Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 6th January 2023
Date: 6th Jan 2023 @ 11:41am
Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a very lovely Christmas with your family and friends and managed to take some time out for a well-earned rest. We have enjoyed seeing the children back in school this week and they have all come back with eagerness to learn – just what is needed.
Field Update
Almost done! All the work has now been completed – there is a final photo attached of the wet pour around the climbing frame which was completed over Christmas. All we have left to do is wait for all the building materials and equipment to be removed from the field, complete the jobs on the snagging list and also complete a risk assessment for use of the equipment by the children. Hopefully this won’t take too much longer and the children can then have lots of fun out there!
All Together Now Service
St. John’s church would like to invite our children and families to their new and special ‘All Together Now’ service taking place in the church hall at 4.30pm on Sunday. There will be games, crafts and much more. Please feel free to attend as a family on Sunday – see the flyer attached.
#WakeUpWednesday
Whether you’re an internet newbie or a pro at surfing the web, it’s always important to keep online safety in mind. National Online Safety have pulled together a list of top tips to make it easier for you to protect yourself and your devices in the digital world - helping you steer clear of hazards like misleading information and vicious viruses. There’s never a bad time to refresh your internet safety knowledge, but it’s an especially smart thing to do before you start using any shiny new devices!
In the guide, you'll find tips such as double-checking your news sources, taking breaks from being online and not sharing personal information.
Fancy Dress Swaps for World Book Day
We have received the following information from the local libraries group:
‘As you know, there are increasing financial and environmental concerns for all families at the moment and a new local scheme is starting that may be able to help in some way. The initiative aims to help by encouraging swaps of children’s fancy dress designed to be at just the right time for World Book Day.
Take your children’s fancy dress to your local library from now until 10th February to receive a voucher which you can redeem for clothing on the swap day of Saturday 18th February. Clothing should be in good condition and have the CE mark or have been purchased since 2015. Find out more at this link.’
As a school, please may I point out that we have not yet decided what we are doing for World Book Day and may or may not be dressing up. More details will be sent out nearer the time but your child may want to try some new dressing up outfits regardless of World Book Day!
Applying for Primary School Places for September 2023 – Deadline next week
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 and you now only have until 15th January to complete it. Results are available from 17th April 2023. To apply, you will need to create an account or log in. 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 £2.45 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
Sunday 8th January: All Together Now service in St. John’s church hall at 4.30pm. All welcome.
Tuesday 14th February: Pupil Consultation Evening 4pm – 6pm
Thursday 16th February: Pupil Consultation Evening 3.15pm – 5.15pm
Friday 17th February: School closes for half term at 3pm
Monday 27th February: School closed – INSET day
Tuesday 28th February: School opens at the usual time
Friday 31st March: End of Spring Term - school closes at 2pm
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon