Page 17 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • April 2011 17
Book characters brought to life

Children at Brook Field Primary School, Shaw celebrated International
Book Day on 7 March with children and staff dressing up as their favou- 1 2 3 4 5
rite characters and whole classes took up the theme of a particular book.
Last year headteacher Melanie Sancto was so convincing as Cruella ...off to Kumon I go, at maths and English I’m a pro
D’Ville that some smaller children had to be assured that there was
nothing to be frightened of. This year she took on the more friendly Maths and English Study Programmes Contact:
persona of Minnie Mouse. Kumon programmes: Haydon Wick
See which characters you can spot here, including teachers from left, Jon Stowe as • work at a pace that is tailored to your Tsuyako Haruki
Willy Wonka and three umpah lumpas, Dan Clarke, Nikki Marvell, Sarah Backwell, child’s needs 01285 643701
with Mrs Sancto • give their confidence a real boost
• develop invaluable study habits and Swindon Shaw
concentration Irzana Golding
• complement the school curriculum 01793 686112

kumon.co.uk Every child can shine

Swindon author short-listed for top award English, Mathematics and Science
An illustrated book by former Westlea School headteacher Neil Grif- Fully qualifi ed teachers
fi ths is one of four short-listed for the Dundee Picture Book Award Accelerated GCSE programme
after being discussed and reviewed by 800 children in the Scottish city. 11+ training and preparation
Fatou, fetch the water tells
the adventures of a girl Free assessment and fi rst lesson
going to fetch water from Boost your child’s confi dence
the village well. Neil said,
“From my work in Gambia
where I sponsor a number NEW
of schools I wanted to show vouchers
Childcare
how children live there. accepted
“The nomination is a
huge honour; I only self-
publish so don’t get the
exposure of books from
big publishing groups.”
The winner will be
chosen in June.
Read the full story with
more pictures of Neil in
Gambia at http://bit.ly/ Neil reading his book to children from
slink2 Westlea Primary in March
BALLET - TAP - MODERN - JAZZ
Swindon schools need governors MUSICAL THEATRE
& RAD MAJORS
A national charity has teamed up with Swindon Council in a drive to
recruit new school governors. STREET, HIP HOP & ADULT TAP
The School Governor’s One-Stop school governance as it is an op-
Shop (SGOSS) is an independent portunity for personal development Classes from two and half years upwards
charity that works throughout - volunteers acquire new skills and Lessons held at Haydonleigh School,
England, aiming to tackle the 40,000 gain a broad knowledge of areas such Abbey Meads Community School, Blunsdon Village
governor vacancies across the coun- as HR, fi nance and the education
try. With empty seats on governing system. The local authority also pro- and also Stratton Community Centre
bodies across the borough, this could vides a training package to schools,
be your chance to make a real differ- so there is plenty of opportunity to Offi cial Dance Centre
ence to a local school. make the most of the role. of the ISTD
Governors are collectively respon- Being a governor is a chance to
sible for the strategic management meet new people in the community, offering FDI & CDE Units
of a school and therefore crucial in and make a substantial difference to
ensuring progression and planning the lives of local children. No special- Bring this advert
for the school’s future. Meeting on ist knowledge is required, and you with you and receive the
average around once or twice a do not have to be a parent – all that fi rst two lessons free
month, the governing body acts as is required is the time to attend 1 or
a critical friend to the headteacher, 2 meetings a month, and the desire Contact Sarah Watson
oversees the budget, and is also to make a real difference. on 01793 524112
responsible for appointing senior For more information and details
members of staff. It’s a challenging of how to apply, call Lizzie Ibbotson or 07825 543529
and varied role, but is not without on 020 7288 9536 or mail: lizzie.ib- before 8pm
substantial benefi ts for the volunteer. [email protected]
Many employers encourage www.sgoss.org.uk

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