November 22nd, 2011 
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Autumn Term Newsletter No 15 Monday 21 November 2011
Dear Parents
Industrial Action on Wednesday 30 November?: School staff are members of 8 different trades unions. Many of these have recently balloted their members about taking strike action to oppose the planned government changes to pension schemes. Most of these 8 unions are calling their members to take strike action but it is still hoped that this can be avoided if further negotiations are successful. I have to warn parents that the school may be partially or fully closed to pupils on 30 November. If this is the case you may have to consider your family’s child care arrangements. I will be able to make a decision and inform parents in my next newsletter on Friday 25 November. All staff are keen to avoid this action, but they are increasingly dismayed by the government’s reduction of pension rights when the current schemes appear to be self-funding with the current levels of contributions. If the proposed changes are implemented all school staff will have to pay more in contributions each month, work for longer before drawing their pension and receive less money during retirement (a triple whammy). We fully understand parental concerns on this issue and we will be doing a lot of soul searching this week before each individual staff member makes their personal decision whether to strike or not. Once these decisions are made I will be able to assess whether it will be possible to open the school or not on 30 November. Pupils’ safety will be a key factor in deciding whether pupils can attend or not on 30 November.
Children in Need: Friday 18 November: Thank you for all your support of our “Spotty day”. The total raised for Children in Need was £ 457.51. Any late donations need to be with us by Wednesday to be included.
AFA Non-Uniform Day: Friday 25 November: Any gifts donated by families should be brought to the main school entrance as your family arrives on Friday morning. Members of the AFA committee will be there to receive your gifts and sort them ready for use on Friday 2 December.
Children’s Hospice Calendar: I am pleased to share with parents the planned sale of an eye catching 2012 calendar, the proceeds of which will go to our local children’s hospice based at Wraxall. One of our families has been supported by this wonderful charity in recent months. We are keen to show our appreciation by encouraging families to purchase the calendar locally for their own use or to give to friends or family this Christmas. The calendar was produced by Bleadon WI & will be sold in Waitrose, Sanders Garden World, Bleadon Post office & Escape hair salon. Please contact 07721 677749 if you would like to purchase one directly.
Ashcombe Scout & Guide Christmas fayre: This annual event is taking place in the scout & guide hut on Saturday 26th November – full details are printed overleaf.
Reminder of dates this term:
Tues 22 Nov 6.00-8.00 Russian Animation Family workshop in school hall
Fri 25 Nov AFA non-uniform day in aid of Christmas fayre
Thurs 1 Dec 9.30am Jayne & Rachael’s classes Christmas production
Fri 2 Dec 3.15pm onwards AFA Christmas Fayre
Mon 5 Dec 2.15pm Years 3 & 4 Christmas production
Tues 6 Dec 9.30am Years 3 & 4 Christmas production 12.00 Infant Christmas lunch
Wed 7 Dec 12.15 Junior Christmas lunch
Thurs 8 Dec 2.15pm Years 1 & 2 Christmas production
Fri 9 Dec 9.30am Years 1 & 2 Christmas production
Fri 9 Dec 8.30pm Live Music event in Scally’s bar in aid of new Music/Dance/Drama studio
Yours sincerely
Peter Turner
Headteacher
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