Letters sent home
Please click the links below to see copies of letters sent home.
You can also browse copies of letters specifically relating to Beckenham ASD Centre in another area of our site. Please click here to be taken to the relevant section.
03/09/10 - September Newsletter
02/09/10 - Voluntary Contributions
22/07/10 - An End of Year Message from Viv Hinchcliffe, Head Teacher of Riverside School.
19/07/10 - Parent Discussion Forum 20th July 2010 - Reminder
16/07/10 - The Hawes Down Centre Information and Consultation Event
07/07/10 - Parents/Carers' Evening (St Paul's Cray pupils only) 8/7/10
06/07/10 - Parent Discussion Forum 20th July 2010
05/07/10 - Climbing High for Riverside School
29/06/10 - Primary Department Sportsday
25/06/10 - Riverside School Parent Carer Survey Family Pledge - Senior Leadership Team Family Pledge - Therapy and Nursing Team
16/06/10 Family Fun Day - Ideal Windows Fundraiser for Riverside.
08/06/10 Makaton Workshop 09/06/10 - Reminder.
19/05/10 Parent Discussion Forum 27th May 2010
18/05/10 Carers Week Events 14th - 18th June 2010
11/05/10 Riverside School Play Scheme 2010
10/5/10 Additional Staff Training Day 2011
06/05/10 Summer Fayre 17/07/10
05/05/10 Electronic Communication
29/4/10 Parents' and Carers' Evenings
29/04/10 Summer Fayre - PSFA meeting 4th May
21/4/10 Leigh Collins Fundraising for London Marathon on Sunday
31/3/10 End of Term Message from Viv Hinchcliffe, Head Teacher
30/3/10 Parents Discussion Forum 22nd April 2010
18/3/10 Saturday/Holiday Club Parent Support
17/3/10 Voluntary Contributions and Communication
Archived Letters
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2nd February 2010
Dear Parents and Carers,
Sunday swimming sessions in the school hydrotherapy pool
We will be opening the school hydrotherapy pool again to our children, parents and siblings on some Sunday mornings between 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. starting Sunday 28th February 2010. The dates when the pool will be open are shown below. Can I please remind everyone that we would appreciate a donation of £5.00 per family per swim to help us cover costs and that there is a collection tin in the pool area.
The pool area is to be vacated by 12.30
We have had some very expensive and sophisticated sound and light equipment installed in the pool area. Sunday swimmers should not use this equipment unless they have received training. If any parents would like to undertake training, this can be organised. Please ring the school to enquire.
Many thanks.
Sunday 28th February 2010
Sunday 14th March 2010
Sunday 28th March 2010
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe.
Head Teacher.
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4th January 2010
Dear Parents and Carers,
Happy New Year to you all!
Severe Weather / School Closure Guidelines
Local weather reports have indicated that we are likely to experience some snowfall during this week. This school has only closed on one day in the last 33 years due to adverse weather conditions, but in the unlikely event that exceptional severe weather would, in our judgement, cause pupils or staff to face significant risk of serious injury in school or travelling to school and closure is our only option, we will post this information on our school website, www.riversideschool.org.uk, as early in the morning as possible. The radio station that has in previous years agreed to broadcast details of school closures in Bromley is no longer broadcasting.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. V.I. Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
--------------------------------
15th December 2009
A Christmas Message from Viv Hinchcliffe, Head Teacher of Riverside School.
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Pupils, Governors and Friends of Riverside School,
It was nice to see so many parents at the Senior and Primary Christmas Shows. I’m sure you will agree they were outstanding. As I mixed with staff, pupils and parents after the shows, there is always a real buzz about the children and young people’s performances. Well done to all our pupils and thanks to the staff for providing them with such exciting sets, themes and costumes. I was talking to a mother after one of the shows and she said how nice it was that the children are given enough time to perform their part, whether it is to say their lines, press their switches, play their musical instruments, and so on. We agreed how well the staff know our children and young people. Well done to everyone.
If you get a chance to have a look at our school website (www.riversideschool.org.uk), you will see there are plenty of initiatives we are looking forward to next year. Around Easter time, work is due to commence on building the second hydrotherapy pool. After this, in an area that is currently enclosed in the recreation ground, a multi-use games pitch will be created for Riverside School. The games area will be sited next to the new Adventure Playground in the park. If you haven’t already seen the playground, it is well worth a visit and of course it’s open during weekends, as it’s shared between the school and the local community. It’s the biggest adventure playground I have ever seen! Some of the play equipment is accessible to children with disabilities. Our pupils and children from Gray’s Farm Primary School had an input into its design.
Our Parents, Staff and Friends’ Association continues to work hard to raise money for the school. With your help, the PSFA raised over £4000 at the Christmas Fayre. Our next major fund-raising project is to provide play equipment for Riverside’s ASD Centre in Beckenham, which opens on 11 January 2009. Again, the school website has information about our ASD Centre in the “Learning” section. In true Riverside style, this will be a centre of excellence for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
It has been a great pleasure to meet many of you at school functions over the year. If you can come to our Christmas Carol Concert, it is at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday 17th December at St. Barnabas’ Church, St. Paul’s Cray. I look forward to seeing you there.
It’s been a very enjoyable and successful year. I’d like to thank pupils, parents, staff, friends and governors for their hard work and support. Have a very Happy Christmas and see you in the New Year. The pupils’ first day is 5th January 2010 and After School Clubs will resume on Monday 11th January.
Warmest wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
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8th December 2009
Dear Parents, Carers and Families,
Christmas Carol Service : Thursday 17th December : 10.30 : St. Barnabas Church
We have decided to change the venue of our Christmas Carol Service this year to enable the whole of Riverside School to be together to celebrate Christmas. I therefore take great pleasure in inviting you to a Service hosted by the Vicar, Alison Davie, at St. Barnabas Church, Rushet Road, St. Paul’s Cray, Orpington, on Thursday 17th December at 10.30. Please find attached a map.
Some of us will walk to the church and some will go by minibus. If you can come and are able to help us with transport by taking your child directly to the church, please let us know on the form attached. May we request though, if you do transport your child to the church that you transport them back to school after the Service. Home-School Transport will be operating on this day, so if you are unable to come to the service, your child will be brought in and taken home on the bus as usual.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher.
--------------------------------
Reply slip to: Viv Hinchcliffe
Christmas Carol Service : Thursday 17th December : 10.30 : St. Barnabas Church
I will take my child directly to the church on the morning of the Carol Service.
Signed: ............................................ Your child’s name: ……………………………..
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1st December 2009
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,
Informal Makaton Workshops
I would like to invite all parents and friends who are interested in learning some basic Makaton signs to attend three informal workshops I will be running here at the school:
Session 1 – Wednesday 6th January 10.30 – 11.30
Session 2 – Wednesday 20th January 10.30 – 11.30
Session 3 – Wednesday 3rd February 10.30 – 11.30
So I have an idea of numbers, please return the slip below if you are interested.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
--------------------------------
To: Viv Hinchcliffe (Please delete below as appropriate.)
1. Yes, I’d like to come to all three Makaton workshops.
2. Yes, I’d like to come to the Makaton workshops, but can only make:
Session 1 – Wednesday 6th January 10.30 – 11.30
Session 2 – Wednesday 20th January 10.30 – 11.30
Session 3 – Wednesday 3rd February 10.30 – 11.30
..……………………………………………
(print name please) (print name please)
--------------------------------
10th November 2009
Dear Parents and Carers,
Sunday swimming sessions in the school hydrotherapy pool
We will be opening the school hydrotherapy pool again to our children, parents and siblings on some Sunday mornings between 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. starting Sunday 15th November 2009. The dates when the pool will be open are shown below. Can I please remind everyone that we would appreciate a donation of £5.00 per family per swim to help us cover costs and that there is a collection tin in the pool area.
The pool area is to be vacated by 12.30
We have had some very expensive and sophisticated sound and light equipment installed in the pool area. Sunday swimmers should not use this equipment unless they have received training. If any parents would like to undertake training, this can be organised. Please ring the school to enquire.
Many thanks.
Sunday 15th November 2009
Sunday 29th November 2009
Sunday 9th December 2009
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe.
Head Teacher.
------------------------------------
03rd November 2009
Dear Parent/Carer,
Hope you had a good half term break.
Last month we sent home a Parent/Carer Survey. I would like to remind you that the survey should be returned by Friday 6th November 2009. Your views are valuable and help the Leadership team and Governors to identify and develop areas for school improvement.
Thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Sue Crane
School Business Manager.
--------------------------------
2nd November 2009
Dear Parents/Carers,
School Photographs
A school photographer will be visiting on Tuesday 10th November to take inpidual photographs of the students. If you would prefer that your child does not have his/her photograph taken, please let their class teachers know via the home/school books.
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Training Day Friday 23 October 2009
As you know, the school is closed tomorrow for staff training. I hope you all have a good half term and we look forward to seeing your children and young people on Monday 2 November 2009.
Swine Flu
As you will have seen on the news, the first phase of the swine flu pandemic has passed, and the NHS is gearing up for the anticipated second wave, which is likely to be wider spread than the first, and is predicted to hit us from October onwards. The Health Protection Agency has provided advice to the school and we are advised that the school can remain open as the flu virus is now widespread within the community. This means that people are likely to be repeatedly exposed to the virus in their every day lives so closing the school would be an ineffective measure. This approach is in line with national policy.
It is very important that your child stays at home if they have flu-like symptoms. Your child should not attend school or mix with others outside of the home if they have symptoms. If your child develops symptoms, please telephone your GP.
We are advised that those who do not have symptoms of flu can undertake their normal activities outside of the home as normal. If your child has already had symptoms of flu but is now well, there is no need to take any action for you or your family. Please be reassured that most children who do not have underlying health conditions will have a mild illness similar to normal seasonal flu. However, if your child does have underlying health problems, which may cause them to be more vulnerable to the infection, (e.g. respiratory illness, renal problems or a compromised immune system) you are advised to be particularly vigilant to their symptoms. Children in these groups may require ongoing clinical assessment so please contact your health practitioner (GP / paediatrician) immediately if you have any concerns.
The symptoms of flu are as follows: A high temperature (38°C or greater), cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint pain and a headache. General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including flu. This includes:
·Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
·Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
·Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
·Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
·Making sure your children follow this advice as far as is practicable.
If you would like further advice please contact either NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhs.uk. You may also call the National Pandemic Influenza Service on 0800 1 153100/200. The service can provide advice and treatment over the ‘phone. Or you can contact your GP, who can provide diagnosis and advice.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. V.I. Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
--------------------------------
12th October 2009
Please scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the link to open a copy of the Riverside School Parent/CarerSurvey 2009
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12th Oct 2009
Dear Parents/ Carers,
Thank-you to everyone that attended the Parent Discussion Forum on ‘Accessing Services and Financial Support’, last month. We had a very interesting session with Pel Ahmet sharing loads of practical ways of accessing resources that many of us didn’t know were available to our children and young people. Pel would be happy to share her booklet on this topic with parents, so do feel free to email her at pelin.ahmet@bromley.gov.uk for a downloadable copy of this.
The next Riverside Parent Discussion Forum will be held on Tuesday 20th October at 10-11.30 am in the Riverside School meeting room, followed by an opportunity to have a drink and a chat to other parents. The topic for discussion will be:
‘Transition from School’
We will be joined by guest speaker Jennifer Jackson, who is clinical psychologist with the transition team, and Carl Edwards, Head of 6th Form and Assistant Head-teacher at Riverside School. Both Jennifer and Carl will be more than happy to try to answer any questions you have for them, regarding transition from school.
Please let me know if you aim to attend this discussion group on 20th October and if you require a crèche place for a pre-school sibling, using the reply slip below. I look forward to seeing you there.
The next Parent Discussion Group will be held on 24th November and will hopefully be on - Supporting your daughter through puberty. This may change due to speaker availability, but I’ll write next month to keep you informed. Thanks.
Clare Chalaye – Head of the Primary Department
--------------------------------
I/We will be attending the Parent Discussion Forum regarding
‘Transition’ on 20th October at 10am.
I/ We will require a crèche place for our child/children (please delete as applicable)
Signed __________________________ Parent/carer of ____________________
--------------------------------
6th October 2009
Dear Parents and Carers and Staff,
CIRCUS AT GRAYS FARM SCHOOL TONIGHT!!
This is extremely short notice, but I wanted to pass on to you an invitation we have just received this afternoon from the Head Teacher at Grays Farm School for our children and their families to attend a Circus they are hosting in their school grounds this evening. This opportunity has arisen due to an unforeseen cancellation and although our children will not need to pay, tickets are £5 per adult.
We have been informed that access for wheelchairs is not a problem and “the more the merrier”.
I do hope you will be able to take advantage of this generous offer, it starts at 6.00 pm and the address of the school is:
Gray’s Farm Primary School, Gray’s Farm Road, Orpington, BR5 3AD.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
--------------------------------
23 September 2009.
Dear Parents and Carers,
Family Liaison Worker
I am pleased to inform you that we have recently appointed Agnes Flynn as Riverside School’s Family Liaison Worker. Many of you will have met Agnes when she was collecting views on what you would like to see provided from the Aiming High for Disabled Children’s agenda. She also co-ordinated Riverside’s Summer Holiday Play Scheme. We are particularly pleased that Agnes will be able to continue this work for Riverside, as we look further at our families’ needs and opportunities for Short Breaks. Agnes will be able to support our Key Worker system and provide additional support to our young people and their families where needed.
This is a key appointment for Riverside School strengthening our partnership with families. Your first point of contact for home/school liaison will continue to be your child’s class teacher but Agnes will build on our existing strong network of parents and families and I am sure you will join me in welcoming her to Riverside School.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher.
--------------------------------
21st Sept 2009
Dear Parents/ Carers
Now that the new school year has begun, we are keen to re-establish Riverside’s Parent Discussion Forum. For those new to the school, this is a monthly forum held by Pel Ahmet (parent of Leyla in Penguins class and part of the Children’s Disability Team), Kathryn Stevenson (Clinical Psychologist for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) and myself. The sessions are held on Tuesday mornings, beginning at 10 am and finishing at 11.30, after which parents are welcome to stay, have a coffee and continue to chat.
We aim to help to inform parents about topics which are mutually agreed at the discussion groups, encourage parents to share their experience, knowledge and expertise and discuss the chosen topics in a relaxed friendly environment.
The first forum of this school year will be held on
29th Sept 2009 at 10 am
looking at:
Accessing services and financial support
Following that we will be discussing:
20th October - Transition
24th November - Supporting your daughter through puberty
Please let me know if you aim to attend the first discussion group and if you require a crèche place for a pre-school sibling using the reply slip below. I look forward to seeing you there.
Clare Chalaye – Head of the Primary Department
--------------------------------
16 September 2009
Dear Parents and Carers,
New Door Entry System at Riverside School
We have just had installed a new swipe card door entry system to replace our numerical keypads system. This has improved the security of the school. Not only does this provide increased monitoring of everyone who comes into the school, it also means that doors cannot be opened from the inside without a swipe card. The system also records who is in the school in case of fire alarm activation. All staff wear these identity swipe cards, which have their names and photographs clearly visible.
As you know, we actively encourage parent visits. When you come to the school, please report to the reception and you will be given a Parent/Carer Visitor Pass that will enable you to move freely around the school. Please wear these passes because staff will challenge anyone not wearing an Identity Pass. For reasons of security, these passes will need to be given back to the secretaries before you leave the school after your visit. For those of you who bring your children into school in the mornings and collect them at the end of the day, please call in at the office to get your temporary cards. You will then be able to proceed down to the classes in the normal way to drop off and collect your children. To prevent disturbing children in teaching time, please can I remind you that you should not be entering classes when lessons have begun (after 9.05 a.m.) or before lessons have ended (before 3.25 p.m.) unless by prior arrangement. It’s not because we do not like seeing you, it’s just that we do not want your children and young people to be distracted from their work (beginnings and ends of lessons are important in terms of introductions and plenaries).
Kind regards.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
--------------------------------
14th July 2009
Dear parent / guardian,
Swine Flu
We are writing to update you on the situation which has occurred in the school over the last few days. A member of staff in the school has been reported to have flu-like symptoms and is presumed to have the H1N1 virus (swine flu). This member of staff is currently not in school.
The Health Protection Agency has provided advice to the school. We are advised that the school can remain open as the flu virus is now widespread within the community. This means that people are likely to be repeatedly exposed to the virus in their every day lives so closing the school would be an ineffective measure. This approach is in line with national policy.
It is very important that your child stays at home if they have flu-like symptoms. Your child should not attend school or mix with others outside of the home if they have symptoms. If your child develops symptoms, please telephone your GP so that antiviral treatment (Tamiflu) can be arranged for them.
Those who do not have symptoms of flu can undertake their normal activities outside of the home as normal. If your child has already had symptoms of flu but is now well, there is no need to take any action for you or your family.
Please be reassured that most children who do not have underlying health conditions will have a mild illness similar to normal seasonal flu. However, if your child does have underlying health problems, which may cause them to be more vulnerable to the infection, (e.g. respiratory illness, renal problems or a compromised immune system) you are advised to be particularly vigilant to their symptoms. Children in these groups may require ongoing clinical assessment so please contact your health practitioner (GP / paediatrician) immediately if you have any concerns.
The symptoms of flu are as follows: A high temperature (38°C or greater), cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint pain and a headache.
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including flu. This includes:
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
- Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
- Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
- Making sure your children follow this advice
If you would like further advice please contact either NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhs.uk.
Yours sincerely,
Dr.V.I. Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
--------------------------------
7th July 2009
Dear Parents and Carers,
Re: Swine Flu Update
The local authority has suggested that I circulate the attached letter (see link below) to all parents and carers of students at this school.
Yours sincerely,
Dr V.I. Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
www.riversideschool.org.uk/_includes/attachments/N43/Swine%20flu%20HPA%20letter.pdf
--------------------------------
22nd June 2009
Dear Parents and Carers,
Parents’ Evening: Wednesday 8th July 2009: 4.00 – 7.00 pm
As I mentioned in a recent letter, we are organising a Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 8th July so that families can have an opportunity to meet staff teams in classes for the next academic year.
There will also be an opportunity to meetthe Senior Leadership Team and Governors of Riverside School. In addition, to make the evening as useful and as meaningful as possible, we are hoping that a number of partner agencies will be present hosting stalls, e.g., Bromley Mencap, Hollybank, SEN Transport, Bromley Family Link, Connexions/Transition, Bromley/Bexley Advocacy, Bromley Autistic Trust and Therapy Services. There will also be some activities being run for your child and their siblings if you wish to discuss issues without them being present.
Please indicate which time-slot would be preferable to you to meet staff and return to the school as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
--------------------------------
19 June 2009
Dear Parents and Carers,
Staffing update
Some of you may already know that John Prior, Deputy Headteacher, is leaving at the end of this term. John has been appointed as Head Teacher of Dysart School in Kingston from September 2009. John has been Deputy of Riverside School since it opened in 2007 and was formerly Deputy Headteacher of Rectory Paddock School since 2003. John has been an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed by the whole school community. We wish him every success in his new post and know that he will keep in contact.
On Thursday 11 June, Governors interviewed for a replacement Deputy Headteacher. I am pleased to report that Steve Solomons, currently Acting Deputy Headteacher of Riverside School, has been appointed to the post from 1 September 2009.
As you know, Riverside is expanding with the creation of the Autism Centre in Beckenham in January 2010. I will write again soon with further news of Riverside appointments.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher.
--------------------------------
5th May 2009
Dear Parents and Carers,
Sunday swimming sessions in the school hydrotherapy pool
We will be opening the school hydrotherapy pool again to our children, parents and siblings on some Sunday mornings between 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. starting Sunday 10th May 2009. The dates when the pool will be open are shown below. Can I please remind everyone that we would appreciate a donation of £5.00 per family per swim to help us cover costs and that there is a collection tin in the pool area.
The pool area is to be vacated by 12.30
We have had some very expensive and sophisticated sound & light equipment installed in the pool area. Sunday swimmers should not use this equipment unless they have received training. If any parents would like to undertake training, this can be organised. Please ring the school to enquire.
Many thanks.
Sunday 10th May 2009
Sunday 7th June 2009
Sunday 21st June 2009
Sunday 5th July 2009
Sunday 19th July 2009
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe.
Head Teacher.
--------------------------------
13th February 2009
Dear Parents and Carers,
Proposal to Expand Riverside School
Attached is the consultation circular from the Local Authority on the expansion of Riverside School that I referred to in my letter of 19th January 2009. You will see from the Circular that there is a consultation meeting planned for parents and carers at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 24th February at Riverside School. I think this consultation meeting will be of great interest to you and I would urge you to come to hear more about the proposal from Gillian Pearson, Director of Children and Young People Services, and Karen Fletcher-Wright, Assistant Director.
I am organising some fun activities (videos, music etc) to help with child/young people care on the evening.
I hope that you all have an enjoyable half-term break and just a reminder that school starts back on Monday, 23rd February 2009.
Best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
Please see the attached Consultation circular or follow the link http://www.bromley.gov.uk/education/schools/consultation_woodbrook_proposal.htm
23rd January 2009
Please see link below for letter of 23rd January concerning various issues including Sunday Swim, Extended Schools and Fundraising.
20th January 2009
Please see link below for letter of 19 January 2009 concerning a centre for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Beckenham.
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4 December 2008
Dear Parents, Carers and Families,
Riverside Christmas Fayre: 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. Saturday 6 December 2008
Just a brief reminder that we have our Christmas Fayre tomorrow. Please come along and bring your family and friends.
Christmas Carol Services: Further Education 10.00 – 11.00 a.m. Primary and Seniors 1.30 – 2.30 p.m. Thursday 18 December 2008 at St. Mary’s Church.
It is a great pleasure to invite you to our school Carol Service in St. Mary’s Church, High Street, St. Mary Cray, hosted by the Reverend Chris Kitchener. As we are now such a big school, we are holding 2 services: one in the morning (10.00-11.00 a.m.) for Further Education, the other in the afternoon (1.30-2.30 p.m.) for Primary and Seniors. Just to clarify, the classes are shown below:
10.00 – 11.00 a.m. - FE1, FE2, FE3, FE4, 6th Form 1, 6th Form 2, 6th Form 3, 6th form 4, 6th form 5.
1.30 – 2.30 p.m. - Koalas, Penguins, Tigers, Giraffes, Zebras, Pandas, Seniors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Some of us will walk to the church and some will go by minibus. For the 10.00 a.m. F.E. service, if you can come and are able to help us with transport by taking your child directly to the church, please let us know on the form attached. Similarly, if you plan to come to the 1.30 p.m. Primary and Seniors service, and you are able to help with transport by taking your child directly home after the service, again, please let us know on the form attached. Chris Kitchener tells us that we are able to park on the church side of The Mary Rose Restaurant’s car park. Please find attached a map. Home-School Transport will be operating on this day, so if you are unable to come to the service, your child will be brought in and taken home on the bus as usual.
I have also attached an overview of some of the Christmas events. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher.
| AM | L | PM | EVE | |
| Sat 6th Dec | 11.00 – 2.00 Christmas Fayre | |||
| Mon 8th | ||||
| Tues 9th | ||||
| Wed 10th | ||||
| Thurs 11th | 10.30 Senior Christmas Show to Parents in Hall | 6.30-9.30 FE Christmas Party | ||
| Fri 12th | ||||
| AM | L | PM | EVE | |
| Mon 15th | ||||
| Tues 16th | 10.00 Primary Christmas Show to Parents in Hall | |||
| Wed 17th | Christmas Dinner | |||
| Thurs 18th | 10 -11 Further Ed. Carol Service at St Mary’s Church | 1.30-2.30 Primary and Seniors Carol service at St Mary’s Church | ||
| Fri 19th | Disco for Senior Dept | |||
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Reply slip to Viv Hinchcliffe.
Christmas Carol Service for Further Education 10.00 – 11.00 a.m. Thursday 18 December 2008.
I will take my child directly to the church on the morning of the Carol Service.
Signed ...............................
Print name ……………………………………….
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3.12.08 - Re: Parent/Carer Discussion Groups
Dear families,
We are aiming to establish a monthly Parent/Carers’ Discussion Forum at Riverside in conjunction with Dr Kathryn Stevenson, Clinical Psychologist, CAMHS, and Pel Ahmet, mother to Leyla Steel, one of our youngest pupils in Koalas class. We are very fortunate to have both Kathryn and Pel’s commitment and knowledge to facilitate these groups and are seeking initial expressions of interest.
The aim of this monthly forum is to provide an opportunity for our parents and carers to discuss issues related to disability and their child within a context that is supportive, informative and which draws on Kathryn’s expertise. Whilst informal networking and information gathering regarding practical issues related to caring for a child with a disability are undoubtedly important, we are hoping to provide here an opportunity for a wider range of issues to be discussed and explored in a more thematic way. Some examples of these themes could be:
○The impact on the extended family and friends of having a child with a disability
○The perception of the general public
○Dealing with professionals
○Inclusion and discrimination
○Developing independence
○Toileting, eating, sleeping difficulties
○Challenging behaviour
The above are merely listed to provide an example of the potential themes that could be discussed. Other relevant themes are likely to evolve from the groups once they are established and we will be actively seeking your views in the first sessions.
The intention is to run the forum on a monthly basis for 2 hours at a time. We are planning to alternate the times between 10-12 am on Tuesdays and 7-9 pm on Thursdays the following month in a bid to maximise opportunity and access to as many families as possible. Childcare and/or crèche facilities will be made available and the meetings will be held in the new offices upstairs at school. Kathryn and Pel have provided brief pen-portraits (see reverse) to enable you to get a flavour of their background.
The first meeting will be held at school on Tuesday 27th January between 10-12 am and the second on Thursday 26th February between 7-9 pm. It would be extremely helpful however if you could complete and return the slip below, if you are interested in attending the initial meetings, and return it to school before the end of term. We look forward to seeing you there.
Kind regards,
John Prior
Deputy Headteacher
--------------------------------
FAO John Prior
I am interested in attending the first Parent/Carers’ Discussion Forum on 27.1.09, 10-12 am or on Thursday 26th Feb 09, 7-9 pm – please circle either or both.
Name: __________________________________
Signed: __________________________________
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Pel Ahmet
My name is Pelin Ahmet. Most call me Pel (amongst other names!). I am mother to three children; Adam 11, Leyla 5 and Alexandria 4 and my partner David, whom bring me much joy and much happiness, most of the time!! Leyla attends the Koala's class and is progressing very well in her group. I am currently working on a part-time basis within the Children's Disability Team (CDT) based at Bromley Civic Centre, devising an extensive directory for services/resources and various other forms of guidance and sign-posting within the London Borough of Bromley. I am also promoting the services of the CDT and am actively involved in various parent/carer groups to facilitate changes within the spectrum of services/resources and their accessibility. Raising disability awareness within the community, including the Turkish speaking communities, (as I am bi-lingual), is also part of my role and I write regular articles for the Turkish Community paper called LONDRA, which is distributed both in the UK and Northern Cyprus and is also accessible on the Riverside website.
For the past year, I have been presenting services and resources to parents and carers in various settings (backed up by a booklet I created called 'Resources 4 You') within schools and specialist centres and to advocates of the current disability strategies. I have also assisted in the fund raising programmes for the Phoenix Resource Centre, as the current Vice-Chair of the Friends of the Phoenix. More recently, I was selected to attend a leadership course for advocates (following an application) called 'Partners in Policymaking' based at Loughborough University for one weekend a month, which has been highly enlightening and has made me see things from a different perspective with regards to disabilities. I have a 'Pat Dog' called Sampson (extremely large German Shepherd Dog) myself and my partner are qualified dog handlers, visiting places for others to appreciate the therapeutic and sometimes improved communicational effects of animals on people. My work history includes senior management roles within various large organisations followed by a period of study and attending Greenwich University to study a BSc in Psychology. I feel there is much improvement to be made, for parents and carers of children with disabilities and all inpiduals involved can play a part in trying to make change happen. It’s not a tragedy having a child with disabilities; the tragedy is the ignorance of others.
Kathryn Stevenson
Hello - my name is Dr Kathryn Stevenson and I have been working at the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service Tier 2 at the Phoenix Centre for five years now. My role is specifically to work with children and young people who have additional needs, such as learning disabilities or Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and my work is varied - sometimes with the children themselves, sometimes with parents and families and sometimes with the services that support the child and the family. Our work encompasses many different elements regarding the child's behaviour and emotions, and their relationships with others. An example of themes that can come up are how to cope with angry and acting out behaviour, sleep and eating problems, and understanding the impact of the disability upon the child's feelings and behaviour, amongst many more. It is great to be able to work so closely with Riverside and explore new ways to address these issues, in particular the chance to bring parents together to add their own experience and expertise."
Dr Kathryn Stevenson
Specialist Clinical Psychologist
CAMHS Tier 2
Phoenix Children’s Resource Centre
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15th October 2008
Dear Families,
Official Opening of Riverside School
As you know, we are approaching the end of our building programme. We are holding an official opening of Riverside School at 11.30 a.m. Thursday 23rd October 2008. Dave Benson Phillips, Children’s Entertainer and TV presenter, will preside over the opening. A number of dignitaries, officials and school supporters will be attending. We would like to invite you to join us on this auspicious occasion. If you are able to come, please contact Sue Crane so we have an idea of numbers. The Opening Ceremony will take place in the Further Education Common Room. All pupils will receive a memento of the occasion and we are sure it will be an enjoyable day. All the children and young people will meet Dave Benson Phillips, as he will be spending time with them in their classrooms prior to the opening.
Fundraising
You will be pleased to hear that we have secured funding for our Ellie Project (our new sensory room). Most of the equipment has been installed and the children are now using it. Our new fundraising project is to raise £50,000 to equip our outdoor play areas. I am delighted to say that some of this funding has also been secured, but we are in urgent need to raise more money. If you would like further details, please visit our website www.riversideschool.org.uk. If you have any potential sponsors who you can approach, or who you would like us to approach please contact Sue Crane or myself.
Riverside Parents’ Staff and Friends’ Association
The PSFA plays a vital role in our fundraising. The PSFA organises a whole host of fundraising events, which, of course, are a great way to meet other parents and socialise. Their next event will be the Christmas Fayre at 11 a.m. Saturday 6th December 2008. Please put the date in your diaries. If you have any raffle prizes they would be greatly appreciated. Requests for other items will be sent out in due course.
Sunday Swim – Cancelled 19/10/08
I am delighted that we have been able to resume the Sunday swim and that the first session was so well attended. Unfortunately, this coming Sunday, 19th October, essential works are being carried out to our water main as part of our building works with Thames Water. This means we will have to turn off the boilers. We have no option, therefore, but to cancel the session. I do apologise for this disappointment; the next session will be on Sunday 16th November after half term.
Home school transport traffic management
As I am sure you appreciate, we have an increased number of minibuses and taxis bringing all of our children into school. This causes traffic congestion and difficulty with parking on Main Road. We have a high level of staff devoted to managing the safety of pupil movement during drop off and pick up. We have identified some improvements to the layout of our entrance drive that should ease the situation, both to remove the bottleneck in the front car park and to review the pedestrian access arrangements. We are in consultation with the Local Authority at this time to try to resolve these issues and we will keep you informed of progress.
INSET day
Don’t forget that Friday 24th October is a training day and there will be no school for pupils.
I look forward to seeing some of you at the Opening next Thursday.
Best wishes,
Yours sincerely
Dr Viv Hinchcliffe
Head Teacher
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22nd September 2008
Dear Parents and Carers,
Sunday swimming sessions in the school hydrotherapy pool
We will be opening the school hydrotherapy pool again to our children, parents and siblings on some Sunday mornings between 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. starting Sunday 5th October 2008. The dates when the pool will be open are shown below. Can I please remind everyone that we would appreciate a donation of £5.00 per family per swim to help us cover costs and that there is a collection tin in the pool area.
The pool area is to be vacated by 12.30
We have had some very expensive and sophisticated sound & light equipment installed in the pool area. Sunday swimmers should not use this equipment unless they have received training. If any parents would like to undertake training, this can be organised. Please ring the school to enquire.
Many thanks.
Sunday 5th October 2008
Sunday 19th October 2008 – cancelled due to essential works
Sunday 16th November 2008
Sunday 30th November 2008
Sunday 14th December 2008
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe.
Head Teacher.
RPSFA
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11th February 2008
Dear Parents, Staff and Friends,
Fundraising Opportunities and Events
Did you know that many banks, building societies and insurance companies have community support programmes under which they will often support charities with one-off grants or by matched funding? In particular we are aware that Barclays will match funding up to the value of £1,500 per year. It works if an employee has an involvement with a fundraising event which raises for example £750 which on receipt of the confirmed amount, they will donate a further £750 to the charity. Riverside School now has charitable status and as such can be a recipient for the benefit of our pupils. If you have any family or friends who work in any of these environments, please do ask if there is any opportunity to take part in a community programme. It is often also beneficial for the employee as many companies have targets they want their employees to reach.
Riverside PSFA works extremely hard to organise events to support Riverside School both by fundraising and by providing opportunities for parents/carers to meet and socialise. They will be funding a joint party for pupils to be held on the St. Paul's Cray site as part of our integration and familiarisation with the new buildings as we move towards September. A Summer Fayre has also been scheduled for 28th June when many fun activities will be organised for our pupils and their families.
Our next fundraising event will be a Race Night that will be held on 28th March at St. Paul's Cray. Tickets for the evening are just £2 each with tables of 8. Tickets can be purchased from either school office. You are welcome to organise your own group or ask to be added to a table. There will be the opportunity to become the owner of a racehorse for the night for just £10. Lists of horses will be available prior to the event so watch out for further details. Our current target is to raise £5,000 towards the cost of a new sensory room that will be fitted out with exciting new interactive equipment in the new buildings.
If you haven't been to an event before, please do come along. A great time is always had by all and everyone is very friendly. Do put the dates in your diaries and please contact myself or Sarah Mays (PSFA Chair) if you have any queries about any items in this letter.
Yours sincerely,
Sue Crane
School Business Manager
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School Visits and Spending money
8th October 2007
Dear Parents/Carers,
School visits, contributions and pupil spending money
An important part of our children's education consists of visits and journeys away from the school; these may be visits to places of interest or importance, providing valuable experience which can be related to the children's work in school; we hope, too, to arrange visits to mainstream school for various joint activities. For all these purposes, educational visits and journeys are, I hope you will agree beneficial to our children. You will have previously signed a consent form to enable your child to be taken out of school, but as we are now Riverside School, could you please sign and return the form on the reverse of this letter for our records. Naturally, all our children who go out on visits or journeys will be very carefully supervised at all times.
You will be also be aware that we sometimes request contributions towards the cost of trips. On some occasions we allow pupils to take personal ‘pocket' money to enable them to manage their own spending.
Could you please ensure that any such monies are sent in separately. Any contributions to the cost of visits can be made either by cheque payable to Riverside School or in cash. However, spending money must be supplied in cash, it should be in a clearly marked envelope with you child's name, the date and the amount enclosed. Our financial controls do not allow us to issue cash to pupils and any amounts included within a cheque will be banked and subsequently re-imbursed to the payee in a separate cheque. This would mean that your child would not have the spending money when they go on their outing and we wish to avoid this situation occurring.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Sue Crane
School Business Manager
Use of recorded media and data exchange:
24th September 2007
Dear Parents/Carers,
Use of Recorded Media and Exchange of Data.
At Riverside School we take and use images of the students at the school to enable familiarisation and to brighten up the school. In addition we may use these images in our school's prospectus or in other printed publications that we produce, as well as on our website. We also make video or webcam recordings for Pupil reviews and may use these for school to school conferences, monitoring, training purposes and other educational use. This is very much part of the school's core business and helps us to achieve the very high standards of education for our pupils.
The school is occasionally visited by the media who may take photographs or film footage that could be used in the local press or on televised news programmes.
To enable us to use any images we require your permission. This permission will remain valid while your child attends this school. If you want to withdraw or change your agreement at any time you will need to notify us in writing. If you have any concern or wish to discuss this matter please do not hesitate to contact me. We will use all images sensitively and give the following assurances:
1) We, the school, will not use the personal details or full names (first name with surname) of any student in a photographic image or on video, on our website or in other printed publications.
2) We will not include any personal contact details in any printed publications or on our website.
3) As a general rule, if we use photographs of inpidual students, we will not use the name of that student in the accompanying text or photo caption. Likewise, if we name a student in the text, we will not use a photograph of that student to accompany the article. Specific permission will be sought in exceptional cases.
4) We may use group or class photographs or footage with general labels.
5) We will always be sensitive about preserving the dignity of our pupils in any photographs, video or text.
We also hold data in relation to your child and attach a notice relating to fair processing which we are required to issue under the Data Protection Act. Full details will be available on our website which we hope to launch very soon.
Could you please complete and return the slip below to the school office by Monday 1st October.
Yours sincerely,
Sue Crane
School Business Manager
RIVERSIDE SCHOOL
USE OF RECORDED MEDIA AND DATA EXCHANGE.
I/We acknowledge receipt of the documents relating to use of media and data exchange.
I/We give/do not give permission for my child's image to be used as set out in the letter above. (Please delete as appropriate)
Child's Name______________________________
Class___________________________________
Signed_______________________ Print name_______________________
Date_______________
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Dear Parents/Carers,
I am writing to inform you of a new initiative being run at Riverside School, which aims to provide helpful advice and information for parents/carers of our current pupil population. We aim to host guest speakers twice per term, one during an evening session and one in a mid-morning ‘coffee morning' style session. The speakers will come from a range of professions, either relating to services provided in the Borough of Bromley or offering advice to parents/carers on topical issues, such as behaviour management.
Our first speaker will be Gill Eldridge, the Family Services Manager from Bromley Mencap on Thursday 28th February at 7.30pm at the St Paul's Cray campus, who will be talking about the services provided by her organisation and giving parents/carers advice on whether they are receiving their current entitlement of these. Examples of services to be discussed are childminding networks, leisure activities for children and young people with special needs, family support around benefits, leisure and employment advice, transition and supported living. Gill is also happy to discuss issues arising from her talk and answer questions afterwards.
I would encourage you to attend this session if at all possible, but if not please complete the slip below suggesting future topics/speakers you would be interested in hearing. Your input is really valued as these talks are for you!!
Please complete and return the slip below to me, by 14th February.
Yours
Clare Chalaye (Penguins Class Teacher)
I/ we will be attending the talk with Gill Eldridge from Bromley Mencap on 28th February at 7.30pm at Riverside's St Paul's Cray site.
I/we will not be attending, but would be interested in future talks.
Suggestions for future topics are:
Signed ____________________ Parent(s)/ carer(s) of ____________
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21 April 2008
Dear Parents and Carers,
Class Groups and Riverside Parents’ Evening 4.45–7.30 p.m. Wednesday 30 April 2008 at the St. Paul’s Cray site
As promised, I am sending you information about your child’s class for next September so you will have an opportunity to meet your child’s class team on the Parents’ Evening next Wednesday. A great deal of time and thought has gone into these groupings and I am satisfied that as far as practicable we have taken into account the inpidual needs of our children and young people, their friendship groups, their levels of ability, etc.
As I stated in my Easter Newsletter, children, young people and their siblings are welcome to come along too; there will be a variety of activities on offer – music, films, pottery, etc. Some of our therapists will also attend and there will also be representatives from the Voluntary Sector, e.g., Mencap, and the Local Authority (e.g., SEN Transport). Please choose a 15-minute slot most convenient to you from the times listed on the tear-off slip. When teachers get all the returns, they will be able to confirm the appointment times. If parents choose the same time, teachers may, of course, have to suggest a slightly earlier or later time. Please return your tear-off slip by this Friday, 25 April.
I am strongly encouraging all parents to come to our Parents’ Evening as it is very important for parents and children to meet their new class teacher and teaching assistants. The purpose of the evening is really about getting to know each other and to talk about the needs of our children and young people. Please bring your child with you; it will be very beneficial for children and parents to meet their new class team.
The Parents’ Evening is a very good opportunity for you to see around the St. Paul’s Cray site if you haven’t already visited. Please bear in mind that some of the classes are still being built, so not all of you will be able to meet your class teams in the class in which your son or daughter will be based in September. Also, we are recruiting teachers for 2 of our 20 classes (interviews are in early May) so John Prior and I will stand in for these classes.
I look forward to seeing you on the 30th.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe,
Head Teacher
Class details have been sent out with inpidual letters – please ask your classteacher if you have not received one.
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Riverside School
Parents’ Evening 4.45 – 7.30 p.m. Wednesday 30 April 2008 at the St. Paul’s Cray site
To: ( Teachers name) in class (Name ) from September 2008.
I / We would like to see my child’s class teacher at the time circled below.
4.45 – 5.00 5.00 – 5.15 5.15 – 5.30 5.30 – 5.45 5.45 – 6.00
6.15 – 6.30 6.30 – 6.45 7.00 – 7.15 7.15 – 7.30
Child’s name: ………………………………….
Signed: ………………………………… (Please print name): ………………………
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IEPs Letter
23 April 2008.
Dear Parents and Carers,
Inpidual Education Plans
This week teachers will be sending home your child’s IEP targets. Please sign the IEPs in the usual way and send them back to school. Teachers will also send the last IEPs with a Review sheet showing your child’s progress against previous targets.
Don’t forget, if you would like an opportunity to come into school to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss the IEP targets, please feel free to contact him or her to arrange a meeting, but don’t feel that you have to if you’re happy with the targets set. Please also feel free to ‘phone your class teacherabout anything concerning your child’s education. I know many of you do this. Telephoning after school is best, preferably after 3.45 p.m.
As I always say, please don’t hesitate to ring me during or after school about any matter.
Best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Viv Hinchcliffe,
Head Teacher
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22 October 2009
Dear Parent / Carer,
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