FRIENDS OF HURSLEY SCHOOL

Autumn Newsletter
Dear Friends!

Despite a rather cooler than forecast summer, I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to the new
parents and teachers who have come to John Keble for the first time, and say welcome back to
those of us who have been here before!

As parents/guardians of pupils attending John Keble school, we are all automatically members of
the ‘Friends of Hursley School’. The FOHS has a very simple objective:
“to advance the education of pupils in the school in particular by developing effective
relationships between the staff, parents and others associated with the School; engaging in
activities or providing facilities or equipment which support the School and advance the
education of the pupils.”

The Committee’s role within the Friends is to inspire, coordinate and develop all activities
suggested by the members that help meet the objective. As such, the existing team is made up of
a selection of parents and friends, with representatives from Reception to Year 6, ensuring easier
communication channels and a balanced breadth of opinion on issues affecting the children and
the school.

Anyone who is interested in either being on the Committee or in helping in specific ways is
welcome to have a chat with one of the members or come along to a Committee meeting to get a
feel for what goes on. New members, ideas and feedback are always welcome and coming to a
meeting does not mean you have to become involved on a regular basis. The next meeting is on
Tuesday 6th October at my house (110 Main Road) – give me a call if you’d like to come along.

We have some great social and fundraising events lined up for the Autumn term.

HURSLEY 10K, 5K AND FUN RUN (1 mile), Sunday 27th September from 10am
The 10k has become an annual institution which raises a huge amount of money for the Friends
(around £5k last year). Not only are you all welcome to take part (visit hursley10k.co.uk for an
entry form) but we do need lots of help on the day, in the form of:
• Marshalls
• Water stop monitors
• Refreshment folk
• Start/Finish collators etc…
If you are able to give up even just one hour of your time (there is plenty to keep the kids happy
while you help!), please sign up on the board outside School or contact Gary Jarman on 01962
855962. The 1.5k Fun Run is fantastic fun for all children and a great opportunity for them to get
involved in a fabulous event. Each child can raise money through sponsorship and will receive a
medal for finishing.
BARN DANCE AND CHILLI NIGHT, Parish Hall, Friday 2nd October from 8pm
Dosey doh! and Strip the Willow after a hearty bowl of chilli – join us for a great night for the
bargain price of £10 per ticket (including food, music and a drink). All welcome for the social
event of the year, so bring your friends too! Limited tickets so get them as soon as possible from
the Post Office or myself at school.

HARVEST FESTIVAL DISCO, School, Friday 9th October

Always extremely popular, these fun discos are divided into:
KS1 – 5.00 – 6.30pm
KS2 – 6.45 – 8.15pm
Drop your child/children off at the appropriate time. A drink and biscuit is included in the ticket
price of £2.50. Tickets will be available outside school nearer the time.

BOOK WEEK, Monday 2nd to Friday 6th November

In conjunction with the School, the Friends will be organising a series of events to support Book
Week, including an Usborne Books sponsored read week. Look out for further information in the
School newsletter.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, Wednesday 11th November from 7pm

Come along and hear all about our past year. Find out where the fundraising money has been
spent, forthcoming events and details of the “wish list” for next year. Cheese and wine will be
served and all are welcome.

LADIES SHOPPING NIGHT, Thursday 12th November from 7pm to 9pm

A fabulous opportunity to purchase gifts and Christmas items while enjoying a glass of mulled
punch and a mince pie. Tickets: £2.00. If you are interested in helping or wish to run your own
stall and promote your own business/craft - please contact Hilary Wells on 775941.

TEA/COFFEE AFTERNOON, Friday 13th November from 3.00pm

Come along for a social get together with refreshments and a slice of cake before school pick-up.
Usborne Books will be present in order for children who have raised sponsorship money as part
of the sponsored read the previous week to select their FREE book.

SCHOOL GROUNDS WORKING PARTY, Saturday 14th November from 9.30am to 12

All ages welcome to help with a tidy up of the school grounds. This essential maintenance saves
the school money by limiting the use of outside contractors to carry out this work. Tools
provided and no experience necessary and all for free tea and biscuits!

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR, School, Saturday 21st November - 11.30 to 2pm

Masses of stalls and entertainment for friends and family, visit Father Christmas in his Grotto and
the ever-popular Secret Shop where children can purchase presents for parents, grandparents and
siblings – in private! Anyone who wishes to get involved (helping with refreshments, running a
stall etc) or take a stall if you have a craft or business you wish to promote, contact me on
775695.
Look out for the new School Contact List which is being proofed as we speak and should be out
later this week and a big thanks to Candy Tiley for all her hard work compiling the information.

So, as you can see we have a packed programme for what is always a long, but fun, Autumn term.
The Friends works because all of us are prepared to give up a little of our time and energy to
ensure that we put on fun, social and (sometimes) profit-making events. In this way, we are able
to pay for the extras that make John Keble the fantastic, friendly School that it is.

If you can help out in any way, please contact me on 775695 to have a chat or catch me at School.

Best wishes and thank you for your continued support.

Amanda

PS: Following on from Hants Famous Four for Free!, have you visited Longstock park near
Stockbridge? Take your bikes for lots of free outdoor fun for all ages!

A quick reminder of Who’s Who on the

Friends of Hursley School Committee
Amanda Apps – Chair
Melanie Weston – Vice Chair
Yvonne Goddard – Treasurer
Imogen King – Secretary (to be appointed in October)
Louise Vincent – School Liaison (to be appointed in October)
Hannah Evans – Communications & PR
Tim Newcombe – Publicity
Richard Baker, Ali Lacey, Gill Newcombe and Hilary Wells