1. family and parenting
2. children

Newsletter 16
8th May, 2015
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have enjoyed another busy fortnight, and are now looking ahead to the May Day Madness - we hope
to see you all on Saturday. Our whole school photo last week was a triumph – it was taken in record
quick time, and the photographer said that the children’s behaviour was exceptionally good – it was!
Proofs were sent home this week, for parents who wish to order the photograph – please ask in the office,
if yours has not made its way home. We have a whole school photograph every seven or eight years to
ensure that all children have the opportunity to be in a photo during their time at Codicote.
Next week, Year 6 will be completing their SATs – the children have worked really hard since the minute
they joined school, and I wish them luck in achieving the results they deserve.
Living Crafts Fair
Yesterday, the Maypole and Sword dancers performed at the Living Crafts Fair at Hatfield House. Fifty
children took part, and I was extremely proud of the dancing and behaviour of every single one of them. I
am very grateful to Mrs Gardner, the staff, parents and grandparents who helped with transport, the
maypole and looking after the children, and to Ms Jennings for decorating the Maypole crown so
beautifully! Today, they will be dancing again – I am keeping my fingers crossed for another sunny day,
as I type.
Basketball
Congratulations to Isabelle from Year 6, who played for Hertfordshire in the recent East of England under
11s girls’ team. We are really proud of her!
Sophie Pyle
Congratulations to our former pupil, Sophie, who has just been chosen as Deputy Head Girl, at Hitchin
Girls School. We know she will be an asset in this role, and wish her every success.
Junior football team
Congratulations too, to our Junior Boys Football team who finished as runners up in the Stevenage
Tournament. Losing just 1-0 in the finals to Knebworth, the boys represented the school really well, and
played some excellent football. Thank you to Mrs Broad for training the team and coaching them through
the tournament.
Extra teachers
We are delighted to have two student teachers with us this term - Mr Broad (who bears an amazing
resemblance to Zac) in Year 2, and Ms Rega in Year 1. I know that the children and staff are really
enjoying working with them, and benefit from the extra support for the children.
Hudnall Park
Last week, I enjoyed a fantastic time (although a less than fantastic night’s sleep!) at Hudnall Park. We
took part in a range of activities – from shelter building to orienteering, with tree studies, a night hike and
lots of other things in between. The children were a delight to be with – helpful, stoical, and real team
players – as were the staff. I am grateful to Mrs Henderson and Beth for joining us during the day, and
eternally grateful to Mrs Mesher for giving up her evening and night’s sleep to make the trip such a
success – roll on Cuffley!
May Day Assembly
Thank you to everyone who came long to support our May Day assembly, and to Ms Jennings for
teaching our Sword Dancers! It was lovely to see just how many children are involved in dancing in the
school – folk dancing has been a feature of Codicote School for as long as anyone can remember, and we
even have former pupils who are now grandparents, who used to dance when they were here! This year,
we enjoyed performances of Maypole, Country and Sword Dancing. We were also delighted to be joined
by Mrs Gardner and the Offley Morris Men.
May Madness Family Fun Day
Tomorrow! Saturday 9th May, from 11.00 – 2.00 p.m.
Please come along to the May Day Madness Family Fun day tomorrow – there are things for all the
family to enjoy, competitions, a bake off, barbecue, team challenge, the Grand Prize Draw, stalls and lots
more!
The order of events is as follows:
• 9.00: Setting up – everyone welcome!
• 11.00: Grand Opening
• 11.20: The Great Codicote Bake Off
• 11.45: Maypole Dancing Display
• 12.30: Whacky Races Team Competition
• 1.30: Prize Giving
• 1.45: Raffle – Grand Prize Draw
Community News
Codicote Playground Renovation
Please take 5 minutes to help the Codicote playground renovation project win the Aviva
Community Fund award for £25,000! Please vote here before the 30th May:
https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/Project/View/3434
You can find this link via our website: www.codicoteplayground.org
1. Click on "Register and login" in the blue box on the right
2. Fill in your name & email (t&c's say Aviva won't give your details to 3rd parties & you can remove
your details after the competition)
3. Go to your email and open the Aviva message (this may be in your junk mail) and "click here" as
instructed
4. Log in AND VOTE for us!
EVERYONE in the UK with an email address can give up to 10 VOTES before the 30th of May to help
us make it to the finals to win £25,000!
Please pass this message on and ask everyone you know - friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and
clubs!
Contact us at: codicoteplayground@gmail.com for more information
Please remember that I am always happy to discuss any issues with you.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Liz Pollard
HEADTEACHER