News sheet 30^th March 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

A huge thank you from me personally, for all the support that you have given me this term. It was an honour to be asked to take on the Acting Headship until the end of the year and it was an opportunity that I just couldn’t refuse. Hillbourne is on a very significant journey of improvement and we have made steady progress this year. The appointment of Laura Bennett to the Headteacher role from September, will ensure that progress increases rapidly and the education your children get it is one we can all be proud of. - Richard Claxton

Attendance

There have been improvements made in all classes across the school, which has seen our Whole School Attendance increase from 92.3% to 94.7%. However, there is still more that needs to be done to ensure we reach, at least, 97%.

The biggest improvements have been seen in 1SJ, who have increased their attendance by 4%. 6GL won this term’s Attendance Award and enjoyed their ice-pops at breaktime today.

Another push by everyone in the Summer Term could see us hit our 97% target. There will be awards at the end of the Summer Term for the class with the best attendance from April to July and for the class with the best overall attendance.

It is also important that you all know that I will not be authorising any holidays during term time. This is in line with both Hillbourne and Hamwic attendance policies.

Bromcom – MCAS – Important Information

You will have now have had an invite to use our new MCAS (MyChildAtSchool) app.  This will enable you to:

• Book wraparound care (Breakfast & Tea Time Club)
• Book after School Clubs
• Pay for and confirm school trips
• Pay for school lunches
• Buy items such as water bottles and ties.  

You can also monitor your child’s current attendance level.   Please contact the school office if you have been unable to log in.

You are also able to communicate with your Class Teacher via email and send messages to the school office also.

Breakfast & Tea Time Club

You will be able to book from 1^st April 2023 for future sessions.  Please note, all sessions will need to be paid and booked for in advance.  Any credit/debits from Scopay will be transferred over.

After School Clubs

The new Summer 2023 term clubs will be available on MCAS from 1^st April.  They are booked on a first come first served basis.  All clubs will start week commencing 24^th April 2023.

Hot School Lunches

All of those children currently having a school lunch under the Universal Scheme (Years R-2) or Free School Meal Scheme will be booked by the office.

If you pay for your child’s lunch, you are able to do this by adding money to the dinner account and then choosing their lunch option; main meal or vegetarian.   (Please note, packed lunches are for school use only).  Meals will need to be paid for by the Monday of the previous week for our catering deadline.

Cool Milk

We have been advised by Cool Milk that all children currently registered with the school as on Free School Meals are entitled to have milk provided for them each day.  Please contact the school office if you would like your child to have milk.  If you child is not entitled to Free School Milk you can still take up the option by paying through the Cool Milk website https://www.coolmilk.com/

Easter Multisport Club

There is still time to book our Easter Multi-sport Club that is being run by Kevin, our football club coach. There are places available for the second week of the holidays 11^th-14^th April. For further information, or to book a place, please contact Kevin.  UK Skills Forum on 07974205066 or email kevin.stacey@ukskllsforum.co.uk

Cricket

We have been advised by the Dorset Cricket Board of a wonderful opportunity to join the nationally run cricket programmes.  https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars  Please also see attached leaflet.

Meal Vouchers

Vouchers for those children eligible will be issued on Saturday 1^st April 2023.  The vouchers have a value of £15.00 per week. 

If you are worried about food over the holidays, please contact Ms Rumble who will be able to provide you with details of local food banks.

Summer Term

School reopens on Monday, 17^th April 2023 at 8.30 am.  We would like to wish you all and happy Easter holiday.