Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 28th February 2020
Date: 28th Feb 2020 @ 12:06pm
This week marked the start of Lent in the Christian calendar where we prepare ourselves for Easter whilst remembering the time of 40 days and 40 nights that Jesus spent in the desert, avoiding temptations whilst preparing himself to teach about God. We have talked about the traditional aspect of giving something up for Lent in recognition of what Jesus gave up whilst in the desert, but we have also talked about doing something good for others each day, just as Jesus did so much good for others. We have linked this with ‘If you can be anything in life, be kind’ and the fact that 1st March is World Compliment Day, so I have challenged the children to pay someone a compliment each day – have you noticed this at home at all? We also thought that this linked well with Delamere’s Christian value: ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ Ephesians 4:32
Mental Health Film
Some of you may have seen on BBC Northwest Today and BBC Northwest Tonight last week, a news item regarding a fantastic film that the young people in our town have been working on with regards to mental health and wellbeing. This film features children from all 13 schools in the Winsford Education Partnership and talks about what they can do to support their mental health and well-being. We have uploaded the children’s film to our website and you can also watch the news item that was broadcast last week here on our website.
This is a fantastic piece of work which is continuing back in school with our Well Being Workers through the Winsford Education Partnership.
#WakeUpWednesday
I have included some information from National Online Safety from the last couple of weeks due to half term as they are vital guides to keeping our children safe in our digital world.
The online world can be an unforgiving place. We are now more connected than we have ever been which means opening ourselves and others up to potential online abuse, bullying or negative comments. Sometimes we can overlook the consequences of our actions. That’s why #WakeUpWednesday want to promote the message of just ‘being kind online’ with a reminder towards how we can develop a more empathetic side and be a more responsible online consumer.
Keeping our personal and digital content safe should be a priority for everyone. Using passwords and encryption techniques can add extra layers of security. But some apps, which have been specifically designed for this purpose, can be misused or encourage more secretive behaviour, particularly in relation to videos and photos. That’s why #WakeUpWednesday have created a guide to help parents and carers understand exactly what these ‘hidden photo apps’ are and to raise an awareness of how and why they might be used by children and young people.
Snowflake Project
You may have seen a display in the shopping centre involving snowflakes! Before Christmas, our children were asked to contribute to this project by drawing snowflakes that would be displayed and contribute to a film. The film is a stop-frame animation of hand-drawn snowflakes, made by Winsford primary school children with artist Cath Campbell and was shown at the opening of the Cine Window Winsford - a space for community and artist made films in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre. The work was inspired by the production of salt at Compass Minerals, the salt mine in Winsford, that is used to grit icy roads in winter. The film is being shown in the window alongside a new collection of films that explore Winsford’s salt history, and we would love it if we could encourage you to go and have a look!
The Cine Window is at 1A Dingle Walk and the films are on display during shopping centre opening hours.
The film can be viewed here as well if you are unable to get to the space.
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.
If you are in receipt of benefits and think that you may be entitled to free school meals, please click https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/school-meals.aspx for more information 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.
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.
Confirmed Dates for the Spring Term 2020 – new dates are highlighted
Sunday 1st March: All Together Service in St. John’s Church Hall at 11am – all welcome.
Monday 23rd March: Artist in school working with Blakemere and Linmere
Wednesday 25th March: Artist in school working with Delamere and Hatchmere
Thursday 26th March: Artist in school working with Sandymere and Oakmere
Tuesday 31st March: Winsford Education Partnership Swimming Gala – more details to follow
Friday 3rd April: Easter Service in St. John’s Church at 1pm – all welcome
Friday 3rd April: School closes at 2pm – collection for all pupils at 2pm from St. John’s Church
Have a lovely weekend,
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon