Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• THURSDAY UPDATE

  Wed 28 Feb 2018

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  This week we have seen some severe weather across the County. This hasn't affected Dartford as much as we had thought, however, it has been snowy and icy enough to cause disruption. Roads have been treacherous and paths have been even more so!

  At 1:00pm today, I have made the decision to keep all three schools - Oakfield, Temple Hill and West Hill closed for another day. Therefore we will be closed on THURSDAY 1st MARCH to all staff and pupils.

  The reason I have taken this decision now is that the Met Office forecasts are not looking promising. Yesterday, it took many staff hours to return home in very dangerous conditions, and so when I am making my decision as to whether to remain open or not, I must consider the staff as well as the pupils and parents.

  I am hoping by making this decision now, it will give all parents more opportunity to make plans for Thursday. I am aware that this decision will be inconvenient for some, however, I must consider the needs of staff, parents and pupils when making a decision. I will make a further decision about Friday at 3:00pm pm Thursday.

   

  I hope you get some time to enjoy the snow with your children!

   

  Kind regards,

   

  Garry Ratcliffe

  Executive Head and CEO, The Galaxy Trust.

• AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS CANCELLED TUESDAY

  Tue 27 Feb 2018

  Dear Parents and Carers

  Due to the adverse weather conditions, we have made the decision to cancel all after school clubs this evening including West Hill Chill.

  School is remaining open until 3.15pm, however if you are concerned about your onward journey and would like to come and collect your child/ren from school early please come to the main school office.

  Please refer to the Kent Closures website and the school website for further information regarding tomorrow.

  Kind regards

  Todd Sillett, Deputy Head of School

• Severe Weather Warning

  Fri 23 Feb 2018

  Severe Snow/Ice Plan for Parents and Families 

   

  Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice. Extreme bad weather can cause widespread and prolonged disruption. Schools are often affected and it can be difficult to maintain an education service. 

   

  As a fundamental principle every effort must be made to keep schools open, even if only limited numbers of pupils can attend. However, schools may close due to ‘unavoidable’ circumstances. Those circumstances being that it is no longer safe for staff or pupils to be onsite. 

   

  We recognise that it is important that our school remains open so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn. Oakfield Primary Academy will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by gritting pathways, and clearing access points etc. 

   

  How will you let me know if the school is closed? 

   

  However, if we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, we may have to take the decision to close the school. Once this decision has been made we will notify parents via the Kent Closures website. To determine whether the school is open or closed please visit www.kentclosures.co.uk. Search for the school in the search box. The Kent Closures website can also be used to find out if other services in Kent are open or closed, such as nurseries, children’s centres and libraries. We also recommend parents sign up for SMS/ Email alerts on the Kent Closures website. This service will send an SMS or email alert to let parents know if the school is closed. Parents can also listen to KMFM, BBC Radio Kent or Heart FM to hear if the school has closed. 

   

  What can you do to help? 

   

  • Please visit https://www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/what-we-look-after/winter-service# for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey. 

  • Please can you provide a packed lunch from home in case school meals cannot be provided – this information will always be on the closures website under “additional information”. 

   

  • Don’t forget suitable warm clothing – gloves, hats, scarves, wellies etc. or even a change of clothing. 

   

  • If you are a working parent or feel you may have a problem with a sudden earlier pick up, please could you put a back-up plan in place with another family member or parent and inform the school. This will allow staff to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates. 

   

  Many thanks for your support in helping Oakfield remain open during periods of severe snow/ice. 

   

  Claire Misy 
  Director of Business 

    

   

• Girl Guides World Thinking Day

  Wed 21 Feb 2018
  

• World Book Day

  Fri 09 Feb 2018

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  On Thursday 1^st March we will be celebrating World Book Day. To promote reading across the school, each class will be carrying out a range of activities based on a book throughout the day.

   

  We would like to invite children to come dressed as their favourite book character. This will be a colourful and imaginative part of our event, which I hope you will encourage your child to participate in. There will be a ‘best dressed’ winner from each class so get creative with your costumes! Please could each child bring in the book that inspired their costume as they will be sharing it with other children.

   

  As part of our World Book Day celebrations, we are challenging your child to complete the ‘Reach for the Stars Reading Challenge.’ The challenge is to read a book in different ways or places and tick the attached challenge sheet when your child has completed them. There are three blank stars which children may like to complete their very own star challenge. Please could you take photos of your child in these weird and wonderful places and once printed, please send them into your child’s class teacher. These will then form part of a World Book Day display. A small prize will be awarded for any child who completes the challenge.

   

  We are all looking forward to the events and I am sure you agree it is a fun way to promote reading across the school.

   

  Yours sincerely

  Miss R Williams