Newsletters

24.10.2025

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 to this week’s newsletter!

If this term were a long journey, then perhaps now is the perfect time to pull in at a service station — not to end the drive, but to pause, stretch our legs, refuel, and check the map. We've come a long way already this half term: from uncertain first steps into new classrooms, to confident strides in routines, friendships, and learning. But like any journey worth taking, the road hasn’t been without its twists, turns, and unexpected detours.

And that’s okay. Because travelling well is not just about speed — it’s about direction, resilience, and noticing the view along the way.

There’s a quote I’ve been sitting with this week, often attributed to Gandhi:

"There is more to life than increasing its speed."

In school life, that rings true. We’re not just racing towards results or ticking off milestones. We’re forming character. We’re learning to navigate bumps with grace. And we’re realising — both staff and children alike — that how we travel matters just as much as where we’re headed.

So as we reach this natural pause point, thank you for travelling with us. For trusting the route. For supporting one another. And for reminding us that the journey, though sometimes tiring, is always worth it when you’re travelling with good people.

Let’s keep going. The road ahead is full of promise.

Attendance Matters
Let me begin by saying thanks you. Our current attendance figure stands at a just about impressive 97.9%, placing us in decile 1 — the top 0–10% of schools nationally. That’s an incredible reflection of the commitment so many of you show, day in and day out.

But — and I say this with a raised eyebrow and a kind smile — the figure looks a little glossier than the reality. This final week has seen a noticeable spike in holiday absences, which, while semi-understandable (given the different term dates for some local secondaries), is something we really need to slow down on. No more term-time holidays this academic year, please, especially for those who have had 1

Attendance matters. Every missed day chips away at learning, confidence, and momentum. But I also know life happens — which is why I ask for honesty, openness, and a sense of team. If something’s going on, talk to us. Let’s work together.

Strong attendance isn’t about statistics. It’s about setting habits, building resilience, and showing children that school — like life — is something worth showing up for.

Dear Parent/Carer,

If you would like your child to receive the flu vaccine in school this year, please follow this link to complete an online consent form. If you would like to decline, please complete a no consent form on the attached link.

https://nhsimms.azurewebsites.net/session/85e55c8e

The vaccinations will take place at your child’s school on the 18/11/25. The link will close on the 19/10/25. If your child has already had the Flu vaccine elsewhere since Sept 2025, please complete a ‘No’ to consent form. If you have any problems accessing the link, please telephone 0333 3583 397 option 2 option 1 .

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you have any further queries.

Thank you for your co-operation and your continued support.

Kind Regards

 

Kind Regards,

Lancashire Immunisation Team,  

 

                                                               

 

 

 

🎄 Can You Help with Our Christmas Fair Raffle? 🎄

We’re getting ready for our School Christmas Fair, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year — and we need your help to make it extra special!

Do you own a business or work for a company that could donate a prize for our raffle? Or perhaps you know someone who might be able to help?

Prizes can be anything from vouchers, hampers, or experiences to products or services — every donation makes a big difference and helps raise vital funds for our school.

If you can help or know a business we could contact, please get in touch with myself or school.

Thank you for supporting our school community — together we can make this year’s Christmas Fair the best one yet! 🎅✨

Help Our School Without Spending a Penny! 🎉

Did you know you can raise FREE donations for our school every time you shop online? 💻📱✨

We’ve partnered with easyfundraising, which means every time you buy from your favourite retailers (like Amazon, M&S, Argos, Tesco, and more!), a donation is made to our PTFA—at no extra cost to you! 🙌

💙 It’s easy, free and makes a BIG difference to our fundraising efforts!

👉 Just sign up here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a.../step-1/...

Let’s turn everyday shopping into everyday giving. Thank you so much for your support! 🏫

04 Sep 2025
Seeking a top-tier school where tradition meets innovation, and every child thrives?​​​​​​​
Do you want a school that prepares children for their future, not our past? Child ready to start September 2026?
Read more

Young Voices

A reminder that parents of the Young Voices choir have access to the music room. It is through this area that you are able to purchase tickets to the show. Please be aware that there is a deadline of 7.11.25 to make your purchases.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about processing what’s happened, learning from it, and moving forward a little stronger, a little wiser. One of the most powerful messages we share with our children is this: you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. That simple truth gives them back a sense of power — over their thoughts, choices, and reactions. At home, small routines can help build this: talking through the highs and lows of the day, naming feelings out loud, setting little goals for the week ahead, and celebrating effort over outcome. Encouraging children to reflect — not ruminate — gives them the tools to cope well now, and flourish later. And it shows them that even in tricky times, they are never powerless.

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

🔔 Notices & Reminders

  • Late Stay are looking for dolls’ clothes donations! If you have any tucked away at home, we’d be grateful for your help.

  • Poppy merchandise will be available after half-term. Suggested donation — whatever you feel is right.

  • School Uniform – we’re currently well stocked in the Uniform Shed — thank you!

  • Outstanding balances on SCOPay – Please clear any overdue payments for Late Stay, Breakfast Club or School Dinners. Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly.

End of Half-Term Reflections

It’s been a difficult term behind the scenes — a quiet flurry of unexpected events, illness and absence.

We’re delighted to welcome Anne Fothergill back after a health scare earlier this term. She’ll be pacing herself, well she won't, but she's meant to — but she’s back with a smile and a purpose.

Georgina McVittie (née Berry) will return following her late mum’s funeral. We continue to keep her warmly in our prayers — it’s been a painfully emotional time for her, and she’s shown remarkable strength.

And some of you will have noticed that Nic Gregson, our Deputy Head, didn’t return in September as expected. That’s because baby Milo Gregson made his arrival several weeks early, even before the term began! He’s now home (despite not yet reaching his official due date), and is doing brilliantly. Nic and her family are adjusting to their new rhythm — and we send them all our love.

🚦A Journey Paused… for Now

As the half-term break begins, it’s a good moment to pull into the metaphorical service station. A time to stretch, rest, and take stock of the road travelled.

Yes, it’s been a bumpy start in places. But the engine is running, the route is mapped, and the company — your children, our team, you — is second to none.

So breathe deeply, laugh loudly, sleep well, and enjoy every minute of the week ahead. We’ll hit the road again soon — rested, grateful, and ready.

“The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn’t even think to ask.”

Have a magical half term.

Warmly,