Newsletters

6.9.21

A very warm welcome back to school!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are ready for a busy and exciting term ahead. A special welcome to new pupils and parents to our school; I hope you will be very  happy here.

The children all seem to have grown over the holiday and their positivity and desire to work really hard has been utterly inspiring! All of our new Reception children are settling in so well and they seem to be thriving already – we are so proud of them, and genuinely delighted you chose us.

Getting children into school full time is not a race. Some schools are very proud of the fact that their reception children start full time straight away.  We have a different view at St George’s. The part time induction process is beneficial for the children, and the staff, as they begin to form the most amazing relationships. Beneficial in their learning, as Jill, Louise, Siobhan and Carol talk to your children individually, getting to know their strengths, and their weaknesses. It is beneficial at lunch time as all Welfare and  Foundation staff sit with the 22 or 23 children educating them in the lunch times routines, and reassuring them all is fine when the rest of the school join them, and getting them ready for the rest of the year – educating them in class routines and systems…. I promise you, it is invaluable. 

Parents, I know you will continue to work with us, so your child can grow in confidence, with a love of learning, and a determination to be the best person they can be. We are all busy people, but it is important for you to put a routine in place whereby children know they must do their homework menu, daily reading, online learning challenges (Bug Club, My Maths) etc. At these times, turn the television/computer off. Try to use the television/computer as incentives for work done – they will value it more. 

Can you ensure, that, as parents and carers you put a great value on school and education. Explain to your child that treating everyone with respect, being on time and in school everyday, wearing the correct uniform and working hard in school is important to you. These are also important life skills.  The value you place on these will be the value your child holds.

Your children are your most important gift from God, treasure them, help them, guide them and support them .We in school will do everything we can to help your child to do their best.  Let us know if we can       support you in any way.  Remember we  operate an open door policy – feel free to book an appointment with your child’s class teacher or the Senior Leadership Team if you have concerns or need support, help or  advice.

Unusually we do have a few spaces dotted around the school, in year 2 and year 5. Parents have moved to various locations around the country. So, if you know of anyone who was on our wanting list and would like to join us, put them in touch with Sharon or Anna. That said, the caveat is, if they are in one of our alliance schools then we have a rule where we don't pinch and post! It's worth getting the message out there though in case we can help. 

Holiday Club was absolutely superb! Well done to all concerned! What's great news is it will be running again in October half term. More details will come from Nici shorlty. But for now, well done everyone.... it was great! 

Admissions:

If you have a child who should start school in September 2022 please ensure that you have read the admissions process on the website at school, and at church… all your questions should be answered there.

We have a virtual tour on line, and we will, subject to conditions be showing parents and carers round this year. 

Ahhhh... we're back... and there are no arrows stuck to the floor directing us where to go, the kids are sat all together on the carpet, playing all together outside and we're singing at the top of our voices again... it feels amazing! There were so many little things that I've always taken for granted that were so sorely missed when they were taken away from us. It is truly great to have them all back. Having said that I'm under no illusion that COVID is still present and with us and we are just beginning to learn to live with it. The paragraphs below are a recap of the e-mail sent to your before school started highlighting the safety measures still in place in school:

From 16 August, the Government has said that people aged under 18 years and 6 months or who are fully vaccinated will no longer be legally required to isolate if they are a close contact of someone with COVID-19. Instead, such people will be advised to get a PCR test unless they have had a positive PCR test in the previous 90 days. This means that should a member of a class test positive for COVID the class can remain open, but all children, and staff must book for a PCR test, and report the results. They can come to school whilst awaiting the PCR test result, assuming they are completely symptom free. Woodlands is a great walk through centre. I'd perhaps ask you to humour me.... the definition of close contact remain the same as to whether you pass someone on the streets, or live with someone. There are benefits of being able to take a quick PCR if you are pinged by the APP, but, i opine, if someone in your household has COVID i would probably think it's better for the many if your kept your child off school. The only other option is a test every day before school. Just reflect on this, and see what you think. The difference between being a close contact as pinged by the APP, or a close contact through someone in your household testing positive. 

Regardless of age or vaccination status, anyone who develops any of the main, or peripheral symptoms of COVID-19 must get a PCR test as soon as possible and isolate until the result is available. People who get a positive PCR test must continue to isolate as usual. If your child develops any of these symptoms, you must arrange for them to have a PCR test as soon as possible, and keep them off school. A PCR test can be arranged via the NHS UK (www.nhs.uk) website or by contacting NHS 119 via telephone if you do not have internet access. Your child should self-isolate immediately and they should not attend school. Please contact the school by phone to inform us your child has COVID-19 symptoms and you are awaiting a COVID-19 test.

Masks

As an extra level of protection staff are still wearing masks in communal areas around school and I ask you, please, if I may, to continue to wear masks when on the school grounds at drop offs and pick ups. 

School dinners have had a revamp! Leanne has been working hard to produce some cracking menu options and kids in Key Stage 2 can now order their meals online via SCOpay. 

Please log onto SCOpay and order your child's meal. This can be done up to the night before. This will translate in school to the children receiving a coloured wrist band which relates to a meal option so that everyone gets what they want. 

Any problems with SCOpay please see Sharon or Anna in the office. 

There will be teething problems, of course there will, but every child will get fed! I promise. We'll re evaluate it in a month's time. 

As you know we're taking the children to Martin Mere to launch the year, to aid transition and to help re generate that educational excitement that was missing, quite understandably, during the COVID restrictions. There's no charge for this trip - schools saved a fortune over COVID, wo we'll use those savings to fund it. I love the idea of a whole school trip to launch the year - it could be a new tradition!

Just a quick check list before the trip. 

Have you completed the JotForm? Your child can't go without you having done so. Use this link to take you to the form. https://form.jotform.com/210772650235047

Clothes wise - check the weather forecast nearer the time, and lets dress appropriately. General rule is school T shirt - own trousers/ shorts and footwear. Maybe a coat? Maybe sun tan cream!!! We'll know more nearer the time!

Kids need to be in school for normal time, 8.45am, and we'll be back for school closing at the normal time

Breakfast club and Late Stay open as normal. 

School packed lunches are all sorted.

If you're bringing a packed lunch from home, please bring in a carrier bag that we can bin post lunch. 

Please make sure your details on SIMS lite are up to date in the unlikely event we need to contact you. 

There have been times in my life when I've been called a dictator! Perish the thought I hear you say! Thank you very much for your feedback in the school questionnaire last year. Whilst much has yet to be analysed, we have taken your feedback on Homework Menus! Getting the balance right for you re homework is a massive task! The menus will be sent home this Friday. You'll notice theres no maths on; we'll be using mymaths, which will be set weekly by your child's class teacher, and English, quite rightly is restricted to reading, and learning spellings. Which for a Primary School, is just right. Let me know what you think! 

For those parents who are new to St George’s!

The school’s newsletter will be sent out weekly, by email only, so if you haven't received this by email, please contact Sharon or Anna to update your email address please!  

The newsletter provides lots of information about how you can get the most from us!

Although we are trying to shorten the length of them, they are generally lengthy (sorry about that), and    occasionally entertaining… please do take the time to read them! Despite various proof read checks… they do, almost without exception, come out with humorous typographical errors, and occasionally confusing information – for example giving 2 different dates for the same event!  I apologise now for any confusion caused; as you get to know me better… you’ll find it easier to forgive me. I always allow myself three mistakes before you are allowed to comment!

Welcome once again; I hope you soon find happiness with us… Enjoy the journey…

Adult Helpers…. Can you come back to us? 

Adult Helpers! Can you help us to help you….

We really appreciated, and valued help from parents with reading in school, and other activities. Are you willing to come back to us? Can you help? 

Reading is a life skill, and all the staff at St. George’s work their hardest to ensure that children experience different reading opportunities.  We try to get every child in the infants heard read 3 times a week – that’s a huge task, and not one we can achieve without your help! If you can spare an hour or two in the week, for us, ideally in an afternoon – but mornings are better than nothing, we’d be ever so pleased to see you! Please see Louise, Sharon, Anna or myself if you can help us out!

If you can offer help in a more general way around the school please see any of our class teachers! It would be great to see you!

All we'd ask is that you wear a mask in communal areas, and complete an LFD test, which we can supply, 24 hours prior to coming into school! 

 

Parents/Guardians of Year 6,

The children in year 6 will be attending swimming lessons every Friday afternoon from 10th September 2021 until February half term 2022 at Brinscall Swimming baths.

The children will be collected from school and taken to the swimming baths and returned to school after their lesson by coach. Due to the timing of the lesson the children will arrive back at school after the end of the school day. We are hoping to be back for approximately 3:45pm.

Please can you ensure that your child brings their swimming things with them to school on a Friday.

The children will need:

o A towel

o Swimming cap

o Girls – one piece swimsuit

o Boys – jammers (not baggy swim shorts)

Swimming caps can be purchased from Brinscall baths on the day of the lesson and the cost will be added onto your Scopay account. However, it would be beneficial for your child to have a swimming cap prior to our first lesson so they can practise putting it on independently at home.

It is advised that the children do not wear goggles for these lessons. If for any reason it is compulsory that your child wears goggles then please contact Miss Berry directly in writing.

If you have any further questions email Miss Berry on g.berry@st-georges.lancs.sch.uk

Dogs, Sickness and hair!

I haven't witnessed any problems with dogs on the playground during COVID procedures, so please, continue to bring them on! I don't see why not! keep them on a lead please, obviously, and bring poor bags... just in case. And of course, remember some kids, and staff are not dog fans.... but otherwise, woof woof. 

If your child is off with sickness or diarrhoea, don’t send them back to us too soon! 

Please keep children off school for 48 hours after such symptoms have passed.

Uniform Policy

Your child’s hair should be cut no shorter than a number 2, be of natural looking colour, and contain no steps, or lines….. sorry!

Remember – you didn’t just choose the school, you chose the rules and uniform as well – be proud of it. Embrace it. Support it. Don’t spoil it.

School Traditions

I am never sure when a comment such as “why are we doing that,” becomes “why do we not do that anymore?”  or when does a new idea become a tradition?  Or when change becomes a constant?  I would like to mention one or two constants and changes and long established traditions that may come your way this year!

Please do not let your child come to school with nail varnish, earrings, trainers etc.  Regarding “holiday haircuts” (including hair braids/ highlights)  – as always, in the spirit of working together,  we do turn a blind eye for a week!  Hope this helps! And finally kids—please don’t bring your own footballs into school! We’re reducing the

Coloured T Shirts

All children are in a colour group in the school. This fosters team spirit and competitiveness! Children earn rainbow rewards throughout the week, worth 2 team points, and they also get achievement awards worth 3 team points – all help towards winning the cup at the end of the year! Coloured T shirts should be worn on Fridays (optional)– and it’s also nice to wear them on the children’s birthdays! It helps create a great atmosphere in school!

Dismissal - I know!

I know the yards are busy at the end of the day at the moment. It will get easier when the slope is in use for the Junior Kids. For now, please just be extra careful

Nut Allergy

We do have 3 children in school with Nut Allergies, one of the allergies is an air bourne one. So please, no nuts in school at all. Many thanks.