Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 5th January 2024
Date: 5th Jan 2024 @ 1:12pm
Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a lovely Christmas and managed to spend some quality time with family and friends. I would like to thank everyone on behalf of the staff and myself for all the lovely gifts, cards and messages of good will that we received before the holidays. It really does mean a lot to us – thank you.
Attendance
We are resetting the attendance now for the Spring Term and everyone restarts with a view to achieving a certificate and entering our prize draw at Easter. Everyone receives a certificate for 96% and above, a certificate for 98% and above and one for 100%. Additionally, everyone that achieves a 98% and above certificate is automatically entered into our prize draw to win a £15 Argos voucher.
Please may I remind everyone of the importance of arriving on time to school. The gate opens at 8.35am and closes just before 8.45am with the register being taken in class at 8.45am prompt. I appreciate that the early mornings have been difficult after the Christmas lie ins – myself included! – but we need to make sure that we are in school, on time and ready to learn. Thank you for your so-operation with this.
Edna’s Laundrette - Free Laundrette
Motherwell community share hub is opening Edna's Laundrette which is open to the public from Tuesday 9th January. The laundrette is for everyone, not just the community of Winsford - if people can travel to New Images to use the laundrette, it is there for them to use. The laundrette is situated within New Images Youth and Community Centre with parking to the rear of the building. The laundrette is open every Tuesday from 9:30am – 12pm and Wednesday 12pm – 3pm. Use of the laundrette will need to be booked through Motherwell’s Calendly system: please see links below. Use of the laundrette is FREE and detergent and softener will be supplied. When booking the laundrette, you are booking time in the laundrette and there will be a washing machine and a tumble dryer free to use.
The booking system is live 24hrs a day, links are below.
Wash 1: https://calendly.com/ednalaundrette
Wash 2: https://calendly.com/ailsalaundrette
#WakeUpWednesday
99% of current children will own a smartphone before they reach 18. With phones and other devices offering an increasing number of ways to pass the time, it can prove difficult for young people to set them aside. As a gateway to messaging services, games, television, music and more, digital devices can become borderline indispensable items in a young person's life. Studies have shown, however, that managing a child’s screen time can have positive impacts on their cognitive development. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide provides you with some simple but effective tips to help you bring your family’s screen time down to a healthier level, while suggesting alternative activities that are far less reliant on technology.
Applying for Primary School Places for September 2024
If you have a child who is turning 4 years old between now and 31st August 2023, or know of a child who is, then the application round is also open for them to apply for their Reception place. The closing date for applications is very soon - you have until 15th January 2024, but before making your application, it is important you view the Starting Primary School Booklet. Results are available from 16th April 2024. To apply, you will need to create an account or log in on this link.
If you would like to visit Over St. John’s with a view to a Reception place next September or know of someone else who would, please do just ring the office and we will arrange a time to suit yourselves and us. We do not hold an open morning as I prefer people to see us as we are on a daily basis and have more personal time during a look around with me to ask any questions that they may have.
School Dinners
School dinners 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.
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 15th January: Applications for Reception places in September 2024 close
Wednesday 17th January: Bookstart Bear visiting Hatchmere
Wednesday 24th January: Blakemere visit to Winsford Library
Wednesday 31st January: Linmere visit to Winsford Library
Wednesday 7th February: Oakmere visit to Winsford Library
Tuesday 13th February: Pupil Consultation Evening 4pm – 6pm
Wednesday 14th February: Delamere visit to Winsford Library
Thursday 15th February: Pupil Consultation Evening 3.15pm – 5.15pm
Friday 16th February: School closes for half term at 3pm
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon