Head Master:  Robert MacDonald, M.Ed., B.A.

Telephone:  (01242) 522086

Email:  hm@richardpate.co.uk

11th January, 2008

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

Welcome back to a new term. We hope you have enjoyed a restful holiday and an opportunity to enjoy the company of your children. Last term ended with a flurry of activity and culminated with the wonderful prep nativity, “CHRISTMAS Spells Christmas” and the inspiring Junior Carol Service held at Cheltenham College Chapel. Our retiring collection for that service was in aid of Sue Ryder Care and I am pleased to announce that we raised £622.21 which we will send to Sue Ryder in loving memory of Mrs. Marianne Bayston, mother of James and Andrew, whom we sadly lost at the end of last term. Thank you once again for your generosity.

 

Science Curriculum Focus

Our first curriculum focus concluded at the end of last term and we were able to take a close look at the teaching of Science from Nursery to Year 6 while increasing its profile through various presentations and outings.  The children enjoyed learning about birds of prey, rockets, light, sound, electricity, sea life and even had the opportunity to see the Headmaster propelled around the assembly hall on a tea tray powered by a leaf blower!  The presentation by Mad Science has now lead to an after school club on Thursday afternoon.  Due to a tremendous response we will be splitting the group into two sessions.  The Junior children who have signed up will begin next Thursday 17th January and the sessions will run until half term.  The prep children who have signed up will begin after half term.  As a result of the increased number of groups we still have a few places left and if your child is interested please contact Mrs Minett.

 

History Curriculum Focus

This term our attention shifts to History and we have a number of exciting activities planned.  We have an external group coming to perform for the prep department and the Year 3 children in March.  We are also taking the Year 4, 5 and 6 children to London to see the King Tutankhamun Exhibit in March. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and due to the cost of this trip we will be adding a £15 charge to Year 4, 5 and 6 children’s summer invoice to defray the cost.  I hope you will agree this is a reasonable cost for such an exciting venture.

 

Exam Week

Our Year 3, 4 and 5 children will be demonstrating their understanding of the work they have completed thus far during Exam Week which takes place in the week of 11th February. Year 3 and 4 children will complete English, Maths and Science exams on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.  As a result of a trip planned for the Year 5 children on the Monday of that week, they will complete their English, Maths and Science exams on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

 

Charity Day

This year our Charity Day will be held on Friday 15th February.  We have nominated three charities to support this year. The first is a school in Jaipur, India which one of our parents Mr. Casey has been supporting through his work.  Mr. Casey gave a wonderful assembly to the children after his first visit when he took a shipment of books from the Richard Pate School.  

 

The second charity is Barnardos, one of the leading children’s charities in the UK.  Next Friday we have Sue Marsland, a representative of the charity, coming to speak to the children in our Friday assembly.  The third charity we will be supporting is Sue Ryder Care for the excellent

work they continue to provide for those with disabilities and long term illness.  The theme for the Prep children will be historical figures and we look forward to

the younger ones using their imaginations to come in costume that day.  The Junior children will be challenged to come up with their own fund raising stalls and they will be given further details as this term unfolds.  This is always a highlight of our Spring Term calendar and will undoubtedly be a success for everyone involved.

 

Swimming

This term will see all the Junior children swimming at some point as the two groups change at half term.  The Year 3 and 6 children will receive more information closer to half term but I would like to take this opportunity to remind all parents that you should not drop your children off at the Cheltenham College pool unless you are absolutely certain that they are in the care of a member of the Richard Pate School staff.  Your children’s safety remains our paramount concern but we can only guarantee that safety when we are certain they are under our care.

 

High School Musical

Our Year 6s have begun to prepare for their production this term.  They are very excited to be staging ‘High School Musical’ this year and the dates of the performance will appear in the calendar which accompanies this newsletter.  It promises to be a wonderful show and we particularly recommend Year 6 parents to make note of the dates.

 

PTA Dates

The PTA continues to plan fun and exciting activities for your children as well.  This term the Junior children will have an opportunity to enjoy a Junior Disco held from 6.30pm to 8.00pm on Thursday 14th February.  The Prep children will have their own entertainment on Friday 7th March when Mad Pete comes to deliver his rare blend of special talents.  As always we extend a vote of appreciation to the members of the PTA committee who give so willingly of their time.

 

The Spring Term is inevitably busy with the great number of activities, outings and fixtures which challenge and motivate your children.  I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the next eleven weeks and thank you once again for the great privilege of educating your children.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Robert MacDonald

Headmaster