Welcome to Orchard Primary School

The Autumn Term is an exciting one, full of new beginnings. Your child may be joining us for the first time, or moving on to a new phase of their education. Parent Evenings, Parent Partnership Forum, workshops and PTA events all provide parents with opportunities to engage with the school, and to support and encourage their children. We encourage you to attend these school events, so that you know how your child is doing, and also so that you can support your child’s learning. We are a community of learners, we actively encourage children, staff, parents and governors to make the most of all the learning opportunities we provide. This term there will be opportunities for parents to learn more about how to help their children with phonics, reading and maths. There will also be family learning opportunities such as Little Scientist, so look out for these events.

This year we aim to encourage talk for learning, and to this end we ask parents to support us by not using mobile phones on the school site. Use this time to talk to your child about the exciting things that they have been learning. By showing how much you value learning you will help your child realise the importance of making the most of their time at school.

Here at Orchard Primary School we aim for every child to be happy and successful during their time with us and we strive to provide a secure, caring and fun environment in which each child can reach his or her potential. To support their learning the children will enjoy a range of trips including a residential trip to Norfolk Lakes, as well as local trips such as a visit to Tesco. They will also enjoy special days such as the Roald Dahl Day, Egyptian Day and Superhero Day. We aim to prepare every child for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life beyond the primary school through a variety of experiences both inside and outside the classroom. All the children will take part in the Careers Aspiration Day, where they will be able to learn about the world of work from a range of visitors – From Police, Scientists, Musicians, to Caterers, and more...

The Orchard PTA organises events for the children and also raises money to support projects in school. The PTA work tirelessly to put on events for the children and families. Last year the PTA raised a substantial amount of money from the events they organised, including the Summer Fair, Skoot and Skate and the school disco. Money raised went towards new high viz vests, new raised beds for the school garden, and the Year 6 leavers’ barbecue. Parent helpers are always needed, as the PTA cannot run without help from the parents. Please ask at the office and you will be pointed in the right direction.

We encourage all the children to participate fully in school life, we offer a range of clubs, the uptake has always been excellent and the children enjoy the variety on offer. Some of our clubs will be highlighting their talents during the term at competitions and events; this includes the Choir, Cricket, Football and Boxing. Please look out for the Club list and spend time talking to your child about what they might enjoy.

This year all the children will be participating in a ‘daily mile’, they will need their trainers in school daily so that they can run comfortably.

I would like to remind everyone that we expect to see all children dressed in the correct school uniform, with black shoes/trainers. Any hair adornments should be small, and blue, black or white in colour. Socks should be grey, black or white only. Children are not permitted to wear jewellery, except for a small wristwatch, and small plain stud earrings. Earrings must be covered or removed for PE lessons. All children must change into a PE kit – black shorts and white t-shirt and black trainers. Children must bring their contact books in every day, and complete homework in a timely manner.
We look forward to seeing you at events such as: The Nativity, Carols by Candlelight and our weekly Gold Book assemblies.

We have a twitter account @OrchardSidcup and a Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/Orchard-Primary-School-1164589720257024/ the idea is that if we have any alerts or reminders we will use these social media accounts, in addition to the website, so please add or like so that you can keep up to date.

With very best wishes for a happy and successful year

Mrs Jo Rowntree
Head Teacher

30 August 2018