Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 14th July 2023
Date: 13th Jul 2023 @ 3:35pm
This will be my final blog of the academic year as it draws to a close next Thursday at 2pm.
It has been another fantastic year where we have enjoyed much success and fun and I would like to thank you all for the part that you have played in contributing to that because of the support that you show to your children and to the school.
We will be saying goodbye to our fabulous Year 6 children next week as they move on to secondary school so I would like to wish Gracie, Archie, Jack, Ash, Isabella, Thomas, Annabelle, Mya, Ava, Astyn, Mason, Michael, Isaac, Calum, Oliver, Amelia, Summer-Jay, Aiden. Grace, Isla and Brooke lots of love and luck as they continue their education at secondary school – they have been a fabulous group of children who will be greatly missed.
We also say goodbye to Mrs Winder next week as she leaves to start a new job much closer to home in Wales. Mrs Winder has been a valued member of staff since April 2009 and we will miss her, but would like to thank her for everything that she has done for our children and our school community. Thank you Mrs Winder and good luck!
As you can see, the end of term is very fast approaching – only four more get ups! There is a lot going on next week as the term comes to a close. Hatchmere are teaming up with St. John’s Pre School for a pool party and Sandymere might get in on the action at some point. We have a Sports Coach in next week working with a couple of classes, the fantastic Year 6 will be performing their play at the United Reformed Church, we have a violin concert on Wednesday afternoon and then our Leaver’s Service in St. John’s church on Thursday morning. Please note – although this is a Leaver’s Service, everyone is welcome to join us as the other classes pay tribute to our Leaver’s.
School Uniform for September - Reminder
As the school year is drawing to a close, I would just like to share a uniform reminder with everyone in preparation for September.
Our School Uniform Policy, the full version of which is available here on our website, states that our uniform consists of:
- Light blue polo shirt
- Blue school sweatshirt or cardigan with the school logo
- Grey skirt or grey trousers
- Sensible black shoes (not trainers) which are flat and offer support, Velcro fastenings are ideal
- Grey or white socks, grey or black tights
- Optional blue/ white checked dress/ playsuit or grey shorts in the summer
The branded sweatshirt may be purchased from Winsford Market or obtained free of charge from The Green Uniform and Baby Bank (previously known as The Uniform Exchange.) All other items are widely available in supermarkets and other retailers.
Wake Up Wednesday
Swapping Maths for Minecraft, English for Instagram and drama for Disney+ - the summer holidays often bring a jump in children’s screen time. While that can be tolerated by busy parents, it does also increase the chance of youngsters encountering online hazards.
Presented in poster format, this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide highlights some essential tips for young people – helping them stay safer in the digital world and have a more positive experience on their consoles, phones and tablets over the summer break.
Download your guide below.
Summer Activities – Northwich Memorial Court and Winsford Lifestyle Centre
We have received some information about activities running at Northwich Memorial Court over the summer, which may be of interest to you and your families and also a couple of flyers from Winsford Lifestyle Centre - see below.
Firstly, their Junior Summer Swim Pass is now available, which offers unlimited casual swimming for juniors (under 18 years old) from Friday 21st July to Sunday 3rd September. The pass costs £20 per person and will be available to purchase from any Brio Leisure centre and online here: https://www.brioleisure.org/summer-splash-pass - see the flyer below.
They are also delivering a number of activities and sessions over the summer which are funded via the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme and are free to attend.
Little Actors Theatre Company!
Dates: 8th – 11th August, and 29th August – 1st September
Times: 9.30am – 1.30pm
Who is it for? Ages 6 to 12 years old who are in receipt of free school meals.
Where is it? Northwich Memorial Court
What’s included? These activities are being delivered by a group who Specialises in providing community based, performing arts activities for children and young people. Drama is an excellent way for children to learn social skills, build confidence and to have fun through drama, singing and dance. Lunch will also be included each day.
How can I register? Just use the following link to find more information, select the relevant centre and activity, and they will contact you in the coming weeks: https://www.brioleisure.org/blog/haf23
Teen Fitness
Dates: 24th – 27th July, and 1st – 4th August
Times: 24th – 27th July 10am – 2pm, 1st – 4th August 1pm – 4pm
Who is it for? Ages 12 – 17 years old who are in receipt of free school meals
Where is it? Northwich Memorial Court
What’s included? 4 week centre membership, supervised gym classes, studio based classes and swimming. Lunch will also be included each day.
How can I register? Just use the following link to find more information, select the relevant centre and activity, and they will contact you in the coming weeks: https://www.brioleisure.org/blog/haf23
Summer Send Sessions
Dates: 9th August and 30th August
Times: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Who is it for? Children and young people with special educational needs and disability
Where is it? Northwich Memorial Court
What’s included? Both days will include a swim session from 10.30am – 12pm, followed by lunch 12.15pm – 1.30pm, and an interactive crafts session from 1.30pm – 2.30pm.
Note: Children and young people must be assisted in SEND activities by parents/carers. Siblings can take part without charge. Normal pool rules apply.
How can I register? Just use the following link to find more information, select the relevant centre and activity, and they will contact you in the coming weeks: https://www.brioleisure.org/blog/haf23
School Dinners
School dinners cost £2.70 per day, £13.50 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 Summer Term 2023
Week beginning 17th July: Dinners Week 2
Tuesday 18th July: Year 6 Leavers’ Play at The United Reformed Church at 4pm. Ticket only.
Thursday 20th July: Leavers’ Service in St. John’s Church at 9.15am. All welcome.
Thursday 20th July: School closes for summer at 2pm
Tuesday 5th September: Autumn Term Starts
Have a lovely weekend and I hope that you all have a fabulous and restful holiday when it comes.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon