Year 6 have been creating underwater compositions this week.

Thank you and well done to everyone who entered the Steel Pan Logo Competition.

Jenny Gilberg, the steel pan teacher, chose the winning entry by Poppy Mackenzie in year 7 at Newminster.

This logo is going to be put onto grey hoodies for the steel pan players to purchase and wear for their performances. More information to follow …

Members of the Ellington Colliery Brass Band visited Newmister and Chantry Middle Schools on Friday 15th September 2017.

The performed various pieces, demonstrated each sound of the instruments in the band and pupils even go to try some of the brass instruments.

They wanted to invite interested pupils to join the Ellington Colliery Brass band Academy which gives young people the opportunity to learn to play a brass instrument, play in an ensemble, have fun and build confidence.

They meet on Wednesday evenings, during term time, at Chantry Middle School.
If you are interested in becoming part of the academy or would like any further details please contact the Band Manager, John Colvine on 07734437987.

Congratulations to Michael ( Chantry) and to Peter ( Newminster ) who caught a fish at the Trout Ticklers event at Chatton on Saturday. The children had a really good day although it was quite overcast and a little cold. The last event of the fishing season will at Thrunton Fisheries on the morning of Saturday 7th October – watch your emails for more details

Can you help us to raise more funds to improve your child’s education at Newminster?

Did you know that by making a successful application for ‘traditional’ free school meals, you can help Newminster to raise extra funds (Pupil Premium) to support and improve your child’s education?

Why should I apply for free school meals?

There are a number of reasons why applying now for free school meals is a good idea:

• You may get help with the cost of educational visits.
• You will get help with the cost of other activities such as music tuition.
• School will receive Pupil Premium income for every child who is registered for free school meals and will have more money to spend on helping your child to achieve their potential.
• All of these benefits to you and school apply even if your child would prefer to bring a packed lunch to school – they just need to be registered for free school meals.

Would I qualify?

If you are in receipt of ANY one of the following benefits, then you should be eligible and able to help us raise more funds:

• Child Tax Credit (Families receiving Working Tax Credit are not eligible)
• Income Support
• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
• Support under part VI of The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment made for a further 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit

How do I apply?

To apply simply complete the online form at www.northumberland.gov.uk or call Free School Meals at County Hall on 01670 623592. For more information speak to Ms Patterson. Your enquiry will be dealt with in complete confidence.

At the start of lunchtime, this weekly club will allow pupils to get hands-on, taking part in activities such as making slime, designing and building rockets, watching indoor fireworks and becoming forensic investigators.
See you at 12.05pm on 26th September.

The Pearl of Africa Choir will be performing at the Morpeth Methodist Church on Saturday 30th September – 7pm.

Contact Tel – 01670 511078 for more details.

If your child is starting school or transferring to a different phase of education in September 2018 you need to apply for a place.

This includes children born between the following dates:

• children born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014 applying for a place to start reception in September 2018
• children in year 4 of a first school born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009 applying for a middle school place in September 2018
• children in year 6 of a primary school born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007 applying for a secondary school place in September 2018
• children in year 8 of a middle school born between 1 September 2004 and 31 August 2005 applying for a high school place in September 2018

Middle, High and Secondary Schools

The online admissions portal for Middle High and Secondary Schools will open on 11 September 2017 and close on 31 October 2017.

First and Primary Schools

The online admissions portal for First and Primary Schools will open on 5 November 2017 and close on 15 January 2018.

Click here to visit the Northumberland County Council School Admission Application webpage.