Letter home: Friday, 3rd February 2023

February 3 2023

Dear Parents/carers,

Non-uniform day for Eli

On Friday 10^th February we are having a non-uniform to support Eli in Year 1 in meeting the costs of transport for his treatment in Holland.

Eli was diagnosed with leukodystrophy at the age of 3 he has vanishing white matters – Vanishing White Matter Disease (VWM) is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes neurologic symptoms. Although initially recognized as a disease of young children, it is now known that the disease has a highly variable course with a wide range in severity. A striking feature of VWM is that in addition to a generally slow progression of symptoms, patients may show episodes of rapid neurological deterioration in response to certain stressors, such as infection or minor head trauma.

This is a brain disease where there currently isn’t a cure and we were told Eli would live between 5 and 10 years from his onset. We were luckily given the chance last year, 2021 in May to travel to Amsterdam where there is a medical trial taking place. We went out there for 8 weeks where Eli went under a lot of treatment and testing. Eli will have a check up and MRI scans when we fly out again. Unfortunately this isn’t funded so I have asked for the community help to help raise a little bit of money for us to fly out to Amsterdam. This MRI scan will hopefully show if the medication is working or not. We really appreciate everyone help and support. There will be a theme colour of red as this is Eli’s favourite colour. We will have a bucket on the gate so if you would like to make a donation just drop it in there on your way into school.

Anne Frank exhibition

Some of our Year 6 pupils have been learning about Anne Frank and how she came over immense prejudice. They have been learning skills linked to delivering a presentation which will be open for families on Tuesday (7^th Feb) and Wednesday (8^th Feb) at 2.30pm. There are 10 slots available for each day so please book in with Mrs Grant. I am sure you will find it fascinating.

Valentine biscuits

Decorate a biscuit with chocolate and sprinkles for £1.50. This event is happening in school on Friday 10^th February. Sign up and pay on ParentPay by Tuesday 7^th February.

Robinwood

Our next Robinwood trip is booked for 10/11/23 to 12/11/23. This is open to our current Years 3 and 4. If you would like to book a place please go to ParentPay and pay the deposit of £50. There are a limited number of places so please book on as soon as possible. Don’t forget the information session on Monday 6^th February at 3.30pm.

Candlemas Service

Our Candlemas Service was held in St Mary’s Church this week. Well done to Year 1 who led our Service. They really captured the essence of Candlemas. We received many compliments from those that attended, including from our visitor, Helen Lever, who joined us from Leeds Diocese.

World Book Day

As part of their WE schools, Year 1 have decided the theme for this year’s World Book Day on Thursday 2^nd March. With the current cost of living crisis, they have decided to give children and families two options: option 1 wear a story character costume they already have or option 2 come in their favourite pyjamas with their favourite bed story as if they were getting ready to snuggle up and read.

In addition, they have decided that they would like to take part in World Book Day’s design a national book token competition. In the coming weeks, children will be taking home the token template to complete at home, this year’s theme is ‘Choosing to read’. the entries will then be sent off in the hope of winning prices for school and at the winning child. Additionally, for the entries brought in we will run an in-school competition with the winners been chosen by Year 1.

Change of date Uniform Bank

The uniform bank will now be open after half term. We will keep you posted of dates and times.

If you are able to donate any uniform in good condition, we would be very grateful. We are particularly short of KS1 cardigans for girls.

Headlice

Please can I ask that you check your child’s head regularly for headlice. We have had a few cases in school and so it is important that this is being treated so we can keep on top of this condition. Thank you for your support.

Reading books

There are a number of children in school who have reading books at home – some for a considerable amount of time. Please can you have a good look round and see if you can spot any. We would appreciate any returns.

Swimming in Year 4

Pupils in year 4 will have now received a letter outlining the guidance for swimming which will start straight after February half term. Please read this carefully as there are strict rules on things such as swimming costumes and goggles.

Free Support for Parents from Northorpe Hall

We now have some new weekly ‘Toast n Talk’ sessions for parents and carers. In addition to the Chill N Chat sessions, we are offering additional sessions during the winter months, where we are offering a warm space called Toast N Talk. These will be held every Tuesday morning from 9-12pm at the Pack Horse Centre in Huddersfield Thursday afternoon from 12-3pm in the Barn at Northorpe Hall starting 12th January until the end of March. These can be booked onto through our website but anyone is welcome to just drop in. It is an opportunity to chat through concerns with refreshments and themed talks each week in a warm safe space.

Tea-time Club:

Don’t forget our tea-time club is open to help you with childcare needs. It is open from 3pm to 6pm. There are 2 prices for tea-time club: up until 5pm it is £7.50 whereas after this it is £10. Children will get a light tea and drinks during this time. Please book your child in with the school office to avoid disappointment.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THE NEXT WEEK TEA-TIME CLUB WILL BE IN THE SCHOOL HALL. PICK UP WILL BE FROM THE MAIN ENTRANCE.

Breakfast Club:

Don’t forget that Breakfast Club is now open from 7.30am.

Coffee Morning:

All welcome to our informal Coffee /Tea mornings (drink and natter). These are held every Tuesday after dropping your children off at School (8.45 till 10.00am). Under school age children welcome too as there are lots of toys for them to play with. Please join us in the Children’s Centre with Mrs Boyle supplying the drinks and biscuits.

Thank You