Word from the Governors

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of this  term, it is good to look back and see that it has been a busy start to the year.  We welcomed new children to the school and wish them a very happy time here.

Extension to Ash Class

The building work began on July 26th and has proceeded very well throughout the holidays. The classroom will be completed by the end of this term and Ash class pupils will be back to work in their brand new classroom by the beginning of Term 2. Thanks are due to our outstanding neighbour Mr Bundy who allowed access to the site through his field to the side of the site.  Mr Potter has been the contractor - he and his team have worked steadily throughout the project and we are very grateful to them for the superb new room.
The project has meant that everyone in the school has been affected by the lack of one classroom and Mrs Lane and Mrs Dolphin have had to set up a temporary class in the hall. This has not been easy so we thank them with all Ash class pupils for the way they have coped with this disruption.  We hope they will enjoy and settle quickly in the new classroom.

Thanks to the Friends of Coombe Bissett School

It was noted at the July Governors meeting that the Friends (parents) make a very significant contribution to the school.  The fundraising events are fun and the monies raised go towards equipment and also extra outings and events from which every child benefits.  The Governors would like to thank the Friends very much for this vital work and wish them well for this year.

School Travel Plan

Every year the Governors have to complete a Travel Plan which is submitted to the County. The majority of our children come to school by car. Other alternatives (walking, cycling etc.) are rare, given the danger of the road, lack of pavement and the fact that most children live a car journey away. The plan recommends that an increase in car sharing would help the situation. An increase of 3-4 families sharing their journeys is the aim for this year.This is a modest target but any families that can share their journey would be very good.
Parking has been and is still a major concern and it will continue to be on the agenda this year. Meanwhile, please take great care and ensure the safety of the children as you come and go at the beginning and end of each day. The Governors will make representation about pedestrian safety, consulting further with the police and the County and looking for any ways to alleviate the situation, to help you and your children to come and go as safely as possible.

Meet the Governor Sessions

Due to the extension project, this term there have been no ‘Meet the Governor’ sessions,  but these will be arranged and announced at the beginning of next term when everything is back to normal.

The School Cross

When Reg Barrett retired as Chair of Governors,  he asked that the Governors consider having a cross put up on the outside of the school. This was discussed with Mrs Cockrean and it was agreed to go ahead.  The cross was made by Des Adeley and Chris Baughan who both live locally.  They used oak from a pew that had been removed from the village church. The cross is backlit with a small solar unit. When the new Bishop of Salisbury visited the school earlier in the term,  he blessed the cross with the children’s help.  This was a great occasion and was his first official visit as he starts his time as Bishop of Salisbury.

Changes on the Governing Body

At the end of July John Foster retired. He was the representative for the Local Authority and is the Business Manager at Trafalgar School.  He made a very valuable contribution to the Governing Body. Shaun Cowlam has taken his place as Local Authority Governor.  This has involved consultation with the local Councillors, before being approved by them.  Shaun has already been an Associate Governor for a year.

Sarah Panes, Chairman of Governors
October 2011