October 2023

18 Buckden Roundabout October 2023 School & Pre - School Firstly, another big thank you to committee member Nik- ki Stamford, who did a skydive in September to raise funds for Preschool—and to all her sponsors, too. After costs, she raised an amazing £575 for Preschool, and we are very grateful (and proud of her bravery). Nikki said it was a once in a lifetime experience that she'll never for- get. We should point out again that volunteering to sky- dive is not a requirement for being on the committee! Whatever your available time and skillset, there are many other valuable ways to help. Do consider con- tacting our chairperson, Helen, or our Treasurer, Debs, at buckdenpreschoolcommittee@gmail.com for a no - obligation chat to find out more. It's a very sociable way to contribute to village life. The school year has got off to an exciting start as we wel- come our new children and their families, and welcome back returning children too. It's always lovely to get to know our new starters and discover their characters, abilities and interests. It's equally wonderful to see how our returning children have changed over the summer and catch up with all their news and experiences. They have loved looking around Preschool and spotting the changes made when we gave it a 'facelift' over the sum- mer. There are cosy, colourful spaces to enjoy books both indoors and out, with some brightly coloured ani- mal cushions, and our new Colour Monster corner. We started the term with something of a farm theme, with tractors, farm animals and a farmyard playmat in the outdoor tuff tray and lots of farmyard - themed books for the children to read. Our first Book of the Week was a comical rhyming story about a first day at preschool: Goat Goes to Playgroup by Julia Donaldson and Nick Sharratt. It captures all the un- certainties and excitement young children feel when go- ing into a new environment for the first time. As always, the themes and activities we plan for the rest of the term will be predominantly guided by the chil- dren's own interests and learning needs. We wait with bated breath to see where their curiosity will take them (and us!) next. To arrange a visit or apply for a place, please call 01480 810600 or email buckdenpreschool@yahoo.co.uk . For more information, visit www.buckdenpreschool.co.uk or read our updates on https://www.facebook.com/ www.buckdenpreschool.co.uk/ BUCKDEN CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY ACADEMY September 2023 We returned to school on Monday 4th September after the school holidays and typically after a summer of mixed weather, our first week back at school the sun decided to make an appearance and we experienced a very hot week! After a week of taster days, our new Reception children are now in school full time and after some initial tears all the children have all settled in wonderfully and are enjoy- ing the start of their school journey. We have also welcomed new families to the area and have therefore seen a number of new children join us higher up in the school, we wish them well at Buckden Primary and hope they enjoy making new friends. Our Year 6 started the first day of term by going straight off on their Residential trip to Norfolk Lakes. They had a fabulous time taking part in lots of activities especially on the Lakes and they certainly had the weather for it. They all came back hot and very tired but having made many great memories. As we start the beginning of the school year can we take the opportunity to remind our parents and visitors about parking around the school area. We all need to be aware of the needs of the local residents as well as the traffic and parking regulations around the school. The area in front of the school marked with yellow lines is not a ‘ dropping off ’ area. As well as being very dangerous due to passing cars and the pedestrian walkways, this part of the road needs to be kept clear at all times as it is the access area for emergency vehicles. Extra parking spaces are available at the Millennium Cen- tre, which is a short walk from the school. Thank you for adhering to these guidelines, they have been put in place for the safety of everyone who comes to the school at the beginning and the end of the day.