Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 19th June 2026
Date: 19th Jun 2026 @ 12:45pm
Year 5 Visit to The Bridgewater Hall
Our Year 5 children had an early start yesterday as they travelled to The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester for a very special musical experience. After weeks of practising their violins in school, they joined hundreds of other children from across Cheshire to perform alongside the Hallé Orchestra as part of a World Cup-themed event. The children represented the school brilliantly – their attitude and behaviour throughout the day were fantastic, and they were real ambassadors for our school. It was a wonderful opportunity not only to watch a live orchestra, but to sing and play alongside professional musicians, creating a truly memorable experience for all involved.
Green Uniform and Baby Bank - School Uniform Support
We have been asked to share some information about a local uniform support offer from Green Uniform and Baby Collective (GUBCo), who have worked with us previously to support families with uniform and school shoes.
They are continuing and expanding their programme for the next academic year, offering support to families who may need help accessing good-quality school uniform. Families can apply directly using this form and any support will be arranged for collection over the summer break.
Further information, including how to apply and some frequently asked questions, can be found via this link
If this is something that may be helpful for your family, please do take a look.
Sports Day - Reminder
We have a date in the diary for this year’s Sports Day which will follow a similar format to last year. It will be held on Tuesday 23rd June with KS1 (Hatchmere, Sandymere, Delamere) in the morning and KS2 (Oakmere, Linmere, Blakemere) in the afternoon with more precise times to follow nearer the day.
We have had to work hard to manage to squeeze this into a packed calendar (which not only encompasses children, but also staff availability) and as such, if we are unable to go ahead for any reason – such as the weather – then we do not have a reserve date available this year. Therefore, keep your fingers, toes and eyes crossed for good weather!
Attendance
This week, instead of sharing percentages, I wanted to show attendance in a different way. Across the school this week, children missed a total of 34.5 days – which is almost the same as 7 weeks of learning. When we look at attendance in days rather than percentages, it becomes much more obvious how quickly small absences add up. Missing just one day here and there may not seem like much, but over time it can create gaps in learning, disrupt routines, and make it harder for children to keep up with new concepts that build on each other, putting them at a disadvantage compared to the other children.
We know that sometimes absences are unavoidable, but there are lots of ways that families can help reduce lost learning—by keeping to consistent routines, planning appointments outside school hours where possible, and encouraging children to come in even if they’re feeling a little tired. Every day in school really does count, and together we can make sure our children have the best chance to thrive.
#WakeUpWednesday
Roblox is hugely popular with children, offering millions of user-created games and social experiences. This #WakeUpWednesday guide explains how the platform differs from traditional video games, and why its scale, self-rating system and automated moderation can expose young users to inappropriate content or unsafe interactions.
Aimed at parents and educators, the guide explores concerns including online communication, in-game spending and compulsive play. It also shares practical advice on parental controls, limiting chat and encouraging open conversations, helping adults support children to enjoy Roblox more safely and responsibly.
Support for Families – Summer Holidays
We have been asked to share some information about support that is available to families over the summer holidays through the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Families who are currently in receipt of Free School Meals may be able to apply for financial support to help with food costs during the holidays. Applications will open at the end of June and remain open throughout the summer break. Further information, including how to apply, can be found via Crisis and Resilience Fund link.
We know that the school holidays can sometimes place additional pressure on families, so if this is something that may be helpful, please do take a look. There is also a wider range of support available through the Council for anyone who may need it.
As always, if you would prefer to speak to us in school, please do not hesitate to get in touch — we are here to help.
School Dinners
School dinners cost £3.20 per day, £16 per week. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive free meals as part of the government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) scheme.
If you are in receipt of benefits and think that you may be entitled to free school meals, please click here for more information and support and how to apply. It is very important to apply for free schools meals whatever year your child is in, even if you receive the UIFSM in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, as the school receives a sum of extra money to further help support your child and their education.
Illness - Reminder
It is that time of year when so many people are catching lots of different bugs that are going around. With some of these, it is important that your child stays at home to avoid passing the illness around but there are others that they are perfectly fine to come to school with. I am re-sharing a link that gives you an idea of some common illnesses and whether you should keep your child at home or send them in to school: Is My Child too Ill for School?
Absence During Term Time – Reminder
Penalty Notices are issued for irregular attendance, with days off here and there throughout the term including holidays.
The National Framework for Penalty includes:
A Penalty Notice must be considered for 10 sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10 school week period – these days do not have to be all at the same time, they can be a couple of days here and a couple of days there; they can be a combination of a couple of days holiday and a couple of days absence at other times too.
An increase to the amount of a Penalty Notice is now £160 if paid within 28 days, and £80 if paid within 21 days. This fine is issued to each parent separately for each child, so both parents receive the £80 fine, meaning that for one child it equals £160 (£80 for Mum and £80 for Dad) if both parents take the child.
A second Penalty Notice could be issued to the same parent for the same child within a rolling 3 year period being charged at a higher rate of £160 with no option for this second offence to be discharged at the lower rate of £80.
A national limit of 2 penalty notices that can be issued to a parent for the same child within a rolling 3 year period, so at the 3rd (or subsequent) offence(s) another tool will need to be considered (such as prosecution or one of the other attendance legal interventions).
Operation Encompass – Reminder
As a school, we participate in a police-led initiative called Operation Encompass, a scheme which ensures that we can better support any child where a domestic incident has been reported to the police from their home.
Following a domestic incident, the police will make contact with the school and communicate relevant information to nominated, fully trained school staff. This will ensure that we are made aware early enough to support children and young people in a way that means they feel safe, supported and listened to.
Each school has a member of staff called a key adult who is trained to liaise with the police, when required, whilst ensuring support is available to the child. If you would like to speak to someone further about the initiative, or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Mrs Bettley as the key adults for Over St. John’s.
We are committed to working in partnership with local relevant organisations to safeguard and protect children across Cheshire and provide the best possible care and support for our pupils.
You can find out more about Operation Encompass via the following site: http://www.operationencompass.org
Confirmed Dates for the Summer Term 2026
Dinner Week 1
Tuesday 23rd June: Sports Day
Wednesday 24th June: Big Blue Day
Wednesday 8th July: Summer Disco 5.30pm – 7pm
Tuesday 23rd June: Sports Day – KS1 am, KS2 pm
Tuesday 14th July: Wheelie Day (more details to follow)
Tuesday 21st July: Leavers’ Service at St. John’s Church 9.15am
Tuesday 21st July: School closes for the summer at 2pm
Wednesday 2nd September: School opens at 8.35am
Wishing you a lovely weekend — and moments where your family’s light can shine brightly.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon