Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 10th May 2024
Date: 10th May 2024 @ 2:46pm
Well, that was the busiest and longest, shortest week ever! As you will be aware, we welcomed two visitors into school yesterday for an Ofsted inspection. Whilst the outcomes of the inspection remain confidential until the report is published, I would like to say a big thank you to you all for your fantastic support and positive messages. The inspectors thought that our children were fabulous – which is true – and I shared this with them all in Collective Worship this morning. I will let you know the outcome of the inspection in a few weeks as it has to go through a rigorous Quality Assurance process before the draft is sent to me for checking. Once again, thank you for all your support.
KS2 SATs
Good luck to our children in Year 6 who will be sitting their Key Stage 2 SATs next week. Mrs M has made sure that they are incredibly well-prepared whilst keeping it very low key and we know that they will do a fabulous job next week. You’ve got this Year 6!
Half Term Activities
During the next half-term break, New Images Youth and Community Centre will be offering 2 free sessions for young people. The opportunities include learning to ride a bike (delivered by BikeRight) and basic first aid sessions (delivered by the British Red Cross).
There are two posters attached below which provide more detail on what the sessions will cover along with how parents can reserve their child's free place(s), but numbers will be limited for each group.
First aid is vital for young people and a potentially lifesaving skill whilst learning to ride a bike is also such an important part of childhood - helping young people with their co-ordination, balance and confidence!
Link for Bikeright sessions: https://www.bikeright.co.uk/courses/child-group/
Parental Survey
A survey was sent out via School Spider last week to gather your views about our school. We have had 95 responses – thank you very much. Your views are important to us and can help us to make improvements to our school, where possible, so do please take the time to complete it if you haven’t already done so. The survey closes today and I will be in touch with you all with the results before half term.
There may be odd occasions where I catch up with some of your personally to discuss your views if I feel there is more that may need to be shared.
Attendance
Well done to Oakmere with their fantastic attendance this week.
Hatchmere: 91.07%
Sandymere: 87.50%
Delamere: 88.16%
Oakmere: 97.50%
Linmere: 91.67%
Blakemere: 93.06%
#WakeUpWednesday
While the short-term benefits of energy drinks can be attractive, it's not wise to ignore the potential health risks. Consuming these beverages regularly can have negative effects on the heart and blood pressure, and even cause dependency on these products to keep users’ energy at a ‘normal’ level. Factoring in that many shops have issued a voluntary ban on selling these drinks to under-16s, the rise in children and young people using energy drinks is a cause for concern.
This marked increase in young people using highly caffeinated drinks to supplement their energy has heightened the risk of these health issues arising in children – at a time in their lives where such impacts can have greater, longer-lasting consequences. This week’s guide addresses these possible hazards, letting you know how to minimise them for children and young people who like the occasional can.
Edna’s Laundrette
Edna’s Laundrette have asked us to provide a quick update on the community laundrette that is based in New Images Youth and Community Centre, Nixon Drive. The laundrette is open to all - families, students, the elderly, if your washer is broken… It is there to help anyone out, no questions asked. They supply the washers and dryers and also the detergent and softener.
The laundrette is open:
Tuesday, 9:30 - 3:00, booking is needed, please use the links below.
Wednesday, 12:30 - 3:00 booking is needed, please use the links below.
Saturday, 10 - 4, Walk-ins, no booking required.
Wash 1
https://calendly.com/ednalaundrette
Wash 2
https://calendly.com/ailsalaundrette
School Dinners
School dinners cost £3 per day, £15 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. Dinner money must be paid in advance via School Spider.
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.
Confirmed Dates for the Spring Term 2024 – new dates highlighted
Dinner Week 2
Monday 13th May: KS2 SATs week begins
Monday 20th May: Sandymere Pupil Consultation Evening 3.15pm – 5.15pm
Tuesday 21st May: Pupil Consultation Evening 4pm – 6pm
Thursday 23rd May: Pupil Consultation Evening 3.15pm – 5.15pm – not Sandymere
Friday 24th May: Class photographs
Friday 24th May: School closes at 3pm
Monday 3rd June: School opens at 8.35am
Monday 3rd June: Year 5 Fire Escape to Safety
Monday 3rd June – Friday 14th June: Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check Screening
Wednesday 5th June – Friday 7th June: Year 5 and 6 Conway residential
Friday 7th June: Sports Day at St. Joseph’s
Friday 28th June: Reserve Sports Day at St. Joseph’s
Wednesday 10th July: Year 6 Leaver’s Service at Chester Cathedral (children only)
Friday 19th July: Leaver’s Service in St. John’s Church at 9.15am. All welcome.
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon