Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 2nd February 2024
Date: 2nd Feb 2024 @ 2:38pm
February – at last!
National Number Day
Today is National Number Day and we will be celebrating it in school on Tuesday 6th February with some lovely mathematical activities based around the book How Many Jelly Beans? by Andrea Monetti. We will send some ingredient information home on Monday for jelly beans and we would appreciate a quick reply as to whether your child is able to have them or not.
As a little extra, we are also asking if your child could bring in what they consider to be the ‘heaviest potato’ or the ‘longest carrot’ and we will find out on the day just what they are with a little prize for the winner!
School Uniform
The Green Uniform and Baby Bank have asked us to let all schools know about their uniform event to celebrate their 5th year of helping the local community manage uniform costs. They are rewinding back to the beginning by returning to offer generic school uniforms for FREE until February 29th. This offer is open to everyone. All generic uniforms are included, with exception to coats and shoes, so parents can get themselves stocked up with spares or prepared for summer at no cost!
To find out their opening times, please see their Webpage.
Attendance
Congratulations to Hatchmere with the highest attendance this week and a special mention to Linmere for over 98% too.
Hatchmere 99.01%
Sandymere 87.37%
Delamere 96.67%
Oakmere 94.78%
Linmere 98.18%
Blakemere 96.30%
#WakeUpWednesday
Apps and sites are all competing for our attention. Over the years, numerous strategies have been developed which are intended to influence users’ behaviour – making us more likely to remain on a site, game or platform for longer periods of time. These techniques are known as ‘persuasive design’ and can have a particularly profound effect on children and young people. Despite these tactics’ evident effectiveness, there are still plenty of ways to help prevent yourself (and your child) from being psychologically swayed. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide breaks down the potential risks posed by persuasive design online and offers some top tips for recognising and reducing its impact on young people’s decision making.
February Half Term at Brio - Reminder
We have received information about a swimming crash course running from 19th - 23rd February between 9:00am-11:00am at Winsford Lifestyle Centre. This is great for children to increase water confidence and develop their aquatic skills.
They also have Under the Sea Pool parties on the following dates and venues:
Northwich Memorial Court – Thursday 22nd February 1:15pm - 2:15pm
Winsford Lifestyle Centre – Friday 23rd February 1:15pm - 2:15pm
School Dinners
I wanted to let you know with as much notice as I can, that we have received information from Edsential, the company contracted to deliver our school meals. 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 1
Tuesday 6th February: National Number Day
Wednesday 7th February: Linmere dance collaboration at The Winsford Academy
Wednesday 7th February: Oakmere visit to Winsford Library
Friday 9th February: Hatchmere and Oakmere visit to Chester Zoo
Tuesday 13th February: Pupil Consultation Evening 4pm – 6pm
Wednesday 14th February: Delamere visit to Winsford Library
Thursday 15th February: Year 5 violinists joint concert at Winsford High Street
Thursday 15th February: Pupil Consultation Evening 3.15pm – 5.15pm
Friday 16th February: Samba workshop for Oakmere and Sandymere
Friday 16th February: School closes for half term at 3pm
Monday 26th February: School opens at 8.35am
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon