were made by you and dozens of bird feeders. So the birds in Holmes Chapel will be very contented this Autumn/Winter. Thank you to staff who came along to help.Mr Bethell the tree surgeon kindly took down a tree from our orchard which was blocking the light for new saplings. He wowed people with his tree climbing talents. Thank you to him for talking in our first outdoor assembly on "the work of a tree surgeon". If you would like to be a part of our "World of Work" assemblies do let me know. In the past the children have enjoyed talks by - surveyor, dentist, occupational therapist, fire fighter, community police officer to name only a few. Do you have talents to share with us?
The 15 children and 5 adults (including 3 members of staff) have returned safely from France. They will be entertaining us all with a talk about the trip shortly.
I enjoyed spending some time with some Year 6 this week on the allotment. We harvested spring onions, onions, endive lettuce and peppers. As one boy said,"This will be so useful as we are having salad tonight"! Allotment club picked apples and pears from the orchard too.
Walking around school this week was a treat - new displays are going up around school.
I took 6 gifted and talented scientists to Ash Grove Primary school where they were fascinated with experiments involving liquid nitrogen!
25 children from the Choir sang in the village on Saturday morning. They were part of a "Home Grown in Holmes Chapel harvest celebration".
Week 3
I met with our new School Councillors today. They are very proud of their new badges. They are going to chat to their class mates about how we can make Hermitage even better.
I enjoyed an evening with the Friends of Hermitage at their AGM. I would like to thank them for all their hard work and time which they give and the fantastic total of over 14,500 which they raised last year. We started to plan some of the events for the next year. The first one is on Saturday 24th September. I'm looking forward to the Eco Fun Day ! See you there.
In assembly Year 1 shared their amazing self portraits with the school. What characters!
I enjoyed looking at the quality science work from Year 5 - seed dispersal - I learnt a lot!
Year 3's postcards look great as part of a classroom display. We will announce which class wrote the most postcards on Friday in assembly! There is a prize!
Week 2
The welcome mornings have all taken place now. Have a look on your child's class page under information for parents to see the teachers presentations. I particularly like the sound effects on the Year 6 page!
Bikeability training for Year 6 was very successful. Lots of praise from the trainers for the behaviour of our children.
Cross Country for KS 2 at HCCS is well underway with lots of energy and successes for Hermitage children. Have a look at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive Schools newsletter for a photo of one of our winners.
Week 1
Welcome back everyone to an exciting new year at Hermitage.
We are delighted to have 5 new children across the school in Years 5, 3 and 2.
Also we welcome our 30 new Reception children. We are sure that you will soon settle in.
The improvements to the school grounds are already being appreciated by the children -
sheltering under the covered pergola against the wind and rain!
Mr Buckley has certainly done a great job with the roof. Next he will be tackling the parents waiting area and building a bike shed.
As we begin the new academic year I would like to thank you for encouraging so many of your children to take part in the holiday postcard challenge. We are just waiting for the
final few to arrive in the post and then we will announce the winning class.
Please give us feedback on the holiday pack which we provided.
See my news page for summary of last half term - July 16th 2011
Saturday 11th June
What a great time everyone was having. Thanks to the FOH for their organisation. Great smiles!
Time with friends. Enjoying the late sunshie.
Monday 31st May
We are delighted to have been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark . It is an award scheme to develop and celebrate the quality of science teaching and learning in primary schools. Schools can achieve bronze, silver and gold awards. Schools achieve a PSQM award through a year-long process of initial audit, followed by action and reflection. PSQM, which launched nationally in January 2010, has involved 238 schools across England and in British Forces Schools in Germany.It is a real achievement - we are 1 of only 42 schools in the whole country to receive a gold award in its first year. Congratulations to Mrs Bailey(science subject leader) and the team for their hard work. We would like to thank Holmes Chapel Comprehensive for their support in the role of Science Specialist College.
Tuesday 3rd May
Here are a few of the many highlights at Hermitage over the last few weeks for your interest:
Thank you for your support with the book fair raising funds for the library - we are focussing on increasing our stocks of non fiction this term.
Visiting our partner school Etruscan Primary in Stoke on Trent - we are planning another join visit to Fenton Manor in the summer term.
We continue to work on the allotment planting potatoes in 2 raised beds and working several Saturday mornings on the wildlife garden.
All the children have completed a questionaire about their likes, dislikes and suggestions for improvements in the playground and school grounds. Using their ideas the School Council and I have met with playground/grounds companies looking into enhancing the outdoor play facilities for all the children. It is also a focus for fund raising for FOH this year. We look forward to telling you our plans in the summer term.
I went to Hawkshead with the Year 5 class and I was most impressed by their team spirit and enthusiasm for all the activities - a super few days.
The children enjoyed 2 visits by theatre companies paid by school - a mathematican focus - Mr Calculator - 2 different performances for KS1 and KS2.
Also the Selfish Giant play - a poignant tale which was a treat for Easter.
I attended the North West Area Conference in Chorley, Lancs in my capacity of Cheshire Primary Headteachers representative for the Holmes Chapel Area. It was all about shaping the curriculum for the future, our values, a sense of identity, inspirational teachers/inspirational learners. Elements of this will be discussed in future staff meetings.
I look forward to welcoming your children back to school tomorrow and beginning the summer term.
This lovely sunny weather turns our attention to activities such as a residential for Year 3 to Tattenhall, sports days, camp out with FOH, welcoming our new Reception children for their half days, an Olympic Games afternoon at the comprehensive, performing at the Bridgewater Hall, enjoying the summer fair, welcoming students on work experience from the comprehensive(some ex pupils!) and how can I forget the production - what will it be this year?
Saturday 12th March
What an evening we had at the MEN Arena watching the X Factor tour and of course One Direction. I know many of you went to the show in the afternoon and the evening one too. We all felt very proud and happy for Harry Styles!
Sunday 27th February
I hope you have all enjoyed your half term break. It is lovely to see the snowdrops peeping through the soil!
Last night I spent a super evening at The Victoria Club watching the pantomine Dick Whittington. Several of our children and ex pupils now at the comprehensive took part. They sang and danced beautifully. Members of staff and Governors took part in the acting, choreography and in the band.
It was a Full House and greatly enjoyed by all.
Fairtrade kicks off the second half of the term with a variety of activities. We will be selling Fairtrade tuck on Monday and Thursday mornings and dressing up in their colours on Friday 4th March.
I hope the children will bring in their favourite storybook on World Book day on Thursday 3rd March. I am bringing in one of my favourite storybooks to read to the children.
This week
Edward and Izzie leading fairtrade assembly on Monday
Staff Meeting - curriculum planning
Risk assessment for film night with Mrs Logan
Annual Health and Safety review on Tuesday
Reception readers - one of my favourite parts of the week!
Meeting with colleagues from the Cheshire Primary Headteachers group on Thursday.
I am meeting with local Headteachers in our partnership on Friday at Chelford school
HVJ
Sunday 30 th January
Here we are into the last week in January and the start of February!
The last three weeks have been busy I have met with Helen Hall from Happy Days to discuss possible numbers of new children for this year.
The School Council have had 2 meetings - one at the Comprehensive planning a Student voice day in April and one in school discussing charity events for the year.
Fencing has taken place each Saturday morning with children from Hermitage, Holmes Chapel Primary, Brereton and Goostrey enjoying the new sport in our school hall.
I have shown several prospective parents around - always a pleasure walking around school and seeing our children so on task and well motivated towards their learning.
Thank you to Vicky Stevenson an Occupational Therapist from Macclesfield Hospital who came and talked to staff and parents about autism and the challenges for these children in a mainstream class. She spent sometime in school and praised our mainstream classes for their focussed learning and their kindness towards children with special needs. She plans to return in April for another talk for parents and a workshop for staff.
I met with Mrs Mees the Headteacher from Etruscan Primary our partner school in Stoke on Trent on Tuesday. We will be continuing links with their Year 3 children and hope to meet up in the summer term. Also the two School Councils will get together to swop ideas.
I met with representatives from the Steering Group - our partner Primary Schools and the Comprehensive to plan events for the next few weeks.
The Governors held a Community and Environment meeting on Thursday discussing links within the village with an eco focus.
I continue to hear my readers in Reception always a pleasure.
I met with Class Representatives on Thursday - you will be receiving minutes shortly. They had some good ideas which we will be introducing this term.
Next week I am meeting with our Lunchtime Assistants.
I am at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive for a Gifted and Talented planning meeting and the Governors Forum meeting.
We have two Governors meetings - Teaching and Learning and Leadership and Management.
I am showing prospective parents around school.
On Friday a representative from the Parish Council and the Community Police Officer are leading assembly and presenting a prize for the road safety competition. Good Luck everyone who entered!
HVJ
Sunday 9th January 2011
Happy New Year to you all!
I couldn't believe it when the snow fell on Friday morning. It brought back memories of January last year and December! At least it didn't settle this time.
We are looking forward to an exciting spring term at Hermitage. Mrs Clow will be launching our"Healthy Bodies" week on Monday supported by our new Year 6 sports leaders who will be showing the children all the new sports equipment for playtimes and lunchtimes. Mr Buckley has built a wooden cupboard to store the equipment in and it will in the Year 5 cloakroom area.
During the week there will be speakers, workshops, visits to the comprehensive for cookery sessions and lots more. Ask your children all about it!
I will be at the Friends of Hermitage meeting on Thursday evening this week to help to plan the events for the term.
Have a good week - I'm sure we will.
HVJ
Monday 13th December
Where have the last two weeks gone?
Bethlehem certainly was Buzzin' - well done to all the children and staff for the fantastic performances - acting, dancing and singing. Mr Janes our Vice Chair of Governors is editing the DVD so it is ready for you before Christmas.
The planned pruning and tying of the willow tunnel has had to be postponed until the New Year. Apparently the twigs would snap in the current weather!!
We held a really useful Full Governors meeting on Wednesday evening and you will be seeing an updated Governors section on the website in the New Year.
I attended a Cheshire Primary Headteachers meeting at Cledford Juniors on Thursday - Cheshire East is facing many cutbacks!
On Friday I met with the School Council - planning for 2011.
Ooh I missed out Harry Styles and One Direction how could I! Thank you to the many parents who walked down with us into the village. We think the children will long remember the excitement of the cameras in school and the anticipation of his arrival in Holmes Chapel. Good luck to them in the future! Do look at the photos on the website and on the flat screen in the entrance hall - I'm sure you will spot your child waving a flag!
Week beginning 29th November
This week is strangely familiar. Is it really last January when we were covered in snow? It seems too early for this sort of weather!
The children are enjoying playing in the snow on the field.
Monday afternooon was spent dressed as Pharoah Jarrold 1 at a very successful Egyptian feast. I was treated to mackerel pate, houmous, date balls and honey yogurt and a fruit platter - delicious! (All made by the children)
I spent a very enjoyable evening last night listening to our 42 children who were part of a choir of 7000 children in the North West singing in "Young Voices" at the MEN Arena.
Today I have taken 4 of our School Councillors to Holmes Chapel Comprehensive to a workshop about leading their School Council meetings and ideas on working together with their partner Primary schools.
I am looking forward to judging the jam jars for the Christmas fair and helping the fairtrade group on their stall on Friday evening.
Week beginning 15th November - 20 November 2010 - Ms Jarrold
This week I have shown prospective parents for 2011 around school.
Our new school improvement partner was very impressed with all he saw around school on Tuesday.
Reverend Kirk - one of our new Governors led the school assembly on Thursday. The children raised £190 laying coins on Pudsey Bear for Children in Need.
I attended an Early Years Conference with our Chair of Governors on Friday. Miss Wilson and Mrs Carter attended dyslexia training course.
On Friday evening 48 parents enjoyed the wine tasting evening and they raised £500 for the school - thank you.
Week beginning 8th November - 08 November 2010 - Ms Jarrold
This week started with an assembly led by our road safety officers Laura Burkill and Cian Fawcett telling all the children about 2 competitions helping to keep them safe in these darker evenings.
Our termly Full Governors meeting was held from 4.30pm-7.30pm in the evening.
Open Morning on Tuesday was attended by 10 families who myself and Mrs Chambers(Parent Governor) showed around. School looked stunning and as usual the children were the stars! It is a real privilidge to spend time walking around our lovely school - so many compliments.
A data staff meeting with the Leadership Team followed by the Friends of Hermitage meeting at 7.30pm meant a late night, but a big thank you to them for all the plans for the Wine Tasting evening and Christmas Fair - see calendar for dates.
On Wednesday morning I was at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive at the Education in Partnership Governors Forum meeting. Look out for our first newspaper shortly - celebrating the collaborative work of the 7 primary schools and HCCS.
I enjoyed observing one of our 4th year students in Year 1 in the afternoon - the life cycle of the frog - such fun!
Well done to the tag rugby teams in the evening coming 2nd and 3rd - Miss Whittingham was very proud of you all.
The photographer visited school on Wednesday - a new staff photograph for the entrance hall. In the Reception classroom whilst hearing my readers I nearly got turned into a frog as they were waving wands and making potions! It is lovely seeing their progress and enthusiasm.
This afternoon I have been at Holmes Chapel library as part of the Cheshire Primary Headteachers Executive of which I am a member. We were talking with local Councillors about the importance of the funding for Primary schools and how we must protect it in these difficult times.
Tomorrow morning I will be taking assembly, showing prospective parents around and meeting with the School Council. In the afternoon in my role as a Local Leader in Education I shall be at Offley school in Sandbach meeting colleagues.
HVJ
Twinning in France - 04 October 2010 - Ms Jarrold
What an experience we had in Anthy-sur-Leman on the border between France and Switzerland. We were made to feel so welcome by the children and staff at our twinned school - Ecole d'Anthy. We spent some time with the Year 6 class and had a tour of the school. The Headteacher was sailing on Lac Leman with the Year 5 class - idyllic!
We travelled across the lake by boat to Lausanne and visited the Olympic Museum - really spectacular; onto Yvoire a medieval village - so picturesque.
We are now completing all the paperwork which will ensure a safe trip for the 8 children in Year 6 who will be travelling to Anthy sur Leman on 18th October for 4 days.
We are planning an evening meeting for parents on Tuesday 5th October at 6.30pm.
Twinning in France - 06 September 2010 - Ms Jarrold
Mrs Lewis and I will be travelling to Anthy-sur-Leman on 27th September to meet with the teachers at our twin school on the edge of Lake Geneva in France. We will be carrying our all the necessary health and safety checks before our visit with 10 year 6 children in October. More information shortly.
| 
