Looking back over the last year, there have been many highlights at St James School. We successfully gained re-accreditation of the Investor in People Award in March and the Eco Friendly Schools Bronze Award in September. Our polytunnel is producing vegetables grown by the children for school meals. We heard in January that our bid to the DfES for funding two new classrooms and offices had been successful. We have had many fundraising events this year which have raised over £36,000 to date. There was an amazing and humbling response from members of the community who donated over £8,000. Our biggest event this year was the Midsummer Ball which was a fantastic evening. We were so excited when the building work finally started on 18^th December and the project should take about six months to complete.

After waiting nearly seven years we finally had our Ofsted Inspection in May. We had three inspectors over the two days and they reported that "Pupils achieve well throughout the school and reach good standards due to consistently effective teaching coupled with pupils' positive attitudes." "… teaching is good and so pupils make good progress. Consequently from average starting points, they attain standards which are above average in English and mathematics and are high in science. More able pupils do well, particularly in science."
"Pupils are justly proud of their school and contribute very well to the school and the wider community. Pupils attitudes are extremely positive … pupils behave extremely well … pupils' spiritual development is outstanding." "Monitoring and care of pupils with learning difficulties are excellent." "Parents justifiably hold the school in very high regard … the school provides innovative and interesting opportunities for learning … my son loves his school and feels very safe and happy there."
"The Headteacher provides very strong leadership and knows the school well because of rigorous and systematic monitoring of teaching, learning and achievement. She is supported very well by the deputy Headteacher and staff and there is a clear sense of collective responsibility and teamwork."

We have so much to look forward to next year, with our new building, new ideas for our curriculum and full classes across the school. Thank you to everyone for your care and support for St James School. The children and staff send Christmas wishes and hopes for a peaceful and happy New Year.

The fantastic news is that planning permission has been given for two new courts.  These extra courts are much needed, so the committee hopes it won't take too long before they are built.

The club is in the very fortunate position of having an excellent junior coaching programme, run by Barbara Awbery. The programme has been assessed as the best for a small club in Surrey.
We currently have four children in the Surrey programme, plus the best 7 year old in the country playing at the club. The programme will restart on 22^nd January 2007.

The recent inclement weather has made it difficult to play matches. It seems to have rained every Friday for weeks! Lets hope it is dry on NEW YEARS DAY when the club will be from noon onwards to play, with refreshments laid on.