Andrew Reade - Headteacher's blog

Well, after a week of freezing temperatures, snowy weather and rather slippery pavements, playgrounds and roads I think half term has come at just the right time for the pupils and staff to have a well deserved break.

We wish you all a great half term - remember be safe as we want to see every member of our Hormead family safely back at school on Monday 20th of February.

Despite a snowfall last night, the main roads are reasonably clear and the school is open. However, parents are urged to take account of local conditions on minor roads - please be careful.

Our first fundraising event of the year is this Friday 27th January when we are holding a Non Uniform day in aid of Unicef "Day For Change"

We are also holding a Celebration Assembly at St Nicholas Church on Friday as well. Don't forget your child's wellies as we will be walking across the field!

Parents, and members of the community, are obviously welcome to come along at 2.45pm and share in our celebration of the Pupils achievements. Children can be collected from the Church, or from school at 3.15pm as normal.

A Warm Welcome back to everyone and I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year Break. A special welcome to our new pupils who join our Nursery and Reception class - Archie, Lewis, Liam, Layla, Freya, Holly and Evie. I have already popped in to say hello and I'm sure they being made to feel very welcome as the newest members of our little family.

We have already set some dates for this term, which can be viewed on our website and the school notice board and will be published in our first newsletter of 2012 out soon.

Yes, the weather this morning finally reminded me that Christmas really is just around the corner! Mind you, I really should have known considering our Christmas Fayre was over a week ago now. A big "THANK YOU" to everyone who came and supported and to the Friends who once again organised this whole event. We made over £500, an increase on last year which is always pleasing. As many of you are aware there is a strike on Wednesday 30th, however after discussing this with colleagues Hormead will remain open.

Our deepest thanks goes to all those who attended a great "Firework Spectacular" display last Friday (4th November). Almost 500 people attended. A great turn out for a little school like ours. Whether you were local residents, past pupils or just friends we appreciate your continued support. A huge thanks also goes to the Friends committee and helpers for their hard work and effort into organising this event. I recieved many congratulations on how well it was run and organised - all thanks to the band of hardworking parents who make up our Friends.

Sometimes a drive into work - school - is a visual pleasure. This morning was one such day. The drive over the hill from Dassels to Hare Street was stunning. The glorious early morning sunshine reflecting and glistening off the early morning dew, the panoramic vista across to Mundells in the distance and the multitude of shades of green, brown, gold , red and yellows of the trees actually made me slow down to admire!

Yes, it's almost half term, a sixth of the way through the academic year already! As we reflect on the past 6 weeks we can certainly say we've been busy! Here is just a few of the things we have done or seen:

Class 4 established.
Held our "Welcome" meetings.
Non uniform day for the Bishop's Harvest Appeal.
Held our Harvest Celebration at St Nichols' Church.
Invited parents to have a taste of school dinner.
Taken part in Schoolympics.
Watched Class 3's assembly.
Class 4 visited the Royal Observatory.
Created our own Junk Music orchestra at with a Junk Music workshop.

A reminder to parents and friends that our Harvest service is on Thursday 15th September, 2.30pm at St Nicholas' Church. Everyone is warmly invited to attend. This year we are combining the Service with our Non Uniform day to raise money for The Bishops Harvest Appeal. The appeal supports the Cambodia Hope Organisation, combatting poverty in Cambodia. We are also collecting tins and dried food stuff for St Jimmy's Night Shelter in Cambridge.

A warm welcome back to all our pupils and parents. We hope you all had a great summer break and somewhere found that elusive sunshine! Just a reminder that school starts on Monday 5th September at 8.55am, although Early Birds will be on as normal meaning children can be dropped off at school from 8.30am.