Blackboys CE Primary School
Please visit: Blackboys School Website
Archive from the past Parish Newsletters:
From the Parish Newsletter June/July 2008:
From the Parish Newsletter April/May 2008:
From the Parish Newsletter February/March 2008:
From the Parish Newsletter December 2007/January 2008:
Since I last wrote, it has been a busy and rewarding time for the children, parents, staff and governors of Blackboys.
We are delighted to announce the recruitment of our new Headteacher. Mrs Jonquil King will be joining the school after Christmas, moving from Rotherfield Primary School. Mrs King impressed us all with her drive and enthusiasm and I am sure she will be a huge asset as we continue to transform our school from a good standard to an outstanding standard. During my time as acting headteacher, I have been indebted to the continued hard work and professionalism of the staff and the superb behaviour and effort of our pupils, who have made my job easier during a difficult time.
Highlights of the past few months have been many. We celebrated Harvest at the beginning of October. Our service at St Thomas A Becket was themed on "A Sussex Harvest" with our recorder ensemble playing a moving rendition of Sussex By The Sea. We said thank you for local farmers and produce, sang with our usual gusto and were entertained by some excellent play by our orchestra.
School Governor, Dr Nick Argyrou, gave a stimulating talk to class 3 and 4 on the subject of microbes. Backing up his words of wisdom with some excellent graphic simulations, I can report that the use of soap has certainly increased since his visit!
On a sporting front, the school football team have won the local Cub Football Tournament (entering as guests) and were only defeated in a tournament in Uckfield by the eventual winners. Added to this was a valiant second place in the Ringmer Area Swimming Gala. In the future are planned forays into Girls Football at Lewes Football Club and the area Netball Tournament, where the team are aiming for their 5th consecutive win.
Recent months have seen a varied number of school trips. Both class 3 and 4 visited the British Museum to see the exciting Egyptian artefacts. Class 2
have enjoyed visits to Anne of Cleves House and Michelham Priory as part of their work on the Tudors. By far the tastiest trip was Class 1 's visit to Pizza Express where the children designed and baked their own pizzas. To the envy of the school (and particularly the Acting Headteacher!), the children brought their creations back to school for a picnic.
Our hard working PTA had their AGM recently, where renewed fundraising was planned. Recent successes have included a jumble sale and the ever-popular "Kids on the Catwalk". It is now all steam ahead for our Christmas Fayre on Saturday 8th December. Keep your eye out for posters around the village.
On the subject of Christmas the Infant Children are busy learning their lines for our school nativity. Coupled with the juniors singing a range of traditional carols, the service at St Thomas a Becket on Thursday 13th December is bound to be spectacular.
On that note I would like to take this opportunity to wish members of the parish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mr Graham Sullivan
Acting Headteacher
From the Parish Newsletter October/November 2007:
The last school year ended with long serving Headteacher Mrs Jill Webb leaving the school to take up a new role at Telscombe Cliffs Primary School. In true Blackboys style she was given quite a send off, as the PTA had organised a party in her honour, complete with BBQ, jazzband and bouncy castle (for the children, not Mrs Webb!) Also leaving us were two other members of staff, Mrs Hart and Mrs Groves.
The new term may only be a few weeks old, but has already been an exciting time for our school community. We have welcomed Mr Guy Walsh to our school as teacher in class 2. Mr Walsh was with us last year to complete his teacher training and we are delighted that be has made a permanent allegiance to Blackboys. Miss Digweed and I have agreed to manage the school on a temporary basis while the governing body recruit a new head teacher and we are both looking forward to the challenge. In the meantime my teaching commitment has been taken over by Mrs Jeanette Atkins and Miss Hannah Sullivan who I know will maintain the high standards of class 4.
Talking of challenges, our year 5 and 6 children have just completed their residential trip to Hindleap Warren The children spend 4 days and nights enjoying activities such as archery, pot holing, obstacle courses and swimming. It is a great opportunity for the children to take on new challenges. Pictures of the trip and a daily blog can be found via the school website (www.blackboys.e-sussex.sch.uk). In fact all classes have exciting trips planned for this term. Highlights include Class 1 visiting Pizza Express in Uckfield and Class 2studying the Tudors at Anne of Cleaves house in Lewes.
For a school to operate successfully, it is vital to have a supportive Parent Teachers Association, and at Blackboys we are indebted to the hard work of Mrs Caroline Peck and her team By the time you read this the PTA will have taken part in a Dragon Boat racing festival on Bewl Water. In the future is a Jumble Sale at Framfield Memorial Hall on Saturday 29th September from 2-4pm and an event called Kids on the Catwalk, which gives children the opportunity to model and then buy clothes all in aid of PTA funds.
Finally, the time has come once more to collect Tesco School Sports vouchers. If anyone has any unwanted vouchers we would be delighted to put them to good use! Please hand any vouchers into Mrs Holman at the school office. St Thomas à Becket church will also be a collection point.
Mr Graham Sullivan
Acting Headteacher Blackboys School
From the Parish Newsletter August/September 2007:
It seems incredible that my time at Blackboys School is shortly coming to
an end. My nine years at the school have flown by and I take with me lots
of very happy memories I would like to thank all the parishioners who
have always taken such a keen interest in Blackboys School. I know the
school will continue to flourish under the leadership of Mr Sullivan next
term.
We are getting very excited about our forthcoming art exhibition and hope
as many villagers as possible will come along to view the children work.
The art gallery open at the following times.
Thursday July 19th 6.00-7.30
Friday July 20th 9.15-3.00
The school held another very successful Summer Ball, this was organised
for us by the PTA. Everyone enjoyed a three course meal at the Sussex
National Golf Course. The evening raised £1,200 for the school.
In school all the classes have been out and about East Sussex.
Class 2 & Class 4 went to Plashett Woods. Class 1 went to Bentley
Wildfowl Park. Class 3 visited the Seven Sisters studying rocks and soils,
Class 5 took part in a Safety in Action day. They also went to France for a
day visit, Chichester Cathedral and they have attended a leaver’s service
at All Saints Church, Crowborough.
Since moving in to our new school building we have been improving our
outside environment. Last month we just completed a sensory garden,
where pupils can go to do quiet activities.
Sadly Velda Reed our school cook is retiring after 32 years. I don't think
school dinner will ever be the same again, but obviously we all wish her a
long and happy retirement
From the Parish Newsletter June/July 2007:
From the Parish Newsletter April/May 2007:
From the Parish Newsletter February/March 2007:
From the Parish Newsletter December 2006/January 2007:
From the Parish Newsletter October/November 2006:
From the Parish Newsletter August/September 2006:
From the Parish Newsletter June/July 2006:
OUR NEW SCHOOL From a teacher's point of view it is an absolute pleasure to be in our new school building. The facilities that the children are enjoying can only be described as 'state of the art'.
All rooms are carpeted and over head are special acoustic tiles which will, in the long run, save our voices (and the teacher's ears!) Large teacher cupboards have improved storage, while large double glazed windows mean the rooms are flooded with natural light. An ICT suite, which doubles as a music room for peripatetic teachers means that children have further opportunity to use computer technology. Added to this is of course new toilets, office space and a staff room.
To celebrate the completion of the building, the school held a "Topping Out" ceremony. Our Chair of Governors, Mrs Jennifer Gill, praised the children, staff and builders for all their hard work and flexibility during the rebuild. On her count, the children then released a helium balloon each. Keep your eyes peeled for green balloons! Pictures of the balloon launch can be seen on the school website www.blackboys.e-sussex.sch.uk. We are very proud of our new school building and it is a lovely feeling to think of all the children who will benefit.
Mr G. Sullivan, Deputy Headteacher 01825 890423
CHILDREN'S VIEWS ON THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING We have recently moved into our new school building. It has got much more space than the old building.
Class 1 have just moved into their classroom. They are having their sandpit
and water trough outside their classroom. Everyone in Class 1 are enjoying
themselves in their new classroom.
Class 2 are really enjoying their new classroom.
Class 3 & 4 moved into the new building. They are finding it much nicer
being upstairs. The group room is used by all classes as well as the ICT suite.
We have thanked the builders, especially the leader of the builders, Richard,
for making the building perfect.
Tabitha Newman and Bronte Paterson, Year 5
CYCLING PROFICIENCY Two weeks ago, the Year 6's took part in a very exciting, but important test. It was a cycling proficiency test to make surethat we were secure and positive about cycling on the road. Every day at
3.30pm we would take our bikes to Jo, our instructor, to be tested.
Occasionally we would go out on the road to practice. On 3rd May 2006 we
were tested on what we had learnt. Luckily we all passed and received our
certificates and badges. Now we are able to take our bikes safely out on the
road.
Rhianna Duncan and James Purvis, Year 6
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT On the 21st April at Blackboys School, the local cub groups and Blackboys School team took part in a football tournament. Our first match was against the All Stars and we beat them 3-0. Our second game was against Hurstmonceux and we beat them 6-0. Our third game was against Hailsham and we beat them 4-0. The last match was in the final and we drew 0-0. That meant that we came joint first overall.
On the 26th April we went to Rotherfield School to play a football tournament. Our first match was against Five Ashes and we beat them. The second match we played Hartfield and beat them. Then we played Highhurstwood and beat them. Then it was the final against Rotherfield and lost 3-1. So once again we came joint first place which we were proud of.
Benjy Robson and Callum Halit, Year 5
From the Parish Newsletter April/May 2006:
This report has been compiled by the school house captains.
Our new school building: the captains have been talking to the builders about the building project. This is what they found out:
Keep up to date on building progress by visiting our school website www.blackboys.e-sussex.sch.uk.
Report compiled by James Sweetman, Joel Medlock and Daisy Gillies
Football Tournament: On Wednesday 1st March the school football team played in a tournament. In the first match we drew with East Hoathly 0-0. We played our hardest and it was a good game. In the second match we played a team called Rodmell. We beat them 5-0. We changed our goalkeeper to Jamie Adams; James Purvis went in midfield. In the third match we played Firle. The pitch was in a terrible condition but we beat them 4-0. James Purvis scored 3 goals and Alex Saunders scored. In the fourth match we played Chiddingly and we beat them 3-0. Finally we played Laughton. This was our best game. From a free kick Jamie Adams scored a historic goal. So overall we were joint first with East Hoathly and we won the Cup. Mr Sullivan was particularly pleased with the whole team and their team effort.
Report written by James Purvis
Netball Tournament: On Monday 6* March the school netball team played a match against Maynards Green. In the first half we were losing badly by 6-0. Katherine and Emma in defence saved a couple of goals. We played better in the second half with Julian scoring our first goal and Bronte quickly following this up with two more goals. The Blackboys team described die other team as 'The Giants' as they were all taller than the tallest girl in our team. The end result was 13-3 but this was only the second time we have played on a full size court. Report by Rhianna Duncan, Emma Robinson and Katherine Argyrou
Gill Webb, Headteacher 01825 890423 www.blackboys.e-sussex.sch.uk
From the Parish Newsletter February/March 2006:
The builders continue to make good progress and the contractors think we will have access to the ground floor classrooms, at the end of this term with the completion date being the end of June. We are all looking forward to being able to move into our new school building
Blackboys School also had an Ofsted Inspection before Christmas. The inspectors found that Blackboys was a good school with outstanding features and a good capacity to continue to develop and improve.
The outstanding features they identified included
• Pupil progress
• Excellent pupil personal development and attitudes to learning
• Good and outstanding teaching
• A strong sense of teamwork throughout the school
• Outstanding provision for special needs pupils
• Exemplary pupil behaviour
In the Section 48 inspection (which applies to all church schools) the inspectors praised Blackboys School for the care it extends to all pupils. They found that the school had a distinctly Christian ethos and that this was demonstrated throughout its work and activities.
The school was extremely delighted with both reports which of course represent lots of hard work from staff, governors, parents and pupils.
The last week of the Christmas term was devoted to being a DT week. All pupils designed and made a Christmas card, a decoration, a box and they then made some sweets to go inside their box.
Gill Webb, Headteacher
From the Parish Newsletter December 2005/January 2006:
At last, after a long wait and a huge amount of work by parents, children, governors and staff of Blackboys School, I am proud to confirm that the construction work for our new school has started. Year 6 are having weekly meetings with the site manager so as a school we can be kept up to date on how the work is proceeding. We hope to move into our new school at the end of June.
Meanwhile, pupils continue to receive quality education. This term began by Class 4 going on a residence trip at Hindleap Warren on the first day of term. This was very successful and it ensured all Years 5 and 6 worked as a team. They enjoyed learning about environmental science, orienteering and outdoor pursuits. Class 4 have also been involved in a Sports Festival.
Years 2, 3 and 4 spent a day at Hever Castle learning more about the Tudors. Class 1 have also be out and about visiting Pizza Express where they all made their own pizza, and Michelham Priory to see how the Watermill worked.
Staverton Nursery ran a competition in which pupils had to guess the size of the world's biggest spade. They kindly brought the spade to school so we could all practice estimating.
From the Parish Newsletter August/September 2005:
This term has been an amazing term for us with some incredible highs.
Our Year 6 SATs results could not have been better with all pupils gaining Level 4 or higher in Science, Maths and English. These results are exceptional.
Our music concert this year was unbelievable. We enjoyed quality music from every class. All KS2 pupils played the recorder and we enjoyed solos from Bradley Hammond on his trumpet and Julia Gibbs on her flute. The orchestra opened and closed the concert finishing spectacularly with the theme tune to Star Wars. Special thanks to Mrs Turbett and Mrs Bayman for all their hard work. The concert raised £201.85.
The PTA have put in a tremendous amount of effort this term, staging a Kids on the Catwalk evening and a fun day. These events raised £380 for our school building appeal.
Mrs Wells' recipe book raised another £170.50. Thank you Hayley for all your hard work.
The house captains have raised £291.00 through running their cake stall. Many thanks to parents for providing the cakes.
Class 4 have won the Safety in Action competition by being the most knowledgeable school with regard to safety procedures.
Class 4 were also runners up in the Uckfield Mini Grand Prix. Our rally drivers showed spirited driving ability in achieving this placing. The Blackboys Cheer Leaders led by Mrs Holman, ensured Blackboys drivers received riotous support.
We are now all looking forward to a good rest!!
Gill Webb, Headteacher
From the Parish Newsletter June/July 2005:
Blackboys School recently received the exciting news that their bid to replace two mobile classrooms and upgrade pupils toilet and cloakroom facilities and office accommodation had been accepted, and building work is due to start in early November.
As a church aided school it is the responsibility of the governors to raise 10% of the building cosfs ie. £80,000, so the energies of all the parents, governors and pupils are going into fundraising activities. Any community ideas as to how we might raise money would be very welcomed.
We will be holding a Fun Day on Saturday, July 2nd at Lower Honey Farm, Easons Green from 4-8pm. There will be plenty for all the family to do.
This term is by tradition a very busy one for us, all our pupils will be taking part in a music concert on July 7th.
Year 6 will be attending a Leavers Service at Crowborough in July, they will also be visiting Chichester Cathedral as part of their moving on programme.
We are also taking part in the Uckfield Festival. Class 4 will soon be involved in constructing their Grand Prix car ready to race at the Bellbrook Industrial Estate on July 10th.
All of our pupils will also be involved in our Caring for the World theme week, when we will be raising pupils awareness of the world they will inherit.
Gill Webb, Headteacher