News

From the Head

Parent Orientation Evening

I have enjoyed meeting many parents over the three parent orientation evenings. The numbers attending were very high! If you were unable to make it we will be mailing the handouts to you next week. Thank you for showing such keen interest in your children’s education.

Notice to Withdraw a Child 

It will be helpful if I can remind all parents about giving notice. The contract you signed on admission states that notice to withdraw a child is required a term in advance of the leaving date. This means that the latest date that notice can be received is the first day of the term. This term, Monday 20th September is the last date on which I am prepared to accept notice to withdraw a child for next term. In future there will be no grace period under any circumstances and fees in lieu will be required for notice to withdraw after term has started. Providing notice has been given in time your deposit will be returned to you after your child has left. If proper written notice has not been received, parents will be liable to pay the difference between the deposit held and the current full fee rate for that child and the deposit will be retained. For all new admissions on or after 20th September the full deposit will be retained until the child leaves the school.

House Points

We have made some subtle changes to the House Point System which operates in Y1-Y6. Children can win house points for work, behaviour, initiative, showing responsibility - almost anything well done! House point stickers of any colour can be worn on uniform and are transferred to a form chart before children go home.

Each week children’s totals are calculated and in assembly on Friday the totals for houses are announced as well as information about individual scores, most points obtained in a week, best class and so on. Children in Years 3-6 can win a badge if they win 100 HP and an even fancier badge for 200 HP. Alongside this, the yellow stickers of the past are being replaced by a minus point system. If a minus is given to a child it will be for persistent disregard for the rules after two warnings. A minus point is written on the chart by staff. If a child receives more than two minuses in a week they are required to stay inside for a detention with the Head of Key Stage who will be able to track misbehaving students and establish what support can be offered if this is appropriate. It is hoped that a strong focus on the positive, combined with swift and consistent scrutiny of the negative will enhance the learning experience for all children.

School Rules

In PSCHE Year 5 children have been exploring how rules help keep us safe and enable the community to get along. All children in Y1-Y6 have discussed what rules we need at St. Nicholas and from the suggestions submitted by each class we have chosen a new set of rules which will apply to the whole school. By focussing on one set of rules throughout the school we hope all children will soon understand what is expected. My personal favourite is the last one!

St Nicholas Prep Rules

Be kind and helpful to each other

Share equipment and toys at school

Play nicely

Show respect for everyone

Listen carefully to others

Walk sensibly round the school

Wear your uniform with pride

Keep your classroom tidy

Always try your best

Never give up

Reach for the stars

Senior School News

We have been advised that the Emanuel admissions list is over half full. Parents considering Emanuel School should register their child as soon as possible.

11-15 Oyster Cards

Application forms for 11-15 year old Oyster cards are available on request from reception.