Last month, our school was inspected by one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors and two registered OFSTED inspectors. As you may have read, there is a New Framework for Inspection, and we have been duly inspected under this revised schedule for maintained schools and academies (January 2012). Despite the almost constant rain throughout the two days, our children continued to be really well behaved. The three inspectors were most impressed by the respect, thoughtfulness and excellent conduct displayed by our pupils. Thanks go to all of our valued members of staff for their dedicated professionalism and hard work. We will share the OFSTED report with parents as soon as it is published.

Eco-Schools
We also had another inspection last month; this time by a respresentative from the Eco-Schools programme. We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded our third Eco Flag. The assessor was very impressed with our commitment to the environment and sustainability. She said:

“The school has Eco-Schools firmly embedded within all aspects of school life. The children were fabulous, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.”

We now need to keep up the good work and aim for a fourth flag in two years time. Many thanks to all the families who support this initiative by recycling batteries, ink cartridges, shoes, football kits and spectacles with us. Keep up the good work! A big thank you to Mrs James and the members of our Eco Committee for all their effort with this initiative.

Michael Neophytou Competition 2012 - "Peg Doll Parade"
Before the Easter break, every pupil in the school was given a plastic wallet containing a wooden dolly peg and an entry form for our 2012 competition in memory of Michael Neophytou. The response was overwhelming with a whole host of peg dolls in a range of different styles arriving in school. Each entry was labelled and placed on display in our library.

We were pleased to welcome Mr & Mrs Neophytou into school to judge the competition and announce the winners in assembly. Our thanks go to everyone who entered and made the competition such a great success. We also congratulate the 16 winners: one from each of our 12 classes and an additional winner in each year group. More pictures of the Peg Doll Parade will be available on our website shortly.

In addition to the competition, we also held a Mufti Day on Friday 4th May when children could come to school in their own choice of clothes in return for a small donation. We raised £350.49, which will be shared between Alder Hey's Imagine Appeal and Suranna's Stepping Stone Appeal.

CLIC Sargent Practice-a-thon
Our annual Sponsored Practice-a-thon in aid of CLIC Sargent has now ended. We hope that all the children who took part enjoyed the challenge and found that the extra practise has made a difference to their playing. All money raised should be brought into school as soon as possible, and no later than Wednesday 23rd May.

Mr Marriott would also like to thank everyone who supported the Young Musicians Charity Concert at Stamps on Bank Holiday Monday. Once again, it was a great afternoon that was enjoyed by everyone. A collection taken on the day raised £194.58; the most we have ever collected at this event. We will update you with a final total once all the sponsor money has been received. In the meantime, any additional donations will be gratefully received.

Bedding Plants Required
We would be most grateful for the donation of hardy plants or small shrubs which would be suitable for planting in our raised beds on the playground. If green-fingered parents are splitting or removing any plants from their gardens, we would be very happy to receive them and plant them in the beds on the playground. Thank you.

Voucher Schemes
Thank you for the Tesco and Sainsbury's vouchers, and Nestle Box Tops for Books tokens we have received so far. Please keep collecting for our school. These initiatives are so helpful in providing additional resources for our children.