Newsletters

5.9.2025

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    All Saints Chorley   Fr Jordan Bentliffe   

St George’s is now in a period of interregnum, as we await the Diocese’s appointment of a new vicar to lead our parish forward.   

Welcome back to a new academic year – a journey worth taking, together.

As I said to staff this week during INSET: if ever there was a time for faith, hope and love in education — it’s now. Not as slogans on a wall, but as intentional choices we carry into the classroom, the corridors, and the conversations that shape our children.

These are curious virtues — because we can’t see them. They don’t sit in data dashboards or in lesson plans. They’re deeper than that. More human than that. In many ways, they ask us to believe in what we can’t always prove.

That’s faith. The courage to trust in something beyond what’s visible — a child’s potential, a colleague’s intent, a community’s ability to come good. It's what lies behind our belief in education itself. And it echoes the powerful words from Deuteronomy 31:6:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid... for the Lord your God goes with you.”

Hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s knowing we aren’t there yet — and choosing to keep going anyway. It’s what you see in a child who keeps trying to read, in a parent who shows up after a difficult week, in a teacher who adjusts, adapts, and keeps caring. Hope says: we're still moving forward.

And love — the greatest of these — is what binds it all. It’s not just affection or sentiment, but hard-won, deeply held regard for the people we serve. It’s found in patient listening, quiet encouragement, holding high expectations, and sticking together when things feel messy.

I also reflected with staff on how COVID didn’t just leave learning gaps — it left trust gaps, relationship gaps, and confidence gaps. Things frayed. Structures flattened. The social contract feels thinner. And yet schools like ours are one of the few places left where people from all walks of life gather, connect, and grow — together. We must continue to be a pillar of leadership in the community. A place where people believe in one another again.

This year, you’ll see the same ambition and compassion in action — in our curriculum, in our standards, in our relationships with you as families. We’re proud of our direction, but more importantly, we’re proud of how we travel — with integrity, clarity, and kindness.

And so, to each family: welcome back. Thank you for walking the road with us. We ask for your continued support, honesty, encouragement, and faith — especially in the moments that don’t immediately make sense.

Let’s give way when needed. Let’s look ahead. Let’s flash the metaphorical headlights of kindness and keep each other moving.

Because this is the kind of road worth travelling — and we’re glad you’re on it with us.

Dear Friends

🌾 Bishop’s Harvest Appeal 2025: Pedalling for People and Planet 🌍🚴‍♂️

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it on the seas and established it on the waters."
— Psalm 24:1

This year’s Bishop’s Harvest Appeal is a powerful reminder of our deep connections — to the planet, to each other, and to the global Church family we’re part of. At its heart, the appeal focuses on supporting our Anglican brothers and sisters in the Free State, South Africa, through the Diocese of Bloemfontein — a link that Blackburn Diocese has held dear for generations.

What Are We Supporting?

Bishop Dintoe (Free State) has identified four key priorities:

  • 🌱 Training and formation of new clergy and those exploring ministry

  • 👦 Developing ministry to boys and young men

  • 👩‍🦰 Running Gender-Based Violence workshops, led by the Mothers’ Union

  • 🌍 Environmental education, teaching how to protect and cherish creation

From community workshops to after-school clubs, the support we raise helps real people in real parishes — just like ours — build stronger futures rooted in faith, justice, and hope.

The Big Pedal 🚴‍♀️

To launch the appeal, Bishop Philip will be undertaking a special Pedal-along on October 17th — cycling across all 14 Deaneries in a single day, stopping to pray in a school or church in each. It’s an act of commitment, prayer, and visibility — and he’s encouraging schools like ours to get involved too.

So, we’re inviting our children to host their own Harvest Pedal-alongs — either in PE, Forest School, or with bikes/scooters in the playground. It’s a great way to show solidarity, celebrate harvest, and do something practical and fun in the process.

💛 How to Give

Whether you’d like to support personally, as a family, or as a class, here are the ways you can give:

  • Online: Click here to donate by card

  • Parish Giving Scheme: Available from 1st October

  • By Cheque: Payable to Blackburn Diocesan Board of Finance Limited (Diocese Harvest Appeal) and send to:
    Blackburn Diocesan Board of Finance, Clayton House, Walker Office Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE

  • QR Code: Scan the code shared on our school website or newsletter to give directly and Gift Aid it

Every penny raised helps amplify love, faith, and justice — from Lancashire to Lesotho, from Blackburn to Bloemfontein. Thank you, as ever, for your generous support.

Let’s get pedalling! 🚴‍♂️🌍🍂

 

 

ACTION NEEDED

PGL Pre-Trip Meeting

With the Year 6 PGL trip fast approaching, we kindly ask that any outstanding payments are settled as soon as possible ahead of the departure date.

To help everyone prepare, we would like to invite Year 6 parents, along with the children, to a Pre-Trip Meeting on Wednesday 10th September 2025 at 6.00pm in the school hall.

During the meeting, we will talk you through the itinerary for the long weekend away, share a virtual tour of the park, and show videos of some of the activities the children will be enjoying. It will also be a good opportunity to check whether there are any items still needed.

A gentle reminder: please do not feel the need to buy anything new. This is an active, outdoor experience rather than a fashion parade. Well-worn, handed-down clothes are ideal, and it is worth noting that white trainers will not return white.

Every Day Matters – Thank You!
We are delighted to share that our school achieved an overall attendance rate of 96.4% last year — placing us by a whisker in decile 1, the top 10% of schools nationally for attendance. This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the joint efforts of staff, children, and parents working in partnership. Thank you.

The latest Department for Education guidance is clear: attendance is not optional — and even small amounts of missed time can have a significant impact on learning, relationships, and confidence. Every day counts.

We know that occasional absence is unavoidable — and we're committed to working with families in a compassionate and understanding way. But we also want to maintain this high standard, because it's the consistency that allows children to thrive. Here are a few ways you can help:

  • Avoid term-time holidays – absence due to holidays is unlikely to be authorised.

  • Plan routine appointments for after school hours where possible.

  • Keep school informed if your child is unwell — and return them as soon as they’re ready.

  • Speak to us early if anxiety or other barriers are making attendance difficult — we’re here to help.

Together, we can continue to create an environment where children feel secure, successful, and supported — and that starts by being here.

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Earrings and Uniform — Thank You for Your Support

A huge thank you to all the families who have supported our school uniform policy by replacing traditional earrings with clear plastic retainers. We know it’s a small adjustment, but it makes a big difference in helping us maintain the high standards we set for all pupils.

As you’ll know, from when you chose to join St Georges, earrings are not part of our uniform policy — this is for safety reasons during PE and playtimes, but also to promote a sense of equality and readiness for learning, plus also there are times in life where we are epected to follow rules, rather than ignore them.... and that also is a point worth noting as adults, and worth teaching our kids. 

At the end of the day, we don’t want uniform to become a battleground — and the reality is, there’s very little we can do unless we have your support. That’s why your cooperation is so valued. We’re proud of how smart our pupils look, and that’s a reflection of the shared values we hold as a school community.

Thank you again for helping us get the small things right — together, they add up to something much bigger.

Walking Home: Safety First

As we head into autumn, more of our children — especially in the older year groups — are beginning to walk home from school independently. This is an important step for many families, but one that needs careful thought, good communication, and clear expectations.

Every child is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach — what’s right for one may not be right for another. We encourage parents to carry out a risk assessment based on a few key factors: your child’s maturity, the honesty and reliability they show, the route home, weather conditions, and the daylight hours. Darker nights, rainy mornings, and winter traffic all increase the risks — so this is a conversation that may need revisiting as the year progresses.

We’re also reminding children in school about Lancashire’s “Eyes Up, Slow Down, Cross Safely” message. It’s a simple but powerful campaign that encourages smart habits for young people who are out and about:

  • 👀 Eyes Up: Phones away. Heads up. Look out for your friends — don’t distract them. Stay alert near roads.

  • 🐢 Slow Down: Don’t rush. Never run into the road, even if it seems clear — traffic is faster than we think.

  • 🚸 Cross Safely: Use pedestrian crossings where possible. Avoid crossing between parked cars unless absolutely necessary, and wait until buses have pulled away before stepping out.

You can explore the full Lancashire KS2 Road Safety resources here.

Ultimately, this is about giving children responsibility with guidance — and doing our bit as adults to keep them safe. Please speak to your child about safe routines, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like us to reinforce a particular message in school. Working together, we can ensure our children are confident, cautious, and kind road users.

 

https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/road-safety-education/primary/key-stage-2-resources/

 

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

As this week draws to a close, I’ve found myself humming Viva La Vida by Coldplay, a song we've been listening to in assembly as well, its a banger to be honest — a song that speaks of change, perspective, and looking back at what we’ve built. Once a king who “ruled the world,” the narrator reflects on how quickly things shift, and how important it is to lead with purpose and heart.

In schools, we don’t wear crowns or carry swords — but we do lead children, shape lives, and leave legacies. What matters isn’t the fanfare, but the quiet courage, consistent kindness, and daily decisions that make a difference. It’s not about ruling anything — it’s about walking alongside.

So as we move forward, let’s stay grounded in that. Let’s continue to build a school that doesn’t just look good on paper, but feels good to walk into. A place full of purpose, laughter, structure, compassion, and yes — a bit of Coldplay.

Because whether we’re “sweeping the streets we used to own” or simply sweeping up after a glitter explosion in Year 2, we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves. And that, I think, is worth singing about.