Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 7th February 2020
Date: 7th Feb 2020 @ 1:27pm
Beeston Residential
This week, I have had the privilege of accompanying the Year 3s and 4s on their residential to Beeston. We had a fantastic two days that were packed full of exciting opportunities – we visited a dairy farm and watched the cows being milked; saw new born calves and had the chance to stroke them; we weaved fish with willow and went on a walk around Beeston and Peckforton whilst our guide pointed out many things in nature that we might not normally notice as well as hearing the legend of the Peckforton witches. We ate delicious food and enjoyed each other’s fabulous company and the children were incredibly well behaved – a delightful two days away!
Mental Health Week
This week has been Children’s Mental Health Week. The children have completed some activities in class and our No Outsiders Collective Worship, led by Mrs Bettley, was linked to the theme of ‘Find your Brave.’ They shared the book ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ by Charley Mackesy and one page in particular was discussed:
‘What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?’ asked the boy.
‘Help,’ said the horse.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but something very brave and the children were encouraged to ‘Find Your Brave.’ This was all finished by looking at the Bible verse I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13
On Thursday after school, I was lucky enough to attend a ‘film premiere!’ Linked to Mental Health Week and as part of the Winsford Education Partnership’s work on Mental Health, a special screening of a Mental Health DVD was played for a selected audience. This film is the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work by the children in the WEP Pupil Forum last year, who became Well Being Workers and wrote and starred in a film to promote the well-being and mental health of children in Winsford by looking at some of the reasons we might struggle with mental health, suggesting things that they can do to promote mental health and who we can go to for support. Huge congratulations to Georgia and Lily who were our Well Being workers last year and starred in the film. The film has gained great interest and further filming is due to take place after half term as it is going to be on Northwest Tonight! I look forward to telling you more about that in the future.
#WakeUpWednesday
This year's Children’s Mental Health Week is all about ‘Finding Your Brave’, whether that be sharing worries, asking for help or just building confidence, self-esteem and looking after yourself. But talking about mental health doesn’t always come effortlessly and sometimes we need a helping hand.
Created by mental health and wellbeing expert, Anna Bateman, this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide aims to give parents a starting point to help encourage discussions around children’s mental health. Covering a range of points, the guide looks to give parents simple ways to help make children feel more comfortable in sharing their own worries and concerns and providing the support they may need.
Please download your guide below.
Half Term Activities
We have been asked to share some information about activities taking place in local museums over the half term break. Amongst many other things, the museums are particularly excited about the following:
Lion Salt Works, Northwich
Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 February:
Salt Sack Printing
10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm, drop in
Weaver Hall and Workhouse, Northwich
Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 February:
Clay Tiles
10am-4pm, drop-in
Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Tuesday 18 February:
Pirate Chests
2-4pm, drop-in.
Wednesday 19 February:
Museum Treasure Hunt
2-4pm, drop-in.
Thursday 20 February:
Make your own train
2-4pm, drop-in.
For further information on any of teh events, please check out www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
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
Wednesday 12th – Friday 14th February: Year 5 and 6 residential to the Conway Centre
Friday 14th February: School closes at 3pm
Monday 24th February: INSET Day – School closed to pupils
Tuesday 25th February: School opens at 8:45am
Tuesday 25th February: Parents Evening 3.10pm – 6.10pm
Thursday 27th February: Parents Evening 4pm – 5.30pm
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