SAGE AVE COVID 19.  Latest updates will appear on this log, newest cpmontent on top

25/01/2021

Ethos Group Parents

You should have received an email on Thursday about the arrangements for Education Sunday 2021. I've attached the letter below.

Please could you let us know by the end of today (Monday 25th Jan) whether you child would like to be involved? Please email l.darlington@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk with your reply slips.

Naomi and Anne need final numbers today so they can organise the content and arrangements for both the church service and pre-recorded service.

Once numbers are finalised, we will be in touch about practice sessions over Zoom.

24/01/2021

Andy's Sunday Saviours 

Well, it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission isn’t it!?

It’s with that in mind that I write this week’s Sunday Saviours.

Before I embark proper on the saviours, I hope the week has gone well, and that you're all safe and well. I don't want to predict what life is like in your homes, but for me and my digital circle of family and friends life is once again getting boring, and as the surprise and shock of "lockdown2" wains, the importance of staying at home needs refreshing, for me at least. It remains crucial that we follow the government instruction of essential travel only, exercise locally for an hour a day maximum, deploy socially distant measures at all times and wash our hands thoroughly and frequently. As for the kids being at home... maintain a routine. Kids thrive off routine, and without routine the kids will fill the vacuum with chaos, moods, grumps and sulks.... and that benefits no one. If this is becoming the case at your home, please use the help@email, or give me a call, and I'll certainly see what I can do.

Its possible now, midway through the term things need zhuzhing up a little. We need something different. We need something to look forward to .

I’ve had an idea. Discussed it with no one. Asked no one, so it probably won’t happen, but here goes..

ü So. Were allowed out for daily exercise.

ü We have to stay local

ü Takeaway shops are open

Sunday Saviour 1. Next Saturday between 10am and 5pm I’ll be on the Junior Yard with 2 urns, marshmallows, cream some shortbread biscuits and some hot chocolate. Why not call in if you’re out your daily walk. Enter through the school car park onto Junior Yard, leave down the path. If you all turn up between 2pm and 2.30pm then it will be carnage. But let’s see what happens and rely on common sense. If I’m busy we can have a 30 second chat, if I’m not busy we can have a 35 second chat – then you’re on your way with the rest of your walk! We can’t congregate on the junior yard, must wear facemasks on the school yard (year 7 kids upto aged 77 adults!) but it would be nice to see you! My only stipulation is you have to walk a mile to get to school! No driving! I’d lose my job if Carr Lane was full of cars. That would actually be illegal. So – walk, or run! There’ll be a bucket at the start of the junior path if you wanted to donate some money to school funds, (but that’s not the point of the Hot Chocolate Day) I’ve committed to spending £7000 on new books….. Rob and Michelle are auditing and revamping…. I want the school to be amazing, fresh and different when the kids return.

Sunday Saviour Number 2. Get training. We’re doing a run. On 7th February I want you all out for your hourly exercise! How far can you all run. Let’s see how many marathons we can run. So, on Sunday 7th February, we're all in, we’re all out - in our own time, at our own location, and our own space getting out for a run. Although we'll remain in isolation we'll be doing something together - something to text about, maybe even something to laugh about - something as part of a community. I for one am looking forward to it. It's something to do, something to look forward to and it gives us hope of things to come. And without hope, life's pretty dreary. So come on.... let’s get off the sofa, and get out.... let's see how far we can get!

Vary the kids day, whilst maintaining structure - Curricular Newsletter and Homework Menu

As boredom creeps in, work with your kids to refresh and revise the structure - freshen it up, use different resources - a change really is as good as a rest! But don't make changes instantly, kids need to still accept the monotony and boredom of life, kids needs to learn about digging into resilience, and accepting the imperfections of life. No matter how hard we try we cannot make a kids life trouble free, 100% happy, and give them what they want, when they want it.... that's just creating a problem further down the line. But when boredom does creep in we can "stick with it for this week, we'll change it on Friday, ready for next week...."

There's loads of resources out there for you to utilise …. I know, it's just finding the time.... I get that! Having said all that, remember my mantra through all of this... if it's working for you, it's working for me. The curricular letter, and the newsletter include a rather excellent structure for you to follow if you wish. Sunday saviour 3 is to sit down as a family and take a fresh look at these - you might want to consider pushing the kids in a direction they don't want to go - doing one "boring thing" for every 3 or 4 for example. Kids, like adults, have their favourites, and I suppose a theme running through these Sunday Saviours is resilience and of course, our mental health

When we set off on lockdown2 (for schools) I focussed on board games. So let’s try and find time, if possible to play a board game or 2? Does that help for Sunday Saviour number 4? Come on kids…. Learn all about losing, turn taking, counting, reading rules…. And have fun. Get mum or dad beaten! Post on facebook using the #boardgames

Sunday Saviour number 5 is a serious one. Don’t skip it, even though I’ve said it loads of times. Remember be kind to yourself. If you’re not being kind to yourself, you won’t be kind to others. And now more than ever, you have to be kind to each other.

You're all doing great you know; of that I promise you. Youre doing something never been done before – and your doing it superbly. Don’t underestimate your achievements. You know what you’re doing, but do you know what you’re not doing. Let me remind you for Sunday Saviour 5.

You're not saying "I should be doing this"

You're not saying " I have to this this"

You're not comparing yourself to others

Your keeping yourselves and the kids fed, watered and safe. That's all. Anything else comes as a beautiful, and probably quite unexpected surprise. Take it, and congratulate yourself. Let me remind you all..... you've got a hell of a lot on. As they say. Keep calm. Carry on. Do your best.

And Sunday Saviour Number 6. Variety is the spice of life, and we all need something to look forward to. And these saviours are packed with them – well there’s 2, and here’s the 3rd. Tony Greenwood, whose kids came to St Georges, and now a mate, will do an hours disco for the kids on Thursday 28th January between 7pm and 8pm, streaming on facebook! I hope you get dressed up kids, and join us…. And post your photos of you enjoying yourself! He doesn’t know he’s doing this yet, as I said at the beginning, it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission…. So, keep an eye out the newsletter tomorrow for this one. It’s just a link or something…. Maybe zoom… who knows. He’ll sort it! And I’ll put more details on the newsletter tomorrow!

So there we go..... 6 of the best for this week. Aimed at motivating, refreshing and focusing your week. Achieve 1 or 2 of those and you’re doing just fine, achieve between 3 and 4 and you're well on top of it. You're flying high. If you're achieving 5 or 6 then your either showing off, you’re actually a teacher, or you should be on our training programme for teachers!

As always folks, stay safe, and stay indoors. I reckon during times like this things are not going to be perfect are they, so we'll never be a 10/10, but if you get to below 5/10 then get in touch please, either by phone...… 077 or by email.... help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk and I'll do my best.

Take it easy folks, and without patronising you, very well done for all that you're doing. You're doing great. Be proud. Andy x

Chorley Sports Partnership News from Mrs Leap

We were due to have an after school dance club this half term with Chorley SSP. Even in lockdown they are still providing it for us. Each week I will upload the video links I receive for you to join in with. All ages can join in - in fact get all the family involved. The link will take you to a private YouTube channel set up specifically for our after school club and it can be accessed whenever is suitable for you. Hope you will give it a go. Remember we should all be aiming for 60 mins of exercise a day!!

Amy ASC Dance

BBC Bitesize TV Schedule 

22/01/2021

Chorley Sports Partnership Challenge from Mrs Leap

Watch the videos and record your results and let me know how you get on.

Week 2 Netball Youtube Link

Week 2 Rugby Youtube Link

I know you’ve all been sent PE activities on seesaw and/or have been joining in with Coach Mayers. This is an extra but we love a bit of competition at St George’s. Have a look at this competition or the netball one and give it a go. Record your results on Facebook or send to me on j.leap@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk Have fun!!

Friday Celebration Assembly

2pm today on Zoom. *DON'T* bring something that represents your team colour as we are doing a scavenger hunt around your houses/classrooms, this week!!

Think about something you want to celebrate from this week (odd classes and Mossy, it's your turn this week). Can't wait to see you all there for some Friday fun!

Mrs Harrison

21/01/2021

Chorley Sports Partnership 

In these strange times, it is important we are all staying active for our physical health , as well as our mental health . Also, it gives us all a nice break from the schoolwork

It is recommended that children and young people are active for 60 minutes, every single day.

Be it going for a walk , riding your bike , dancing , yoga or active games at home . You can be active for 10 minutes every hour 9am-3pm or do 2 half hours of activity throughout the day or smash the full 60 minutes all in one go

Team Blue want to see how you are doing your daily 60 active minutes throughout this lockdown. Show us a snapshot of your 60 active minutes, and the different fun activities you are doing, to be in for a chance to receive some Chorley SSP goodies

Email health@chorleyssp.co.uk to share your 60 active minutes!

STEM challenge

This week, whilst perusing the Internet, I came across The Big Schools Birdwatch run by the RSPB and thought to myself- how ace would this be ! How brilliant would it be if we could take part in this huge national event, get outside and appreciate wildlife and nature around us. So I signed up and St George's is taking part!

So your challenge is to get out into the garden and see which birds you can spot. The website below is full of resources and I have attached the survey sheet so you know what to look for and you can record your results. There's even a special live lesson all about it on Thursday 28th January at 11am to learn some key skills for getting outdoors and finding out about birds in our environment.

Post your results in the comments section and I will submit our school results.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/.../for-teachers/schools-birdwatch/

Have fun! I can't wait to see pictures and results.

Mr Norris

Friday Fun for the kids!

Forgot to put this notice on the newsletter! Pupils are encouraged to face paint and style their hair as wacky as they wish. This is to create some extra excitement in school and on Zoom. No biggie either way.... Just a bit of fun for the kids!

Trout Eggs

Class 5 have had a very exciting day! Our trout eggs have arrived! Over the next few weeks we will be watching them hatch and grow from at home and in school. Then, when the trout are ready, we will release them into the river. Look out for updates on Facebook and the website.

19/01/2021

CLASS 4

Good news, we are back on zoom at 9:15 tomorrow! I have been so proud of all your brilliant work over the last week and I can’t wait to see you all in the morning(Wednesday 20th).

See you there,

Mrs Smith

18/01/2020

National Space Centre - Suggestion from a parent on Facebook

Next week is Space Week on CBeebies and we're especially excited for Maddie, Space and You, filmed at the National Space Centre. 

Maddie Moate takes us on a journey into space to explore the planets in our solar system, astronauts, rockets and robots. There will be one episode per day:

Rockets - Monday 18 Jan - 16.50

Solar System - Tuesday 19 Jan - 16.50

International Space Station - Wednesday 20 Jan - 16.50

Space Robots - Thursday 21 Jan - 16.50

Astronaut Training! - Friday 22 Jan - 16.50

Each episode will also be available on iPlayer afterwards. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rjgj

STEM Challenges 

Happy Monday everybody! Small but exciting update.... Wednesday will see the return of the weekly STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) home challenges for you all to get involved with. Each Wednesday, I will post a challenge on here for you to have a go at at home. Get involved, have fun and post your entries in the comments section and I will pick a winner each week.

It was ace last time seeing you all applying your science and maths learning at home in creative and magnificent ways. I can't wait to see it all again.

Remember, if it works for you it works for us. This is just another option if you would like to get involved - no pressure.

I can't wait to see what you post over the next 4 or so weeks. It'll be ace ! Keep your eye's peeled for the first challenge on Wednesday

Music Lyrics of the day! 

Let's get it done, then we can crack on...

"Have The New Jab" - "Hallelujah" adapted by the Marsh Family

17/01/2021

Andy's Sunday Saviours 

Yeah, here we go again….. I’m sure your breath is baited waiting for this week’s cracking Sunday saviours…. All things considered it all seems beautifully calm… vaccinations appear to be galloping along, I’ve done my 1st run since whenever, and survived, President Trump becomes just Donald on Wednesday and the days are getting longer… come on. There’s lots to cheer about. It’s easy, isn’t it!?

If last week worked for you, then you need read no more…. The little saviours are there to help, if last week didn’t work for you!

Check last weeks.... achieve a couple more.

As always, one of my biggest worries during day stay opening hours, and Key Worker school is everyone's mental health, and I’m going to make this Sunday Saviour number 1 - to look after yours, and your kids mental health. Write things out of your mind..... Things that maybe causing disproportionate stress and anxiety are often cooled by writing things out of your mind.... write them down, onto paper and out of your mind.... the paper can hold and store them for you, meaning that you don't have to. It slows the mind. It calms the mind. It creates space in the mind....

Coffee and Contemplation Time. Take time for this 2nd Sunday Saviour. Use it as valuable time to plan your week ahead, reflect on the week gone by, congratulate yourself.... You are, by all the evidence I have available to me doing a brilliant job. It's massive what you're all doing.... dealing with daily stresses, working from home, dealing with furlough, or sadly dealing with having lost one’s job.... all under the umbrella of a tricky health situation! All with your kids at home..... it's unprecedented, and it is to your absolute credit that you're doing so bloody brilliantly - and yes.... it deserves a "bloody" thrown in there...... Don't take your successes for granted. Don't berate yourself for any little failings.... just take it easy, and with pride, and with the knowledge your surrounded by a stunning team of people just carry on.... taking baby steps if you need to... but gently, slowly just keeping putting one foot in front of the other. And remember 07776....... or help@ ..... use them whenever, and for whatever.

Garden Time.... Sunday Saviour number 3. Have a part of the day where you can be mindful. Have a part of the day where you’re not doing, you're not thinking you're just noticing, your using your senses, but doing nothing with them.... it's ace! There some great free resources on https://portlandpsychotherapy.com/mindfulness_and.../

Sunday Saviour Number 4…. Check your organisation. Are all the zoom codes accessible, accurate and to hand? What were the stress points last week….? how can we make them less stressful? Now is the time, on a chilled Sunday evening to make tweaks and changes! For example,… pop Louis down as a PE session. It’s every Tuesday, at 1pm. The code is 89891333797, the being “fit.”

Sunday Saviour number 5, not one I can relate to, but remember it's ok to have strong feelings. These are very challenging times and you may have health and financial worries, worries about operations being cancelled, exams missed, managing a child with behavioural problems, you might worry about missed treatments, home schooling critical hospital appointments, having a career in the home, juggling work with home schooling and how to entertain children, keeping family life going, as well as worries about how life is going to be after this crisis. If you can take a moment to stop and recognise what you are feeling you will have a much better idea of how to help yourself. Take one moment at a time. And remind yourself, you are good enough, you are coping, you are indeed doing your best. Remember also that your best varies day by day, even minute by minute….. never aim for perfection. Indeed, never aim unrealistically high…. Just aim for your best. Sometimes your best is sky high, sometimes your best is just keeping yourself, and your kids safe…. It doesn’t matter. It’s still your best. It’s not easy…. But we’re doing it. Doing it together. Doing it to the best of our abilities.

Sunday Saviour 6…. Get to know Bug Club. And if possible, get your kids independent on it. One thing you can do at home aplomb is to read read read…… and bug club offers you a plethora of online books to facilitate this. Read in the morning, in the evening, in the bath, outside, wherever, whenever…. Just read. Please!

https://www.activelearnprimary.co.uk/login?c=0

Take it easy folks, and may I conclude by continuing my thanks, and appreciation and heartfelt love to all on the front-line NHS who must be shattered, scared and challenged beyond belief. For what it's worth, may I pass on my continuing thanks and appreciation for all that you are doing. My thanks to you all. Andy x

BBC Bitesize Lockdown Learning 

Emergency Fairy tales - Link from a Parent on Facebook

North West Ambulance Service has turned to Grimms age-old fairy tales in a bid to educate children on when they should call 999. 

Stories such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Hansel and Gretel have been given a modern twist in a book, written by Mathew Owen and illustrated by Emmeline Pidgen, available to download here along with associated lesson plans and resources for teachers.

Emergency fairy tales link

The Oak National Academy Virtual School Library

Some free reading and writing activities from your child's favourite authors.

Virtual School Library Link

Reeds Rains Printing Service 

Parents- this could be useful if you don’t have printer access?

Chorley Sports Partnership Challenges from Mrs Leap

Well its weekend everyone, well done!! I've been sent some competitions from Chorley SSP for rugby and netball so if you fancy giving these activities a go I have added the links to the video demo. These will run over the next 5 week, with one activity a week. If you take part please let me know and send me your results. I have a school results form to fill in but don't have the individual ones they show in the video. I thought some of you might want to have a go at these over the weekend. Let me know how you get on and most importantly have fun.

Rugby - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP4u7347ySQ...

Netball - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-JJs15cpY..

15/01/2021

Friday Celebration Assembly

2pm today on Zoom. Bring something that represents your team colour (your school t-shirt is great, or anything you can wave to show your team colours). Think about something you want to celebrate from this week (even classes, it's your turn this week). Can't wait to see you all there for some Friday fun! We're going to play Team Colour Simon Says!

Mrs Harrison

Dragon FM Art Competition

We have had some great entries for our Dragon FM Radio station logo competition. There are just a couple of days left if you fancy doodling a design . The competition is open to all age groups and the winner will have a large scale version of their design created and displayed in the radio station. Have fun x

Kids Eat Free at Asda - Parent Post from Facebook

Kids eat free at Asda during lockdown. The only requirement is that you spend £1 in the cafe. You don’t need to take the kids with you. The foods really good!

Musical Lyrics of the day! 

Only 1 thing wrong with this..... Haha

We've got this.... Easy....

Helen Reddy - I Am Woman (1971) link

Quote of the week from Mr P

13/01/2021

Mrs Leap and Class 4

Class 4, as I said on today’s zoom, I’ll zoom tomorrow at 1.15 for RE if you want to join me. I thought it would give us an extra chance to get together as a class while Mrs Smith is unable to zoom in the morning. Looking forward to seeing your smiley faces tomorrow. Mrs Leap

*for clarity this was for Thursday! Just so nobody turns up on Friday expecting a zoom session.

FREE CHILDREN’S FIRST AID WORKSHOPS

Mini First Aid

This week we’re bringing you the first in our series of three children’s first aid workshops!

First up we’ll be learning what to do in an emergency and who can help us:

WHEN: Thursday 14 Jan

WHERE: FACEBOOK LIVE

TIME: 11AM

Children will need a doll or teddy, or a sibling/grown-up to practise on & we’re attaching a worksheet to be completed afterwards (see comments!).

We hope you are able to join us - this is going to be awesome! Confirm your attendance by commenting below

Help us spread the word by sharing this post or tagging a mum or dad with a primary school aged child who might like a little interactive homeschooling fun next week!

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service 

Calling all Year Six teachers!

We'd usually be visiting schools this time of year to run our Road Sense sessions but once again Coronavirus has put a spanner in the works!

BUT we're keen to ensure that children don't miss this vital learning so we're inviting you to book your class onto this hour long session that we will deliver digitally!

The session will cover:

• The importance of wearing a seatbelt & using appropriate car seats

• Safe cycling, including wearing cycle helmets

• Pedestrian Safety

• Be Safe, Be Seen

• Not causing a distraction when travelling in a car

• Bus safety

These themes have been chosen following the evaluation of five years of collision data by the

Lancashire Road Safety Partnership

as what presents the highest risk to pupils of this age group.

We've tried to make this package as engaging and interactive as possible and have sessions running weekly until March. Follow this link for more info including how to book: https://bit.ly/38CMXis

Message from Sharon in the Office 

A key has been found on one of the school paths this morning. If it’s yours it’s in the office

12/01/2021

Mr Mayers Workout Live

How brilliant is this?? We're delighted that Personal Trainer Louis Mayers will be leading our whole-school (both St. George's and Mossy Lea) weekly workout. The sessions will run each Tuesday at 1pm.

Each week the zoom code and password will be the same.

The Meeting ID and Password has been posted onto the school's Facebook Page. 

If you require this, please ask another parent or alternatively you can ring/email the school. 

Mini Makers Link 

I caught these two on breakfast tv this morning, and it looks so much fun! One of the points they made was that this is home learning, not home school-you can’t possibly recreate school at home-and it should be fun. Very true.

How about a bounce pad challenge? How many could you do?

There’s loads of good science in this video-the bounce pad challenge comes in at about 22 mins, but don’t miss the rest.

Don’t forget-part of the challenge is using what you have at home; you aren’t allowed to nip to the shop and buy balloons. What else would work? Old swim hat? Tyre? Silicon lids? Fabrics? Also, maybe you could use ready made bounce pads, saucepans maybe?

Kids-do be very careful what you use for bouncing experiments and ask first! You could end up in big trouble!

Mini Makers Link

Amazon Free Maths Books Link From a St George's Parent 

To anyone doing homeschooling.... Amazon are doing free Maths books, available to download straight to the kindle or iPad.. type in free maths in the search bar on the Amazon site and they come up, go through to purchase as normal but it provides a £0 cost and a download option.

11/01/2021

Critical Workers 

Lancashire Council Tweet Link

All about keep spreadage, and potential spreadage as low as possible right now...

The Government has updated its school guidance for parents/carers

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/951035/210108_Parents_Guidance_vF.pdf…   School places for critical worker children are in high demand in some areas. If you’re a critical worker, you should keep your child at home if you can to help relieve pressure on our schools.

Tweet 2 

Lancashire Council Tweet Link

Around 1 in 3 people who catch #Coronavirus will have no symptoms at all!

Act like you've got it

#StayHome

#SaveLives #LetsDoItForLancashire and protect those around you.

Paignton Zoo

It’s years since I actually went to Paignton Zoo, but I might just pop along to this!

www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/

FOR ALL TEACHERS AND HOME-SCHOOLING PARENTS

Next Friday 15th January at 11am we’ll be presenting a short lesson from the zoo!

The lesson will be designed for KS2 pupils exploring habitats, and the animals that live in them - but all children are of course welcome to watch.

Including: What is a habitat? How could we describe the habitats? Which habitats would the zoo animals inhabit in the wild, and how would that affect the way they live?

It will be presented by Matt, from our Education team, with a live Q&A at the end. The video lesson will be shared via Teams (anyone with or without Teams will be able to watch) and we'll share the viewing link with you here next Friday morning!I

iphone and ipad users 

DID YOU KNOW?...

If you have an iPhone or iPad you actually have a scanner! Parents, if you are planning to scan any work to your teachers or teachers if you are scanning work to your students you can use the ‘Notes App’.

Open a new note, press the camera button, the option to scan document will pop up. Once the document is scanned you can email it easier than a photo, plus you can add notes to the scanned doc. #themoreyouknow

10/01/2021

Andy's  Sunday Saviours 

Well, who would have thought these would be back! The 6 Sunday Saviours!

Sunday Saviours, like everything else we do, are just another thing for you to use if you find them helpful. It maybe you’re flying high, in which case ignore them, in fact no – write them! It maybe you’re head mashed, panicky, and unsure where to start, in which case the Sunday Saviours are most definitely for you. It may be your somewhere in between, in which case they’re also for you. But as always folks, if it’s working for you, that’s fine, its working for us.

May I once again start my Sunday Saviours by thanking everyone for their magnificent support you have afforded us during the past week, it really is most kind. I’m not aware that anyone has reported us to OFSTED just yet; do remember this is an option for you, as explained by the Secretary of State for Education 'If parents feel their child’s school is not providing suitable remote education they should first raise their concerns with the teacher or headteacher and, failing that, report the matter to Ofsted.” This phrase angered me, and then saddened me…. I do feel it’s indicative of systems in the country. The assumption that things aren’t good enough – and the default position is to complain. What happened to support, encouragement, praise, forgiveness….. not by you, but by the people in power. For a secretary of state to say that is barking….. when, to be quite frank, we’re doing a much better job than he is. Is there a watchdog for the government? Anyhow….. I’m in danger of mounting my high horse again….. let’s move on.

Let me continue by thanking, and, for what it’s worth sending encouragement to those doctors and nurses on the front line. I really don't know what to say to you, apart from thank you. It is your work that allows me to sleep at night – your work keeps me calm and reassured.... thank you so much.

As for the rest of us, I hope we're being as kind to ourselves as we are to each other. That’s important. I often say to staff that we are much kinder to others than we are to ourselves. Just listen to your self-talk.....You are not allowed to say to yourself the word "should..... I should be doing more" "I have to do this.......you don't" "Look at what family xxxx have done, I’ve only done this with my kids......" No no no. These phrases are all banned now. ... you wouldn't say them to others, don't say them to yourself. Please. And if you find yourself saying these things to yourself, and you find yourself getting stressed you email help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk and one of our trained mental health 1st aiders will be in touch. We will talk it all through with you. You must look after your mental health. Get on headspace, meditate, yoga..... daily. It calms the mind, calms you, and gives you space to think. Please. do it. For me.

In school, the kids have been great - but I also know the kids have been great at home as well. Kids at home - you're not missing out on anything. Remember your role - it's to be a stay at home superhero! There's nothing more essential that that at the moment. We all have to stay at home, unless our work is essential to the countries Covid 19 response.

To keep it all real, and to stop our heads going at a million miles an hour, I will resume the much acclaimed (by me anyhow), 6 Sunday Saviours. These are small, achievable things to, well achievable in a week. To ensure we're not overwhelming ourselves, to ensure we don't feel rubbish, to ensure we keep up only with ourselves.... not the Jones’.

This week, here are my Sunday saviours.

1. Create a workspace, and where possible, a routine for your kids to use and follow.

This will help you and your kids. It will change their mentality from being at home, to “learning” In an ideal world, I’d get the kids in their uniform as well – again signalling school time. But I get this could be another unnecessary task to complete!

2. Navigate round Facebook. We put a lot of good stuff on there last time. In particular use the #homeschool topic which contains lots of great links to resources, and the #possibledailystructure which contains possible routines and structures for the days and weeks ahead.

3. Do daily exercise (Your own, Joe Wicks, 9.00am on YouTube, Monday, Weds and Frid, Cosmic Kids, this is online, available any time)

4. Headspace - I believe this is now free for everyone. It's brilliant. I've always used it. This is a biggie.... just chose a topic, and meditate with your kids daily, twice a day would be great.....

5. Pick and choose zoom zool! If it works for you to do them all, do them all. If it doesn’t don’t. It only needs to work for you, and if it works for you, then it works for me!

6. Do you know the help points?

help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk(For adults with any questions, or with a problem we can sort)

worrybuster@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk(For kids who have worries that need busting!)

There’s so much going on at the moment it would be easy for our heads to get mashed. That’s no use for anyone. You’ve got zoom. The BBC have done a great programme – particularly good for those of you sharing devices. You’ve got The Oak academy. You’ve got the great outdoors. And that’s enough to be going on with. Education should be a joy, not a chore. As an adult, we’d feel pretty rubbish if we were forced to do things against our will. We know we don’t give it our all then, we know we don’t do our best. We know we don’t concentrate the same. It’s the same for kids. They’re no different. And teaching is an art, a skill, a profession that we’re trained to do – don’t try and match that! You’re a mum, or a dad….. be the best you can be at that – its far more important than being a teacher.

Above all folks, take care of yourselves. Don’t worry. Don’t stress. And be kind – to yourself, and to those around you. They need you right now.

Take care folks,

Andy

Social Story 

A social story for any children struggling to adjust to learning from home.

Wellbeing Weekly Resources 

Lots of good stuff coming out......

Wellbeing Week Daily Resources

BBC Live Lessons and BBC Bitesize

To support the BBC content beginning on Monday, Twinkl will be providing aligned resources to use each day. We’ll be sharing these in our Home Learning Hub, in daily blogs and schedules, and letting you know through our social media channels. Best of all, every resource you’ll need to go alongside the BBC lessons will be FREE to access and share.

Twinkl Home Learning Hub - New ideas, every day!

CBBC Weekly Schedule Resources

Here is what the BBC bite size team are going to be doing from Monday!

PRIMARY: CBBC 9am - Bitesize Daily, Celebrity Supply Teacher and much more.

SECONDARY: BBC Two 1pm - Bitesize Daily followed by Brian Cox’s The Planets.

BBC Bitesize Daily will be available on Red Button. Catch up on all shows on iPlayer!

08/01/2021

Advice to All Parents - Single case

We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the school. We know that you may find this concerning but we are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England. This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
The small number of children who have been in close contact with the individual who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have received a letter informing them that their child must stay at home for 10 days.
The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well.

Letter to all Parents

Friday Celebration Assembly

2pm today on Zoom. Bring something that represents your team colour (your school t-shirt is great, or anything you can wave to show your team colours). Think about something you want to celebrate from this week (mine is definitely when Mr P shared his credit card details with us all!). We think we've sorted the meeting limit so can't wait to see you all there for some Friday fun!

Mrs Harrison

Chester Zoo

LIVE: Virtual Zoo Day!

Experience the zoo LIVE from your living room!

Join us on Facebook or over on our YouTube channel tomorrow (Fri 8 Jan) from 10am for a WHOLE DAY of amazing animal antics.

Spread the word and tag your friends! It's time to spread some HAPPINESS!

See our event listing for more details

Mrs Brown's Recommenced Read 

Quite a long read, but some wise words. I especially like the Q&A at the end. If you need reassurance that whatever you are doing is right, you’ll find it here.

Wise words from this Headteacher for all you parents thrown into having your children learning from home again:

What an incredible message from Mr. Hellett, Headteacher at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School

Dear Parents and Carers,

Lots of people are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and under pressure by everything that's happening. This includes the work being sent home for your child. I wanted to just give my perspective on it all as a Headteacher and I hope this can help with that somewhat.

A few points to note first:

1) This is not homeschooling. This is an unprecedented emergency situation impacting on the whole world. Let's keep perspective. Homeschooling is a choice, where you considered, you plan for it and you are your child's school teacher in whatever form you choose. This is, at best, distance learning. In reality, it's everyone trying to separate their bums from their elbows, because none of us know what we're doing and what's right and wrong here.

2) You are, and always have been, your child's primary educator. If you decide that your child isn't going to engage with anything sent home and is going to spend the entire period playing in the dirt, or baking, or watching TV, then that is your choice. That is your right. There is nothing to stress or feel guilty about.

3) Schools don't know what they're doing either. They had no notice, no preparation time and we were NOT told to 'continue to plan lessons as normal and just send them home' – that’s NOT possible. If it were, we'd all be out of a job!

4) It is absolutely not possible to facilitate distance learning with a primary aged child and work from home at the same time. The very idea is nonsense. If you're trying to do that, stop now. You can certainly have activities where your child learns, but your focus is your job, and survival. Again, unprecedented. Stop trying to be superheroes.

So, a few FAQs:

- My school has sent home lots of physical work. Pages and pages, hours and hours. How am I supposed to get through it all?!

You're not, don't try. Your child's teacher spent a couple of hours in utter panic gathering things to send home so they could say they did their best and there wasn't a lot of complaints that enough didn't go home. It's not a competition, or a race, it’s unlikely the teacher will even manage to look at it all.

- My school keeps sending home links and emails with more work. How do I make it stop? Ahhhhhh!

See above. These are suggestions and ideas because the school is worried they're not offering enough. Use them if they suit you, don't if they don't suit. If you're getting stressed, stop opening the emails. No one will know!

- Someone in my child's class has everything done and we've barely started. Will they fall behind?

Even if everything were equal in terms of support, time and number of children (which it’s not) all children learn at different rates. In the class there's a wide range of levels in all subjects, there's different paces and there are many children working on differentiated levels of work. It's almost impossible for teachers to differentiate at the moment, so you don’t have to do it either.

Your child will not fall behind. This is all revision and reminder work. If children could all learn new concepts without specific teaching, we wouldn't need teachers. They will cover all of this again, multiple times.

- I'm not doing any work with my kids. All they're doing is building Lego, cooking and playing outside.

All of this is learning -very valuable learning. Give yourself and them a break.

- How can I get three different lots of work done with 3 different kids of different ages?

You can't, stop trying. If they're old enough, try to get them to do little bits independently. Otherwise try to do something they can all engage with, reading a story together, some free writing, baking etc.

- So what's the bare minimum you'd expect?

For me, survival mode. I won't pretend that may be true of all teachers, but you know what?, if they can't have perspective in a time like this then I wouldn't overly worry about their opinion anyway.

My ideal for the children in our school?

- A bit of reading every day (independent or to them or via audiobook etc)

- Some free writing now and then. If they'll keep a diary or something, great. If not, would they draw a comic?

- Practical hands on maths. Be that via cooking, cleaning, outside or some maths games, physical or digital.

- Some fine motor work. Lego, cutting, playdough, tidying up small toys.

- Physical exercise everyday

- Some art/music where possible through the week. Doesn't need to be guided.

-Stretch goal, if old enough getting them to independently work on a project is great for keeping brains ticking over. Get them researching in a book or online and putting together something to present to you or family.

- If younger, lots of imaginative free play, the more independent the better.

You are doing enough. You are loving your kids and supporting them through a difficult time. Look after yourself. Minimising stress is absolutely vital in a time like this for mental health. Don't let this be something that stresses you. Only you can control that by accepting it is in your circle of control, you are the primary educator and this is all your call.

Music Lyrics of the Week!

I was in the crowd somewhere... Take my hand folks, we'll make it I swear.....

Livin' on a Prayer Link

07/01/2021

Bug Club Update on Ipads

Using Bug Club/ActiveLearn on iPads.

If you are unable to log in on an iPad, there is a setting that needs tweaking. Go to settings and scroll down to select Safari in the left hand pane. In the right hand pane, scroll down to Privacy and Security and disable Prevent Cross-Site Tracking. That should get you sorted, but if you need any further help please email itcoord@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk.

Assembly Update 

Well, my one role yesterday was assembly! Seamless!!

We've paid up.... Capacity 500 tomorrow!

Sorry!

If its any consolation you missed nothing it was rubbish!!

Xbox and Home Schooling 

Having a Routine article from the BBC

Having a routine, winding down for the day and decluttering the house

Mental health blogger

Positively Jessica Ward

shared her advice with Nishma Hindocha on navigating family life in lockdown.

Listen again on BBC Sounds bbc.in/Nishma0601

Blackpool Lifeboat Station 

For anyone interested in the work of the RNLI

Discover the world of the RNLI and explore how to stay safe near the water with our free posters, activity sheets and line drawings to colour in.

Music Lyrics of the Week!

Let's smother Chorley with Caravans of Love....

House Martins Link

If You're Home Schooling 

06/01/2021

Class 7 and 8 keyworker children in school

Don’t forget to take your ukuleles into school tomorrow for Mr Woodward’s Zoom lesson tomorrow afternoon!

Mrs Makepeace and Mr Norris

Phonics Play Password Update

Phonics Play have updated their free access. Log in with User name jan21 and password home, although previous access details will still work.

Phonics Play Link

Mr P's Parbold Pop is back!

It's bck by popular demand ........
Parbold Pop Up is LIVE  on the school's Facebook page every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
7.30am ish!!

Andy has also published an emergency mobile contact number on the school's Facebook page. If you require this, please ask a another parent or alternatively you can ring/email the school. 

Covid 19 School Email Address

There may be a technical issue with some of our email addresses.  If you need help with digital resources, passwords etc, please email itcoord@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk.  Any other queries help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk

If you have any questions or queries. Don't forget you can contact school using the email  address. below 

help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk

Password Letter from Mrs Brown ICT Coordinator

Here is pdf copy of the password letter sent out at the beginning of term, in case you need it.  Of course, it does not have your child's individual access details-these can be found in your original paper copy and/or on a sticker in their reading record.  If you do not have this information, please email help@ or itcoord@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk.

Password Letter Link

Music Lyrics of the Week!

Class 4  Parents

Updated Timetable for Class 4 - Year 1 maths is at the slightly earlier time of 10:30, Y2 maths is 10:45.

Mobile Data

BBC Home Learning 

05/01/2020

Zoom Meeting with Mr P

Mr Purcell will be Zooming the kids tonight at 4pm.

The Meeting ID and Password has been posted onto the school's Facebook Page. 

If you require this, please ask a another parent or alternatively you can ring/email the school. 

Parent Memo 

Here is the latest parent memo. It should answer all, or most of your questions. We're going through the Key Worker Pass emails now - remember, the priority is to keep children at home. Key Worker requests are being dealt with now.

Parent Memo Link

04/01/2020

SCHOOL OPEN TOMMORROW FOR KEYWORKS WHO HAVE BEEN ALREADY APPROVED IN MARCH 

School will be open tomorrow ONLY for children of Keyworkers who have been already approved and are on our list from the previous lock down back in March.  For parents of Keyworker children in Reception and for those of you wishing to be approved and added to the list should email Sharon (bursar@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk by 12:00pm tomorrow (Tuesday 5th  January) ) with details of your employment.

Latest Email from School 

Hello all,

Following tonights announcement school will only be open for children of key workers (tomorrow open for those who were originally approved in March). If your situation has changed or you are a new parent (Reception children) please email Sharon bursar@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk by 12 noon tomorrow stating your employment and we will look into your situation and respond as soon as we can.

Unfortunately school will be closed tomorrow for reception children/new starters/ new key worker application requests.

The link for the key worker list is:-//www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

The school day will be 8.30am - 3.30pm. Late stay will be available until 5.30pm where charges will apply.

Please use the main school office entrance to drop off and pick up and sign your children in using the computer system.

Home learning with zoom lessons will start on Wednesday and timetables will be emailed to you.

If your child is in tomorrow please send a packed lunch if possible.

More details will follow tomorrow.....

MESSAGE TO PARENTS 

Andy will be meeting the Senior Leadership Team (SLT)on Zoom at 9:00pm. He will go live on Facebook around 10:00pm and Sharon will be sending an email at a similar time.

Storicise Resources

Prima face this looks like a quality resource to help further explain COVID to kids...

Storicise - Help your kids through Covid resource

Art Competition 

It's Art Competition Time! We need a logo designing for our new radio station, Dragon FM. The logo must be: simple, memorable and timeless. The winning entry will be painted above the radio station by the winner and a small group of budding artists. All entries to be posted on Facebook by Friday 15th January 2021.

07/12/2020

COVID 19 Precautions 

As we approach the business end of the term, and acknowledging that no one wants to self isolate over Christmas please…...

 Do not send your child to school if they, or anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID– 19 (high temperature, cough, change in taste or smell, and in children increasingly stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting) If you are your child has any of these symptoms please get a test, and await the results before your return to school

 Do not send your child to school if they, or anyone in your household are awaiting test results.

 Do not send your child to school if they or anyone in your household has tested positive.

 Do not send your child to school if they have been contacted by test, track and trace.

 Do not send your child to school if you have been on holiday and have to self isolate as part of quarantine.

 Do not send your child to school if they have received advice that they need to resume shielding

Miss Greaves

Charlotte Greaves is getting married on 23rd December. To give her more chance of attending her wedding Charlotte will be zooming her lessons from Thursday of this week. Kids will attend school as normal, and Charlotte will be in school from 4.30pm to mark the work. After Christmas Charlotte will be using her married surname, Brown. All the best Charlotte!

22/11/2020

Staffing 

In the spirit of transparency and honesty it is right and proper to inform you that Miss Horder is now self isolating for 14 days as a member of her household has tested positive for Covid19.

Miss Horder is symptom free. Reception class will remain open and no further action is needed, this is just an information sharing excercise.

Fund Raising 

Hi everyone, most of you know me, but for our new reception parent’s benefit- I’ve been a teacher at St. G’s for over 25 years, I am RE lead and work part-time in class 5 and 6. Our Christian value this half-term is thankfulness and I think we have so much to be thankful for - even in a really tough year. I am extremely thankful for my health so I am training to run 10k on the 9th of January. I had never really run before doing the couch to 5K in August and then my best friend was diagnosed with cancer in September. This has motivated me to push myself and do something to raise money. I have seen a few of you while I’ve been out training so I thought I’d share my aims. When I mentioned to the other staff what I was doing, many are joining me with this challenge.

Cancer has touched many of our families and others in our community so we will be be doing our 10K for “Breast Cancer Now”.

If you feel you could donate to this fantastic cause please use the link below or if you want to join us and run or walk 10K, please share this link and we will do it ‘together- virtually’. Thank you

Mrs F x

Mrs Foth's Just Giving Page

15/11/2020

Andy's Sunday 'Pick us up ...! 

OK... Let's do a Sunday "pick us up...."

From Wednesday, when we're all back together, maths will be taught as a class, not as a cross bubble. It will reduce the chances of year 3,4 and 5 kids, and indeed staff, getting caught in a bubble closure. It won't eliminate it, but it will reduce it.

We will also send an email to you all before we go live on Facebook as we announce future bubble closures. That said, I would still urge you all to follow us on Facebook, as it is a great way to keep upto date.

On a massive positive, all kids are fine who had covid, and, to the credit of everyone in school, it didn't spread, which is great, and reassuring.

Whilst doing this pick up a couple of reminders...

Obviously don't send your child into school if:

they have sickness or diarrhoea

high temperature

new cough that hasn't been checked by a doctor

Change in their taste or smell.

Any household member has any covid aymptoms

And household member is awaiting a test result

And household member has covid

The child is caught in track and trace.

May I also remind you please to wear a face mask on the school grounds if you're between year 7 and 77. If not for you, for me! And if you rock up at school without one, my car's always open, my box is in my passenger well, just wade through all the take away packets... You're welcome.

Have a great Sunday, and I'll see you on Monday, or Wednesday.... Lets hope for a clear run eh?

Andy

Mrs Calvert's Pea Growers

Pea growers from Mrs Makepeace and Mr Norris can you please send a picture of your seedlings? We would love you to bring them in on 18th when you are back. We will put them in the greenhouse ready for planting out with you all on the 19th! Thank you! Hope you are all ok!

 

*Class 3 Exit Procedure Changes*

It has been brought to our attention that the Infant yard has become congested since the installation of the outdoor class room opposite Mrs Smith’s class (Class 4). To reduce the number of bodies on the infant yard, we have decided to amend the dismissal arrangements for Class 3 (Miss Darlington’s class).

Class 3 will continue to be dismissed from 3:00pm

A member of staff will escort the children to the junior promenade door and they will be dismissed into your care on the junior playground.

We have implemented a one way system around the school to drop off and collect your children which most of you will be very familiar with.

Class 3 Parents may enter the junior playground through the gate outside of the office, crossing the path next to the disabled bay and through the promenade door. You should continue to wear a face mask and keep a two metre distance from other parents and leave the school grounds as soon as you have collected your child.

We have staggered school collection times in order to reduce large group gatherings. If you have two children in school and their collection times are different, please continue to collect both children at the later time. Your child will stay with their teacher until the later time slot and will continue to be dismissed from the Class 3 classroom external door as normal.

Parents are asked not to gather in the playgrounds and children should not use playground equipment including the tyres, sliders as well as all the resources in the outdoor classroom opposite Mrs Smith’s class.

03/11/2020

Y4 Parents Zoom Meeting 

Andy will be doing a zoom meeting tonight at 8pm for those affected by todays bubble closure - parents in Angela's class, and the Year 4 children in Tom's class. 

Code and Password available via Facebook.

Sharon is going to email out shortly the meeting ID and password to all Y4 parents. 

Please get in touch if you have any difficulties getting into the meeting. 

18/01/2020

Zoom Lessons

As teachers once again modify their lessons so that they fit zoom, may I remind you that there will be a lot of nerves around - it difficult to explain the tremendous pressure staff feel zooming into your homes. Please, I beg, should it go wrong, should mistakes be made be kind. Don’t become keyboard warriors. Don’t be critical. Be kind. I have to say, and please indulge me….in the unlikely event that I see any negative comments about a teacher on line, then they will immediately cease zooming out. Not because I’m precious, but I am protective of them, and I'm protective of the relationship between teacher, parent and child. So please, even though there is now more scope to undermine the relationship, please don’t. Do share your negative thoughts with me– you can shout, scream whatever at me…. but not the staff who are doing their very very best, and going so far beyond expectations in zooming into your homes.

I'm not a fan of comparing schools.... We all do our best... But I must confess, I don't know of any other Primary School that offers this. Not hubris, just appropriate pride in the work of the staff, who deserve, indeed are entitled, to my full protection, and support.

Information to Parents  

A copy of the letter to parents can be found here.

We will send information to you such as ZOOM codes, timetables etc via Seesaw, Text and Facebook.

Andy will do a 'POP UP' 7:00pm  TODAY  .... this is to predominantly to speak to the children.

He will do a ZOOM meeting at 5:00pm TODAY to speak to parents, and answer any questions you may have. Codes can be found on Facebook. 

15/10/2020

Face Masks

Folks, every indication now is that Lancashire is going to be placed in tier 3.

Whilst this is not yet confirmed, and in essence its confirmation is irrelevant, I will be asking everyone from year 7 to aged 77, unless clinically exempt, indeed I'll be begging and imploring the same to wear facemask during pick up and drop time periods. This is for you, and for me. It won't stop bubble closures, but it may, just may stop me or you catching this blasted virus.

We can't really begin to understand the science, but we can perhaps understand the risks, and the prevention measures we can deploy. Accordingly, the newsletter will come out on Friday this week, containing this request.

If nothing else, thanks for listening. Andy.

#commonsense

#commoncourtesy

#commongood

02.10.2020

Message from Mr P ...

Oak Academy 

Seems appropriate to share.... Just popped up on my Facebook!

National Oak Academy is here to support you. 

Flexible Resources you can use ...

21.09.2020

You may have heard Chorley is having increased restrictions placed on it from Tuesday. There are no changes needed to procedures at St George's. Children will not be asked to wear masks! Where has that come from!?

Staff will continue to wear face shields around school, and duty staff in the morning and evening will don an apron, and face mask during this period of enhanced restrictions.

What you do outside of school in following, or ignoring the guidance, has just as much impact on keeping St George's safe and open for all as how we act in school.

We enter a Lancashire lockdown from 12.01am Tuesday morning.

Lancashire Lock down Explained from Lancashire Post

15.09.2020

Latest News about COVID 19

In the spirit of transparency and honesty it is right and proper to inform you that a parent of a reception child has tested positive for Covid19. The child is symptom free and hasn't been in school since Friday Lunchtime. The family is isolating for 14 days. No further action is needed it is just an information sharing exercise. Please use this information to remain alert but please do not let panic or alarm to set in.

14.09.2020

Seesaw Codes

If your child's current Seesaw Home Learning code has expired, don't worry-new codes will be sent home later this week, along with an updated password letter and all the details you need for our online resources. Please bear with us while we get all our resources updated before we send this. Also, please note that our teachers may not have updated all the children's allocations just yet, but will be doing so in the next couple of weeks.

Church Services still go ahead

Just for your information - the new rules regarding gatherings of up to 6 people don’t appear to apply to Churches so Sunday’s Back to School service will go ahead as planned. Thank you.

Open Evening - St Michaels' High School Details 

Saint Michael’s virtual Open Evening tonight at 5.30 - 8pm

08.09.2020

Back to School Service at St George's Church

It’s the Back to School service at St George’s Church this Sunday (13th September) at 9:30am. Children are welcome to attend in their school jumpers and take their school bags (if they’ve arrived!) to be blessed.
*EDIT*
This year we would ask the children to sit with their families rather than in school groups.

Thank you.

07.09.2020

Miss Makinson's Class Update 

Afternoon everyone.

Both Antonella's (Head of School at Mossy Lea) and Beth's (Class 6 Teacher) results have now come back negative.

Beth will now continue her self isolation until Monday 14th as per government guidance, but as she is fit and well, will zoom in her lessons.

Thanks ever so much for your well wishes this morning - it helps.

This is just life now.

I'm not fishing here, so please don't think I am, but if any of you with friends and links to other schools who have slicker plans then please let me know! It's a learning curve for us all. I'm not too proud to steal off others in situations like this!

Track and Trace - Staffing Update ....

Good morning!

Beth Makinson (Class 6 Teacher)  has been contacted by track and trace. Beth had a COVID-19 test over the weekend and is awaiting her results. Beth has no symptoms and feels well. Children can attend school as normal. The children will be supervised by school staff, and Beth will zoom in to teach.

Any questions, please email/ring me.

Andy

 

01/09/2020

A Prayer for the New Term

Miss Cook's Absence 

Folks, a message for parents of kids in class 5 (new class 5)

Nic is going to be absent from school for a while. Although this is sad news, Karen Barclay will be covering the class, which is ace news.

Karen, a fully qualified teacher, is lovely, and well known to the kids.

As always, apologies for this sudden change.... Nic will be back soon... X

Contact with the Headteacher

Parents, if you need to speak to me, or a class teacher, let's try the phone, or zoom in the 1st instance.

If you need to come into school, please wear a face mask at all times.

Cheers Andy x

Return to School 

Hi folks, ready for tomorrow!!??

I think we are....#

Do we all know what we're doing tomorrow, or at the very least, are not bothered that we don't know!!??

Staff will be out.... All will be well..

Reception parents.... Chill... We're ready, and all will be well.... Just remember your face masks please if your coming into school.....

Take it easy everyone, and sleep well.... All will be fine. Promise.

Travelling to School 

31/08/2020

Risk Assessment and Memo to Staff update

Question and Answer Zoom Meetings

Good morning all, and almost welcome back! I hope you are safe, rested, and enthusiastic about the term ahead....

There will be 2 zoom meetings today, one for new parents, one for, err, old parents. ie. One for children starting in reception, and one for parents of children in the new year 1 - 6.

Here are the details.

This is just a question and answer zoom.... Should you have any unanswered questions.

What I would say is let's not worry about the little things.... Water bottles, book bags, reading books.... We're all learning together. And we'll all be fine together. Promise.

So for now. Enjoy the sunshine.... Relax. We've got this.

See you soon.

Andy

     

28/08/2020

Parent Memo September 2020

Good Afternoon St. George's.

Please see attached an important document which contains details around your child's return to school next week. Give it a good read as I'm sure it will answer some of your questions, and indeed hopefully alleviate, some concerns you may have. Have a great weekend and we look forward to welcoming the children back next Wednesday.

Scroll down to the bottom of this page to download the Parent Memo or click on the link below. 

Parent Memo September 2020

Risk Assessment

Here is the most up to date version of our Risk Assessment...for if a child shows any symptoms of COVID 19. Only a few minor tweaks from the previous version.

Risk Assessment Update September 2020

Preparing for School 

24.08.2020

Bags into School 

The only bags we will allow in school are:

Red book bags.... Humorously, I'd forgotten Many kids don't have these now.... We've ordered loads, so we should be fine. No charge.

Lunches must come in either a carrier bag that can be binned daily. Or a lunch bag, the small ones, that can be fumigated at home on a daily basis.

Lunch boxes, again, following a fumigation are fine.

Can kids have water bottles please... Water fountains won't be useable.

Cheers everyone.

(in other matters.... I've noted that there are a few questions being asked on here (Facebook).... That's fine. And good. Don't be offended if teachers don't respond though.... That side of things can be used for internal parents discussion. If you want a response from a member of school staff email the office, me, or the member of staff. Cheers all.

See you soon.

Andy

Tuesday 25th August - Reintegration Day Current Year 5

So, last, but not least, year 5 - current year 5, not new year 5s who start in September - Mrs Smith's and Mrs Leap's old class and the year 5's from Mr Norris's class, before we said good morning to COVID-19..... - feeling OK??

Tomorrow isn't about anything grand. No gimmicks. Nothing flash. And no zoom.... I'm fed up with that!

Its about me, you, Miss Cook, Mr Horne and me saying hello to each other, catching up, and speaking face to face. Its about you finding your confidence in school, and dropping your personal anchor there, ready for September. It's about you coming back to a place many of haven't seen since March 20th.

My experience so far is you're all popping with excitement, which is ace..... No nerves... No need... So, I'm like you, I can't wait to see you all tomorrow. See how much you've grown, all the wicked experiences you will have had, to hear about everything you've been doing and to show you round school, so that you know exactly what you're doing in a weeks time, whence you'll be in year 6 - and to of the shop!

So kids.... Bed early tonight.... Tomorrow, at last, is a school day!!!

Take it easy kids, and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mr P x

23.08.2020

Monday 24th August - Reintegration Day Current Year 4

So, year 4 - current year 4, not new year 4s who start in September - Mrs Makepeace's old class and the year 4's from Mr Norris's class, before we said good morning to COVID-19..... - feeling OK??

Tomorrow isn't about anything grand. No gimmicks. Nothing flash. And no zoom.... I'm fed up with that! Its about me, you Miss Yates and me saying hello to each other, catching up, and speaking face to face. Its about you finding your confidence in school, and dropping your personal anchor there, ready for September. It's about you coming back to a place many of haven't seen since March 20th.

My experience so far is you're all popping with excitement, which is ace..... No nerves... No need... So, I'm like you, I can't wait to see you all tomorrow. See how much you've grown, all the wicked experiences you will have had, to hear about everything you've been doing and to show you round school, so that you know exactly what you're doing in a weeks time, whence you'll be in year 5!

So kids.... Bed early tonight.... Tomorrow, at last, is a school day!!!

Take it easy kids, and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mr P x

Bible Story Minecraft Competition

Recreate your favourite Bible story in Minecraft to be in with a chance of being crowned our competition winner 2020! We'll be judging entries on originality, design skill and the ability to portray the story. Go for it! 

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/landing/bible-story-minecraft-competition-2020/

Returning to School: 7 tips to help your primary age child cope. 

This document is a worthwhile read. That said, from my experience of Day Stay, and the last 2 integration days, we actual have to be careful not to put fear and anxiety there, when there isn't any. The kids, without exception, all seem 100% fine. In fact, not just fine - actually positive about being back.

In any event, here it is (there is a secondary one available on the same page)

https://parentinfo.org/article/returning-to-school-7-tips-to-help-your-primary-age-child-cope

17.08.2020

Tuesday 18th August - Reintegration Day Current Year 3

So, year 3 - current year 3, not new year 3s who start in September - Miss Berry class, before we said good morning to COVID-19..... - feeling OK??

Tomorrow isn't about anything grand. No gimmicks. Nothing flash. And no zoom.... I'm fed up with that!

Its about me, you Miss D and Mr Horne saying hello to each other, catching up, and speaking face to face. Its about you finding your confidence in school, and dropping your personal anchor there, ready for September. It's about you coming back to a place many of haven't seen since March 20th.

I'm getting the distinct feeling you're all popping with excitement, which is ace..... No nerves... No need... So, I'm like you, I can't wait to you all tomorrow. See how much you've grown, all the wicked experiences you will have had, to hear about everything you've been doing and to show you round school, so that you know exactly what you're doing in a couple of weeks time, whence you'll be in year 4!

So kids.... Bed early tonight.... Tomorrow, at last, is a school day!!!

Take it easy kids, and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mr P x

16.08.2020

Monday 17th August - Reintegration Current Year 2.  

So, year 2 - current year 2, not new year 2s who start in September - Miss D's and part of Mrs Steel's class, before we said good morning to COVID-19 ..... - feeling OK??

Tomorrow isn't about anything grand. No gimmicks. Nothing flash. And no zoom.... I'm fed up with that!

It's about me and you saying hello to each other, catching up, and speaking face to face. Its about you finding your confidence in school, and dropping your personal anchor there, ready for September. It's about you coming back to a place many of haven't seen since March 20th.

I'm getting the distinct feeling you're all popping with excitement, which is ace..... No nerves... No need... So, I'm like you, I can't wait to you all tomorrow. See how much you've grown, all the wicked experiences you will have had, to hear about everything you've been doing and to show you round school, so that you know exactly what you're doing in a couple of weeks time, whence you'll be in year 3!

So kids.... Bed early tonight.... Tomorrow, at last, is a school day!!!

Take it easy kids, and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mr P x

12.08.2020

Y2, Y3, Y4 and Y5 Reintegration Days 

Hi all, Hope ur all warm enough, and ur heating hasn't stopped working.

As you know, we have 4 integration days on the horizon. Please find below a little more information....

Monday 17th August - Reintegration current year 2.                                                                                                                                                Session Led by Andy & Louise

Tuesday 18th August . - Reintegration current year 3                                                                                                                                                 Session Led by Andy & Louise 

Monday 24th August - Reintegration current year 4                                                                                                                                                   Session Led by Michelle and Andy

Tuesday 25th August -  Reintegration. Current year 5                                                                                                                                         Session Led by Nic & Rob

Structure of day.

Kids can arrive between 9.45am and 10.00am.

Kids will enter through the front main door. Full school uniform if possible - obs, shorts and flip-flops are fine! ..... Why not?

Kids will need a packed lunch, in a disposable bag. No material bags permitted. Kids will mix and operate as one bubble, as per September. The day will run from 10am - 2pm, with kids being dismissed onto junior yard at 2pm.

9.45am - 10:00am

Enter through front yard,

Sign in.

Hand gel

Temperature.

Congregate in Hall.

10.00am - 10.30am

Register

General mooch around school. Focus on changes

Watch year 6's leavers video perhaps

10.30am reconvene in Hall.

Q/A session from kids

11.00am

Reintegration activity.

12.00pm

Lunch

12.45pm- 1.45pm

Games on muga? Maybe a bijou sports day akin to what year 6 did?

1.45pm - reconvene in Hall for final send off and dismissal.

Parents pick up from junior yard, dismissal as normal.

Hope you don't mind me contacting you on such a glorious day

Apologies if you do.

Andy x

16.07.2020

Important Notice 

Friday 17th July 2020

Due to Year 6 celebrations in the hall ...

All Breakfast Club children should enter school via the junior promenade door.

All Day Stay children should be dropped off at the MUGA tents where a register will be taken.

 

Return to School                   

In the spirit of transparency, this is the process we will follow should a kid or adult take ill post September.   Scroll down to the bottom of the page to download. 

14.07.2020

Year Six Parents 

Sadly, we are unable to do many of the usual end of year celebrations that we had planned due to Covid 19. However, we cannot let our lovely Year 6 children leave without some form of celebrations and fun. Therefore, we have planned some events that we think the children will enjoy. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to download the arrangements for the last two days of term for Year 6 children. 

Class 4 Zoom Meeting

For all children who will be in C4 next year, remember our transition zoom tonight at 5:30! Please bring along one of your favourite toys to tell us about yourself! Mrs Smith and Mrs Leap are looking forward to speaking to you! Email school or log onto Facebook for the meeting ID and password. 

Face Masks 

In line with yesterday's announcement, any parent coming into the school building from today must wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth..... You can have one of our disposable ones if you haven't sourced your own.... This only refers to entering the school building, not the playground!

Sorry for the late notice. In line with school policy only remove your face mask when you are outside of the school building.... Thanks, as always, for your support.

10.07.2020

Seesaw News

As we approach the end of term, I am looking at closing the SeeSaw classes ready to create the new classes for next year. You can download an archive of your children's work from this academic year. The link below should guide you through this. Please do this before Wednesday 15th July.

https://help.seesaw.me/hc/en-us/articles/208754866-How-do-families-and-students-download-an-archive-of-student-work-

Parent Memo 

This should take you to the end of term nicely..... You've had this emailed to you today, and Louise will (hopefully) manage to get it on the website. Over the course of next week, I will publish our Risk Assessment for if a child, or staff member becomes ill, and I will publish the senior leadership teams memo to staff, just so, like before you can read and scrutinise everything. But for now, here is the parent memo, which contains information of when you can collect your child's books - we have them all ready, regardless of whether you emailed us or not! All the best, Andy

Scroll to the bottom of the page to download the Parent Memo

08.07.2020

Facebook Story Time Announcement 

Good afternoon Year 2/3,

Tomorrow, our story time will take place at the slightly later time of 10.30, rather than the usual time of 9.30.

See you then for more Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

Mrs Steel 

Home School Article on the BBC - A recommended read by Mr P

Do not underestimate what you've achieved, or what you've been through. It has been tough. I know that. But you have all done it now!! ..... Over summer, switch Seesaw off, turn The Oak off, bin BBC Bitesize.... And have fun. Enjoy experiences. And just be. There's nothing to do. Nothing to be fixed and no pressure to be had. And join us, all of you, in September and we will get all the pieces back into place again. We will do so calmly, slowly, sensibly and as always here at George's, with a hell of a lot of fun. I will speak to you all before, but for now, accept my congratulations, and increase the meditation and coffee and contemplation time you allow yourself. Its time to unwind......

BBC News Article about Home Schooling

Pobble Resources - Home Schooling

More non-screen activities from Pobble - this time to celebrate Earth Day.

Pobble Resources

07.07.2020

Exercise Books

Support at Home

     

Prags - Spice up your Life Indian Cooking Club

I’m making Indian for tea today, and as its been a while since I shared some of my recipes - I’ve added  Lamb Rogan Josh, Raitha, & Naan to the recipes I’ve previously posted.  Id love to see some pics, and if there’s something you’d like to try to make & need the recipe, let me know.

  

21.06.2020

Welcome Back  ....

15.06.2020

ANNOUCEMENT from LCC- School partially reopens on Monday 22nd June to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6

🏫 Our Director of Public Health has revised his guidance to Lancashire's schools. Enough progress has now been made to remove the blanket guidance that schools should not reopen to more pupils. Schools in Lancashire will be encouraged to take the decision to reopen to more pupils from 22 June if they are ready to do so. We won't be enforcing fines if parents of children who are asked to return to school decide not to send them.

The latest School Newsletter can be downloaded by scrolling down the page. 

11.06.2020

ZOOM Meetings for Children 

All teaching staff are organising catch up zoom activities for their classes. A timetable for the zoom activities, led by class teachers, for kids in their classes is below. All details will be shared to individual kids and families by class teachers via SeeSaw.

SEESAW Announcements 

Hello everyone, I hope you are all well,
Class 7, please log onto Seesaw as there is an exciting message waiting for you and your parents!
Mrs M.

‼️🔺CLASS 3🔺‼️                                                                                                                                                                                         I have sent an announcement on SeeSaw, have a little look! 👀                                                                                           Miss Horder 

Zoom Meeting with the SLMT

Here are the details for the zoom meeting on Friday, should you have any questions you would like SMLT to answer?

Meeting ID. 834 3730 2504

Password 906925

Coach Mayers 

Coach Mayers is back!! 

Every Thursday afternoon Coach Mayers is going to be going live on Facebook to bring you virtual workouts which you can join in with from home!

Let’s get as many of us as we can taking part each week! Share your participation on the Facebook page or upload onto Seesaw for your class teachers.

There will be an infant session (Reception, Y1 and Y2) every Thursday at 1:30pm.

Juniors (Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6) your session will be every Thursday at 2:15pm.

The sessions will run for approximately 30 minutes. You don’t need anything but yourself and a little bit of space!!!

Coach Mayers is St George’s very own Joe Wicks!

The live sessions starts today... who is up for it?

Fredericks Competition

DESIGN A SUNDAE COMPETITION! 

🍦Design an ice cream sundae. Use our printable template, or create your own!

🍦Email your design to fredericksdelivery@gmail.com with SUNDAE COMPETITION as the subject. Include your name and age. (Competition open to all ages.)

🍦The winning design will be developed into a brand new sundae kit, which will be available for purchase on www.fredericksdelivery.com! The winner will receive their kit for free.

🍦All entries must be submitted by Tuesday 16th June.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with! 😋

   

STEM Challenge

Happy Thursday everyone! Last week's STEM challenge seems to have captured a lot of imagination and interest - the entries and photographs are absolutely brilliant. The winners this week are The Kennedy's with a whopping 110 pencils and 2 paint brushes! There will be a prize waiting at school when we return. Well done everyone who gave it a go - it was great to see you all enjoying the challenge. 'Day stay' had a go today and absolutely loved it.

This weeks STEM challenges is called 'Can you catch a bubble?' Have you ever tried to catch a bubble without popping it? It's hard ! What materials can you use to successfully catch a bubble? Do some materials work better than others? As always, the link below gives more detail about the challenge. Post your pictures in the comments below. How many bubbles can you catch?

Mrs Barclay's Art Challenge 

Hello children.This week I thought you may like to have a look at creating some 3D art called Dioramas. Think about your favourite book or movie and have a go at making a scene from it . You can house it in a cardboard box , plant pot or maybe use an outdoor space . Try and use a mix of materials to create the landscape and think carefully about your background and foreground . Have fun and take care x

 

08.06.2020

INFORMATION ALERT -OPENING OF SCHOOLS DELAYED 

 We have received further guidance from Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, this morning. He advised that it is not yet safe to re-open our doors to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children on Monday 15th June.

Dr Karunathini has judged that Lancashire is not meeting 2 of the governments 5 tests and therefore is not in a safe position to reopen its schools at present. 

This decision will be reviewed again on Monday 15th June whereby we will gain further guidance.

White Rose Hub

Week 7 White Rose Hub Worksheets have been uploaded for Years 1 to 6.

I have also added the answers for Week 6 as well as Week 7.

White Rose Worksheets Years 1-6

07.06.2020

Sunday Saviours

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to sweeping changes and disruptions in nearly every aspect of daily life. With mandates and guidelines changing all the time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by our own anxieties. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It is essential. And during this difficult time, when children are home and stress is running high, it is more important than ever.

My first Sunday Saviour is to be kind to yourself. Lots of us struggle to treat ourselves kindly. In fact, we are often nicer to other than we are to ourselves. This week try to take notice when others are kind to you and find more ways to be kind to yourself.

Try to eat healthily. Take some exercise where you can. Stick to a sleep routine. Pace yourself and don’t blame yourself or beat yourself up if you feel you’re not coping as well as you’d like. This situation is like no other we have ever experienced. This is not normal for anyone. You’re not suddenly going to become perfect at working from home and home schooling.

For parents, uncertainty about a return to school poses a challenge. Last week Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, advised that it was not yet safe in Lancashire to reopen schools to more children. I understand that this late announcement may be frustrating if you have already planned your return to work. Dr Karunanithi will review his advice again tomorrow and if it changes, St George’s will be encouraged to take the decision to reopen to more children from the 15^th June.  If the advice does not change, the guidance will be reviewed again the following week on 15^th June.

As time goes on, the governors, staff and myself fully appreciate the challenges you are facing at home , particularly in regard to home learning. My Second Sunday Saviour is to log onto The Oak National Academy

https://classroom.thenational.academy/.

Oak National Academy is a new collection of high-quality lessons and online resources. Backed by the Government, it has been created in response to the coronavirus lockdown. Their online classroom offers free access to great teachers delivering video lessons. You can also download quizzes and worksheets whilst covering a range of subjects. New lessons and resources will be available each week. The Oak National Academy will fit alongside other resources such as BBC Bitesize to offer a structure for the school day for all children until schools fully reopen.

The novelty of home-schooling may be wearing a bit thin. There are lots of ways in which parents can learn alongside their children that do not require a teaching degree or lots of textbooks. Everything in life is a lesson!

 Learning a new skill is a great way for children (in fact anyone) to pass the time. It’s an opportunity for them to grow, equip themselves with new knowledge and become a more rounded person. It is also something they can choose to learn outside of the curriculum, which gives them more independence. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s not something we always make time for. In between school, the morning run, cooking dinner and cleaning, these opportunities for learning can often get overlooked. 

My third Sunday Saviour is to learn a new skill together. Do a little spring cleaning and teach your child this important life skill. Tidy bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and all shared spaces. Get outside! There’s so much families are learning to do outside and in the much-needed fresh air. Ride bikes, go skateboarding, rollerblading or go for a jog around the neighbourhood. Children will love to help you cook meals and bake treats for the family, especially if you’re teaching them how to make something they really love.

It is highly expected that places of worship will be allowed to open from June 15^th for private individual prayer under government plans to be announced next week. Individuals are expected to be able to “reflect and pray” while adhering to social-distancing rules – but worship groups, weddings and other services will still not be permitted

It is essential at all times – but particularly in times of anxiety and fear – that we continue to develop and strengthen our own habits of prayer. A simple form of prayer to say each morning and evening can be downloaded using the link below.

https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/Prayer%20Book%20Digital%20Single%20Pages%202%20April_0.pdf

My Fourth Sunday Saviour is to find time to say a short prayer together. The resource can be shared with all who are at home and unable to worship together

My Fifth and Final Sunday Saviour is that good communication is now more important than ever. We will keep you updated with any developments via Facebook, the website, newsletters and by email when we have information about re-opening. Andy will continue to go Live at Lunch time on Mondays, and Wednesdays. The Senior Leadership Team will zoom on Friday's for a question and answer session. This is open to all parents and we will try our best to answer all of your questions and queries regarding the opening of Primary Schools. Don’t forget, you can get in touch with us either by phone (I believe Andy has already given out his contact number) or by using the email address help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk.

In the meantime, please stay safe, follow Public Health advice and look after each other and yourselves. I hope it will not be long before we see you again.

Louise X

Mrs Fothergill's Gymnastic Challenge 

This weeks’ challenge will test how good your throwing and catching skills are!
Can’t wait to see how many you can do in 30 seconds.                                                                                                                                          Post your results below or alternatively email to help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk.

 

03.06.2020

STEM Challenge 

Hi Everyone. Hope you had a good half term and are managing to get back into the swing of things. I absolutely loved seeing all the STEM challenges last half term and can't wait to see what you post over the next few weeks. This weeks challenge is called the 'Leak Proof Bag' experiment. The link below explains it in detail and tells you all you need to know but basically, I want to see how many pencils you can push through a bag of water without it leaking. Post your pictures below and let's see who can get the most - will you risk another pencil and risk your bag leaking ? Why does the bag not leak? Some of the older kids may want to try the skewers through a balloon idea as well which is explained in the link. You may also want to do this experiment outside just in case 😆 👍. Who's going to win this week?

02.06.2020

Andy's Sunday Saviours 

   

01.06.2020

White Rose Hub

White Rose Hub Worksheets for Week 6 have been uploaded to the website for Y1-6. Answer sheets to follow!

White Rose Hub Worksheets Link

TES Newspaper Article 

Seems eminently sensible to me.... Its pretty much how we'll return.... Whenever that maybe!

How did Dutch pupils react to going back to school?

Children's Books 

A picture book for children who are worried about the Coronavirus 

Everybody Worries

My_Hero_is_You_Storybook_for_Children_on_COVID-19 can also be downloaded by scrolling down the screen.

31.05.2020

Pentecost at Home

 A service for the Feast of Pentecost from St George's Church, Chorley. The order of service can be found here: https://stgeorgechorley.co.uk/assets/...

St George's Pentecost at Home Service on You Tube

28.05.2020

Partial Re Opening of Schools 

Please find attached a letter from myself and Fr David regarding the latest advice about the partial re opening of schools from 1st June. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to download. 

23.05.2020

Some useful documents which can be downloaded if you scroll down the page. 

Helping Children Learn at Home  - Here's some guidance from our psychology service re helping your child learn at home.....

Transition Back to  School Part 1 - We will be focusing on this document as we continue our plans to help kids in reception, year 1 and year 2 transition back to school from 1 June.  We will be focusing on this document as we continue our plans to help kids in reception, year 1 and year 2 transition back to school from 1 June.

Transition Back to  School Part 2 - And our final document to share......

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20.05.2020

STEM Challenge

Sorry it's late folks .....here's this weeks STEM challenge - This week the challenge is maths based. Follow the link below to an explanation of a famous logic game called 'Towers of Hanoi'. How many discs can you move? STEM club managed to do 5. Can you do more? Post your pictures and videos below or email to school and let's see who the Champion of Hanoi will be....

https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/tower-of-hanoi/

SeeSaw 

Just a little clarity for our keen SeeSaw users. You can continue to access and complete SeeSaw activities. All existing activities will stay there for you to use if you wish, but there will be no new ones posted, or feedback given, for at least two weeks after half term as everyone adjusts to the new routine.

I hope that helps, and that you enjoy using the existing activities alongside our other resources.

Oxford Owl 

Oxford Owl are allowing parents to read eBooks for free on their website.

In order to do this you need to create a parent log in and then go on ‘Books’, then onto ‘free ebooks’.

This has been checked and it provides books for 3-11 year old children.

https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/library-page

New Intake Meeting

'New Starter Pack' have been distributed to all our confirmed 'Reception September 2020' starters, please return the green forms at the back of the pack as soon as possible. If for any reason you have not collected your pack, these will be delivered later this afternoon by a member of staff. 

Andy will be delivering an 'Intake Meeting' Live on Facebook tonight (Wednesday 20th May) at 7:00pm.

This “meeting” will last around an hour.

Prior to the meeting please ensure you have joined our Facebook page – St Georges Primary School by answering the three questions required for approval. 

If you are not on Facebook, please don’t worry, I will post the video onto our school website shortly after the address. 

For this virtual meeting, I will talk through the documentation that you will have received. Please have it to hand. I know this is all very strange, it is for me too. Although virtual, this remains a very important meeting, as we will be discussing details and procedures about your child starting school in September. (Government permitting of course!)

If you have any problems, concerns, or worries about accessing this induction process please email the school using help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk

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19.05.2020

Art Challenge - Mrs Barclay

Hello children

It’s that time of the week again. Let’s add to our gallery. This weeks challenge was inspired by a few artists the first being Turner prize winner Grayson Perry and the others our very own Jack S and Jasmine ! All have been making ANIMAL ARTWORK. It could be a beloved pet, something exotic or abstract , whichever try to use a new medium maybe photography, clay, food or a ‘bits and bobs ‘collage. Here are a few ideas to get you started . Have fun ! X

     

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18.05.2020

Oak National  Academy - Home Learning Resource

The new "Oak National Academy" is an online school supported by the government's Department for Education. It has been written by more than 40 teachers.

It caters for children from Reception to Secondary age.

It can be accessed at https://www.thenational.academy/

Each day offers a school-style English and Maths lesson plus another subject for every year group. The lessons (which are pre-recorded and can be accessed to suit) are about an hour each in duration and are delivered by a teacher, in a classroom with video, reading and graphic content. As such, they are a very good representation of a lesson in school. They do, however, require a child to have sole use of a laptop or tablet/desk top. A smart phone will work too (just a smaller screen) if they can use it uninterrupted for the whole lesson. Because each lesson needs an hour's worth of on line time, the lessons are technology-intensive. However, if you have safe and suitable IT equipment, plus a peaceful space for your child to work in, this is an excellent resource and well worth a look.

Returning to School

Folks, here are our proposed documents for the planned return of reception, year 1 and year 6 kids from 1st June. They are everything we have available at the moment.... May I suggest you read them, and ask any questions you may have on this thread. I will do a Facebook live on Wednesday and answer your questions, and we will have a zoom meeting on Friday for a face to face chat. There is no pressure, it is just our offer to you. As with everything we have said during the COVID experience, if it works for you, it works for us.

White Rose Hub 

From this week, the worksheets will be available on the school website to use alongside the videos on White Rose Hub platform. if you have any queries about the White Rose Hub learning, please contact school via email. 

Link to White Rose Hub Worksheets

https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/

Andy's Sunday Saviours

Mrs Fothergill's Gymnastic Challenge 

Well done all who completed the skipping challenge last week- I’m very impressed!
This week’s gymnastics challenge is:
How long can you hold a plank?
You need to have a straight body, like Tom, and lean on your elbows!
Post how long you hold it for on Facebook or alternatively email your times to school using help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk

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17.05.2020

Message from Andy

The demised of Purcell's Parbold pop up seems to have hot some of you as hard as Take That splitting up!!

I had to stop it.... It had had its day, and I was knackered! However, upon mature reflection the timing seems rubbish.... So the compromise is, as we enter a new phase and take steps towards partial re opening...

Andy Live.... Mondays and Wednesday @12..... On Facebook...

Ukulele Sessions on Charanga.

This message is aimed at Classes 7, 8 and 10 on behalf of the ukulele teacher Mr Woodward. He is going to be able to offer weekly sessions on Charanga. If you would like to access them please email help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk with your child’s name and class.

Mrs Barclay's Art Challenge 

Good afternoon children, it’s artist of the week time and this week is a bit different, our artist is one of today’s leading Graphic designers. Her name is Jacky Al - Samarraie . She likes to use silhouettes and just one block colour to show a scene or a pastime ( if you have seen the school V.E day celebration piece it’s a bit like that )
So, your challenge is to show a scene or a pastime special to you BUT you can only use one colour and black .Here are some examples of her work to give you a starting point ...... Have fun x

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11.05.2020

Andy's Sunday Saviours

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07.05.2020

STEM Challenge

Thank you for your videos and entries for last weeks STEM challenge. They were ace! I was impressed by all the videos this week - great engineering everyone ! This week, your challenge is to design a contraption that will protect a raw egg when it falls from a height. You can use any materials you have at home to protect your egg but your egg must go inside the contraption before it is dropped rather than putting things down on the floor. I have posted a link below to a website full of ideas and how you could adapt for KS1/KS2 children. Post your pictures of your contraptions below in the comment or even post a video of you dropping your egg inside the contraption and revealing whether the egg has survived or not. Get making kids ! Who can drop it from the highest point without it breaking? Good luck.

Alternatively email them to school using help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk

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04.05.2020 

Andy's Sunday Saviours

 

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02.05.2020

Get creative whilst at home with our VE Day 75 Art Competition!

The Royal British Legion calls on the nation to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day from home.

Join us on Friday 8 May as we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation, from British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces to evacuees and those who served on the home front. As we face some of the most challenging times since the end of the Second World War, now more than ever it is important to unite in recognition of service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago.

Update on Arts Week from Miss Yates

Kids... do you remember Arts Week?! That seems such a long time ago now doesn’t it! Do you remember the Andy Warhol that picture you took of yourselves? ... well tadaaaa!! It’s arrived!! How brilliant is it! It’s waiting for you at school, ready for you to find your face when you get back... Thanks to the Gregory family for putting it together so beautifully for us!

Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild Challenge - Recommended by Mrs Makepeace 

Thought some of the children and their families might be interested in this. I’ve signed up!

This June we challenge you and your family to do one wild thing a day! Take part in 30 Days Wild! 🐝🌱🐞😊

Sign up for 30 Days Wild

Year 6 Hall Board Challenge 

Year 6... We're doing the hall boards up... I need your help. Please can you send me, ON SEESAW, 3 selfies.

#1: looking happy
#2: Looking indifferent/ bored
#3: extremely sad

Prag's Indian Cooking Club

Hope you had fun making the recipes I shared last time. This time I’m sharing my Naan & Chicken Korma recipes. I’d love some feedback & let me know if there’s a recipe you’d like me to write & share with you. 

 

 

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27.04.2020

Andy's Weekly Address 

Well, how you all doing!? Here’s the weekly newsletter—it does contain additional information from what’s on facebook, in addition to some repetition…. It’s just another way of trying to communicate with you all, and keep you all in the loop best we can.

I think between all SLMT we’ve now spoken to you all, and what a great group of people you are. You’re performing minor miracles… being a parent, holding down your jobs, and now teaching as well! Take it easy out there, and remember there’s enough pressure on us…. Don’t add unnecessary pressure on yourselves…. If it’s working for you, its working for me.

Art Challenge by Mrs Barclay

Good afternoon children . I loved seeing all of your Hundertwasser creations last week they were fabulous ! How’s your hair looking ? Surreal ? The theme this week is ‘crazy hair ‘ . Take a picture/ draw your face( or mums, dads, grandma, grandads )and get ‘surreally ‘ creative with hair! I have attached some ideas.Year 5 and 6 have a look at incorporating Surrealism and maybe build an artist profile of Salvador Dahli . Take care and enjoy ! 🎨👏🏻x

 

Bug Club Advice from Mrs Brown

As it's come up more than once on the help@, please note that to access Phonics Bug you need to use the school code as well as your personal log in details. Also, your Internet browser will make a difference; for example it doesn't work well in Safari but is fine in Chrome.

Active Learn www.activeteachprimary.co.uk This includes Bug Club and Phonics Bug. Your child’s teacher may use this to set online reading activities. You will need the school code, below, as well as your child's individual Log In details. School code: stge

Lancashire Consultants Home Schooling TV

Home Learning

Mrs Brown has kindly uploaded this half terms class newsletter and homework menus to the website. Click on the link below and locate (click) your child's class on the left hand side. 

https://www.st-georges.lancs.sch.uk/page/?title=Classes&pid=52

Charanga Home Learning - Music 

Good morning,

We have a fantastic music resource in school that we use from Lancashire called Charanga. They have created some home learning music packages, known as YUMU, which we can now all access. The logins for the children are the same as their ones for Purple Mash, TTRS and Numbots etc. Only slight difference is they need to put a # in front of their login and password. I have attached an example login letter at the bottom of the page . Please let me know if you have any difficulties logging in.

26.04.2020

Money Sense

Natwest MoneySense Home Learning covers a new money topic every fortnight, with free and fun resources to use at home.

British Gymnastics Challenge

Time for the weekly gymnastics challenge!
Well done to those that took part in last weeks balance challenge .... very impressive!
This week see how many times you can do a stretch or tuck jump in 30 seconds holding a beanbag between your knees! ⁠
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If you don't have a beanbag, why not change for a pair of socks?⁠ Post your results on Facebook or alternatively email it to                help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk

25.04.2020

The St George's (Social Distancing) Marathon - Pupils, Staff and Parents

Can we run a marathon next Sunday?

If you're keen to join in the fun? Send us an email on help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk or write on a comment underneath the post on Facebook containing which miles you'll do, then we'll set up a results snake.  Mr P will start it off, he is going to do 0-4 miles. So, whose gonna do miles 4 to.....? Just run wherever, but next Sunday.... Come on kids.... Let's do this....

Open to Parents, kids, staff, remember you have to complete your run in an hour max..... #socialdistancing #stayhomesavelives #protectthenhs

Happy St George's Day 

22.04.2020

Art Challenge by Mrs Barclay   

Good afternoon children ! Each week I will be giving you a new artist to research and am challenging you to create artwork based on their style . You could paint, use fabric, use food, junk model or anything else you can think of . Remember to use scale think big / think small .

This weeks artist is Hundertwasser

(Year 6 you could do an artist profile as you did for Gaudi) . Post them onto Facebook or email them to help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk . I can’t wait to see your creations ! Take care 

Stem Challenge by Mr Norris

It's Wednesday afternoon which means it's time for a new STEM challenge ! The rockets that you made since the last STEM challenge have been brilliant and they all look amazing - some of you even managed to launch them! My winners this week are Cian O'Donohoe and Molly Holland - well done on your fantastic rockets you two and well done to everybody who took part.

Mr P has actually pinched some of my STEM challenge this week in one of his Parbold Pop Ups! This week, you will able to see satellites flying overhead at night. Pick a night to stay up with your parents and watch them fly across the sky. Theres some information on this website on when to look out for them - https://james.darpinian.com/satellites/?special=starlink

20.04.2020- Welcome Back! 

19.04.2020

Easter Competition (Mrs Foth)

I've just been "judging" the Easter colouring competition with my family and we are all agreed that the entries were ALL so good, that everyone who entered deserves a rainbow reward.

06.04.2020

Why not .... Just for fun, and to brighten up our Facebook page.

Easter Not a Competition
Decorate an egg

01.04.2020

Mrs Fothergill's Easter Competition

Hello everyone, as we approach the Easter holidays I thought I'd set some Easter challenges.

Easter Colouring Competition: Pick one of the sheets below (download below) to print off and colour. Post your finished colouring sheets onto our Facebook page or alternatively email them to (help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk). There will be a prize for the best in each year group. 

30.3.2020

Timetable

Here is an idea for a timetable you might want to use to structure your days. You could change it to make it work for you, add things to it, take things out, make it your own or keep it as it is. (Go to the bottom of the page to download). 

Useful Contact Details

Andy has composed a list of useful contact numbers should you or your child need them during the pandemic. (Go to the bottom of the page to download). 

Sunday Saviours 

To keep it all real, and to stop our heads going at a million miles an hour, I have published 6 Sunday Saviours. Small, achievable things to accomplish in a week. To ensure we're not over whelming ourselves, to ensure we don't feel rubbish, to ensure we keep up only with ourselves.... not the Jones. How many of last weeks Sunday Saviours did you complete?

Create a workspace for your kids to use?

Say the School Prayer with them each evening, or my favourite evening prayer? For example, "Lord keep us safe this night, secure from all our fears. May Angels guard us whilst we sleep, until morning light appears. Amen."

Did you log into any assemblies? - these are every day, at 11:00am.

DId you begin to download the seesaw app?

It's now time for this weeks Sunday Saviours.....

• Each Day - Read, or get your kids to read (either a book, bug club, or kindle, or audible) But one of the things that could be lost, isn't academic stuff - we'll sort that, it's resilience to challenge, perseverance to challenge and work stamina. Infant kIds should be able to stick on a single task for 6 minutes, plus their age. So, a 4 year old should be able to sustain a task for around 10 minutes. Junior kids should be able to sustain an activity for 11 minutes plus their age. So a year 6 kid 11 + 11 = 22 minutes. Of course, things lengthens with adult interactivity.
• Daily Maths for the above length of time..... TT Rock Stars for the juniors, Numbots for the infants. We also have my maths for both. And White Rose Hub have loads of stuff on line, and we've sent you the details for this.
• Headspace - i believe this is now free for everyone. It's brilliant. I've always used it. This is a biggie.... just chose a topic, and meditate with your kids daily, twice a day would be great....

1. Check last weeks.... achieve a couple more. To stick with the programme, prioritise a tidy workspace for the kids.
2. If winging it is still working, stick to it, if not, set up a structure. We sent one out last week, I'll publish another one on Facebook tonight.... for you to use if it helps. Any problems, email help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk
3. Do daily exercise (Your own, Joe Wicks, 9.00am on Youtube, Cosmic Kids, this is on line, available any time)

Andy's Weekly Address

Wow..... how weird is this!? But take a step back, look around at everything you've achieved, and toast yourselves, and your family.... well done everyone. May I start by thanking everyone for their magnificent support you have afforded us during the past week, it really is most kind. It's been a challenging time for us all, but none more so for those on the front line. I really don't know what to say to you, apart from thank you. It is your work that allows me to sleep at night. 

29.3.2020

Miss Berry and the Chorley SSP have set up a Cross Country Challenge. How many of us can still go and run a mile over the weekend? Post your pictures and videos onto the St George's Facebook page, send them directly to the SSP by email CSSP@buckshaw.lancs.sch.uk or add them to your class Seesaw.  The Chorley SSP will award this year's trophy to the school with the most participants. Happy running everyone!

On Thursday we had a gazebo stolen from the school grounds. Some gazebos have sadly been broken by the wind over the weekend. We will replace in full when this pandemic is over. Sorry for any inconvenience caused. 

Father Mike has produced a document called 'Praying at Home' with the church being closed. This can be found on the school's Facebook page or you can request an electronic copy by emailing help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk.

26.3.2020

Schools have been asked to stay over the EASTER break to allow KEYWORKERS to go into work. To enable us to staff this, please can you email SHARON in the office if you're a KEYWORKER and require DAY-STAY at St George's over the EASTER holidays. 

DAY-STAY - Monday - Friday inclusive including BANK HOLIDAYS. 

As always please take note of Government instruction, and you should only be going into work if you're a KEYWORKER whose work is essential to the nation's COVID-19 response.

Please email SHARON by 5:00 pm tomorrow should you wish to utilise this service.

25.3. 2020

Each week, Mr Norris will be posting a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) challenge for you all to get involved with. This week is a Science Selfie Competition. Who can take the best selfie picture capturing the whackiest, most imaginative, craziest science at home? This can be an investigation or science in your garden or around the house. Please post your entries on the school's facebook page or drop us an email on help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk.

Free School Meals

For those of you on free school meals, you can collect daily packed lunches, or weekly hampers, Collect weekly hampers on Monday. Both collections are from the Kitchen door. 

Tablets 

If any family does not have access to a tablet or phone ot the ability to access SEESAW. Please email help@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk and we will happily lend you a device from school. 

Facebook 

Sign up to the school page to keep up to date with staff, school and pupils. 

7:00am - Mr Purcell's Parbold Pop up! (daily)

9:00am - Yoga or Joe Wicks

9:30am - 3/4 Story Time (Live)

11:00am - Worship (Assembly)

1:30am - Infant Story Time (Live)

8:00pm - Y5/6 Story Time (Live)

18.3.2020

We have been instructed by the Government to CLOSE St George's on Friday at the end of school for MOST PUPILS. 

Exceptions to this at the moment include:

If your child has an education, health care plan, is in receipt of free school meals (not infant free meals) , or if you are a key worker i.e. one or more parents work in the NHS, armed forces, prison service, delivery drivers for supermarkets, teacher of a school that requires you to be in, food industry, social care workers, one or more parents work in the emergency services then school will be open as normal, from 8.30am until 5.30pm.

16.3.2020

In light of new Government recommendations, Chorley SSP confirm that all sporting events and competitions are postponed until further notice. They are considering running some online challenges. At this present time, Chorley SSP hope to continue to run activities onsite at St George's. 

16.3.2020

Follow this link for all the latest COVID 19 news IN THE EVENT OF A SCHOOL CLOSURE.

https://www.st-georges.lancs.sch.uk/news/?pid=13&nid=3&storyid=95

16.3.2020

Anyone with a "new, continuous" cough or high temperature is now advised to self-isolate for seven days, as the UK government moves to the "delay" phase of its plan to tackle coronavirus.

16.3.2020

Use this reputable checking tool if you're worried about new symptoms.

https://www.patientaccess.com/coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR3cero4lzNiyGn5CHJGWYs_z7tGdFWo1UdeVVdeHEOLzhLsUCJJEhPOGng

16.3.2020

WOW, well that’s been a bit of a week hasn’t it! First of all before I talk about our little world, let’s applaud the work of the health services and send our very best wishes to the politicians, and scientists who are leading the nation through this quite unprecedented and unexpected of times.

At St George’s the decisions that we take aren’t based on my amateur microbiology degree I awarded myself over the weekend, they’re based on a great deal of cautiousness until we’re given the knowledge to be confident again. They’re based on limiting risk, as I see it. They’re a calm measured set of actions to reduce the risk of COVID 19 popping into see us!

We've pulled out of a few events. Our decisions have been made not to be dramatic, or to create panic, simply out of an abundance of cautiousness, and to try and help the national agenda.

The Easter production, and rehearsals,  will now be held in school, more akin to an assembly, rather than in church. This was decided to avoid the mixed social gathering in a building other than school.

Swimming has been cancelled for year for the foreseeable future. Again, for the same reasons as above. The swimming pool is in a public building, that contains a gym. It doesn’t seem right for now swimming to continue where we could both catch, and indeed share our germs.

Although we are still collecting for the food bank, a member of staff will take the food up, rather than the kids.

The class 6 bag pack to Morrisons has been cancelled. Again, it’s a mixed social gathering

Easter bingo is also cancelled

We will show the events as cancelled on the web cal (ie leave them on, but write cancelled next to the title….. Please check the web cal before ringing school regarding events…. Assume they’re are going on, unless we have written cancelled on the web cal)

Facebook is a great way to keep in touch. I still hate it, but I can see the advantages. May I ask though that you stick to the more traditional forms of communication (email, telephone or face to face……. I had 12 messages from parents on imessenger over the weekend…… non of which I replied to! I socialise on imessenger you really don’t want me getting confused between the 2! Furthermore, I know you ask each other questions on facebook, that’s great…. And yeah, as staff have time, they may reply personally. But this isn’t the norm. If you want to speak to staff the channels are personally, email, phone call, letter…. Much thanks.

Sharon has spoken to all readers who valiantly give up their time to help us out. As long as you’re fit and well, please come into school as normal—bring a costa for me, and some banter and good news for everyone else!

That said, anyone with a new, continuous cough, or high temperature is now advised to stay off school for at least a week or until the temperature has returned to normal—whichever is the longer.

In school well be washing our hands regularly, but apart from that cracking on as normal.

Before you set off for school tomorrow check out 3 questions.

Andy

13.3.2020

The latest advice is for anyone with a high temperature, or a new cough to self isolate for a week! Accordingly, please, if your child shows these symptoms go into self isolation for the 7 days.

12.30.2020

Although I have no specific information, it is becoming increasingly likely that there is going to be some sort of school closure. Good luck. In situations like this it is my job, and our duty, to make things as easy for you all as possible. School has loads of on line resources that can be accessed from home. Click here to be taken to the information page on the website. As more resources become available I will publish them on facebook, and on the above section of the website.

There is plenty of work you can do at home, but I realise that any school closure will cause massive upheaval. Accordingly, all work is available, no work is compulsory. 

At home, during any school closure you can:

Use Purple Mash - consolidate your previous learning. 

Use espresso

Kids in year 2, and year 6, you have been sent home some past papers - please do them.... and return these. They will be marked, and used. 

You have the current, and previous homework menus that you can access. Discuss them. Complete activities. 

Challenge each other on TT rock stars. We'll do a school closure league table!

Learn your lines for the Easter play. It probably wont go ahead as planned, but we will do it!
Learn the songs for the Easter Production. These are available from the website.

You have your key spellings and key words sent home... learn to spell them. 

Use twinkle..... I will publish their online resources

read - Use bug Club, use oxford owl use 1st News. 

Practise what you know in maths.... use My Maths.

So, it will be certainly very different, but, should it be beneficial to you, theres lots to be going on with. 

I assure you that as i get information I will publish it here, and on facebook. 

During the school closure I will still write to you weekly, send you regular emails, and facebook updates, and respond to your emails with great haste. 

All the best, 

Andy