Head Teacher Blog: Friday 19th November 2021

Date: 19th Nov 2021 @ 10:06am

Poppy Appeal

Thank you so much to everyone who generously donated to this year’s British Legion Poppy Appeal. Members of the British Legion came to collect the donations earlier this week and were amazed at how much we had collected and then even more so when they realised we are a small school. This year, you have all helped to contribute towards a huge £260.35! Please see the donation certificate attached below.

Carol Service

We are very excited this year to be returning to St. John’s Church for our Christmas Carol Service at 1.30pm on Tuesday 14^th December. This will be the first whole school event that we have taken part in since our Christmas Carol Service in 2019. However, as I am sure that you can appreciate, we are going to have to do things a little bit differently this year. This year, it will be a ticket only event, with limited tickets per family, as we need to limit the numbers in the church building, for obvious reasons. Also, although masks are not compulsory, we are hoping that all those adults that attend in the congregation, will do so wearing a mask, unless exempt. I understand that this is now a personal choice, but would be very grateful for your support in this. More details will be shared nearer the time with regards to accessing tickets and arrangements for the service, but I wanted to give you some advance notice. Thank you for your support.

#WakeUpWednesday

Last year, the percentage of US teens who experienced bullying online stood at an all-time high of 36%. The UK figure, 19%, also represents an unhealthily large proportion. These numbers are by no means unrepresentative of the global picture, either and recent increases in young people’s screen-time and anxiety levels during lockdown periods only inflamed the situation.

To lend their support to Anti-Bullying Week 2021, National Online Safety have produced a special #WakeUpWednesday guide of suggestions for how we can all be part of the antidote to bullying by sharing kindness online instead of cruelty. The theme of this year’s event is ‘One Kind Word’ and indeed, such small, sincere gestures online can go a long way to helping someone who is experiencing a tough time.

Winsford Christmas Lights Switch On

Next Friday 26^th November marks a return to the annual Winsford Christmas Lights Switch on. The children in Blakemere have made lanterns and will be taking part in the parade from the town centre to the Old High Street. Once at the Old High Street, there will be lots of family entertainment and one or two famous faces, culminating in the lights switch on at 5pm and fireworks at 7pm. It should be a really lovely event for all the family – please see the flyer attached below for more details.

Church Events

Following on from the success of St. John’s Church Family Film Night, there is another one coming up for Christmas and also a Street Nativity on Christmas Eve – please see the flyers attached below for more details. If you would like to attend either of these exciting events, just scan the QR codes on the flyers.

Applying for Primary School Places for September 2022

If you have a child who is turning 4 years old between now and 31^st 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 15^th January 2022. Before making your application, it is important you view the Starting School booklet. Results are available from 16^th 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 26^th November: Blakemere to take part in the Winsford Lantern Parade

Sunday 5^th December: All Age Service in St. John’s Church at 10.30am. Hatchmere to take part but all are welcome.

Sunday 12^th December: St. John’s Church Family Film Night at 4pm

Tuesday 14^th December: Carol Service in St. John’s Church at 1.30pm – collection from church by 3pm

Thursday 16^th December: Pantomime Day and Christmas Jumper Day (non uniform event)

Friday 17^th December: School closes at 2pm

Friday 24^th December: St. John’s Church Street Nativity 2pm – 4pm

 

Have a lovely weekend.

Take care,

Mrs E Snowdon

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