Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 12th June 2026
Date: 12th Jun 2026 @ 11:29am
It might not feel like it outside, but we are officially in summer – I promise! Between the showers and grey skies, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag, but that hasn’t slowed things down in school as there’s plenty going on behind the scenes.
Agents of Change Competition
Our Agents of Change group have been hard at work thinking about how we can all take greater responsibility for the world around us, and they are excited to launch their very own Ocean Hero Competition.
This fantastic initiative encourages children to reflect on the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that live within them. With themes of justice, responsibility, and care for our environment at its heart, the competition invites pupils to use their creativity to raise awareness of ocean pollution and the small actions we can all take to make a big difference.
There are different ways to take part depending on age. Younger children (Reception and KS1) can draw and label their favourite ocean animal or spot hidden plastic pollution in a picture, while KS2 pupils can write poems, create fact files, or explore similar creative ideas around ocean life and environmental protection.
Entries should be handed in to class teachers by Monday 22 June, and we can’t wait to see the thoughtful, imaginative responses. This is a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to have their voices heard and to become true ocean heroes.
Midday Assistant Vacancy - Reminder
We are currently looking for a new Midday Assistant to join our lovely, happy school team. This is a valuable role within our school, supporting the children during lunchtime and helping to ensure a safe, positive and enjoyable environment for all.
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in this opportunity, further details and how to apply can be found via this link: Midday Assistant Vacancy
We would be very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to become part of our team.
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 39 days – which is the same as almost 8 weeks of learning in just one week!. 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
Strong oral language skills help children feel confident, connected and ready to learn. This week’s guide (attached below) explores simple, everyday ways that parents, carers and educators can support children’s speaking, listening and understanding, from shared conversations and story time to naming feelings and building vocabulary through play and routines.
It also highlights the value of working closely with nurseries, schools and early years settings, using evidence-based approaches and spotting possible language needs early. With expert insight from OxEd, the guide offers supportive advice to help children become confident communicators as they prepare for school.
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 3
Thursday 18th June: Year 5 ‘Come and Play with the Halle’ at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
Wednesday 24th June: Big Blue Day (more details to follow)
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