Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 15th March 2024
Date: 15th Mar 2024 @ 3:23pm
Well that was an unusual end to the week! Thank you so much for your patience and understanding today as we had to close at short notice due to having no water supply. This was an issue that affected a number of other schools in the town who are supplied from the same mains. I hope that you managed to find the Home Learning page on the website, as per the e mail sent on School Spider and were able to get something done with your children.
Those who made it in for the afternoon had a wonderfully cosy time with reduced numbers and enjoyed showing off their splashes of red for Red Nose Day.
In instances such as today, if we are able to open for even part of the day, then we will always do so, with the final cut off point being lunchtime for when we would then close for the full day.
Extra-Ordinary Earth
I had a lovely day on Tuesday, accompanied by 5 fabulous Year 5 children, at St. Chad’s church, taking part in an art day with other local schools. The art was linked to a theme around clean air and raising awareness of this, particularly outside schools where there can be increased traffic or cars sat with the engines idling. The children created some fabulous art work with recycled materials to encourage adults to switch off their engines when waiting in their cars and also thinking about what our world would be like if it was unpolluted. For each piece of art that was created, £10 was given to charity through the Students Rebuild website. Our children created 3 pieces, raising £30 and in total, £340 was raised on the day which goes to help towards protecting rainforests.
Consent for Trips - Reminder
Following on from some updated advice from our health & safety adviser, we will be implementing some changes to our procedure when taking pupils off site during the school day, for example, on a trip or a walk in the local area. From today, you will be sent information about the trip taking place, with details of where they are going, the date of the trip and the amount of the contribution we are requesting, should there be a contribution. We will no longer require you to give your permission for your child to attend as the event takes place in school hours. You do however, have the right to withdraw your child from any school trips. To do this please email the school office on admin@overstjohns.cheshire.sch.uk.
The exception to this will be any trips that involve out of normal school hours, such as sporting events or residentials. For these we will still require your permission and a permission survey will still be sent on School Spider for these.
Attendance
I have not included any information on attendance this week as I am awaiting confirmation from the Education Welfare Service with regards to attendance for this afternoon when we re-opened following the burst water main.
Absence during Term Time – Fine Increase
You may have seen reported in the news that the Fixed Penalty Notice for absence during term time is to rise in September. Schools are not allowed to authorise pupil holidays in term time. The parents of any child going on holiday in term time may receive an unauthorised absence. This is also true for irregular attendance in general, not necessarily holidays. 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. However, in September, this fine is rising to £80 per child, per parent and will rise to £160 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days.
#WakeUpWednesday
Dreaming of a decent night’s sleep? Many of us are and it’s a particularly pervasive problem for young people. Concerningly, research has suggested that around 70% of teens get less than the recommended 8–10 hours’ sleep per night. The effects of poor-quality sleep on a developing mind, of course, can be harmful over a prolonged period.
Although a significant portion of under-18s struggle for shut eye, there is still plenty we can do to support them in getting the beneficial rest they need during those formative years. Compiled in conjunction with an award-winning mental health charity Minds Ahead, this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide has tips on helping children to develop healthy sleeping habits.
School Dinners
As of 1st April, the cost of school dinners will be rising and we will now be charging £3 per meal, £15 per week.
Edsential have shared: “Whilst we understand that price increases are never welcomed, as a non-profit community interest organisation our priority is simply to fill young people’s tummies, not shareholders’ wallets. This price increase reflects only the inflationary increases we have experienced across food and labour as outlined in our previous communication below. Where other providers are compromising on food quality, meal choice, mobile cover and the welfare and terms and conditions of their staff, Edsential catered schools will receive the same high quality school meals, service and ethics you are accustomed to.”
Between now and 1st April, school dinners will continue to 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.
Confirmed Dates for the Spring Term 2024 – new dates highlighted
Dinner Week 1
Tuesday 26th March: Blakemere to Oak View Academy to join an online safety session called Snap Trap
Thursday 28th March: Easter Service in St. John’s Church at 9.15am. All welcome.
Thursday 28th March: School closes at 2pm
Monday 15th April: School opens at 8.35am
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon