|
|
|
|
Headteacher News

Dear Parents and Carers
We have had a very busy year with lots of news to share. Our children have taken part in some fantastic opportunities to learn inside and outside of Tetherdown School. Thank you for all your support – please read on for full details and news items.
I would like to take this opportunity to send our thanks to the new Friends of Tetherdown committee and all the parents and helpers who have supported us this term. The quiz was fantastic and raised so much money – well done! The Winter Fair on Friday 25th November was such a busy, vibrant event; so many children enjoying themselves with games, food, marshmallows and hot chocolate. Thank you to the Choir and individual players who brought the Fair to life with their wonderful singing and playing – well done. We hope you enjoyed yourselves.
Sadly, we say goodbye to Ms Joseph who has been away from school on long term sick leave. She has since decided that she will not be returning, and we wish her all the very best in her future endeavours. Year 1 children will be working with Mr Stirrup who joins us to complement the team alongside Ms Compton, Ms Piyiotis, Ms Featherstone, Ms Foster, Ms Tempesta, Ms Bradburn, Ms Testa and Ms Pretty.
We were rather caught out by the snow at the start of this week, and thank you for your continuing support. We hope that you all stay safe as you get around.
Please remember to read on for additional news items. Wishing you all Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays. We look forward to the children returning to school on Wednesday 4th January 2023. 
Tony Woodward
Headteacher
|
|
|
 |
15 Dec 2022
We have ended our first term at school with a Christmas party! Well done Reception!
|
 |
15 Dec 2022
Reception have been learning about the story of Chanukah
|
 |
15 Dec 2022
Year 4 children enjoy all things Christmassy!
|
 |
15 Dec 2022
The children sand a dreidel song and even got to eat donuts!
|
 |
15 Dec 2022
We held our Christingles and joyously sang, ‘This little light of mine’
|
 |
15 Dec 2022
Aga and the Olive Dining team treated us all to a lovely Christmas meal with all the trimmings!
|
 |
06 Dec 2022
We listened to a string quartet and discussed the work of composers such as Beethoven.
|
 |
06 Dec 2022
The Christmas Experience at St James Church Muswell Hill
|
 |
29 Nov 2022
The Pixie and the Pudding
|
 |
28 Nov 2022
Grand prize winners had their designs turned into a gingerbread man!
|
 |
28 Nov 2022
Christianity: Is the Christmas Story True?
|
 |
21 Nov 2022
Year 3 loved the Science workshop all about rocks and volcanoes.
|
 |
20 Nov 2022
Tetherdown pupils qualify for the prestigious London Junior Chess Championship Finals!
|
 |
20 Nov 2022
Congratulations - we have a silver judo medal winner!
|
|
|
|
Why Tetherdown is banning the phrase ‘I’m bad at maths’…
I am sure that we have all heard the phrase, ‘I am bad at maths’ or ‘I’m not very good at maths’ at least once in our lives as the statement has become more and more common place and seemingly acceptable to say. We need to change this! These phrases may seem relatively harmless and common place, but they have more of a negative effect on our children’s growth mindset then we might think!
When children hear their trusted adults say that they ‘can’t do maths’ or ‘they hated maths at school’, this becomes internalised which can put our children off mathematics and damages their attitudes towards the subject. In some cases, this can even lead to maths anxiety. If we continue to perpetuate the idea that a child is either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at maths, then the children will buy into this idea too.
A child who has internalised the idea that they are ‘bad’ at maths may struggle to make the same progress as their peers as they are weighed down by the feeling that they are not good enough or are simply unable to do it. Subsequently, if a child has internalised that they are ‘good’ at maths because they have always been praised for getting the correct answers, then when they come across a maths problem that they struggle with, they may not have the growth mindset or resilience to tackle it. If we allow our children to become ‘fixed mindset people’, then they may think that there is nothing that they can do to improve. However, if we encourage the growth mindset approach, they will see that hard work pays off and that mistakes are part of the learning process rather than a setback or failure; they become resilient learners.
As the role models our children look up to, it is important for us to demonstrate the values and attitudes that we aspire for them to have. We want our children to see how amazing maths is and its powerful and important role within our society and everyday lives. So, instead of praising our children for their achievement, let’s praise them for their effort, hard work and resilience. Instead of telling our children that we are bad at maths, let’s embrace our own growth mindset and rephrase our statements in a positive way.
Below are some ideas of how we can rephrase our ideas about maths to help our children succeed and be the best they can be. Remember the power of the word ‘yet’ – ‘I am not confident at multiplying…yet! I just need to practise this more.’

|
|
|
|
Dear Parents/Carers
The new committee of The Friends of Tetherdown have got off to a great start with 2 big fundraisers; the quiz night and the winter market raising £15k in our first term towards our outdoor learning project.
We know times are tough, and we all have busy lives so a MASSIVE thanks to all of you for the incredible support you've shown so far.
We are currently planning our events for the Spring and Summer term for both parents and kids which will be designed to be great social events as well as raise those vital funds to support the school so look out for our announcements in the new year.
And remember - the committee door is always open; whether you want to join us, have an idea to share or you’d like to volunteer for an event… we are all part of the Tetherdown community so let’s get involved!
Finally - We have yet to find our winning raffle ticket owners from the winter fair. The winning numbers were orange 599 and 608. Please get in touch if it’s you!
For this and any other matter, please contact TetherdownPSAchair@gmail.com
|
|
One click in support of children's learning experience
A quick message to remind any of you who can afford anything between £5-50 per month to consider supporting the school in the most amazing way by setting up a direct debit.
It’s the easiest and most effective way to ensure the school has the resources it needs, as government funding hardly covers more than the cost of the teachers themselves.
It’s a really quick thing to set up and the impact on our kids is invaluable. We know times are tough but without the volume of events we had previously, every contribution really makes a difference. Click here to set up a direct debit.
Thanks in advance for your support.
|
|
|
|
|
As part of Haringey's ongoing commitment to improve services for children and young people with SEND and their families we have included a direct link to the monthly Haringey SEND e-newsletter which contains a wealth of information and exciting developments for Haringey children, young people and their families.
Tetherdown families can also subscribe to receive Haringey's SEND newsletter by using this link.
|
|
For further information about SENDIASS and what is on offer please go to our SEND pages.

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haringey Health Protection & Population Health Improvement
We have been asked to share this news item by the Haringey Health Protection & Population Health Improvement team.
Recent data has shown that there is a continued low uptake of flu vaccine amongst children and higher rates of under 5s being hospitalised with flu. UKHSA is warning parents of the importance of ensuring their young children are vaccinated.
We would encourage parents or carers to find out about the importance of flu vaccination for children.
Please find below a useful resource. Also attached with this issue of the newsletter we have sent two vaccination flyers.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-vaccination-leaflets-and-posters
|
|
|
Polio vaccination campaign
Polio virus is spreading in London, so children aged one to nine are the focus of a polio vaccination campaign to ensure that they are protected from catching the virus. Children who are up-to-date with their routine vaccines are being offered a booster vaccine. Parents of children who are not up-to-date are being urged to contact their GP to get their child protected from polio and a range of other potentially dangerous diseases with their routine vaccinations.
Poliovirus is a life-threatening infection of the nerves that can cause serious disability, permanent paralysis or even death. Polio is preventable and vaccination is the best protection against the disease. All children in England are offered five doses of polio vaccine as part of the routine NHS
vacination schedule:
- Babies are given jabs to protect against polio and other diseases at the age of eight weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks.
- A booster given at three years and four months keeps them protected for longer.
- A final booster at around 14 years old keeps them protected for life.
If your child hasn’t had all of their jabs, contact your doctor today to get them protected.
In Haringey, a polio booster walk-in clinic is available at Hornsey Central Vaccination Centre. This clinic is for children aged six to nine years, who are up-to-date with their routine childhood vaccinations.
The clinic is open seven days a week from 3pm-8pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Follow this link for more information, including what you need to bring with you visit.
Link to our website Key Letter page for our recent communication about the Polio Vaccine campaign.
|
|
|
|
Symptoms, Testing and Guidance for COVID-19
For symptoms, testing and guidance for COVID-19 please refer to our COVID-19 website pages which contain information that we hope parents find helpful and useful including:
- How to report a positive CIVID-19 test.
- Timeline for isolation.
- My child has tested positive - what happens next?
- COVID-19 links to guidance, advise and FAQ.
We appreciate that there may at times be some confusion on ways to respond, but we are doing our best to ensure as many children can come to school on a regular basis so that risks to your child’s continuing education in the current climate is reduced.
|
|
|
!! Admission Arrangement Timelines !!
Please be aware of the admissions' timelines for Reception and Secondary 2023 Entry.
Key Dates for Reception Admissions Entry 2023 as Published by Haringey
- 1st September 2022 - Applications Open.
- 15th January 2023 - Application Deadline.
- 17th April 2023 - Offer day/online outcome Online applicants will receive notification of their offer in an email. Paper applicants will be sent an offer letter.
- 2nd May 2023 - Acceptance deadline - online applicants should accept their offer online.
- 19th May 2022 - Appeals deadline.
Further information can be found on our website admissions pages.
Key Dates for Secondary Admissions 2022/23 as Published by Haringey
- 1st September 2022 - Applications Open.
- 31st October 2022 - Application Deadline.
- 1st March 2023 - Offer day/online outcome Online applicants will receive notification of their offer in an email. Paper applicants will be sent an offer letter.
- 15th March 2023 - Acceptance deadline - online applicants should accept their offer online.
- 3rd April 2023 – Appeals deadline.
Further information can be found on our website secondary transfer pages.
|
|
|
Clubs & Activity Camps
The Autumn Term 2022 lunchtime and extracurricular club timetable is available on our website. In addition, to emailing club promotional material to parents we are also publishing any advertising provided by the clubs on our website Clubs & Activity Camps page.
|
|
|
Wraparound Care: Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club offers an exciting variety of healthy breakfast choices for the children these include: croissants, brioche buns, fruit yogurt, juice and cereal.
Ad hoc Bookings
Breakfast Club is currently able to take a limited number of ad hoc bookings. If you would like to use the Club’s ad hoc services please contact our Senior Play Leader Ms Geen-Moore on the email provided below no later than 9:00am a day prior to your booking. Ad hoc spaces are charged at a slightly higher rate of £8 per session per child (via ParentPay).
Please note that due to limited availability, to attend you must receive a confirmation email from Ms Geen-Moore.
E: breakfastclub@tetherdownschool.org
|
|
|
|
PLEASE REMEMBER WE ARE A NO NUTS SCHOOL
Products containing nuts (including for staff as some may also have allergies) must not be brought into school under any circumstances.
|
|
Considerate Driving and Parking Please!
If you must drive to school to drop off your child(ren) please consider our neighbours when parking near the school. We have received complaints that some parents are parking across driveways and blocking house owners in. It would be far healthier for children if parents could park a little way from the school and walk or scooter to school. Scooters may be stored at school. We do not have bicycle storage
|
|
|
Tetherdown School Communications to Parents
We have a brand-new website please ensure your explore our website regularly so not to miss any important communications. This should be your 'FIRST PORT OF CALL' for information.
The Parents page is dedicated to you! - here you will be able to find answers and links to everyday questions and queries you may have as well as further useful information and support - to name a few...
- Calendar - check this regularly
- Term dates
- Key Letters
- School Day & Wraparound Care
- Health & Welfare
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have explored the website, and you cannot find what you are looking for.
Parent Communication to Tetherdown
Please remember when emailing the admin mailbox to ensure you put your child's full name and class. There are over 400 pupils on roll and as you can imagine finding any child with only their first name can be tricky!
|
|
|
ParentPay - Communication from Tetherdown
ParentPay is the schools Communications and Payment System All communications sent directly from the school are sent using ParentPay only.
Parents will receive an email from platform@parentpay.com - when you receive messages from this email you can be assured this is an official direct school communication.
Any undelivered emails to parents the school are notified - we have not been notified of any undelivered messages to date.
Text and Email Alerts
Parents are advised to set up text and email alerts to ensure that you do not miss any important information from Tetherdown. Details of how to do this can be found on our Payment & Bookings System pages. If you have missed an email please search your mailbox for platform@parentpay.com messages and check junk mail.
If you are having any problems receiving official school communications please contact the school office after you have checked your mailbox and junk mail and not ParentPay.
Thank you for your continuing support.
|
|
|
Extracurricular Club Cancellation
This week one of our extracurricular club providers cancelled their club. Please can families note the process below for any future cancellations. Thank you in advance.
-
If your child's extracurricular club at the end of the school day is cancelled by the provider, parents are advised to make alternative pick-up arrangements for their child and to notify the school office via email of the new arrangement no later than 2:45pm. Parents should not assume that the Tetherdown after-school club can take their child following a club cancellation if they cannot make alternative pick-up arrangements.
-
Children who normally attend the Tetherdown after-school club directly after the cancelled extracurricular club (e.g. tennis) can go straight to after-school club at the end of the school day, however you will be charged accordingly for this session via ParentPay.
|
|
|
Gentle Reminders
Reporting Absences and Pick-up
Reporting Absence
We always require absence information, including unplanned absence, to be reported daily before 9am.
If your child is absent please call the school office before 9am and select option 1. Leave a clear message with your child’s full name and class and a brief reason for the absence.
Reporting Pick-Up
If your child is going home with someone different to their regular person collecting them, please remember to communicate arrangements via the admin email before 2:45pm stating your child’s full name and class and who is collecting them.
Please do not email teachers as they are unable to check emails during the teaching day.
*****
For absences and pick-up arrangements report to:
admin@tetherdownschool.org
If your child is going to be absent for medical or official appointment you must provide proof of the appointment to the school office via email. Please remember to include your child's full name and class in all correspondence.
You do not need to fill in the absence request form for medical appointments, or official appointments.
Children Leaving Tetherdown
If you are planning on leaving Tetherdown it is important that you inform the school as soon as possible. Please fill in the destination form which can found on our School Forms & Links page.
As a reminder that medicine cannot be given to your child to bring into school. The school can administer prescribed medicine only (the parents form on our website must be filled in). Any over the counter medicine must be administered by a parent / nominated carer. Please refer to our Health & Welfare pages for further details.
The school does not accept forgotten items. We aim to promote independence and responsibility in our children. This includes snacks and packed lunches, water bottles, PE kits, instruments etc. We can accept medical and reading glasses. If a child has forgotten their lunch one will be provided and will be charged via your ParentPay account.
We are a healthy school and as such we kindly ask that children do not bring in sweets or cakes/biscuits to hand out to their friends on their birthday. A class book donation is always much appreciated. We will share your book-gift with the class and insert a special book plate to mark the occasion of your child's birthday.
|
|
DIARY DATES TO THE 27TH JANUARY 2023 | |
|