Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 1st March 2024
Date: 1st Mar 2024 @ 2:47pm
We have had a really positive start back to the half term and it was lovely to catch up with all the children again on Monday. This half term will fly by as already there are just under 4 weeks to go before we finish for Easter – and so much to do! Please keep your eye on the dates list below each week as I share some of the activities that are happening in school and also keep an eye on your child’s class page and the class blogs that the teachers post, so that you are keeping up to date with all the latest information in school.
Attendance
Well done to Sandymere with this week’s highest attendance. Also well done to Hatchmere and Oakmere who have achieved over 96% this week. Please remember that good attendance needs to be at least 96% or above.
Hatchmere 97.60%
Sandymere 99.05%
Delamere 95.56%
Oakmere 96.80%
Linmere 92.27%
Blakemere 92.96%
Absence during Term Time – Fine Increase
You may have seen reported in the news today 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
I have two #WakeUpWednesdays to share with you this week, from over the holiday and from this week.
Learning to deal with everyday difficulties: the ability to manage our feelings, thoughts and behaviours in effective ways, known as self-regulation, is gained gradually through childhood and into adolescence. It’s acknowledged as a pivotal element in young people’s development but can prove trickier for some children to master than others.
In last week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide, you’ll find expert suggestions on ways of supporting children as they build their ability to self-regulate. Demonstrating how you process your own emotions and selecting appropriate literature and other resources figure in our collection of practical tips on helping young ones on their journey towards self-regulation.
The latest bullying research from the DfE makes for upsetting reading. Almost half (40%) of schoolchildren in the UK have been bullied within the past 12 months – with 21% of them experiencing negative changes to their behaviour, including avoiding going to school. In 15% of those cases, the victim's behaviour suffers to the extent that they are ultimately excluded themselves. Understanding and honest conversation can be an immense benefit to children who have become the target of bullying but it’s such a delicate subject that it can often be hard for trusted adults to know where (or how) to start. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide contains ten practical tips for supporting a child who is experiencing bullying.
School Dinners
Please find below details of a special lunch to celebrate World Book Day. If your child would like a special lunch, then it can be ordered in the usual way – payment via School Spider and your child to tell their teacher during registration on the morning of the lunch.
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 2
Monday 4th March: Swimming starts for Year 2
Wednesday 6th March: Sandymere visit to Winsford Library
Wednesday 6th March: World Book Day Craft Activity after school – please book on School Spider.
Thursday 7th March: World Book Day – details have been sent via School Spider - also see information below from the library.
Monday 11th March: Science Week
Tuesday 12th March: Some Y5s involved in Extra-ordinary Earth Project
Wednesday 13th March: Hatchmere visit to Winsford Library
Friday 22nd March: Some Y6s involved in Community Planting
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 half term holiday.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon