Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 22nd March 2024
Date: 22nd Mar 2024 @ 2:52pm
The sun is finally shining! Let’s hope that this lovely weather continues over the weekend. We have had a quiet week in school this week and all the children and staff have been susy getting on with the business of teaching and learning, so this is a short blog this week, although I have added lots of new dates at the end.
Menu Change
There will be no jacket potatoes available to order on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th April after the Easter holidays.
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
We have quite a mixed bag with a range of attendance this week, but well done to Hatchmere for their excellent attendance this week!
Hatchmere 98.10%
Sandymere 88.18%
Delamere 95.56%
Oakmere 92.69%
Linmere 87.39%
Blakemere 94.44%
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
Children can often be guarded about their emotions or any difficulties they’re experiencing. This reticence can extend to chats with their parents. A study by the Office for National Statistics found that 64% of children reported regularly talking to their mum about “things that matter” and even fewer (45%) held conversations of the same kind with their dad.
It’s incredibly important, of course, for young people to have someone to confide in when they’re confused, upset or unsure of themselves and to know that they can do so without fear of being judged or punished. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide explores how to encourage open and honest discussions with children, empowering them to open up if they need help.
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 2
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
Monday 15th April: Year 6 swimming begins
Monday 22nd April – Wednesday 24th April: Year 3 and 4 residential to Robinwood.
Monday 13th May: KS2 SATs week begins
Tuesday 21st May: Pupil Consultation Evening 4pm – 6pm
Thursday 23rd May: Pupil Consultation Evening 3.15pm – 5.15pm
Friday 24th May: School closes at 3pm
Monday 3rd June: School opens at 8.35am
Wednesday 5th June – Friday 7th June: Year 5 and 6 Conway residential
Friday 7th June: Sports Day at St. Joseph’s
Thursday 13th June: Year 5 ‘Come Play with the Halle’ at The Bridgewater Hall
Friday 28th June: Reserve Sports Day at St. Joseph’s
Wednesday 10th July: Year 6 Leaver’s Service at Chester Cathedral (children only)
Friday 19th July: Leaver’s Service in St. John’s Church at 9.15am. All welcome.
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon