The Carswell

Times 23rd November 2018

Stars in our School day! We celebrated all the hard work of our teaching assistants and office, lunch and support

staff today (21st November). There was a special assembly where they were given kind-

ness ‘stars in our schools’ certificates and all the children stood as they left the hall to

rapturous applause. Later, they were invited to a continental brunch (and waited on by

Gatekeeper class); the feedback was it was delicious and it should happen everyday!

In the afternoon two groups had relaxation sessions with a therapist to help them re-

charge their batteries. Hopefully they returned to class revived and refreshed and ready

to continue the sterling work they do. Well done and a huge thank you to all our support

staff!

The festive season begins at Carswell with our traditional Decorations Day, this year on Friday 30th November

from nine till ten. Parents are invited to come and join in the craft fun in their child’s (or children’s) classes. It’ll

also be our non-uniform day to gather donations for our tombola (toiletries, books, gifts etc) and to support the

Young Carers charity by bringing in a small chocolate bar. It’s a great chance to dust off those Christmas jumpers

and I look forward to seeing you all there!

Comic book heroes! Holly and Cameron brought me their comic to read this week. It was a project they

started during Golden Time and continued at home. What dedication! It was

packed full of great illustrations and the story was left on a cliff hanger. They will be

working on the next issue over the coming weeks and I look forward to reading

what happens to ‘Collin’ the main character.

Who knows , they may one day be working for DC, Marvel or the Phoenix comic!

Well done to both of you!

Children in Need!

What a brightly –

coloured day we

had last Friday!

We enjoyed our

assembly and re-

flected on children

in Britain and all

round the world

who need our help.

A huge thank

you to everyone.

We raised £285!

Mystery bear! A well-loved cuddly bear has been found in the Gardenorama

recently by Jayne Martin. It may have been lost last year dur-

ing the summer fair. If anyone owns it or recognises it please

contact the office and we’ll return it to its rightful owner. If no

one claims it it’ll be well-looked after in EYFS.

If you are touched by this story I recommend reading the book

‘Dogger’ by Shirley Hughes.

Cool picture of the week

Below is a sculpture by two artists using light, junk and shadows. What makes it cool? How do you think they made it? How many mistakes do you think

they made before getting it as perfect as this?

Artwork by Tim noble and Sue Webster

Next week: Where to find support

What's new in gaming?

Virtual reality games: Devices such as Google Cardboard or Occulus Rift add another dimension to gaming which allows users to immerse themselves into what feels like a real-life experience by stimu-lating their hearing or vision. Typically, a gamer will need to wear a headset to experience virtual real-ity games.

Augmented reality games: These types of games are also becoming increasingly popular, with games like Pokemon Go making the environment around us part of the gaming experi-ence. Augmented reality games work by layering computer-generated enhancements on top of an existing reality to allow gamers to interact with it. Gamers will ‘see’ things that they understand are not real, but will be incorporated into the game.

Things to know about gaming:

Just like offline games, these games and apps can have educational benefits, and be used, for ex-ample, to develop problem-solving, team-working skills and understanding.

Traditionally, games were bought from shops, often in the form of a disc for use on a PC or con-sole. Increasingly games are now purchased and downloaded online.

Games are played on many platforms, with those bought in shops often having an online compo-nent to them. Internet connectivity in a game adds a new opportunity for gamers as it allows players to find and play against, or with, other players from around the world (in a multi-player game).

Multi-player games allow someone to chat to and play against a player they may or may not know. This has many advantages, but can also present issues, such as when young people are play-ing against others who are in a different time zone to them, it can put pressure on them to stay up late. Furthermore, these people can be strangers and when chatting and playing with them, it is important not to reveal personal information and to talk only about the game.

We here at Carswell are proud to support the ‘Young Carers’ charity . As a school we have many children

who look after their siblings, parents and extended families as part of their everyday lives and this chari-

ty supports them in making sure they get access to the life experiences and time for themselves.

As part of our collection for our annual Christmas tombola we are asking for a donation (on non-uniform

Christmas decorations day Friday 30th November) of a small bar of chocolate as well as the usual array

of prizes to support this charity.

Thanks you for supporting our school and we wish the Young Carers charity every success in the future!

Nearly £450 has been raised for Friends of Carswell School from just ten parents/teachers using

this app.

If all parents/teachers started using Easy Fundraising, we could be raising £thousands for Car-

swell School each year - which would be used directly to improve the children's environment

and school experience.

There's absolutely no cost to using Easy Fundraising - the shops donate the money!

Friends of Carswell School (FOCS) (also known as the PTA)

FOCS mission statement

Working together and supporting school life through fundraising, spending and effort”.

Key dates for 2018/19

Want to help us raise funds immediately? Easyfundraising is a great website where you can help Friends of Carswell School – Abingdon. Raise funds simply by doing your everyday online shopping with over 3,300 big name retailers like Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com, eBay, Boden, and M&S. Every time you shop, we receive a small donation to say ‘thank you’ and it’s completely free too! We want to raise as much as possible so please sign up and help us at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/focarswell/ or download the app by visiting your app store (iphone and Android) and searching for Easyfundraising. Thanks for all your support!

FOCS is a group of parents, carers and staff who volunteer to help raise funds for the school, run the monthly coffee

mornings and second-hand uniform stall, and maintain Gardenorama.

We welcome new members who’d like to get involved in any way to support FOCS. Without the support of volunteers,

we would be unable to run these fundraising events.

If you’d like more information, please email sarahcripps@googlemail.com (current chair) or come along to one of our

coffee mornings to meet some of the committee and find out more. We will also be having our AGM after the Vision

Evening on 8th November

FOCS Coffee Morning (FREE COFFEE!) Friday 12 October, school dining hall immediately after drop off

FOCS AGM (FREE CHEESE & WINE!) Thursday 8 November, immediately after the Vision Evening (7pm—9pm)

Family Bingo & Pizza Evening Friday 16 November 6pm—7.30pm

Committee Meeting Tuesday 20 November, 7pm The Brewery Tap

Christmas Fair Friday 7 December 3pm—5pm

FOCS Coffee Morning (FREE COFFEE!) Friday 14 December, school dining hall immediately after drop off

Committee Meeting Thursday 24 January, 7pm The Brewery Tap

Cinema Night Date TBC, term 3

Committee Meeting Thursday 7 March, 7pm The Brewery Tap

Quiz Night (over 18s only, bar available) Friday 15 March

Committee Meeting Tuesday 30 April, 7pm The Brewery Tap

School Disco Date TBC, term 4

Summer Fair Saturday 22nd June

FOCS End of Year Social Friday 12 July

Influenza (Flu)

Flu is a highly infectious virus which is spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, blocked nose,

headache, tiredness and aching joints. The symptoms of flu tend to come on a lot quicker than the common cold and tend to

be more severe. Most people recover from flu but it has the potential to cause serious illness, hospitalisation and even

death.

It is important to ensure children are vaccinated if they are eligible for vaccination. This year, vaccination is being offered to the following children:

Those aged 2 and 3

Those in school years: reception, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Those with underlying long-term health conditions

The following simple steps will help prevent children catching or spreading flu:

Encourage children to wash their hands regularly with warm water and soap

Catch any coughs or sneezes in a tissue covering both the nose and mouth and put tissues in the bin immediately

after use

Ensure that children have been vaccinated, if eligible.

If a child is in: reception, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, but has missed their flu vaccination in school, please be advised that there are flu

catch up clinics available as follows:

31 October 2018 - Witney Hospital, Room 2, 3.30pm (Call 01865 904845 to book)

8 November 2018 - East Oxford Health Centre, 3.00pm (Call 01865 904225 to book)

9 November 2018 - Orchard Health Centre, Banbury, 3.00pm (Call 01865 904234 to book)

13 November 2018 - St Edburg’s School, Bicester, 3.30pm (Call 01869 604095 to book)

16 November 2018 - Witney Hospital, Room 3, 3.30pm (Call 01865 904845 to book)

20 November 2018 - East Oxford Health Centre, 3pm (Call 01865 904225 to book)

28 November 2018 - East Oxford Health Centre, 3pm (Call 01865 904225 to book)

30 November 2018 - Orchard Health Centre, Banbury, 3.30pm (Call 01865 904234 to book)

4 December 2018 - Thame Cottage Hospital, time tbc (Call 01865 904225 to book)

4 December 2018 - St Edburg’s School, Bicester, 3.30pm (Call 01869 604095 to book)

10 December 2018 - Abingdon Hospital, Outpatients Department, 9.00am (Call 01865 904890 to book)

11 December 2018 - Wallingford Hospital, School Nurse's Office, 9.00am (Call 01865 904845 to book)

11 December 2018 - St Edburg’s School, Bicester, 3pm (Call 01869 604095 to book)

12.December 2018 - Chipping Norton Hospital, Clinic Room 1, 3.30pm (Call 01993 677149 to book)

12 December 2018 - Orchard Health Centre, Banbury, 3.30pm (Call 01865 904234 to book)

13 December 2018 - Wantage Health Centre, Mably Way, 9.30am (Call 01865 904845 to book)

14 December 2018 - Didcot Health Centre, 9.00am (Call 01235 515503 to book)

18 December 2018 - Witney Hospital, Room 7, 3.30pm (Call 01865 904845 to book)

Norovirus Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a highly infectious virus that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be caught by close contact with an infectious person or by simply touching objects that have been handled by an infectious per-son. Symptoms can be severe but usually only last for a few days. The following simple steps will help prevent children catching or spreading norovirus:

Encourage children to wash their hands regularly with warm water and soap

Do not allow children to share toys or other items with other children

If a child has symptoms of norovirus they will need to stay home from school until they have been symptom free for 48

hours

Please find details below of the school nurse led Flu clinics for children who were unable to be vaccinated in school, or

who require a second dose because they are in a clinical risk group e.g. diabetic, asthmatic etc. and this is the first time

they have ever received a flu immunisation, and they are under the age of nine.

Area Date Time Contact number

East Oxford Health Centre 20.11.18 15:00-17:00 01865 904225

East Oxford Health Centre 28.11.18 15:00-17:00 01865 904225

Thame Cottage Hospital 4.12.18 tbc 01865 904225

Bicester 13.11.18 15:30 01869 604095

Witney Hospital Rm 3 16.11.18 15:30-17:30 01865 901295

Banbury 30.11.18 15:30 01865 904234

Bicester 4.12.18 15:30 01869 604095

Witney Hospital Room 7 18.12.18 15:30-17:30 01865 901295

Bicester 11.12.18 15:30 01869 604095

Chipping Norton Hospital Room 1 12.12.18 15:30 01865 901295

Banbury 12.12.18 15:30 01865 904234

Abingdon Community Hospital 10.12.18 am 01865 904890

Wallingford Community Hospital 11.12.18 am 01865 904845

Wantage 13.12.18 am 01865 901586

Didcot 14.12.18 am 01235 515503

To contact the SHN Team in your locality Phone: 01865 904890 or Email: Faustini.Ofori@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

The School Health Nurse website https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/school-health-nurses/

School Nurse Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/oxschoolnurses/

SEND Information https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/children-education-and-families/education-and-

learning/special-educational-needs-and-disability-local-offer

Time off school due to sickness https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/schools/school/absence-due-sickness

Infection Control guidance on keeping children off school following a specific illness http://

www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/Guidance_on_infection_control_in%20schools_poster.pdf

Oxfordshire CAMHS offers a single point of access for students and parents/carers, who have concerns around

mental health. Single Point of Access (SPA): 01865 902515 www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/camhs/oxon

For help with finding an NHS dentist please phone the Oxford Health Dental Helpline on: 08000 113 824 or 01865 337 267. For general enquiries email: dental@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Monday 7th January 2019—Term 3 starts

Friday 15th February 2019—Term 3 ends at 3:05pm

Monday 25th February 2019—Term 4 starts

Friday 5th April 2019—Term 4 ends at 1:15pm

Tuesday 23rd April 2019—Term 5 starts

Friday 24th May 2019—Term 5 ends at 3:05pm

Monday 3rd June 2019—INSET school closed

Tuesday 4th June 2019—term 6 starts 8.45am

Wednesday 24th July—Term 6 ends at 1:15pm

Tuesday 4th September 2018—INSET: school closed

Wednesday 5th September 2018 INSET school closed

Thursday 6th September 2018—Term 1 starts at 8.45am

Friday 5th October 2018 —INSET school closed

Friday 19th October 2018—Term 1 ends at 3:05pm

Monday 29th October 2018—Term 2 starts at 8.45am

Thursday 20th December 2018—Term 2 ends at 1:15pm

Friday 21st December 2018—INSET school closed

Start of Term 2 Mon 29th October

Vision eve and FOCS AGM (Free Cheese and Wine)

Thursday 8th November (7-9pm) Carswell School

Children in Need Dress Up Day 16th November - all day At school

Family Bingo & Pizza Evening Friday 16th November (6pm-7.30pm) Carswell School Hall

FOCS Committee Meeting Tuesday 20th November 7PM Brewery Tap

Engage e-Safety Wednesday 21st November (7pm-8.30pm) Carswell School Hall

FOCS Coffee Morning Friday 14th December Dining Hall

Christmas Fair Friday 7th December (3pm -5pm) School Playground

Family Decorations Day Friday 30th November (9am -10am) Classrooms

Nativity Wednesday 12th December (9.30-10.30) Trinity Church

Year 4/5 Purple Emperor, Gatekeeper and Swallowtail Project Outcome

Friday 7th December 2pm Hall/Classroom (Year 6 if raining and FOCS need to use the hall for the fair)

Year 3 Project Outcome Tues 11th December 2pm Hall

Year 6 Project Outcome Thurs 13th December 2pm Hall/Classroom

KS2 Carol Concert Thursday 20th December (9.30am-10.30am)

Trinity Church (refreshments from 9am)

End of Term 2 Tues 20th December 1:15pm

A warm hello to all,

It’s been a satisfying week here at Carswell, I’ve seen so many things that make me proud to be part of this community.

I have realised an important part of my job is showing prospective parents around the school and I’m always amazed at how happy and warm everyone is as I walk around with them.

The children are polite and welcoming and often stop to add something to my conversation or remind me to mention our gallery for example. The parents are often surprised at how much music, art and sport goes on here and they always love to hear about our scrap pod and the creative play we encourage during break times.

It is the children and the hard work of the staff that make this an easy and en-joyable part of my job so thanks!

I felt a little like a hotel manager today (another part of this job I hadn't real-ised!) as I helped the Gatekeeper class prepare and serve brunch to our TAs and support staff. To the sounds of soothing classical music they brunched (is that a word?) on hot bagels, croissants, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheese. The waiters were on hand to top up their drinks of fresh fruit juice and offered pastries and coffee to finish. Well done to the Gate-keeper waiters, they put to use the skills learnt in Year 3 in their Italian restaurant and were particu-larly good when cleaning up!

Lastly, the Christmas fair is in a couple of weeks and I’d like to encourage everyone to bring in a donation, whenever they can, for our tom-bola as well as chocolate for the Young Car-

ers charity (see article on page 6).

Also, if you can lend a hand on a stall for any amount of time please contact the office or me.

Best wishes,

Portrait of Mr Crandon By Sophie