Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 8th October 2021
Date: 8th Oct 2021 @ 12:49pm
At the start of this week, we launched our bid to become a Plastic Free School with Surfers Against Sewage. Being a Plastic Free School does not mean that we get rid of plastic within our school, but we commit to completing five objectives that will help to reduce our plastic use and raise awareness with decision makers in the country of the impact that plastic has on our environment. The children were very cross this week when they saw some of the images that were shared of the impact that plastic has in our oceans and the wildlife within them and recognised the need to ‘take care of the world.’ (Genesis 2:15)
I am positive that the children will become courageous advocates for this purpose and you will hear more about it over the course of the year.
Blakemere led Collective Worship for the school this morning on their class Christian Value of hope and although I was unable to attend due to being in a meeting, I have heard only positive things about how well they did! They shared how important it is to recognise true hope. We can all hope for many things in our lives such as a new playstation for our birthday or pizza for tea but these are not guaranteed to happen. True hope is about knowing that when we trust in God, he will always come and help us, just as day always follows night. Well done Blakemere!
Natasha’s Law
From 1 October 2021, the requirements for prepacked food for direct sale (PPDS) labelling changed in Wales, England and Northern Ireland. The new labelling is to help protect customers by providing potentially life-saving allergen information on the packaging. Any business that produces PPDS food will be required to label it with the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised within the list.
This does not affect our day-to-day school lunches which are pre-ordered but if we go on trips and packed lunches are needed, these will have to be pre-ordered a week before the event to allow for enough supplies to be bought in. Please don’t worry – we will let you know beforehand on the occasions that this needs to be done.
However, as a result of Natasha’s Law, we are no longer able to accept donations to share out on birthday’s as the pre-packaged information is not available to the children and families after we hand them out. I am sure that you can understand the importance of us complying with Natasha’s Law and I know that you will understand and support us with this. Thank you in advance.
St. John’s Church Family Film Night
St. John’s Church are holding a Family Film Night on Saturday 23rd October – tickets are free and drinks and snacks will be available whilst you watch Disney’s ‘Soul.’ If you would like to attend this family event, please see the flyer below and scan the QR code for your free tickets!
#WakeUpWednesday
Since its launch in 2012, the mobile dating app Tinder has recorded more than 340 million downloads globally. More than half of those users fall into the 18–25 age bracket … and a study by moderndatingmyths.com revealed that 95% of couples who match on Tinder meet in the real world within a week of making initial contact.
So Tinder is quick, it’s convenient and it's hugely popular with young people (especially young men, who outnumber women on the app by more than three to one). Even though Tinder takes users’ safety seriously, the inherent risks it poses are clear. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide has everything that parents and carers of older teens need to know about Tinder.
Applying for Secondary School Places for September 2022
If you have a child in Year 6, the application round has now opened for you to apply for a secondary school place. It is very important that you do this before the deadline which is 31st October 2021, otherwise your application will be classed as a late application and could have a severe impact on your preferred school choice. Results are available from 12.30am on 1st March 2022. Before making your application, it is important you view the Starting Secondary School booklet. To apply, you will need to create an account or log in if you have an existing online account.
As a school, we are a partner primary with both The Winsford Academy and Hartford CE High School which means that applications for children from our school are considered above some other categories, should the school be oversubscribed, however, you have the option to apply for 3 secondary schools of your choice. Further details with regards to this can be found in the ‘Transferring to Secondary School’ information booklet in the link above.
Applying for Primary School Places for September 2022
If you have a child who is turning 4 years old between now and 31st August 2022, or know of a child who is, then the application round is also open for them to apply for their Reception place. The timescale is slightly different for this and you have until 15th January 2022, but like the secondary school place, before making your application, it is important you view the Starting School booklet. Results are available from 16th April 2022. To apply, you will need to create an account or log in if you have an existing online account.
School Dinners
School dinners cost £2.34 per day, £11.70 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 school 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 Autumn Term 2021 – new dates highlighted
Friday 15th October: Individual photographs
Tuesday 19th October: Annual flu vaccinations for Reception to Year 6
Tuesday 19th October: Pupil Consultation Evening from 3.15pm to 5.15pm
Thursday 21st October: Pupil Consultation Evening from 4pm to 6pm
Friday 22nd October: School closes for half term at 3pm
Tuesday 2nd November: School opens with registration at 8.45am
Sunday 7th November: All Age Service in St. John’s church hall with Blakemere at 10.30am (more details to follow)
Friday 26th November: Blakemere to take part in the Winsford Lantern Parade (more details to follow)
Tuesday 14th December: Carol Service in St. John’s Church at 1.30pm – collection from church
Thursday 16th December: Pantomime Day (further details to follow)
Friday 17th December: School closes at 2pm
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon