Newsletters

16.5.2025

Be determined and confident,as God will be with you* as we learn, care and share through work, play and prayer. (*Deuteronomy 31:6)

Contact details below, just click on the name, or call 01257 262323 

Andy Purcell,   Headteacher of St George's, and Wrightington Mossy Lea 

Sharon Kellie, School Admin and Bursar

Nic Gregson,    Deputy Head Teacher, Child Protection, SENCO

Naomi Harrison,  Assistant Head Teacher, responsibility for Assessment & Mossy Lea

Rob Horne      Assistant Head Teacher, Responsibility for Teacher Training

 

Two churches. One parish.       

Follow either church for information, worship, church attendance, events

St George's Chorley     Fr Mike Print

Fr Jordan Bentliffe       All Saints' Chorley   

Welcome to this Week’s Newsletter – The Final Few Steps, and What They Say About Us

It’s hard to believe we’re heading into the final half term of the school year (yes, that always sounds like a made-up measure of time, but here we are). The atmosphere in school has a bit of everything: joy, pride, exhaustion, energy, gratitude—and a few “how is it nearly the end?” stares from staff and parents alike.

Year 6, in particular, have been on my mind this week. The photos, the leavers’ prep, the little moments where they walk down the corridor and you see them differently now. Taller. Calmer. Ready. The truth is, they’re doing more than just preparing to leave—they’re processing what they’ve achieved. That’s what I’ve always wanted our kids to learn: not just to do the things, but to notice them. To stop and ask themselves, “What does this say about me?”

Because what it says is this: you were brave. You coped. You cared. You mattered. You still do.

Across the school, children are doing the same. Processing milestones, small wins, big challenges, and all the beautiful bits in between. It’s in the quiet SCARF award, the lost tooth, the trip reflection, the kindness unnoticed by most but not by all. That’s where the gold is. And I’m proud—so proud—of how far they’ve all come.

Add to that a  PTFA team whose kindness and graft genuinely blows me away, and it’s safe to say: this school is something special. It really is.

So as we head into the last few days of this half term, let’s not just look ahead to the break—let’s look back and ask, “What does this say about us?”
And if the answer is teamwork, heart, resilience and joy, then I’d say we’re getting it right.

Someone said something to me last week that really struck a chord:
"St George’s is the most formal school I’ve ever been in... but wrapped in joyful informality."

And do you know what? They’re absolutely right. We are formal. We’re highly structured. Our curriculum is meticulous. Our assessment systems are rigorous. Our expectations are high—unapologetically so. But all of it, every bit, is delivered with a smile, a spark, and a real sense of human warmth. That’s what the kids see. That’s what they feel. That’s the bit that makes it stick.

It’s a bit like that quote we love—"Be curious, not judgemental." You can have high standards and still be kind. You can be organised and still be joyful. And that’s the essence of St George’s—big-hearted precision, with just enough chaos to keep it real.

Let’s finish well.

Andy 

Well done, Year 6

I am proud of all the children in school – that’s no secret – but this week, my admiration for Year 6 has soared to brobdingnagian proportions. Not just for their efforts during National Test Week, but for the way they’ve grown, matured and flourished throughout their final year at St George’s.

There are so many clichés trotted out around SATs, and frankly, most of them are as stale as last week's toast. Here's the truth: yes, we have to do them. But as ever at St George’s, we do them our way – with determination, with a quiet confidence, with humour and compassion in spades. We don't treat SATs as some apocalyptic reckoning... just a chapter in our story. Part of life. Nothing to fear, and everything to be proud of.

Year 6 kids – process what you’ve just achieved. You chose to approach this week positively. You chose to show up, to focus, to rise. That’s not luck. That’s power. That’s control. That’s you.

And a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful parents – every child arrived on time, prepped, primed, and ready to rumble. That’s no small feat, and I notice it. We notice it. Thank you.

Now – go enjoy the feeling of a job well done. You’ve earnt it.

We’ve now published the draft term dates and INSET days for the academic years 2026/27 and 2027/28. They are available to view on the school website and will help you plan ahead with clarity. At this stage, please note that the dates remain provisional until formally ratified by our governing body — but we don’t anticipate any major changes. As always, thank you for working with us in ensuring the very best for the kids.

The Summer Fair is set for Monday 7th July at 6pm, right here on the school grounds—and it promises to be an absolute highlight of the term. Our wonderful PTFA met last night to plan what’s shaping up to be a glorious evening of community spirit, fun and fundraising. They are, quite frankly, the unsung heroes of school life—living out Christian values not through fanfare, but through quiet, generous graft. There’s no velvet curtain or grand applause—just relentless goodwill. They’ve recently raised funds for a 3D printer and other magnificent tech we’d never manage from the school budget alone, not to mention the fabulous running track around the MUGA. This year’s target is ambitious: £3,000 in just two hours. But with your support, we can absolutely get there. Non-uniform Fridays are on 13th, 20th and 27th June—bring anything you like: chocolate, bottles, tombola items, prizes—no segregation needed! And, of course, please do bake a cake for the Fair itself. Big or small, shop-bought or lovingly homemade, every slice helps. New PTFA members are always welcome—come and join this quietly mighty force for good.

Yes Year 6 – It’s All Done. And You Did It.

All done and dusted.

And what a week it’s been. SATs papers? Conquered. Every single one. But more than that… you changed. You grew. You didn’t just turn up — you turned up with grit, with grace, with guts.

Let’s process that for a moment — really sit in it.

Think back to Monday. For some, it felt like panic. That amygdala doing backflips. “Fight or flight” kicking in. Your body saying, "This is big, this is scary." But you did it anyway. You walked in with your shoulders back and your pencils sharp. You didn’t let the fear decide. That’s huge.

Fast forward a few days — and you're walking round school saying you loved it.

How powerful is that?

You’ve proven to yourself — and to everyone — that you can do difficult things. And not just survive them... but thrive in them. Enjoy them, even. That's the kind of strength that takes people places in life.

So what does this say about you? It says you're brave. It says you're resilient. It says you're more ready for life than you even realise.

And tonight? No revision. No worry. Just you — being a kid. Stay up late. Camp in the garden. Watch a film. Eat toast in bed. Whatever you do — let yourself be proud.

Because the real test? It wasn’t in the paper.
It was in your mind.
And you passed with flying colours.

Use this feeling. Remember this feeling. Let it shape how you take on the next challenge, and the next. This is your evidence — you can do hard things.

See you tomorrow, heroes. 👊✨(well, i probably wont - im off to Mossy! )

Gettin kids, and well in. Mr P

Print off this poster kids - slap it on your fridge, it will remind you how powerful you are. 

 

 

 

And the families and kids with SEND:

Sports days

Following the huge success of last year's sports day, and the kind generosity of Albany Academy, we will once again be hosting both sports days at Albany (although I must confess they don't know yet!)  It's great, and the kids loved it last year. 

Sports Days KS1 24th June and KS2 25th June

Weather permitting, and with permission from Albany our sports days will be held on 24th (Infants)  and 25th June for the Juniors, in the mornings, both starting at approx. 9.30am over at Albany High School.

Children will meet at school as usual in the mornings. School staff will escort the children to Albany, where sports day will take its usual form.

All children should come to school ready in team colour polo if they have, if not a plain T shirt of the same colour, PE shorts and pumps or trainers. They can stay in this all day so no need for uniform.

If we are lucky enough to have the sun shining please make sure that your child has had sun cream applied before school and that they are wearing a hat/cap. Please also ensure your child has a water bottle.

Come along and support us and join in the fun!

Alas, there will be no chairs available, so either bring a blanket, bring your own garden chairs, or sit on the grass banking over at Albany. Should you require any chairs from school pop over and Martin will sort you out, and please remember, toilets are for children's use only. Should you need the loo, you’re going to have to pop to our school. Sorry.

As we wrap up this week, here’s something to ponder:

If you find yourself bored over half term here’s a list to tick off…. And it doesn’t cost a penny! Tick them off return the list…. Leaves available…. No prizes! It’s just good fun!

Email, Facebook your pictures… whatever….. get them to us for the website! Good luck and enjoy! Let's cover the website with Half Term Fun.....

Get covered in paint/mud/chalk

Have a water fight – get drenched

Go swimming (safely and only when supervised) in a freezing cold pool or sea…. Stay in until you get used to it!

Be made to sit next to your enemy Stay there until you get used to it!

Laugh so much that drink comes out through your nose

Make and throw a paper plane – let me know how far it goes! Who can get the furthest? Allow yourself 3 different designs!

Do something you don’t want to do – do it, until you get used to it!

Invent something

Make a fool out of yourself/embarrass yourself more than once

Grow some flowers or vegetables

Have a pyjama day

Learn a new joke – tell it to me when we get back!

Discover your favourite author

Create an exploding volcano

Read a book in a weird place…..

Run around in the rain

Make a daisy chain

Throw a custard pie at your mum or dad…. And let them throw one back!

Giggle – a lot

Learn to fly a stunt kite on a beach.

07 May 2025
Teaching Vacancy. 1 Year Temporary Contract
Exciting Opportunity at St George's Primary School
Read more

We are thrilled to welcome the next cohort of Reception children and their families into our school community. Starting school is a milestone moment, and thanks to the generosity and hard work of our PTFA, we’re delighted to offer a relaxed, friendly playdate ahead of September. It's a brilliant opportunity for the kids to begin forming early friendships—and for parents to feel that reassuring sense of belonging.

Now, a little spotlight on our wonderful PTFA: they’re a passionate, positive, and slightly quirky bunch (we like that!) who give their time freely to support the extras that make our school magical. From funding trips and treats, to organising discos and playdates like this one, their work makes a difference every single week. They’re a new-ish team, finding their rhythm, full of heart, and open to fresh ideas and faces. If you’re a new parent and fancy getting involved—occasionally or regularly—you’d be made very welcome. Whether you're a planner, a doer, or just someone who makes a good brew, there's a place for you. Schools are like patchwork quilts—stitched together by many hands. And the PTFA is a particularly colourful corner of ours.

The teaching line up for next year! Although a while off, let's

(We will text out classes to you in the next few weeks)

I am absolutely delighted with the teaching line up for next year—full of talent, enthusiasm and passion! I think it's amazing, and I have very high hopes for next year. I'm so proud of all the staff you know - so proud of them.

We’ll hopefully have a lot of laughs, make a few mistakes of course, but get most things spot on to the benefit of all, enjoy ourselves and thrive. 

Classes 1 & 2 Reception kids—our new children. Welcome!

Carole Glover

Lisa Towers

Located in the current reception base

Class 3 30 Year 1 Children Room P1 (Promenade 1. Green Room)

A new teacher will be joining us. 

Class 4 Year 1/2 Children (15 of each) P2 (Promenade 2 Orange Room)

Rachel Fell

Class 5 30 Year 2 Children (promenade Purple room, or P3)

Ange Makepeace

As you walk upstairs lets call the upper rooms, 1, 2, 3 and 4, starting with year 4 in a clockwise direction

Class 6 30 Year 3 kids  U3

Andrea Miller,  in U3 (where she is now!)

Class 7 Year 3/4 kids U2

Mark Holmes. Upper room 2. (Where the class base is now!)

Class 8 Year 4 kids  U1

Si Ball. Upper room 1 (Where he is now)

Class 9 Year 5 kids

Naomi Harrison Blue Promenade room  - P4. Where Naz is now

Class 10 Year 5 kids

Katy Blackledge (Returning from MAT) P5 (Where Mark Holmes is now)

Class 11. Year 6. 

Thomas Norris The Arena room - where he is now

Class 12 Year 6 U4

Georgina Berry - Where she is now

Anne Fothergill will continue teaching in all classes

Emma Smith will be "coming out of class" next year, continuing her work on interventions and SENCO

Jenny Leap has taken the amazing plunge and is returning to full time class teaching as her own kids get a little older, and more independent. Im thrilled to welcome Jen back to full time, and we wish her well. Jen, for this year only, won't have her "own class" She will be supporting Mark, in class 7, teaching Maths, and will be boosting, supporting and enhancing kids learning across all junior classes at other times. 

12 May 2025
News from the churches
Today was Good Shepherd Sunday as we thought about how Jesus walks with us throughout life.
Read more

And as we close out the week, let’s remember: it’s not about the biggest win, or the loudest voice—it’s about how we do what we do. With kindness. With purpose. With a twinkle in the eye and a spring in the step. Whether your child brought home a SCARF certificate, conquered a new times table, or simply showed up with a smile—they did something worth noticing.

We are a school that blends tradition with joy, formality with laughter, structure with soul. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

So here’s to the final week—let’s finish them strong, proud, and grateful.
And ask yourself this: What would the younger you think of the person you are today?
If the answer is kind, curious, and still learning—you’re doing just fine.

See you Monday, 

Andy