Over the May 2019 half term eight poplar trees by the fence on Barrack Road were removed. 

Why did we remove the trees?

The decision to remove the trees was taken on the grounds of Health and Safety.   In the last year some large branches have split out from the trees; some have fallen on the field and one large branch fell into the car park of the flats adjacent to the school.  In windy weather we have had to ensure that children do not play near the trees.  The Dorset County Council arboricultural manager visited the site and advised that poplar trees were not appropriate for the location as they are structurally weak and cannot resist decay very well. We were told that they are not suitable for planting next to roads or areas such as schools and other similar buildings. 

The tree surgeon who carried out the work found extensive evidence of the decline of these ageing trees with structural problems and defects.  Some of the trees were rotten at ground level.  Obviously it is not possible to predict when trees or branches might fall, but, given the location on playing fields where our children play every day and also next to a busy pedestrian route and a dual carriageway, they presented a significant risk to the children and also to the public.   The risk of a branch causing a road traffic accident or injury to a pedestrian or a pupil was our main consideration.  (This is why poplars tend not to be planted in urban environments).

In addition, the trees’ heavy root system has caused extensive damage to the school’s path around the field and this was also identified as a safety risk.

The tree surgeon’s view was that the only other option was very heavy pollarding but this would have left the trees looking unsightly and the risk of keeping them for a few more years was still too high, even in a pollarded state.

What will we do to improve this boundary?

Moving forward, we plan to plant a new hedgerow of evergreen shrubs interspersed with some native tree species.  The most popular suggestion has been to include at least one field maple.  Hopefully this would enhance biodiversity for the future and also provide some screening for our field.  The tall poplars did not provide screening and this meant that there was a challenge to the privacy and security of the site.  The best time for planting will be in the autumn. We look forward to this chance to improve our school surroundings.

Friday 1st February 2019

Christchurch Junior School is open today, Friday 1st February, despite the wintry conditions.

We ask that parents/carers ensure that children are appropriately dressed for the weather. Wrap up warm!

Please check back on our website/twitter for further updates.

Once again, the Travelling Book Fair will be visiting CJS next week (11-18 Dec.)

Many parents will already be aware of  how the book fair works and the fantastic opportunity it presents not only for themselves and their family but also for the school. If you’re new to the school or would like a refresher on how it works then read the following FAQ:

 

Where  and when is the book fair held?

Our book fair takes place in the school library. Parents wishing you visit the fair after school should enter the school via reception.

The book fair will be open for buying Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday lunchtimes .  Parents/ Carers and younger siblings may also browse and buy from the book fair after school on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday.

Will my child get chance to browse before buying?

Yes! Generally each class will sign up for 2 sessions to visit the book fair during lesson time, the first to browse and then another later in the week to buy. Children can also come to the library at lunchtimes during that week to buy a book or after school with their parents/carers and siblings.

What if the book my child wanted is sold out?

Don’t worry. If a book is sold out then we are able to order further copies from the book fair which will then be mailed to you via the school after the event. Or If you prefer, you can purchase books using the Click and Collect service at www.travellingbooks.co.uk from now until the end of the Book Fair. Use the parents and guests login (not the school login). Orders placed online in this way can be collected during the week of the Fair. Please print and bring a copy of your confirmation to school when collecting or send in with your child. We will be unable to release the books without this confirmation.

Why buy from the book fair?

Ranging from award winners and brand new titles to pocket money friendly bargains and treasured classics, the book fair has a fantastic selection of children’s books for all ages. There are often deals to be taken advantage of when buying too – our summer book fair had a 3 for 2 on some books. Ideal if you are looking for a bargain for Christmas.

How does the school benefit?

The school is grateful for the support given to the Travelling Book Fair by pupils and parents. We earn a commission on every book purchase made at the book fair. At last year’s summer book fair we took over £1500 and as a result earned a very generous commission of just over £860. We used this to boost our library budget meaning we were able to purchase newly published books, replace some of our still popular but worn out books, and try a few new authors and genres.

 

 

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our lantern makers who made the Christmas Festival special this year.

It was fantastic to see both the infant and Junior school taking part in the lantern parade following Santa and his reindeer. Parents and pupils put in so much effort to make such beautiful creations (including turning up in the rain to parade them!)

What a magical start to the festive period.

This year, I will be joining Father Christmas’ procession on the 24^th November at 4.45 pm, as part of the Christchurch Christmas Festival. I will be processing through the town with my very own handmade lantern. If you would like to join in, please sign up for the Parent and Children lantern making workshops on 15 and 22 November. Spaces will be limited so don’t miss out and let me know as soon as possible!

Miss Foster

Parent and Child Lantern Making Workshop Form

 

 

Once again, the Travelling Book Fair will be visiting CJS this week (1-8 Oct.)

Many parents will already be aware of  how the book fair works and the fantastic opportunity it presents not only for themselves and their family but also for the school. If you’re new to the school or would like a refresher on how it works then read the following FAQ:

 

Where and when is the book fair held?

Our book fair takes place in the school library. Parents wishing you visit the fair after school should enter the school via reception.

The book fair will be open for buying from Monday 1st October lunchtime until the following Monday (8th October).  Parents/ Carers and younger siblings may also browse and buy from the book fair after school (excluding Monday 8th October afternoon.)

Will my child get chance to browse before buying?

Yes! Generally each class will sign up for 2 sessions to visit the book fair during lesson time, the first to browse and then another later in the week to buy. Children can also come to the library at lunchtimes during that week to buy a book or after school with their parents/carers and siblings.

What if the book my child wanted is sold out?

Don’t worry. If a book is sold out then we are able to order further copies from the book fair which will then be mailed to you via the school after the event.

Why buy from the book fair?

Ranging from award winners and brand new titles to pocket money friendly bargains and treasured classics, the book fair has a fantastic selection of children’s books for all ages. There are often deals to be taken advantage of when buying too – our book fair had a 3 for 2 on some books last year. Ideal if you are looking for a bargain for Christmas.

How does the school benefit?

The school is grateful for the support given to the Travelling Book Fair by pupils and parents. We earn a commission on every book purchase made at the book fair. Previous book fairs have taken in the region of £1500 and as a result earn a very generous commission of  £800 which we use to boost our library budget meaning we were able to purchase newly published books, replace some of our still popular but worn out books, and try a few new authors and genres.

 

 

Chasing Driftwood Writing Group was set up by Hurn resident and local author, Chantelle Atkins in May 2015. The aim of the group is to provide creative writing workshops and clubs to adults and children across Dorset. The group runs a fortnightly adult writing group at Portfield Hall, and puts on writing workshops for children in the school holidays. Chasing Driftwood has also run adult workshops at Christchurch Library, and Chantelle has been involved in running workshops for Dorset Writers Network at various events across Dorset. In December 2017 Chasing Driftwood became a Community Interest Company (Company No. 11111581). The aims of the group remain the same; to encourage and inspire creative writing across Dorset through events, workshops, clubs and projects.

 

Author Chantelle Aktins visited CJS recently to inspire our budding young writers and talk about how the children can get involved with the group’s Christchurch Community Writing Project. The project is open to all ages and aims to create an anthology of writing centred around Christchurch life past, present and future.

Details can be found in the flyer below or on Chasing Driftwood’s website:

Please can we remind everyone to drive in a clockwise direction in the car park. Several parents have been driving the wrong way round and have had to be redirected by the caretaker.

For safety reasons please can we remind pedestrians to use the footpaths and not to walk across the carpark. Please also remember that we do not allow cycling or scooting in the school grounds. Please dismount before entering the premises. The safety of your children is of paramount importance to us.

Thank you for your support in these matters.

 

We are very proud of each and every one of you for your attitude, dedication and perseverance this week. Every single one of you tried your hardest in the tests and were kind and supportive of each other: that is all we ever ask.

Although these tests are important, the most important things are your personality, what you believe and think, your ideas and that spark inside you that makes you, you.

Well done, Year 6!