Issue 301 is very easy to write because there is so much to say on the subject of wonderful things about Launton School…

The children embody the school values of courage, integrity, resilience and compassion. The parents and carers have been a steadfast and constant source of support and enthusiasm as we all try to do our very best to ensure the children flourish. And the staff team and governors have worked equally tirelessly on the sunny days and the rainy ones. I know that this will all continue.

And for all these reasons, this is the hardest newsletter to write. Thank you for your good wishes, the conversations that we have had, hugely generous and thoughtful gifts and cards that I will treasure. I will miss you all. Thank you.

Jane Paterson

Match report by Toby, Charlie and Fin.

On Monday 23^rd March Launton School played Langford Village School at football. Starting off we scored the first goal, then our opposition scored two goals which caused our heads to drop a bit. Charlie blocked a shot from Langford, and it rebounded to Fin, and he kicked it first time and scored. Mrs Heath gave us a team talk at half time which motivated us, and Charlie scored from a seemingly impossible angle! Charlie took a shot which was saved but it rebounded to Toby, who volleyed it in first time to the top corner. Rafferty scored from a pass by Toby. Rafferty tried a scissor kick into the goal, but it didn’t have the power so was saved. It was back and forth for ten minutes then Fin ran down the wing, passed to Rafferty, who tapped it in then the whistle blew. The final score was 6-2 to Launton. today we also have another match against Glory Farm School at Launton. You are welcome to come and watch.

Easter Service

The Easter Service has been planned by the Year 6 pupils working with Rev’d Sarah. Everyone is welcome to join us at 9.30am in St. Mary’s Church. If you are able to help with crossing the road safely, please let Ms Paterson or Mrs Terry know.

Arbor Bookings

School Meals and Wraparound Care Sessions including the extended Nursery Sessions are available to book on Arbor for next term. The last day to order a school meal for the first day of term is Thursday 2nd April.

Term 5 After School Activity Clubs

Bookings have now closed, there are spaces still available if you would like to add your child to a club please email the school office.

Mondays - Golf for 5 weeks from 13.04.26 up to and including 18.05.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils with Mr Mawn

Tuesdays - Football for 6 weeks from 14.04.26 up to and including 19.05.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils run by Ignite

Wednesdays - Gymnastics and Dance for 6 weeks from 15.04.26 up to and including 20.05.26, for Year 2 - 6 pupils run by Ignite

Fridays - Netball/Basketball for 5 weeks from 16.04.26 up to and including 15.05.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils run by Ignite

Message from Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service Road Safety Team

With the Easter holidays fast approaching, and better weather and lighter evenings on the horizon, now is a great time for you to begin supporting your child on their journey to becoming a safer, independent pedestrian.

The good news is that Oxfordshire County Council’s child pedestrian Road Safety scheme, Footsteps, has been improved with the addition of a series of short videos that can be used alongside the step-by-step guide. By following the guide and videos, you can support your child to become a safer, more confident pedestrian. 

The Footsteps programme is simple to follow as it can be used in normal everyday situations such as walking to school or to the local shops. Rather than telling your child what to do, where to cross, you are encouraged to ask lots of open questions to make your child think about the decisions they are making. Making these decisions safely, while in the company of a supporting adult, will mean they will be better prepared for dealing with roads and traffic once they begin going out on their own.

Learning to cope with traffic is a practical skill, which can’t be learnt in the classroom. As parents / carers, you are the best people to help your child develop this knowledge as you spend the most time out and about with them.

It is never too early to start talking to your child about road safety as, having a good understanding of road safety skills, could one day save their life.

Please follow the link to the Footsteps page on our website Footsteps | Oxfordshire County Council where you can download the step-by-step guide and access the video clips to start giving your child the skills and knowledge they will need to stay safer on our roads.

Safety

The playground gates are opened at 3.10pm to allow parents and carers to collect children more easily than from the car park. If you have a small child with you, they must not climb on school equipment. The trim trail looks superficially like climbing equipment found in some public play areas but it has been designed to be safely used under teacher supervision only and by older pupils.

The Parish Hall car park and surrounding area present significant challenges. Please do not park on the corner, obscuring the view round the bend, as this is dangerous: this is not a safe space to leave a vehicle. Please supervise young children closely in this area.

Just a reminder we have children in school with serious allergies please do not send your child in with items containing nuts, this includes chocolate spread, peanut butter and products containing a chocolate filling like Nutella or chocolate bars containing nuts. We have had a few occasions recently where we have found items have been sent into school in packed lunches which contain nuts.

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Thank you to everyone who came along to the Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. We hope you all had fun. The event was a big success, and we raised a fantastic £1408.99!! That's 3 laptops! Well done, everyone. 

A special thank you also to all the lovely people who helped with the egg collecting and to run the event on the day. We couldn't do it without you all. 

And farewell Mrs Paterson....

The PTA would like to thank Mrs Paterson for her many years of hard work and dedication and everything that she has done for our children. Thank you for making Launton School the marvellous place that it is. We'll miss you. All the best for your retirement and your adventures to come. Happy travelling! 

Your PTA trustees are:

Lucy Crawford (Yr 3)

Emma Austin (Yr 2 and 4)

Catherine Ravensward (Reception and Yr4)

Jill Bali (Yr 2 and 4)

Charlotte Noakes (Yr1 and 4)