Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 17th November 2023
Date: 17th Nov 2023 @ 2:21pm
Vale Royal Falconry Visit
What a gorgeous treat we had yesterday as Nanette from Vale Royal Falconry visited us with some of her feathered friends! Nanette brought 4 owls into school and showed them to us all in assembly whilst giving the children the opportunity to see them up close, stroke them and learn lots of interesting facts (Did you know that when you hear an owl ‘twit twoo,’ the female is calling ‘twit’ and the male replies with ‘twoo!’). Delamere then got the opportunity for a more hands on experience with the owls after assembly. It was a lovely way to spend our time and the children all had a fabulous experience.
The Big Ambition Survey
The Children’s Commissioner is carrying out a survey called The Big Ambition to provide an opportunity for the children of England to tell political decision makers what is important to them ahead of the General Election and this will be shared with Government to ensure that children’s voices are heard. It is really important that the pupils at Over St John's participate in The Big Ambition survey and have their say. The Children’s Commissioner has said; ‘I want to ensure that the voices of all children in the Winsford area are fairly represented in the findings so that I can share their views with the most senior members of the country. I must reiterate that it is vital that all children have their voice heard through this survey because, as Children’s Commissioner for England, I have a statutory duty to protect and promote the views and interests of children.’
Children or parents can complete the survey here: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigambition.
British Legion Poppy Collection
Thank you so much for all the donations towards the British Legion for this year’s Poppy Appeal. The British Legion have been and collected the money and let us know that we raised a fabulous £263.71! Thank you all so much for your very generous donations.
Attendance
The magic number that we are aiming for is 96% and above and for the children who achieve this, they will receive a special reward at the end of each term
At the end of each term there will be certificates for all children who have attendance at 96% or more and a special prize draw of a £15 Argos voucher for those children with 98% attendance or more. Each term will be a ‘new start,’ so if someone didn’t manage to make the percentage in one term, there will be future chances.
|
Attendance during one school year |
Equivalent Days |
Equivalent Sessions |
Equivalent Weeks |
Equivalent Lessons Missed |
|
95% |
9 Days |
18 Sessions |
1.4 Weeks |
45 Lessons |
|
90% |
19 Days |
38 Sessions |
3.4 Weeks |
95 Lessons |
|
85% |
29 Days |
58 Sessions |
5.4 Weeks |
145 Lessons |
|
80% |
36 Days |
72 Sessions |
7.1 Weeks |
180 Lessons |
|
75% |
48 Days |
96 Sessions |
9.3 Weeks |
240 Lessons |
Well done to Hatchmere with the highest attendance this week. It is great to see that 4 of our 6 classes have made it over 95% this week, so getting closer to that magic number of 96%!
Hatchmere - 95.88%
Sandymere - 95.78%
Delamere - 93.63%
Oakmere - 95.2%
Linmere - 94.43%
Blakemere - 95.33%
#WakeUpWednesday
Smart TVs are the future of home entertainment … but how safe is that future? The percentage of UK households that own a smart TV has leapt from 11% to 74% in less than ten years and that proportion is only expected to increase further as more viewers discover the various benefits of these sophisticated systems.
While the technology is impressive, fun and increasingly affordable, the flip side is that the number of people (especially young ones) who need to be aware of their risks has risen commensurately. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide outlines how to avoid some common smart TV hazards, so that you can relax a little when your children do.
Applying for Primary School Places for September 2024
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 2024, but like the secondary school place, before making your application, it is important you view the Starting Primary School Booklet. Results are available from 16th April 2024. 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 £2.70 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 Autumn Term 2023 – new dates highlighted
Dinner Week 1
Monday 20th November: Some Year 5 children lantern making at Oak View
Friday 24th November: Lantern parade for Winsford Christmas Lights Switch on
Thursday 30th November: Linmere trip to Weaver Hall
Wednesday 6th December: Christmas at Cotebrook trip for Hatchmere, Sandymere and Delamere
Thursday 7th December: Christmas Disco 5.30pm – 7pm
Tuesday 12th December: Carol Service in St. John’s Church at 1.30pm. All welcome. Collection of all children from church.
Wednesday 13th December: Guitar/ Ukulele performance for parents – details to follow
Thursday 14th December: Whole school pantomime – Beauty and the Beast – at Northwich Memorial Court
Thursday 14th December: Santa’s Grotto 3.20pm – 5pm
Friday 15th December: End of term at 2pm
Wednesday 3rd January 2024: School opens at 8:35am
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon