August 2017

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19 Buckden Roundabout
August 2017 School & Pre-School
As you read this, the children are enjoying a well-earned
break. The staff and committee are enjoying some downtime
too, although we are running Stay 'n Play sessions to keep
your children entertained through the holidays – we can’t stay
away! This month's sessions are on 4th, 10th, 16th and 22nd
August, from 10 to 12.
Thanks to all those who donated Active Kids vouchers and to
Nisa, who hosted a collection box for us. We have used the
vouchers to purchase a tepee tent for our outside area and
some large foam dice to help the children with their counting
and number recognition. We must also thank Artificial Grass
(Cambridge) Ltd, the company one of our treasurers ap-
proached hoping for an offcut for our balcony. Rather than an
offcut, they generously donated a large section of artificial
grass which covers part of our balcony from wall to railing! It
looks amazing, as you will see if you walk past. We are very
grateful for their generosity and the children love it! Last but
not least, thanks to everyone who donated to or supported
our tombola stall at the Village Festival, helping us raise £135.
We will return to preschool on Monday 4th September and our
new opening hours are 9-3, Monday to Friday. This is to en-
sure we are open for 30 hours a week, allowing parents and
carers eligible for 30 hours’ funding to use their full entitle-
ment. We look forward to welcoming new starters, returning
pupils and their families. It would be great to welcome some
new committee members too, so please give it some thought
if you have any spare time.
We still have places available for September and both our
email and phone will be monitored over the holiday. You can
contact our Manager, Denise Carter at buckdenpre-
school@yahoo.co.uk with any queries or send a text or
voicemail message to 07941 671999. For more information,
please visit www.buckdenpreschool.co.uk.
Miss Alison
BUCKDEN CHURCH OF
ENGLAND SCHOOL
(Primary Academy Trust)
July 2017
We have now reached the end of another school year –
how quickly they pass. These last few weeks have been
very busy with exciting activities. We were very lucky
that the weather for Sports Day was fine and sunny.
The day was divided into three sessions, Reception and
Key Stage 1 races in the morning while Key Stage 2 took
part in their field events followed by Key Stage 2 races,
and Reception and Key Stage 1 field events in the after-
noon. All events were keenly contested by the children.
We had the traditional mums and dads races as well as
the staff race. Well done to everyone who took part.
Thank you to all our visitors who came along, we hope
you enjoyed the day.
We were very proud of our children when they sang at
the opening of Buckden Fete. I hope you agree they
sang beautifully.
During transition week the children met, and spent 4
days with their teachers for next year, and we also wel-
comed our new Reception children who experienced life
in school including having a school dinner. Their week
ended with a teddy bears picnic on the school field. The
rest of the school had a good week preparing for next
year. During transition week our Year 6 children visited
their new secondary schools to familiarise themselves
with their new routines.
During the last week of term we had many activities tak-
ing place in school. The Talent Show showed us how
many talented pupils we have. Dancers, musicians and
singers all gave lovely performances to the rest of the
school. We celebrated the children’s achievements this
school year in the school end of year celebration assem-
blies. The leavers celebration assembly was a very
fitting finale and an emotional time everyone who is
leaving Buckden School. There were tears from both
the children and the parents. We would like to wish the
Year 6 children, and all our leavers, good luck in their
new schools.
The Buckden School community would like to thank par-
ents and members of the community who have support-
ed the school during the past year. We wish you all a
good summer and look forward to seeing you in Sep-
tember at the start of the next school year.
School Term and Holiday Dates 2017/2018
2017
Autumn Term Opens Monday 4 September
Half Term 23 October - 27 October
Autumn Term Closes Tuesday 19 December
2018
Spring Term Opens Wednesday 3 January
Half Term 12 - 16 February
Spring Term Closes Thursday 29 March
Summer Term Opens Monday 16 April
May Day Monday 7 May
Half Term 28 May - 1 June
Summer Term Closes Tuesday 17 July
Professional Days Wednesday 18 July -
Tuesday 24 July inclusive