St Birinus School News – September 2017

Our summer term certainly kept up a good pace as we reached the end of term in July – here are some of the highlights:

  • Once again, the weather was kind to us for our Sports Afternoon – Well done to all the children (and parents) who took part in the races – it was great to see the enthusiasm. This year had the added excitement of the Sports Cup, which was won by the Yellow team – well done to all groups for supporting each other throughout the races. A big thank you to the Governors for organising the family event and to the PTA for providing refreshments during and after the sports day.
  • Over the term, four Year 5 & 6 children had been completing their cycling proficiency training and an external examiner came to test them on their skills. Well done to Tommy who achieved their Level 1 and to Amelie, Tabitha and Tom who achieved their Level 2. Thank you to Mrs White and Mrs Bristow for their help throughout the training.
  • At the end of term, each class held their topic afternoons for the their parents
    • Hedgehog Class performed a small play about Jack and the Beanstalk
    • Squirrel Class had an African Drumming Workshop
    • Fox Class had a Roman afternoon that even included some marching
    • Owl Class had a Rocket Car afternoon, where they were able to build their own cars and then watch as they shot across the playground – it was amazing to watch.
  • Kings and Queens Day saw everyone dress up as someone from in and around court life. The costumes as always were a wonder to see. As we did with our pirate day last year, we split the school in to mixed age groups and each group were able to try their hands at jousting, collage portraits, illumination and Tudor dancing. It was a great day helped with the fantastic weather
  • In the Abbey on the last day, we held our Leavers service dedicated to the Year 6 children as they prepared to leave us. I certainly wish them well for their next exciting adventure. During the service Dr Boakes kindly gave a book to each of the group for their work with him over the year. As always I would like to thank Dr Boakes for all his work with the Year 6 children each year – it is very much appreciated. This is the fifth year to present the Luke Chadney Cup for Enthusiasm and Contribution, which was generously donated by Mr and Mrs Chadney in memory of their son, Luke. This year, the cup was awarded to Megan Sadler, who the staff felt had made a valuable contribution to school by willingly helping others in need of a friend. Well done Megan – well deserved.
  • Finally, we awarded our annual 100% Attendance Certificates – this year the following children have achieved 100% attendance – Poppy Line and Tom Brooks. A fantastic effort!

As you read our news, we will be preparing to start a new term on Wednesday 6th September and as always we are certainly looking forward to another exciting year at school.

Russell Leigh
Headteacher
Dorchester St Birinus CE Primary School

Thames Valley Police

Police reminder to please keep homes locked and secure

I have been advised by our local police of a number of incidents in South Oxfordshire in recent weeks whereby “persons unknown” have been trying front and back doors to see whether locked or unlocked with a view to making unlawful entry – burglary is the obvious intention. The experience of an owner who is at home with the door unlocked being confronted by a complete stranger on the front door-mat is obviously somewhat unnerving to say the least.

One such incident arose in Dorchester at around 10pm a few nights ago, and the police are urging all residents to ensure that their properties are locked and secure, not only when absent but generally.

Richard Winslet
Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Dorchester

A thank you message from David Wilkinson

I would like to thank everyone who supported me, whether you came to hear the penny whistle music in the Abbey on Sunday 23rd July, or if you donated online.  I am delighted to say that I raised £417 for Cancer Research UK.  Thank you! I was really touched by your generosity.
David Wilkinson

New bus (138) serving Dorchester thanks to “Going Forward Buses”

For those that may have seen signs up around the village and been confused, here is a little more information on a new bus service coming to the village.

  • – Runs on Monday/Wednesday/Thursday to/from Wallingford
  • – It appears to Drop off within the village when coming back from Wallingford BUT the collection is a little more confusing.  We believe that you pick up the Bus in the way from Wallingford in the village, go to the Berinsfield roundabout and travel back from there.  But the timetable also says you can pick up from the bypass, so we are not 100% sure until someone uses the route and reports back.
  • – £3 for a single (but concessionary passes do apply)

So this certainly is great, and we should thank Going Forward buses for trying to fill the gap from the recently lost bus route.  Hopefully the fact in only picks up on weekdays, and only picks up from the bypass, does not deter people.

Please let us know if you learn more though, as all our info is from their website, or leaflets picked up from the Wallingfortd information center.

From 31st July Going Forward Buses will run from Wallingford to Shillingford and Dorchester via Shillingford Hill.  The service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with three return journeys each day.  The service will pick up and set down at any safe place along the route, but please do use the existing bus stops where possible.  There are stops right outside Shillingford Hill Home Park and Dorchester Abbey.  If you are travelling from Dorchester, please board the bus on the outward journey towards Berinsfield roundabout as it will return direct along the Dorchester by-pass to Shillingford.  Please see below for the new timetable and fares.  Concessionary pass holders of course travel free after 09.00 in Oxfordshire.

Some journeys run through to or from Goring railway station for convenient connections with half hourly trains to Reading (15 minutes) and London.  The station has level access or lifts to all platforms (unlike Cholsey!).

More info: https://www.goingforwardbuses.com/the-138/

New events and courses at Berinsfield Adult Learning Centre

Craft Cafe, Discussion Cafe, Everyday Computer Skills, Maths/English.

 

Learn a new craft for free at our Craft Café 1-3pm on Thursdays starting 7th September

Come and join us at Berinsfield Adult Learning Centre, Wimblestraw Road on Thursday afternoons to learn a new skill, enjoy a drink, and meet like-minded people in the relaxing environment of our well stocked craft room.

Find more details on our website. Enrol by emailing natalie.prescott@abingdon-witney.ac.uk, by calling 01235 216230 or texting 07387 412106.

 

Current Affairs Discussion Café

Come and join us at our fortnightly gathering to discuss current affairs in an in-formal setting. All are welcome to enjoy a cup of coffee and a biscuit while we set the world to rights with like-minded people from our local community. Our group facilitator will choose some hot topics of the week and gently challenge us to examine our thoughts and opinions.

Every other Monday 13:30-15:00

  • 7th August
  • 21st August
  • 4th September
  • 18th September
  • 2nd October
  • 16th October
  • 30th October
  • 13th November
  • 27th November
  • 11th December

Berinsfield Adult Learning Centre, Wimblestraw Road, Berinsfield, OX10 7LZ

You are most welcome to just turn up on the day, but for an informal chat or to register your interest in coming along, please enquire via our website, email natalie.prescott@abingdon-witney.ac.uk, call 01235 216230 or text 07387 412106.

 

 

Everyday Computer Skills

For complete beginners, or those with limited experience, our everyday computer skills course starts with introducing the components of a computer and includes mouse and keyboard skills, an introduction to using the internet and email, and how to stay safe online.

  • Tuesdays 13:30-15:30 12th September to 17th October. Berinsfield Adult Learning Centre, Wimblestraw, Berinsfield, OX10 7LZ

Microsoft Word and Excel for Work and Leisure

Whether you wish to enhance your skills for work or learn for use at home, come along to our 6 week introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel and discover the basics of word processing and spreadsheet software packages.

Find more details on our website. Enrol by emailing natalie.prescott@abingdon-witney.ac.uk, by calling 01235 216230 or texting 07387 412106.

  • Tuesdays 09:30-11:30 12th September to 17th October. Berinsfield Adult Learning Centre, Wimblestraw, Berinsfield, OX10 7LZ

 

 

Would you like to improve your English and maths skills?

Come to one of our initial assessment sessions to discover which course is best for you.

  • Tuesdays 1pm – 4pm 25th July, 1st August, 15th August, 22nd August
  • Tuesdays 6pm – 8.30pm 29th August, 5th September

Don’t feel confident enough to commit to enrolling on a course?

Why not come to one of our fun taster sessions where you can try out some fun and relaxed activities to show you how you can improve your maths and English skills in a supportive environment. We can tell you about our fully funded functional skills and GCSE qualifications and, if you are ready to progress, arrange initial assessments.

  • Tuesday 1.00pm – 3.30pm 8th August

Book online or contact Tricia Godfrey at tricia.godfrey@abingdon-witney.ac.uk on 07768 140232 to find out more.