Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Friday 9th July 2021
Date: 9th Jul 2021 @ 10:44am
September Arrangements
Hooray! No bubbles or staggered starts and finishes for September! This week, the Department for Education has released the operational guidance that schools need to follow from September and I am so pleased to say that there is a huge dose of normality in there. From September, schools are being asked to continue with regular handwashing, plenty of ventilation and cleaning during the day of frequently touched surfaces. Other than that, we can resume many of the things that we did before the pandemic such as whole school physical Collective Worship instead of virtual, classes playing together at break and lunch and my favourite – singing – I have really missed hearing the children’s beautiful singing voices!
From September, school will start at 8.45am for all children. The gate will open at 8.35am and from this time for a 10-minute period, children can enter the playground at anytime, unaccompanied as they have done this year, go into the building and straight to class. Children in Blakemere and Sandymere will enter via the nearest door and Linmere, Oakmere and Delamere will enter via the door where the children have come out at the end of the day. The new Hatchmere children will use their own door. Children do not need to wait on the playground. When in class, there will be a small activity for the children to complete before the day officially starts with the register at 8.45am. This may take a little getting used to and I’m sure that it may seem a little chaotic at first as we have become unaccustomed to seeing so many people at once and people are a little unsure, but I am certain that it will settle very quickly.
This year, we have found that the mornings have worked really well for everyone with the ‘drop and go’ system and we have worked to try to keep that element for September. There is a 10 minute window for drop off and children will only receive a late mark on the register if they are not there when it is taken at 8.45am, so please do not feel that you need to be at school before 8.35am ready for the gate to open.
At the end of the day, the gate will open at around 2.55pm for adults to enter the playground – you will not need to wait on the lines or socially distance, please use all of the space available. Staff will bring the children out at 3pm, from the same doors that the children entered so you know roughly which area to wait. Staff will identify adults and send the children over to you as opposed to you going over to them as we have done this year. Children will stay with the staff until they see their adult.
All the staff and I are very excited about the changes for September as we come together again as the close school community that we are.
Pupil Reports
The children's annual school reports will be sent home today via e mail. If you have any questions regarding the content of the report, please do not hesitate to contact your child's class teacher on 01606 592608.
Premises Staff
As shared last week, we are currently advertising for a new caretaker to look after our lovely school. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this role, please may you refer them to the following advert – it does involve early mornings!
In the meantime, if you or anyone you know is able to volunteer an hour or two here and there to help with some external jobs, I would be very grateful. A big thank you to Mr Partington who has spent a few hours this week breathing new life into the raised beds area on the school field – the difference is amazing!
Please contact Mrs McFarland on 01606 592608 or admin@overstjohns.cheshire.sch.uk if you are able to offer any time.
Guitar and Ukulele Lessons
Yesterday the children in KS1 had the opportunity to participate in a mini ukulele and guitar lesson with our Front Row Music teacher, Débora. The children were able to learn some of the basics of the instruments and some even had the chance to try them out! If your child enjoyed the session and would like to start learning how to play the ukulele (available from Year 1 onwards) or the guitar (available from Year 3 onwards), please follow the link to sign up to school lessons. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t have an instrument as Débora brings instruments to be used in lessons.
Lessons cost £6.50 per week and are 30 minutes long. The children learn together in small groups focussing on music that they will know and love.
If you have any questions or would like further information about Front Row Music and their lessons, take a look at the Front Row Music website or send them an email at: office@frontrow-music.com
Brio Leisure Swimming Courses
Following on from Brio Leisure’s successful program of activities which they ran in 2019 in partnership with Edsential and Cheshire West and Chester Council, they are back again this year with another summer of activities which include:
Swimming Crash Course
Perfect for 4-11 years, these crash courses are an excellent introduction to the world of swimming, as well as a handy boost for those who need a bit more confidence. There are also hot or cold meals provided for the child after the lesson and badges and certificates for those who pass the course.
Summer Boost
For teens aged 13-16, Summer Boost includes 4 hours of activity for 4 days for 4 weeks, including gym workouts, swimming, racquet sports and football. They also include a meal and fitness and dietary advice. Teens will also receive a free 1-month Brio membership!
These courses are all available to pupils at school who are eligible for free school meals. To register for the sessions, parents/ carers should just fill out the registration form on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/edsenstial-wlc
Be quick – you have until the end of the day today to do this. After that, Brio Leisure will contact you directly to get booked onto the activities.
Rugby in the Park
Winsford Youth and Community Forum are working with Active Cheshire and Sale Sharks to offer free rugby sessions in Winsford Town Park for children from Monday 12th July. Please click on the information below for further details.
School Uniform
As thoughts turn to September, please may I take this opportunity to remind you of our School Uniform Policy as children grow out of things and new items are purchased in preparation.
Over St. John’s CE Primary School’s uniform consists of:
- Light blue polo shirt
- Blue school sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo
- Grey skirt or trousers
- Sensible black shoes (not trainers) which are flat and offer support
- Grey or white socks or grey tights
- In summer, a blue checked school dress or grey shorts may be worn.
Sweatshirts and cardigans with the school logo are available locally via Julie Clare Schoolwear on the market or from the Uniform Exchange Winsford. For storage reasons, we no longer hold stock of pre-loved items but send these to the uniform exchange if we receive any.
#WakeUpWednesday
Whatever the outcome of England’s final versus Italy on Sunday, Gareth Southgate’s team have given English football fans much cause for optimism this summer. Aside from their obvious footballing talents, the humility, diversity and social awareness among this group of young men has been a source of pride and admiration.
Supportive, positive and dignified, their conduct on and off the field has set a superb example for young people to aspire to in their own lives – including, of course, their behaviour online. National Online Safety’s final football-themed #WakeUpWednesday guide of the tournament has essential tips for children to help them be their best selves when they’re on the internet.
Confirmed Dates for the Summer Term 2021
Friday 9th July End of year reports to be sent out electronically
Friday 16th July Year 6 Leaver’s Service at 9am. Link to follow to adults of Year 6.
Friday 16th July School closes for summer with bubble closure times as follows:
Blakemere at 1:45pm
Linmere at 1:45pm
Oakmere at 1:50pm
Delamere at 1.55pm
Sandymere at 2pm
Hatchmere at 2.05pm
Thursday 2nd September School starts at 8:45am for all children – no bubbles!
I hope that you all have a fabulous weekend and enjoy the Euro 2020 final – if you can bear to watch. I have been asked by a couple of parents if the children can have the day off on Monday… sorry, school as usual! Enjoy.
Mrs E Snowdon