Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 27th November 2020
Date: 27th Nov 2020 @ 1:53pm
This week we have been thinking about Advent in our Collective Worship and how this Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, counting down the four Sundays before Christmas. We have talked about the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary with the surprise news that she was to have a baby, the surprise to everyone that the promised King was actually a little baby and how we can all look forward to the time when he will come again. There is much to celebrate this season, despite the many restrictions we find ourselves living with and the birth of Jesus brings hope to us all.
Informing School of a Positive Result
If any of your children have to take a COVID test and the result comes back positive, we need to know this at school as a matter of urgency, whether it is evenings or weekends, to enable us time to organise things in school and contact the relevant people. During school hours, please call the office on 01606 592608 – do not leave an answer phone message – please continue to ring until you speak to someone. If it is the evenings or weekends, please e mail your child’s name and class to positiveresult@overstjohns.cheshire.sch.uk This is for positive results in children only. If your child needs to isolate as a direct contact because of someone in your household, please e mail the normal admin@overstjohns.cheshire.sch.uk address.
Online Advent Calendar
Next week – 1st December - marks the start of our Over St. John’s Advent calendar where each class will upload a little treat for us all each day. To access the calendar, click on the tab ‘Over St. John’s Advent Calendar 2020’ on the homepage of our website. We have set some of it up in preparation, but it is currently empty and the treats will be added each day. Enjoy!
Reminders from Cheshire West and Chester
- You might not have symptoms, but you could still spread COVID-19. Remember: wash hands, cover face, make space. Let’s play our part to help turn this around.
- Our rates are too high in Cheshire West and Chester. Remember to stay safe on the school run: wash hands, cover face, make space. Let’s play our part to help turn this around.
- This week the borough's COVID-19 infection rate has been the highest in the Cheshire and Merseyside area. Let’s play our part to help turn this around. Remember to wash hands, cover face and make space.
- On the school run? Remember to stay safe at the school gates by maintaining a safe distance and play your part to help turn this around.
- To help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 only one adult should enter a school premises, including the school playground, to drop off and pick up a child.
- When you're dropping your child off or when collecting them from school, please remember to maintain a safe distance. Play your part to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
- When dropping your child off or when collecting them from school, please remember to wear a face covering to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. Play your part to turn this around.
- Don’t congregate on the way to or from school. Play your part to turn this around.
- Travel to school safely. You must wear a face covering for the whole of your journey if you are travelling on school transport or if you are aged over 11 on public transport, unless you are exempt. For the latest travel guidance visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
#WakeUpWednesday
Last week marked the release of the brand-new PlayStation 5 (PS5) just in time for Christmas. Described as a ‘next-generation’ console by Sony, the PS5 comes in two different versions, each of which will be at the top of many children’s Christmas list. It’s important therefore to ensure safe set up right from the start. That’s why National Online safety have created a guide to help parents and carers understand exactly what the PS5 is all about.
Applying for Reception Places for September 2021
If you have a child who is turning 4 years old between now and 31st August 2020, 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 2021, but like the secondary school place, before making your application, it is important you view the Starting School booklet. To apply, you will need to create an account or log in if you have an existing online account.
Reminders
School dinners cost £2.30 per day, £11.50 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 the School Money system as we do not accept cash in school anymore due to our COVID-19 Risk Assessment.
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.
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 2020 – new dates are highlighted
Monday 30th November: Christmas cards may be brought in each Monday from today
Sunday 13th December: Drive-In Carol Service at Winsford Academy at 6pm
Wednesday 16th December: Christmas Dinner Day
Thursday 17th December: Class Christmas Activities and Non Uniform
Friday 18th December: Whole School Pantomime
Friday 18th December: Christmas Jumper Day
Friday 18th December: School closes for Christmas. Finishing times as follows:
Blakemere at 1:45pm
Linmere at 1:45pm
Oakmere at 1:50pm
Delamere at 1.55pm
Sandymere at 2pm
Hatchmere at 2.05pm
Monday 4th January 2021: School opens – usual bubble times apply
I hope that you all have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon