Autumn Term 2010 News

Oxford Montessori Schools
(in 20/10, We celebrate 20 years running our nursery schools & ten years at Forest Farm primary & senior school)
(Iffley Village, Wolvercote & Forest Farm, Elsfield)  www.oxfordmontessori.co.uk / oms.schools@btconnect.com

Forest Farm News!
 
A Fantastic Fireworks Night.  Thanks so much to all those who helped. 

 

 This from Florence (Iffley's supervisor)

Despite the weather, lots of parents were at the event! We raised £176.00 profit from the food. Over a hundred waffles and hot dogs were sold. We even had cakes donated! The proceeds in totality will go directly to the Rescue Centre for street children in Eldoret, Kenya.

Thanks again,

Regards,

Florence

All in all we raised around £500, which is great and just about covers the costs for which we are very grateful to you all.  We hope the children had great fun.  Please, if you took any good pictures, would you send them to oms.schools@btconnect.com or if you're on face book 'like' the Oxford Montessori Schools Face Book page   and upload the images to us direct. 

News in the senior school:

• Just finished another exam round.  The students were very calm and confident. Wishing you all lots of luck.  Judy popped in from time to time during the exams with tea and biscuits - what other exam centre would etc etc....!

New IGCSE Courses on offer.  Be quick though if you are interested!

• Last chance to join IGCSE Biology. The tutor is our inspiring Matt Morton. Students would take exams next summer. Until then why not come up to the the beautiful farm school at Forest Farm Elsfield this Thursday and next for taster workshops and see how you get on? The Cambridge University International (IGCSE) offers a rich, broad and exciting curriculum.

• Save the planet. Well study to save it at least!  We're offering a two year course in Environmental Management starting after Christmas.
• Students following Key Stage 4 level (Cambridge IGCSE) - Cost is £340 per subject, per term.  Fantastic value in a unique environment.

The Advisers Parents Group.  'Your Views Shape Our Schools'

 

  We will soon be launching our next parent survey. OMS staff will shape the questions as we focus on insights from you that can help us further meet the needs of your children.

The surveys are one aspect of the Oxford Montessori Advisers Group.  See here for more information / newsletters etc.

By 'liking' the Oxford Montessori Advisers Group you will see news and general updates on your face book profile 

Keep in touch with us...

More and more we're updating Facebook pages to provide you with as it happens information, please be sure to 'like' the pages so you see the updates automatically in your profiles if you use Facebook...

If you don't use Facebook why not give it a try.  You may find it a better way to keep in touch with us, less time intensive than checking email or our web site.  Just click on the links below and then 'like' the page in the box you'll at the top of the page...

• Oxford Montessori Schools
• The Advisers Group 

We update Facebook with news and views on the schools and education in general.  If you're interested in following  and joining in with any issues raised 'click' ...

Create Holiday Club

With emphasis on the arts and bushcraft Create's popularity continues to grow.  This half term (Autumn) we had to turn children away.  So please avoid disappointment and make sure you book early HERE.


WHAT'S been keeping us busy?

At Forest Farm there's been a steady stream of improvements in the buildings.  New lighting outside for the shorter days, new electrical system in the DT room, new heating in the nursery, DT barn and shortly in the primary class.  There's a whole new carpentry room decked out with traditional woodworking too.  Thanks to Matt for all his work on this.  Thanks as well to Gary for the electrical work and to Adrian for the plumbing. Great work!  Take a look Here


New Progress Reporting System for the Seniors....

You have now been sent links to our new progress reports system. Many parents have found it a useful tool to track children's progress and overall well being at OMS.  The system is updated shortly after each workshop by the tutor responsible.

Saturday BushCrafters

We're planning a series of exciting bushcraft sessions on SATURDAYS.  So if you have a seven year old and above who would like to get out of the house, drink gallons of fresh air; learn how to observe nature and make wonderful natural things under the skilled guidance of Matt Morton find out more...

More details:


Snows!  Winter's closing in and there are already reports of snow on the way. Are you ready?

Last year we closed for 3 days during the worst of the heavy snows.  This year it's likely to happen again.  Staff could not get in, parents could not reach us.  The reads were dreadful.  Alex Koelbl who has a child at the Iffley nusery has put together this useful guide designed to make driving in poor conditions safer...

Driving in wintry conditions

Vienna is a city where it snows regularly. Wintry conditions in Vienna are very much like they have been in Oxford this winter - it snows, the snow stays for a bit, gets dirty and slushy, and finally melts away. This cycle can repeat a few times each winter. So unlike ski resorts, where the snow stays all winter long, city people usually have to deal with changing conditions depending where and when they drive. Please find below my thoughts and recommendations on common measures for driving in winter. I hope they help you in some small way.

• Winter tyres -They are made out of a rubber compound which stays soft at low temperatures. Usually people have them on rims and change all four wheels every half year. This way the summer tyres do not wear as fast as when driving them the whole year round. Modern winter tyres are as comfortable to drive as summer tyres and don't have anything to do with the tractor-like tyres you see on some Landrovers. Of all the measures listed here, winter tyres make the biggest difference. Highly recommended for winters in Oxfordshire as they are a cheap measure and very effective. If you want to buy winter tyres, try here: http://mytyres.co.uk/
• 4WD - This is often quoted in the UK as the only method to get through snow. I think this is wrong. Few people I know have a car with 4WD and they still make it comfortably through snowy winters, while driving through hilly areas. It definitely helps, but is not a prerequisite. It is also more expensive to buy and to operate. And don't forget that a 4WD is much more effective with winter tyres. Good when you have it, but not a must-have for winters in Oxfordshire
• Studded tyres (spikes) - Also often quoted when I hear people in the UK talking about driving in snow. They do not give any more grip in snow or slush. It only helps on ice. On the other hand, they extend the stopping distance, are more expensive than normal winter tyres and destroy the roads. Not recommended for winters in Oxfordshire
• Snow chains - They help driving in snow. Modern chains can be put on in minutes, and you should remove them right away when you are back on a clear road. Not recommended for winters in Oxfordshire
• Ice scraper - I recommend only using an ice scraper when removing the ice from the windscreen and windows, no chemicals or hot water. Chemicals are not necessary and hot water might crack your windows. Use an ice scraper which has a strong plastic blade. Metal blades might damage the glass.
• Snow brush - I haven't seen dedicated car snow brushes in any UK shop. Use a small broom to sweep off all snow from the car for the safety of you and people driving behind you
• Salt grit - In Austria only used for motorways as it is said to damage plants and trees
• Stone grit - Used a lot on roads and paths. It helps cars and pedestrians alike on snow, slush and even ice.

Replacing Signage

Our painted signs at Forest Farm need replacing, here's the first design for their replacements.  Any comments?

Finally, this years Christmas Show at Forest Farm is Bugsy Malone.  All welcome.



The children are very excited. Take a look here at 'Getting ready for Bugsy'

That's all for now folks!

We look forward to seeing you and working with your children for the rest of the term. 




Daniel Ardizzone

  


Oxford Montessori Schools.  Learning Environments Based on Children's Developmental Needs

01865 358210 / www.oxfordmontessori.co.uk / oms.schools@btconnect.com
Wolvercote, Iffley & Forest Farm School.  Elsfield.  Oxford.  OX3 9UW.