Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 11th November 2022
Date: 10th Nov 2022 @ 11:27am
Field Update
Work is progressing on the field – see the photos below. We now have the foundations for the outdoor classroom laid, the area for the MUGA has been dug, the hardcore for the road track has been laid and Hatchmere’s much larger sandpit has been dug out too. Work has had to stop for a little while whilst the company are waiting on some things from the suppliers, but I will keep you all informed as the work continues to progress.
Children in Need
Next Friday we will be holding a Non-Uniform Day in aid of Children in Need. Further details will be sent out early next week as to how you can make a donation to Children in Need, should you so wish.
#WakeUpWednesday
According to Ofcom’s 2022 Media Use and Attitudes report, children are now more likely to be bullied via technology than they are to experience it in person. An alarming 84% of 8 to 17-year-olds who reported being targeted said it had taken place via messaging, social media, online gaming and so on, as opposed to 61% who had been intimidated face-to-face.
Just like its offline counterpart, cyber-bullying creates feelings of isolation and anxiety in its victims, along with a loss of self-esteem and potentially thoughts of self-harm or suicide. In support of Anti-Bullying Week, this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide has expert tips on how trusted adults can help to prevent online bullying or reduce its damaging effects.
Applying for Primary School Places for September 2023
If you have a child who is turning 4 years old between now and 31st August 2023, or know of a child who is, then the application round is also open for them to apply for their Reception place. The timescale is slightly different for this and you have until 15th January 2023, but like the secondary school place, before making your application, it is important you view the Starting Primary School booklet . Results are available from 17th April 2023. To apply, you will need to create an account or log in on this link. If you would like to visit Over St. John’s with a view to a Reception place next September or know of someone else who would, please do just ring the office and we will arrange a time to suit yourselves and us. We do not hold an open morning as I prefer people to see us as we are on a daily basis and have more personal time during a look around with me to ask any questions that they may have.
School Dinners
School dinners cost £2.45 per day, £12.25 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 as we do not accept cash in school.
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.
Absence during Term Time
Please may I remind you that schools are not allowed to authorise pupil holidays in term time. Any child going on holiday in term time will receive an unauthorised absence. Our registers are regularly checked by the Education Welfare Service and parents may be issued with a fine from the Local Authority for unauthorised absence, which is currently £60 per child, per parent and this rises to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days.
Confirmed Dates for the Autumn Term 2022 – new dates highlighted
Friday 18th November: Non-Uniform Day for Children in Need
Tuesday 15th November: Blakemere Y5s Lantern Making at Grange Primary School
Friday 25th November: Blakemere Y5s join Lantern Parade for Christmas Lights Switch On
Monday 5th December: Linmere performing at The Winsford Academy – more details to follow. Please note the change of venue.
Wednesday 7th December: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop 3pm – 5pm (details previously sent home)
Thursday 8th December: Nurses in school to do flu nasal vaccinations
Thursday 8th December: Christmas Disco 6pm – 7.30pm All OSJ children welcome.
Monday 12th December 2022: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop 3pm – 5pm (details previously sent home)
Wednesday 14th December: Carol Service in St. John’s Church at 1.30pm. All welcome. Collection will be from church between 2.30pm and 2.45pm.
Thursday 15th December: Whole School Pantomime trip to Northwich Memorial Court
Friday 16th December: School closes at 2pm
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon