The Castle School
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5AU
01823 274073

Bulletin No 6/2009/2010 Tuesday 24 November 2009

"Working Together, Developing Potential, Aiming for Quality, Recognising Success"

BULLETIN NO 6/2009/2010

PARENT/STUDENT BULLETIN NO 6/2009/2010 Tuesday 24 November 2009
 
 
NAME: ……………………………………………….              Form: ………………….
 
 
Dear Parent/Guardian
 
1. Christmas Carol Service
 
The School Carol Service will be held at St John’s Church, Park Street, Taunton, on Thursday 10 December, commencing at 7pm. The service is one of the highlights of the school year and parents and friends of the school are warmly invited to attend.
Please complete the tear off slip at the end of this Bulletin and return it to the Main School Office as soon as possible if you wish to attend. This is most important as seating is always limited. 
2. Variety Show
 
We are pleased to invite you to the Variety Show which will be held at the school on Thursday 17 December at 7pm. The Finance Office will be selling tickets from Monday 1 December (allocated on a first come first serve basis). The cost is £3 for adults and £2 for children and senior citizens. If you wish to purchase tickets, please complete the slip at the end of the bulletin and return to the Finance Office with your cheque or monies.
The Friends of The Castle School will be serving mulled punch and mince pies for your enjoyment during the interval, for a small donation to the school funds.
 
3. Non-pupil Day – I would like to remind families that Friday, 27 November is one of our five non-pupil days.
 
4. Reminders for your calendar – Year 11 IAs go home on Thursday 26 November. Wednesday 2 December - Year 11 Subject Evening Pupil/Parent Consultations. Thursday 3 December – Year 8 reports home.
5. School Christmas Lunch
The School Christmas Lunch will be on Tuesday 15 December and tickets will be on sale from 30 November in the canteen, priced £2.50. The only food available at lunchtime on 15 December will be Christmas lunch. Please see the menu which is attached to the back of the bulletin.
6. Christmas Hampers
Over the last few years the school has collected goods to give to the Women’s Refuge at Christmas. The Refuge provides shelter for women and children who are at risk of violence. We ask each class to provide and fill a box and any of the following items would be gratefully received:
 
Women                        
Vouchers (to the value of £5) for Boots, Superdrug, Lush, M& S, The Body Shop etc; books, eg from Bestseller list; nice chocolate; games/jigsaws; fancy mugs;
socks; gloves, hat and scarf sets; nice toiletry sets eg from Lush, Boots or The Body Shop; wallets/bags.
 
 
 
 
Young People
Vouchers (to the value of £5) for Virgin, i-Tunes, New Look, or bowling etc; hair accessories, diaries, bracelets or jewellery eg from Claires Accessories; purses/bags; notebook sets; nail art sets or nail polish; funky toiletry sets; posters, eg contemporary art.
 
Children
Paints; play-dough; pencils/colouring pencils/felt; collage sets; art sets;
Train sets; toy cars; bath toys; baby play mats; toy shape sorters;
Toddler walkers (push alongs); watches; fun bed sets; real play cameras;
personal CD players; musical instruments; toy prams; baby dolls and accessories; dressing up clothes; dolls houses.
 
Collecting for the hampers starts on Monday 30 November until Monday 14 December and will be taken to the refuge on Tuesday 15 December. Thank you for helping those who are less fortunate than yourselves.
Sue Marney
 
7. HPV (cervical cancer) Vaccination
 
Tues 1st December – Year 8 – First Dose and Year 11 catch up HPV (those girls requiring their first vaccination still)
 
If there are any consent forms still outstanding, please return these to Mrs Cooper in the Welfare Room immediately – spare copies of forms are available.
 
8. Musical News!
 
Several musicians from The Castle School will be giving a concert to raise money for Cancer Research. The  Concert will be at the Temple Methodist church, Monday 7th December starting at 7.00pm. Free admission, donations at the end. Groups taking part are the folk Group, String Group, Brass Group, First Orchestra, Dixie Band, Saxophone and Clarinet Group. SATB Choir, Flute Choir, Girls' Barbershop Group and the Boys' Barbershop Group. Rehearsals will take place at Temple Methodist Church 4.00pm-6.45pm.
 
Carol Service at St John's Church, Thursday 10th December starting at 7.00pm. Groups taking part in this service will be mainly the same as for the Cancer Research Concert-final details will be posted asap.
 
Sunday 13th December at N.Curry-Folk Group performances with other folk groups in the area +Christmas celebrations.
 
School Carol Service-main hall Friday 18th Dec. morning - most musical groups taking part. Details to be posted asap.
 
Thanks. S.Sutton 
 
9. Lost Property Day - On Wednesday 9 December we will be having another ‘Lost Property Clearance Day’. All lost property we have such as trainers, PE Kit, coats, jackets, school uniform such as blazers, shirts, trousers, in fact, anything that is clothing, will be put out for the students to look at to see if any of their unlabelled lost property is there. Any more valuable lost property such as jewellery, watches, rings, memory sticks, or small items such as hair brushes etc. will be kept on the Student Reception for the students to request to see. 
This will happen during break time and lunch time for students and after school for parents from 3.45 until 4.15pm. Any remaining lost property will later be donated to a local charity.
 
 
10. Privacy Notice – Data Protection Act 1998
 
We have been requested to bring the attached Privacy Notice – Data Protection Act 1998 to your attention.  The Notice follows guidance from both the DCSF and the Local Authority.
 
 
11. “Energize” Discos
 
We have been asked by Taunton Deane Borough Council to bring the attached information about the “Energize” discos that have been taking place in Taunton to the attention of families.
 
12. 10Y's Enterprise Project
 
10Y will be running a Car Boot Sale, plus other events at school on Saturday 12th December 12 - 4pm.  The event is free to attend, so do please come along to find some last minute Christmas present bargains!  Any families wishing to sell items and run a stall will need to pay a £5.00 entry fee.  Other events include a bouncy castle, rowing competition and refreshments.  We look forward to seeing you there!  All proceeds go to St Margaret's Hospice.  Please see the attached poster for further details.
 
13. House Dance 2009
 
This years House Dance Competition is on Thursday 3rd December at 7.00pm.  This event is always popular with parents and students and for this reason we are applying some regulations for the purchasing of tickets that should avoid disappointment for families with children performing.  Tickets will go on sale from Wednesday 25th November from the Finance Office.  Tickets will only be available for those students who are performing in this years competition.  Each student will be able to purchase two tickets only.  Tickets are priced at £2.50.  We also have some seats available on benches at the front of the space and these are priced at £1.00.  Please complete and return the below slip with the appropriate funds and return to the finance office.
 
Due to the popularity of the show, we will also be providing tickets for the dress rehearsal which will run at 4.00pm on the same day.  We have only a few seats available for parents/families to watch and these will be free of charge but MUST be booked in advance through the Finance Office.  Please do not arrive at school without a ticket for either the main show or the dress rehearsal as we will not be able to accommodate you.
 
Please note that tickets will ONLY be sold to performers who return the attached slip with the appropriate funds to the finance office.  We will operate a first come, first served basis. 
 
If you have any further questions please contact the Finance Office.  Many thanks for your co-operation.
 
Miss Prowle
 
14. 50/50 Club – This is your last chance to join the 50/50 club – see letter and application form attached. The first draw for the first 3 months will take place at the next ‘Friends of Castle School’ committee meeting on Tuesday 26 January 2010.
 
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
 
 
 
K J FREEDMAN
Headteacher
 
 
 
 
 
The Castle School
 
House Dance 2009 - Thursday 3rd December 2009
 
I would like to purchase __________ tickets @ £2.50 each (maximum of 2 tickets per performer) for the 7pm evening performance.
 
OR
 
I would like to book __________ tickets for bench seats @ £1.00 each (maximum of 2 bench seats per performer) for the 7pm evening performance.
 
OR
 
I would like to book __________ tickets for the dress rehearsal at 4pm (maximum of 2 tickets per performer)
 
Signed.............................................................................(Parent/Guardian)
 
Name of Student...............................................................Form..........................
 
Please return the Finance Office.  Cheques made payable to The Castle School.  Thank you.
 
 
&------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
Carol Service – St John’s Church - Thursday 10 December 2009 at 7.00pm
 
 
I am/we are able to attend the Carol Service on 10 December 2009 at 7.00pm
 
 
Number attending……………………………...... (not including students taking part)
 
 
Child’s Name: …………………………………………….. …………..Form …………..
 
 
Signed………………………………………………………………………………………
 
 
Please return to The Main School Office
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VARIETY SHOW
 
 
I am/we are able to attend the Variety Show on Thursday 17 Dec 2009 – 7pm
 
 
Please reserve………………………seats @ £3 each for adults
 
Please reserve………………………seats @ £2 each for children/senior citizens
 
I enclose £………………………. (cheques payable to ‘The Castle School’ please)
 
Childs Name………………………………………………….   Form………………….
 
 
Signed…………………………………………………………………………………..
 
 
Please return to the FINANCE OFFICE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Privacy Notice for pupils in schools, early years settings, alternative provision and pupil referral units.
 
Privacy Notice - Data Protection Act 1998
 
We, The Castle School, are the Data Controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act. We collect information from you, and may receive information about you from your previous school. We hold this personal data and use it to:
 
·         support your teaching and learning;
·         monitor and report on your progress;
·         provide appropriate pastoral care, and
·         assess how well your school is doing.
 
This information includes your contact details, national curriculum assessment results, attendance information A, characteristics such as ethnic group, special educational needs and any relevant medical information.
 
We will not give information about you to anyone outside the school without your consent unless the law and our rules permit it.
We are required by law to pass some of your information to the Local Authority (LA), and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). 
 
If you want to see a copy of the information we hold and share about you then please contact the school.
 
If you require more information about how the LA and/or DCSF store and use this data please go to the following websites:
 
If you are unable to access these websites, please contact the LA or the DCSF as follows:
 
·         Mrs Michθle Weaver
e-Communications Officer
e-Learning & Information Management
B Block,
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 4DY
 
Email: mmweaver@somerset.gov.uk
            Website: http://www.six.somerset.gov.uk/cypdim/
 
·         Public Communications Unit
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
website:           www.dcsf.gov.uk
email:               info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk  
tel:                   0870 000 2288.
 
In addition for Middle, Secondary and Special Schools ->
 
 
Connexions Services - Once you are aged 13 or over we are required to pass on certain information to the Connexions services. Connexions is the government's information and advice service for all young people aged 13 to 19 in England. 
 
We must provide both your own and your parent/s' name/s and address/es, and any further information relevant to the Connexions services’ role.  
 
However, you (if you are over 16) or your parents can ask that no information beyond name and address be passed to Connexions. Please inform the school if youwish to opt-out of this arrangement. For more information about Connexions please, please contact the Local Authority as shown above.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ENERGIZE IS TAKING A BREAK
 
We WILL be running performances and workshops on the High Street each Thursday evening during the late night shopping, featuring:
·      Elementz Street Dance
·      Fuse Circus Skills
·      Blackdown Samba Band
 
However, ALL OTHER ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE DISCOS, ARE STOPPING WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. There will be NO November or Christmas disco.
 
Energize will be re-launching in Spring 2010 with all new branding and membership scheme. Membership application forms are now available. 
 
This is due to the project becoming so popular, that changes need to be made to ensure Energize events continue to be safe and fun places of the young people of Taunton.
 
Please contact Martha Prangnell at Taunton Deane Borough Council on 01823 356553 or m.prangnell@tauntondeane.gov.uk for an application form or more information.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FRIENDS OF CASTLE SCHOOL, TAUNTON
Registered Charity 1076848
 
50% goes to you in prizes each month
50 50
Club
50% goes to the school to support your child’s education
 
For just £10 a year, join our 50/50 Club. Each month (except July & August) there will be a draw with various monetary prizes amounting to 50% of the fund. The winners will be published in the school newsletter and cheque sent by post.
 
 
The remaining 50% will go to Friends of Castle School Fund and regular updates will be given on how the money is spent.
 
 
We hope you would like to support this venture by sending a cheque, or by filling out the standing order form below. Many people have expressed how convenient the standing order is and we would gratefully appreciate it if you would choose this method of payment as it cuts down the administration time and costs.
 
If you would like to join please:
 
·         Complete your details on the form below
·         Return your form to the Main Reception with the completed standing order form OR
·         Return the form to the main reception with a cheque for £10 made payable to Friends of Castle School 50/50 account OR
·         By post to Castle School, Wellington Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5AU
 
Once again thank you and remember 50% of the total amount goes to the school to support your child’s education.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 
         
I/ We wish to join the 50/50 club Membership number for office use only
 
Name……………………………………………………………………………………………………...................
 
Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………...................
 
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 
Standing Order
 
Name and address of your bank.
 
To……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
 
Please pay   CAF Bank 405240     Account Number 00011681
Account: Friend of The Castle School Taunton 50/50 Cheque Account
 
The sum of £10 on receipt and,
 
The sum of £10 on 1st September          and annually until further notice
 
Signed ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
 
Account Name…………………………………………………………………………………………...
 
Bank Sort Code
 
Account Number
 
 
Please quote the following reference number
 
For office use only
 
 

A Attendance information is not collected for pupils under 5 at Early Years Settings or Maintained Schools