Over St. John's CE Primary SchoolHead Teacher Blog: Monday 13th February 2023
Date: 13th Feb 2023 @ 8:12am
Welcome to my Friday blog on a Monday this week!
School Spider
You may have noticed that there have been some difficulties with School Spider this week, hence the lateness in my blog – School Spider hosts our website, we send messages to you through it, you notify us of absences, staff post blogs, you book parent's evening and you also make payments to school through it. The issue hasn’t been with School Spider itself, but the company that they use to host the servers. The company have been working very hard to restore service and I would like to thank you all for your patience during this time. The website came back last night and our messaging came back at 8am this morning but there may be a few issues with things that have been added to the website/ use of the app since 22nd January. As we find these things out, we will keep you updated.
Don’t forget though that we have a Facebook page – this is closed, meaning only those connected with the school and have answered a couple of questions to check this, are able to access the page. This is updated regularly by Mrs Bettley who has continued to keep people informed whilst School Spider has been unavailable.
Children’s Mental Health Week
We have had a fabulous week getting connected as part of Children’s Mental Health week in school which has culminated today in a Dress to Express day. Watching the children dressed in things that make them feel comfortable and express themselves has been really rewarding to see. There have been princesses and superheroes, comfy clothes and lovely dresses (I had dress envy for quite a few!) to name a few and I wore my Oodie in Collective Worship this morning – although it didn’t last very long as it was very hot!
Staffing Update
It has been lovely to welcome Miss Pile back into school this week as part of a phased return following her long term absence. Miss Pile will be gradually building up her time in school over the next few weeks until she is back to her full days working in Sandymere on a Wednesday and covering teacher’s planning, preparation and assessment time on a Thursday. I would like to say a big thank you to Miss Marsh for the way that she has been able to step in over the last few months to cover the role.
#WakeUpWednesday
As it’s Children’s Mental Health Week, in support of this year’s event, National Online Safety have produced a #WakeUpWednesday guide which outlines how youngsters’ mental wellbeing can be boosted by an (arguably) unexpected source: video games. Many children view gaming in the same way that they regard reading a book or watching a movie: a way to relax and unwind.
Gaming not only helps young people to de-stress and gives them a valuable sense of satisfaction when they succeed in their game, it can also develop their essential life skills (such as problem solving, co-operation and social interaction) without young gamers even realising that they’re learning things. Check out this week’s guide for a more detailed run-down.
New Images Half Term Event
A fabulous event is happening over February half-term at New Images Youth and Community Centre. They have secured funding to deliver a FREE Recipe Bag project to 50 families in Winsford. Each bag will contain the ingredients to produce Easy Peasy Tomato Pasta and Super Duper Forky Biscuits (on average to serve a family of 4/5).
The process to secure a bag is simple and is via Eventbrite – see the poster attached below. The funding is aimed at children who are in receipt of benefit related free school meals but other families can apply also.
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
Week beginning 13th February: Dinners Week 3
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
Thursday 2nd March: Dragon themed World Book Day
Wednesday 15th March: Year 5 violin concert at Winsford Academy
Friday 31st March: Easter Service in St. John’s Church at 9.15am. All welcome.
Friday 31st March: End of Spring Term - school closes at 2pm
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care,
Mrs E Snowdon