Head Teacher Blog: Friday 5th May 2023

Date: 5th May 2023 @ 10:11am

Coronation Activities

We have had a lovely week celebrating the King’s Coronation. On Tuesday, all the classes completed their artwork based on the invitation to the King’s Coronation and there really was some fabulous work. As previously advised, this will be on display over the next few days at St. John’s church along with lots of other floral displays. If you would like to take a look at it, the church will be open on Sunday from 1pm – 5pm and then on Tuesday to Friday between 2pm and 4pm. Why not pop down one afternoon after school or take a look at thephoto below.

The children looked fabulous all dressed in red, white and blue today and we had a street party style lunch which was free to all, in a decorated hall. A lot of fish and chips were eaten - photos below!

We have also recorded us singing a special song this morning called ‘Our King’ by Nick and Becky Drake which we have been learning for a couple of weeks – please click on the link below to have a listen to it.

Thank you to the four children in Linmere who took part in the Winsford Education Partnership parade through the town park this morning (see photos below). Their homemade crowns were fabulous, they looked very smart in their special t-shirts and they represented the school impeccably. The large crown that was paraded through the park will make its way to school over the next few weeks so that all our children can take a look at it.

Sand Delivery

There was great excitement in school earlier this week as ten tons of sand were delivered for Hatchmere’s sandpit! Some of the children helped to bucket the sand around, which they really enjoyed doing, but a special thank you must be given to Mrs McLaughlin’s husband and Mrs Teece’s son who have been very busy with wheelbarrows and spades. Thank you!

Wake Up Wednesday

Health – our ability to monitor it and motivation to improve it – is a major selling point for smartwatches. A recent survey found, for example, that smartwatch owners tend to exercise at least one day more every week than people who don’t have a smartwatch. It’s unlikely that the device causes this increase, but it almost unquestionably encourages the additional workouts. Factor in the facility to store potentially life-saving medical information and to contact emergency services instantly and it’s clear that smartwatches have plenty to recommend them. As this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide discovers, however, possible hazards including hidden costs and night-time use interfering with sleep mean that it’s not universally good news for parents.

School Dinners

School dinners currently cost £2.45 per day, £12.25 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.

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 Spring Term 2023 – new dates highlighted

Week beginning 9^nd May: Dinners Week 1

Monday 8^th May: school closed for the King’s Coronation Bank Holiday

Tuesday 9^th May: Y6 SATS week begins

Tuesday 23^rd May: Pupil Consultation Evening

Thursday 25^th May: Pupil Consultation Evening

Friday 26^th May: Year 6 SNAPTRAP session at Over Hall – details to follow

Friday 26^th May: School closes at 3pm

Monday 5^th June: school opens at the usual time

Wednesday 7^th – Friday 9^th June: Year 5 and 6 residential to The Conway Centre

Monday 12^th June: Phonics Screening Check week

Thursday 22^nd – Friday 23^rd June: Year 3 and 4 residential to The Tattenhall Centre