Newsletters

MESSAGE FROM MRS JONES

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome back to all our families after the Easter Break.

It has already been an eventful start to the term with the club offer launching this week and the announcement of the Drama and Choir Club’s production of ‘The Jungle Book’ being planned for a July performance.

There are several planned events that will be taking place this term for parents to attend - e.g., Sports Day for the Infant and Junior School, The Vaughan Fest (Summer Fair!) and the school production.

We also have Year 5 resuming swimming sessions and some Year Groups will be embarking on trips. 

We look forward to you being able to celebrate the school community’s achievements with your children in our continued efforts to return to normal school life.  Please look out for upcoming dates in school communications regarding all these activities.

It will be a very busy term, as the Summer Term always is, but it will be lovely to complete the academic year welcoming back parents to Vaughan events.

For all our families who will bring their period of Ramadan to a close, we wish you Eid Mubarak, as you celebrate with your families over the forthcoming weekend.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Mrs Jones
Headteacher

UPDATE FROM THE SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY

On behalf of the school governing body I welcome you all to the summer term. We've heard how thrilled the children are to start the clubs after school and look forward to hearing how these progress. We also welcome news from Friends of Vaughan in relation to the Summer Fair - they welcome parents and carers to volunteer their time to either help on the day or in advance, so please reach out to them if you can spare a few hours.

We know this term can be intense for some pupils, for example our year 6 children. They are working hard to prepare for SATs assessments, but then will have the opportunity to celebrate their time with Vaughan with some wonderful leavers events. 

For governors the term has commenced with our Finance, Premises & Personnel Committee meeting (led by Morwenna Paz), where we focussed attention on the school budget, health and safety of the school premises and staffing. Some governors have been visiting the school and connecting in with particular staff in relation to their specialist focus areas - for example Jonathon Arrowsmith connects with Mr. Young to ensure oversight of our plans and spending on sport. 

In the month ahead we will be signing off the budget for the forthcoming school year, which is a really important activity for all of the school community. We will also be planning our next governor visits. Governors will also be present at the welcome sessions for new reception and new nursery parents and carers to explain more of our roles, contributing to the warm welcome they will receive. 

Nerys Anthony
Chair of Governors

EXTRA-CURRICULAR CLUBS ARE BACK!

What a great week it has been reintroducing extra-curricular clubs for our pupils across the school this week.  Staff have commented on the brilliant behaviour of the children taking part in their clubs and the children have been full of positive feedback about the activities they have undertaken in their clubs so far.

A child in Year 3 Minecraft Club commented "this is the best day of my life!".

We have clubs ranging from Colouring right through to Minecraft with lots in between!

Some exciting news to share – our Drama and Choir clubs will be busy preparing for another school production at the end of this term!  We are excited to present to you Vaughan’s production of The Jungle Book….keep your eyes peeled for more information to follow!  

ANTI-BULLYING POSTER COMPETITION

The school council have been working on ways to maintain the school’s anti-bullying.

Earlier this year the school council launched an anti-bullying poster competition. It was a tough decision as there were so many entries!

We have chosen a winner from the Infant school and one from the Junior school.

The winners are Stirling in 1A and Noliah from 3C!  Congratulations to them!

Look out for these fantastic posters around the school!  Winning posters are shown below:

PARENT FORUM

Thursday 26^th May 2022

5.30pm

The school will be holding a forum linked to the launch of our
Parent Partnership policy.

The session will explore the key elements of parent partnership and consider how we develop these partnerships as a school community moving forward.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Please see the link below to join the session.

Karen Jones is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Parent Forum Session 1
Time: May 26, 2022 05:30 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88372790147?pwd=bGlaeEQ1M0JuNVpvQzlrdm1uRThNUT09

Meeting ID: 883 7279 0147
Passcode: HUEz14

STATUTORY ASSESSMENTS

As you may be aware, there are a range of formal assessments (SATs) in May 2022 for Year 2 and Year 6 children.  No leave will be authorised during this time. 

These assessments will be used to support the final standard which will be given to your child at the end of Year 2 and 6.  

KS1 Statutory Assessments 

Year 2 will be completing the KS1 SATs test in May. Information regarding the KS1 SATs test was communicated to parent/ carers in November 2021.  Below is a link to the relevant page on our website: 

Vaughan Primary School - Year 2 SATs Meeting for Parents 

KS2 Statutory Assessments 

Year 6 will be completing the KS2 SATs during the week of Monday 9th May. Information regarding the KS1 SATs test was communicated to parent/ carers in December 2021.  Below is a link to the relevant page on our website: 

Vaughan Primary School - Year 6 SATs Information Meeting for Parents 

GEOGRAPHY PROJECTS

This term, Years 1 to 6 have been creating outstanding Geography projects!

It has been fantastic to see the effort and enthusiasm for geographical learning across the school. Pupils have enjoyed sharing their projects in class and have had the opportunity to present their work in assembly, where there were a few volcanic eruptions! Pupils have made their projects engaging and exciting, covering a number of geographical topics. We have seen and learnt about brilliant biomes, raging rivers, marvelous mountains, delightful destinations and many more!

Through presenting their projects pupils have had opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills. They have enjoyed sharing their work with their peers and teachers demonstrating respectful attitudes towards each other. The support and encouragement that pupils have given their peers has been truly incredible, as they celebrate each other and their achievements.

As always, at Vaughan pupils feel able to share their ideas and knowledge, knowing that their peers will follow our school charter by demonstrating ‘RESPECT’.

Pupils achievements have been celebrated with many receiving the ‘Vaughan Outstanding Geographical Achievement Award!’

NURSERY PLACES

Are you looking for a Nursery place in 2022/23?  Do you have friends or neighbours in the local area who are looking for a Nursery place for their child?  We are pleased to say that we have a limited number of places in our Nursery still available starting in September 2022, therefore if you have not yet applied, it is not too late.  Feel free to give us a call on 0208 427 7222 to speak to the Admissions Officer or email admissions@vaughan.harrow.sch.uk  for further information.

KEY MESSAGES FROM WELFARE

Please remember that we have a 48 hour policy for sickness and diarrhoea.  This means that we ask parents to keep their child at home for 48 hours after the last time their child has vomiting or diarrhoea.  This is to minimise infection to other members of the school - children and staff.

Asthma Friendly School Audit

The school will shortly be having an ‘Asthma Friendly School’ audit by the School Nurses.  Parents/Carers with children who suffer from Asthma or have inhalers should be having yearly reviews with their Asthma Nurse/GP.  The school should be provided with an age appropriate spacer.

Welfare should also be advised/updated about any new or updated medical conditions by emailing welfare@vaughan.harrow.sch.uk or telephoning the school.

Medication

If your child is prescribed medication which has to be administered at school, please complete a consent form which can be found on the school website with clear instructions.  It must come via the school office or alternatively, call Welfare tel: 0208 427 7222 Ext 2 and arrangements can be made to collect from outside the school office.

Any medical queries, please contact Mrs O’Rourke or Ms Goodspeed in Welfare.

Medical appointments during the day

And lastly a reminder about medical appointments.  If your child has a medical appointment during the school day, please remember to email attendance@vaughan.harrow.sch.uk with the details and with proof of the appointment.  We do ask however, that appointments during the day are kept to a minimum and that you book appointments for outside of the school day.  Thank you.

SAFEGUARDING UPDATE

Keeping Your Children Safe Online

With the ongoing COVID pandemic, children are online more than ever, not only communicating with friends and family, but for their schoolwork too.  Whilst the Internet can be a fabulous resource, it also fraught with potential dangers.

It is essential that as parents you have all the necessary information at your fingertips, so that you can ensure the safety of your children whilst they are using an electronic device, whatever that may be.

The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) has some fantastic information, advice and resources for you to use with your children, including a range of safety guides, what to do if you are concerned about something you’ve seen and how to set up parental controls across a range of devices. 

Follow the link https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ to find out more.

Parents’ Safeguarding Forum

Following the success of the first forum last term, there will be another one during the Summer term – watch this space!

Safeguarding at Vaughan

If you have any concerns, please contact safeguarding@vaughan.harrow.sch.uk or speak to Miss Rogers, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

If you ever have a concern about a child, and you can't get hold of the school, you can call the Golden Number directly (see below):

PAST PUPIL POEM

One of our past pupils recently won a poem competition.  We are so pleased that she was able to share it with us (see below).   Nursaybah's poem was chosen for publication in a book showcasing young adults' work, called Empowered - Words Without Fear.  If you look at the first letter of each line you will see a message!  Congratulations Nusaybah!

FRIENDS OF VAUGHAN UPDATE

Hot on the heels of the School Disco, we are now deep in planning for the Summer Fair on Saturday 2nd July.  This is our biggest event of the year and relies entirely on volunteers so even if you have never helped with the PTA before, now is your moment!  There will be lots more information coming out over the next few weeks and opportunities to help make this event the best yet.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Fundraising Events

Bake Sale - Wednesday 8th June

Summer Fair - Saturday 2nd July

Committee Meetings

Friday 20th May - 2pm Vaughan School Hall

WHAT’S NEW

School Disco

Huge thank you to everyone who came and helped out at the School Disco at the end of the Spring term.  It was an amazing event with some brilliant tunes and ever better moves from the children and staff!  We are already planning to bring the DJ back next year and take on the feedback from parents to consider non-uniform next time.  The event raised almost £1,000 which will go to support the school.

Year 6 Hoodies

We are once again buying a leaving hoodie for all year six students as a memento of their time at Vaughan.  Look out for them in the playground over the coming weeks.

Vaughan Summer Fair: Saturday 2nd July, 11am - 2pm

Move over Glastonbury, there is a brand new festival that everyone wants a ticket to - VAUGHAN-FEST! 

We are bringing together some of the amazing talent from Vaughan and the local community for our own summer festival!  There will be music, food, raffle, tombola’s and more. Please come along, bring your friends and have fun.

If you are able to help for even just an hour on the day that would be hugely appreciated, drop us a line at vaughanpta@gmail.com.

HELPING FRIENDS OF VAUGHAN ALL YEAR ROUND

Raise Money While You Shop!

You can support Friends of Vaughan without spending a penny extra by shopping through

Easyfundraising or Amazon Smile.

Sign up to Easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/vaughanschoolpta (or download the app) and use the links provided whenever you shop online with John Lewis, M&S, Ebay and more.

Please use Amazon Smile whenever you buy from Amazon and select Vaughan School PTA as your charity.  You can set this up on the app so you don’t need to remember each time.

Regular Giving

As with all charities, you can choose to support us through regular donations which are all eligible for Gift Aid.  If you, or a member of your community would like to do this then please contact our Treasurer who can advise on the best way at fovtreasury@gmail.com.

THANK YOU!

Finally, a big thank you to all of you for your support so far this year!

Keep in touch:

• Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/VaughanPTA
• Email: vaughanpta@gmail.com

HARROW FOODBANK

Further information is available from the following website:
https://harrow.foodbank.org.uk/

TERM DATES

School will close at 1.35pm on the last day of each term
(please see separate letter sent regarding the end of the Autumn term)

Afternoon Nursery will be closed on the last day of each term.

After School Club finishes at 4.00pm on the last day of term. 

Please do not book holidays for during term time as these will not be authorised.  If you wish to request leave from school, please complete a Request for Leave form and email it to attendance@vaughan.harrow.sch.uk for Mrs Jones' attention.