School Council
(updated 30 March, 2008 )

The student voice is very important to us and our thriving School Council ensures the views of all pupils are well represented.

Each September elections are held for one School Council Member from each class. The School Council meets monthly and before each meeting the councillors will discuss with their class any issues or ideas to be raised. After the Council meeting they report back to their respective classes.

SCHOOL COUNCIL UPDATE

So far this year the School Council have organised fundraising events for charity as well as helping to raise funds to extend the existing trim-trail, provide permanent goals/netball posts in the playground and a fantastic wooden playship/stage for the field. They have also given their own ideas and helped gather the ideas of their classmates on how to make the curriculum more creative and fun to learn.

Fundraising events so far have consisted of:

Refreshment Stalls at Parents Evenings in October 2007 and March 2008 where the School Council sold juice, biscuits, snacks etc. In October we raised £18.85 (enough to purchase 7 new footballs for the playground equipment. In March we raised £25.96.

“Wear It Pink Day” on October 18 th 2007 Raised money for the Breast Cancer Campaign. For a £1 donation the children and staff could come into school dressed in anything pink, some were pink from head to toe! We raised a fantastic £224.

Talent Show 2008 – Thursday 6 th March.

This event was so popular tickets sold-out completely in the first couple of days! More children auditioned to take part this year than any previous year with acts such as Song and Dance, Magic, Baton Twirling, Breakdancing, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Keyboard, Flute, Football Skills, some Year 6 boys even formed their own band specially for the Talent Show and composed their own piece of music! The children who took part were so talented and ranged in age from 5 to 11 years old. The audience consisted of children, parents, Governors and staff. They were a great audience who really joined in the fun and spirit of the whole event. Some Staff gave a performance of “Greased Lightning” from Grease with the Greased Lightning car designed and made by Mr Baker, everyone seemed to enjoy it! The staff who took part had a fantastic time – they even performed again the next day in Friday Achievement Assembly because they enjoyed it so much! The event raised a total of £339.75. We are already looking forward to next year!

Gatcombes answer to John Travolta. What is that on Mr. Bakers head?

Talent Show 2007

This 2007 Talent Show took place on Thursday 8th March. The School Council decided proceeds should go to Comic Relief and the sum of £410 was raised.

For several weeks before the show children could be spotted at lunchtimes practising various routines and acts. Where there were disagreements the children to their credit managed to resolve them amicably.

This year children from all but the Reception class took part and showed real commitment to performing at their best. Some of the older children helped the younger ones, which was excellent.

On the night excitement was running high and every single performer should be very proud of themselves as they were all brilliant. The audience was very encouraging and showed their appreciation throughout. Children sang, danced, played a variety of instruments and showed off their football and Tie Quando skills.

A rendition of YMCA performed by Mrs. Laurence and her daughter Mickela, Mrs. Terry, Mrs Colby, Mr. Baker and Mrs. Roberts well supported by the audience ensured the evening ended happily.

This is the third Talent Show and each year I feel intense pride because the children demonstrate all the attributes which really matter in life like hard work, commitment, patience, kindness, the ability to listen to others and be part of a team. These are vital life skills.

Well done to everyone who performed and a big thank you to Mrs. Terry who with the support of the School Council worked hard to ensure the evening was a success.

Talent Show 9th February 2006

Last year the School Council came up with the idea of holding a Talent Show as part of our fund raising to buy a Trim Trail. The evening was a great success and the three hundred pounds plus raised went towards the Trim Trail.

The School Council decided the Talent Show was such an enjoyable event we must hold another in 2006. Auditions were held in January and in various classrooms at lunch and break times children could be seen and heard singing, dancing and playing instruments. The School Council helped with auditions and ticket sales and soon the big night was with us.

Over 180 children with parents, grandparents and staff came to watch with 46 children taking part from Years One to Six. The acts were varied but all excellent with the performers all rising to the occasion. Whether children were dancing, singing, telling jokes, playing musical instruments or performing magic tricks they had one thing in common, the pride in performing showed on their faces. The atmosphere was great with the audience really appreciating the talent before them.

The evening ended with an ABBA tribute performed by four members of staff whose photo you can see with this article.

Gatcombes' answer to ABBA, they haven't worn well

Everyone said what a brilliant evening it was and complemented the children on their talent. The children were certainly proud of themselves and we were very proud of them too.

This was a real school community event with over three hundred and twenty pounds profit made to be spent on outdoor play equipment and all the performers receiving a medal as a momento of a great night.