Our school was honoured to have been invited to enhance our local surroundings by planting bulbs with our Mayor, Georgina Galpin.  Around 50 of our Primary pupils joined Mayor Galpin in Park Lane Recreation Ground, for a fun-filled morning.

Mayor Galpin was happy to answer questions from the children, about environmental issues and also about her role as Mayor.

The children are looking forward to seeing the flowers bloom in the spring.

Even some community police officers came along to join in the fun!

DEAR PARENTS,
Time passes so quickly!  We now have just two more weeks until the Autumn Half Term break.  There are several items that I would like to draw to your attention.

MOBILE PHONES & PERSONAL MUSIC PLAYERS
Seniors and Year 6 students received a letter yesterday regarding school policy on mobile phones and personal music players in school.  We do request that you have adequate insurance for such items.  Please see the website, www.raphaelschool.com for more details.

OPEN MORNING
Our Open morning will be held on Saturday October 13th, from 10am-12.30pm.  Current parents and pupils are of course welcome to attend alongside prospective families.

ENTRY TESTS
Entry Tests for September 2008 will be held on Saturday 10th November, beginning at 10am.  Please could all current J6 pupils return the attached form regarding the entry tests.

QUIZ NIGHT
We will be holding a Quiz Night on Friday 16th November at 7.00pm (please note change of date from 9th November).  Further details will be sent out shortly.  Please come along and bring a team.  It is all light-hearted fun, with all proceeds going to school funds for your children.

ISA REGIONAL SWIMMING GALA
Elise Dellow, James Walker, Jack Gross, Kersten Rothnie & Emma Maddox are all participating in this event on October 9th. We wish them every success!

WALK TO SCHOOL
This week, the Primary pupils have been participating in the Borough “Walk to School Week”.  We have had a fantastic turn out of around 50% of the Primary school walking each day!  Thank you to all those who participated in this most successful initiative.
It has been such a success that Mrs Gedalovitch (Joshua J3) has kindly offered to organise a walk to school day every Friday (weather permitting).  However, parents would have to walk with their own children, rather than just drop them off.  Please see Mrs Gedalovitch for more details.  This will be our regular ‘Walk into the Weekend’!

HAVERING YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Many congratulations to Grace Quah (S11) who has been awarded a commendation in the above competition.  She has been invited to receive her certificate from the Mayor – well done Grace!  Her work, alongside that of other students, is on display at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch.

HALLOWEEN PARTY
A group of S9 girls have organised a Halloween Party for Seniors on Wednesday 17th October from 7.00-9.00pm.  Tickets are available in the Office with all proceeds going to charity – I do hope as many pupils as possible will join in the fun.

BULB PLANTING
Our school was honoured to have been invited to enhance our local surroundings by planting bulbs with our Mayor, Georgina Galpin.  The Primary pupils led a fun-filled morning and we will all look forward to seeing the flowers bloom in Spring!

NEW PARENTS EVENING
Our New Parents Evening last week was a most enjoyable event.  We are now beginning the annual cycle of formal Parents’ Consultations which I hope you find useful and informative.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Just a note to remind you that orders for the individual school photos must be handed in to the school office by Thursday 11th October.  Any orders received after that date will have to go as ‘late’ orders and will therefore result in the photos being returned later.

PE UNIFORM
There are still too many pupils arriving for PE lessons in the incorrect kit.  As I have stated before, I shall be extremely strict over the appearance of pupils, especially when working off school premises.  Should you be unsure about uniform requirements, please contact the Office and they will be pleased to help you.

DIARY
Tuesday October 9th – ISA Regional Swimming Gala.
Saturday October 13th – Open Morning 10.00am-12.30pm.
Wednesday October 17th – Halloween Party for Seniors 7.00-9.00pm.
Friday October 19th – Break up for Half Term – return Monday November 5th.

AND FINALLY……….
Wishing you all a lovely weekend