Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 12th November 2021
Date: 12th Nov 2021 @ 11:39am
This week in school and through our Collective Worship we have been focussing on remembrance and all the many acts of courage and selflessness of all service personnel in wars gone past or still going on.
We looked at two soldiers in particular from the First World War – William Coltman and Walter Tull and how, even in the midst of war, it is possible to live honourably and peacefully.
William Coltman was a soldier who signed up for World War One but as a Christian decided that he did not want to end lives, but save them and he never fired a single bullet. Instead, he became a stretcher bearer and also carried injured soldiers on his back to safety. He did this for three years and was awarded the Victoria Cross. His granddaughter, Linda, speaking in 2018 said; "It was his faith that got him through. As a Christian he said; 'I will go but not fight.' He was very strong-willed and when he got in the army they did not have a choice but to accept that he wouldn't fight."
Walter Tull was one of the first professional black footballers, having first been signed to Tottenham Hotspurs and then Northampton Town FC. During his footballing career, he received a lot of racial abuse, but never retaliated. When he joined up, he went on to become the first black soldier to be promoted to officer status and was eventually awarded a military cross because of his gallantry and coolness.
We talked about Jesus asking people to be peacemakers: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God’ and how we can all act as peacemakers in so many ways which will not only help us to shine our lights, but would be a fitting way to remember all those who have given so much towards peace.
Updated COVID Guidance - reminder
We have received some updated guidance on what to ask adults to do if there is a COVID case in their household. As previously, all children under 18 years and 6 months and fully vaccinated adults with no symptoms do not need to isolate even if someone in their household has had a positive test result for COVID. However, we now suggest that others within the household, children included, take a LFD each day for a total of 10 consecutive days, in addition to a PCR test on day 3-5 after first exposure. The child can continue to attend school if their results (both LFD and PCR) are negative. Thank you for your support with this.
#WakeUpWednesday
The planet’s most popular subscription streaming service, Netflix currently offers more than 500 shows and almost 2,500 films for users to choose from. Many of these, of course, are squarely aimed at an adult audience but are nevertheless accessible to children through a parent or carer’s profile, unless preventative controls have been set up.
This was the problem behind the recent furore around Squid Game, a violent South Korean drama featuring deadly playground games which caused many unsuspecting adults to mistake it for a children’s programme. National Online Safety’s #WakeUpWednesday this week brings parents and carers a timely reminder of the potential risks related to Netflix – and suggestions for avoiding them.
Applying for Primary School Places for September 2022
If you have a child who is turning 4 years old between now and 31st August 2022, or know of a child who is, then the application round is open to apply for their Reception place for which you have until 15th January 2022. Before making your application, it is important you view the Starting School booklet. Results are available from 16th April 2022. To apply, you will need to create an account or log in if you have an existing online account.
School Dinners
School dinners cost £2.34 per day, £11.70 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 school 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 2021 – new dates highlighted
Friday 19th November: Non Uniform event for Children in Need. Donations can be given through School Spider.
Friday 26th November: Blakemere to take part in the Winsford Lantern Parade
Sunday 5th December: All Age Service in St. John’s Church at 10.30am. Hatchmere to take part (further details to follow) but all are welcome.
Tuesday 14th December: Carol Service in St. John’s Church at 1.30pm – collection from church
Thursday 16th December: Pantomime Day and Christmas Jumper Day (non uniform event)
Friday 17th December: School closes at 2pm
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon