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We may only have two weeks of the term left, but there is still a lot to look forward to! We will be keeping 'regular' learning going until the last couple of days, but we also have a few special events to add in such as the Rocksteady concert, Going Up Afternoon, school discos, and the Year 6 leaving assembly!
Recognising that there is change afoot for all students, we will be supporting the emotions that accompany this, and trying hard to manage the transitions. Where we recognise it would be useful, additional opportunities to get to know the new staff team will be planned.
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Welcoming back Miss Nico Brooks
Miss Brooks joined Deanshanger Primary School in 2010 and is well known by nearly all the year groups in the school. She hasn't been teaching for most of the school year though as baby Frankie has kept her very busy!
We are pleased to welcome Nico back in September; she will be working in Reception alongside Mrs Herman. We look forward to the return of her flexibility, kindness, experience, and very child-centred approach to learning.
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Welcoming Mrs Amie Herman
We are delighted to welcome Mrs Amie Herman to the staff team for September 2024. Amie will be teaching in Reception two days a week (with Miss Nico Brooks teaching the class for three days a week). Amie has been a parent at the school since 2019, so we know her very well in this capacity. She has been teaching at another school in the Grand Union Partnership, and so she is well-known in this role too (as we work closely with the GUP schools for mutual support and progress).
We look forward to benefitting from Mrs Herman’s experience, hands-on creativity, passion for teaching and learning, and positivity.
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A well-stocked and inspiring library has always been important to our school. Last week, after much planning and help from Mrs Hodge, we were delighted to take delivery of brand-new library furniture. Not only has this meant we can use our 'old' furniture in other places in the school, but it has created the most beautiful learning space.
As you'll recall, this has been entirely funded by the Aaronson family; it was left as a legacy as Mr David Aaronson (former governor and Chair of Governors) passed. This space will be extremely well-used for many, many years to come. We are all blown away by their generosity and kindness.
As both Angela and David Aaronson loved reading and supported it in every possible form, we believe our new library space is a fitting tribute to them.
 
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For some of our families, having the summer holidays just around the corner can be a particularly challenging time. We would love to be able to provide these families with some extra items for their home and family to make life easier.
If you are in the position of having unused good quality toys for inside and for the garden, and /or unwanted household items, we would appreciate being able to pass these on. Let us know what you might be able to offer, and we'll check with the receiving families before you bring them into school. Although we have children aged 5-11 at DPS, there are younger and older siblings who would benefit also.
If receiving some items (toys and household items) would be helpful to you, please let us know.
Thank you very much in advance. Your support and kindness is very much appreciated.
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Going Up Afternoon
On Wednesday 10th July, new children joining the school in September (and our existing students) will be spending the afternoon with their new teachers. This is a good opportunity for them to start thinking about learning for the year ahead, getting to know each other and the new learning space, and deciding on a class name using the selected theme, 'Under the Sea'.
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Sports Day
Reception and Key Stage 1
Despite being quite cold, the rain largely held off on Tuesday and we had a fun sports day with Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students. Thank you very much for coming along and supporting this. The children tried their hardest and showed a great sporting attitude. Big thanks to Mr Taylor for planning the event and keeping it running smoothly, with support from the whole DPS team.
There is a photo gallery on the school website for you to enjoy.
The parent races were very lively with lots of energy and speed! For next year, though, we feel we need to get Joe Wickes to come in to ensure we have a thorough warm-up!
Many thanks to Mr Paragreen for keeping us well-informed of the running order all morning, and entertained.
  
Key Stage 2
The weather forecast kept us all on our toes leading up to this event! For the first hour, I must admit I kept wondering if we had made the right decision about going ahead as it was a little damp! We all kept going and by about 10.15 am the drizzle had stopped and it even became quite warm!
Congratulations to all the students for trying hard and really pushing themselves to achieve their best.
Big thanks again to everyone involved with the event; it was a lot of fun.
Mr Paragreen - thank you so much for supporting us again. We are already looking forward to next year.
 
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Thank you very much for completing the latest parent survey. Your feedback, as always, is very much appreciated. The results will be analysed fully and shared. As a result of the survey, changes will be made, where possible, to further improve school life and communication.
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Uniform
If your child has outgrown their current uniform, or you'd like to get stocked up for the new school year, please help yourself to our pre-loved uniform in Admin. Similarly, if you would like to donate washed items, we'd be happy to have them.
Ties are available for £5 from Admin too. The ties are only needed in Year 6.
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Homework
Thank you very much for supporting our questionnaire to gather your thoughts about the very emotive topic of homework. As a result of this, and staff input, we will be sharing new information about homework @DPS early next week.
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SEN Parental Survey
At Deanshanger Primary school we are always wanting to reflect on our practise, especially at this time of year, and value your feedback as part of this. The survey was sent to a selection of parents this week.
We would appreciate your sparing 5 minutes of your time to complete the survey by Friday 12th July.
Many thanks
Natalie Parsonson
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West Northamptonshire stay connected June 2024
This newsletter focuses on all the amazing events, clubs and groups that families, children and young people can access across the county that are free or affordable to attend.
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Support, Inspire, Challenge
Make a difference. Become a Parent Governor @ DPS
We currently have a vacancy for a parent governor
Did you know?
Parents governors are volunteers who work as part of the Local Academy Committee for Deanshanger Primary.
Governors at the school work together to provide support and challenge for the school leadership team.
Alongside a meeting each half-term, they visit the school regularly to gain assurance that current priorities are being effectively taken forward.
We are currently looking for a new parent governor.
If you wish to stand for election, you may nominate yourself as a candidate. No proposer or seconder is required, but you must signify your intention to stand, in writing. Those eligible to stand are the parents or carers of pupils who are currently registered pupils at this school. A person who works at the school for more than 500 hours in a consecutive twelve-month period or who is an elected member of the Local Authority is not eligible to be a parent governor.
The term of office will be for four years. A parent whose child leaves the school may continue as a parent governor until the end of their term of office, if he or she so wishes.
Nominations should be sent to me within the next two weeks, that is before the closing date for nominations, which is 21st June. If there is only 1 parent nominated, they will of course be elected unopposed, but if there are more candidates than vacancies, a ballot will be held.
Knowledge of the education sector is not required, but a passion to make a positive contribution most definitely is!
It’s challenging, but extremely rewarding work.
MORE INFORMATION?
Email: headteacher@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk or
01908 268920
We would love to hear from you!
Deanshanger Primary School is part of The Grand Union Partnership, a local Trust of three other primary schools - Old Stratford, Jubilee Wood and New Bradwell. The Local Academy Committee of each school is delegated its responsibilities by the Board of Trustees.
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PTA dates for your diary
Summer Disco
The final disco of the school year will take place after school on July 11th. 3:30pm to 4:30pm for Reception and KS1 and 5:00pm to 6:30pm for KS2. Tickets are already on sale via the PTA event page (not Arbor).
https://www.pta-events.co.uk/deanshanger/
If you would like to get involved with the PTA or are able to spare a few hours to help support the events above, please get in touch via: ChairOfPTA@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk.
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Volunteers Day - Saturday 20th July
9am - 1pm
Last year, for the first time, we had a parent volunteer day at the end of the summer term. It was a roaring success and we had a large group of parents come in to help with lots of jobs around the school with projects such as painting, jet washing and gardening.
We intend to run another one this year and would love your support. You can volunteer for an hour, two hours, three hours... we really don't mind. No experience is needed, just lots of enthusiasm. We'd love to be able to get the school in the best place possible for the new year ahead.
There are lots of jobs on our list including painting inside and outside and fixing the pond decking.
Thank you
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Fruity Friday
The Fruity Fridays have gone extremely well this year and the creative and tasty treats have been very much enjoyed. We just have the Reception one to look forward to now on Friday 12th July.
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Road Safety
We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Johnstone outside school every day, keeping our children safe as they arrive at school and leave. Her commitment to the children's safety is invaluable.
In addition to Mrs. Johnstone’s efforts, please pay close attention to the various new signs outside school. These signs are strategically placed to remind drivers to slow down and ensure the safety of our students and families.
Despite these measures, please be sure to keep your children very close to you and in sight at all times. It is, unfortunately, a very congested area.
By respecting Mrs. Johnstone, driving slowly, adhering to the safety signs, and respecting our neighbours, we can all contribute to a safe and calm environment.
Thank you
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Safeguarding
As we head into the summer break, we want to remind you that the well-being of your children remains a top priority. While the school doors may be closed, our collective commitment to safeguarding must continue.
If you have any concerns about the safety or well-being of a child during the summer months, please don't hesitate to reach out. Whether it's an issue at home, in the village, or online, help is available.
Sending an email to myself as the DSL is one option, head@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk but please don't do this without also reaching out to the local authority or the police to ensure the concern is picked up at the time of need. The following link takes you to Northamptonshire's Safeguarding Children's Partnership -
http://www.northamptonshirescb.org.uk/parents-carers.
This page holds a lot of useful information including how to contact MASH as a parent ie Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Remember, it's important to stay vigilant and support each other. Let's ensure that every child has a safe and enjoyable summer.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Mrs Rachel Rice
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs) - Mrs. Lynn Mildren, Mrs. Natalie Parsonson, Miss. Steph Forward and Mr. Mike Pennington
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The final PAG of this academic year (the year has flown by!) will be held on Wednesday 10th July at 14:30 and will take place in the School Library.
The aim of the session will be to finalise as much as possible the new Home/School Agreement for September. I am also hoping to share an update with you regarding our homework provision.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Mike Pennington
Deputy Head
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Wrap Club over the summer holidays
This year, Wrap Club will be running for the first two weeks of the summer holiday. Bookings are now open.
While we have run the club for four weeks in previous years, the take-up for the last two weeks of the club each summer has been consistently very low and hence, making the change this year.
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The next three weeks @DPS
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Dress 4 Dinners
On Friday 12th July, everyone is invited to leave their uniform at home and wear 'home clothes'. If possible, we would like the children to bring in a donation of money or a can of food such as a tin of chopped tomatoes, tuna, carrots, new potatoes, peas and sweet corn, baked beans, red kidney beans, a tin of hot dogs, or plain rice, spaghetti, pasta, lentils, tin of tuna... to donate to the amazing MK charity - St.Mark's Meals. It is a charity that supports us as a school community and it was recently visited by the School Council. By bringing in some long-life food items, we can support their great work.
On the same day, we will be having a whole French/ Olympic event. The children are warmly invited to either bring their PE uniform in a bag or ensure that their mufti outfit is suitable for sports. Footwear should be changed. Thank you
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Have a lovely weekend.
Rachel Rice
head@deanshanger.northants.sch.uk
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