Newsletter 18.12.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 18th Dec 2020 @ 12:24pm

18^th December 2020

 

Newsletter

 

Dear Parents / Carers

 

New Phone Number

Please note that due to an upgrade in our school Broadband we have had to change the school telephone number. With immediate effect the new school telephone number is 01606 668066

 

Please follow the guidance below if your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 after the closure of school today.

 

Notifying the school of a positive test result

If your child developed symptoms of COVID-19 and has been tested or was asymptomatically tested (tested when they don’t have symptoms) and the results do not arrive before the school closes today, please email [email protected]  as soon as the results arrive.

Notifying the school if your child develops COVID-19 symptoms after the school closes for Christmas

Notify the school if:

• Your child develops symptoms or is asymptomatically tested (tested when they don’t have symptoms) before 3:30pm on 20 December 2020 and;
• Your child was in school in the 48hrs prior to the symptom on-set (or test if they have been tested but don’t have symptoms)

You do not need to notify the school if:

• Your child has not been in nursery/school in the 48hrs prior to the symptom on-set (or test if they have been tested but don’t have symptoms)
• Your child develops symptoms or is asymptomatically tested (tested when they don’t have symptoms) after 3:30pm on Sunday 20 December 2020

Testing

We would like to remind parents that children should only be tested if they develop any of the three COVID-19 symptoms:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

They should not be tested asymptomatically (when they don’t have symptoms) unless they are part of a study or have been advised to do so by a Consultant in Public Health.

Returning to school in January 2021

The school does not need to be notified if your child is required to self-isolate during the Christmas holidays.  If your child is required to isolate after the 4 January 2021 and will not be in school on the 5 January 2021 please email [email protected] outlining the reason why they are isolating and the date they will return.  We will then review these emails when we re-open on the 4 January 2021 for staff training. 

Test and trace arrangements when the school re-opens in January

From the 5 January 2021 onwards the normal test and trace procedures will apply, and parents should contact the school to notify us if their child develops symptoms of COVID-19 using the following [email protected]

 

Summary of COVID notification deadlines

Dates	Actions	Contacts
Up to 3:30pm on 20 December 2020	Continue to notify the school if your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 or is tested asymptomatically (tested when they haven’t got symptoms) and attended school in the 48 hrs before.	[email protected]
After 3:30pm on 20 December 2020	Do not notify the school if your child starts with symptoms of COVID-19 or is tested asymptomatically (tested when they haven’t got symptoms)	No contact required
3 January 2021	Notify the school if your child is self-isolating and will not be returning on the 5 January 2021	[email protected] Tel: 01606 668066
5 January 2021	Notify the school if your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 or is tested asymptomatically (tested when they haven’t got symptoms)	[email protected] Tel: 01606 668066

 

Readers

This term we have celebrated reading in each class with the children receiving a raffle ticket for each time they have completed the most reads during a week. The raffle tickets have been placed in a container and a winning ticket drawn for each class. The following children have received a Head Teacher’s Award for reading and will receive a book token on our return in January.

 

Class	Name	Class	Name
Dean	RJ	Adda	OA
Croco	BH	Severn	JW
Bollin	JS	Ouse	CJ
Gowy	RH	Derwent	SO
Wheelock	ZC	Foss	AG
Dee	JT	Wandle	AG
Mersey	CH	Thames	AJ
Wye	OQ	Brent	HG
Dove	MS	Calder	LG
Manifold	DS	Eden	SB
Conwy	FH	Esk	HH

 

May I take this opportunity to congratulate all children on the improvement made with their reading. We look to award similar prizes next term:

 

School Starters September 2020

Please may I remind parents with children who are due to start Reception class in September 2021, that the final day for registering your child for a place in the school of your choice, is Friday 15^th January 2021. Please note that even if you have a child in our school Nursery, you will still need to apply for a place through the Cheshire West and Chester Admissions Portal.

 

School admissions (cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk)

Rudolf Run

The children ran so well in all different weather conditions to complete the Rudolf Run. A lot of run was had in raising money for St Luke’s. If you have not managed to donate, please try to do so to help support this valuable resource.

 

Support payments for the winter period

 

Please note the following for families in need during this difficult time.

After the Government announced £170 million in funding would be available for local authorities through its COVID Winter Grant Scheme, Cheshire West and Chester Council will receive £925,000 in total to support residents.

This funding will help families struggling to pay for food, fuel or water bills throughout the winter period.

Who will qualify

• Families with children receiving free school meals on 1 December 2020.
• Families receiving either a Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction on 1 December 2020 AND with children below the age of four, or children between the ages of 16 and 18 inclusive.
• Individuals who have left the care of Cheshire West and Chester Council and are below the age of 25 on 1 December 2020.

     

Details of the award

Applications must be made online as bank details are required to make payments. An award of £45 per eligible person and £35 per household will be paid into the nominated bank account, subject to checks against records held by the Council. An automated notification will be sent out to confirm that an application has been received.

  To apply online:

• Visit: Winter grant scheme 

 

When payments will be made

Payments will start in December, but volumes are likely to be high. The Council is asking that, once an application form is completed, time is given to send the awards out as repeat contacts are likely to delay any awards made.
 

Contact us

• Telephone: 0300 123 8123
• Email: [email protected]

 

Other help available

Citizens Advice Cheshire West, in conjunction with The Fuel Bank Foundation will also receive funding to support people who are struggling to meet their fuel bills.

• Visit the Citizens Advice website
   

Disability Positive has also been awarded funding to support children and adults it works with who have long-term health conditions, helping them access food, energy or water bill support. 

The Welcome Network is commissioned by the Council to coordinate food offers across the borough. Details of local food offers in Cheshire West and Chester over the Christmas are being compiled on the Welcome Network website.

• Visit the Welcome Network food map

 

Thank you again for your continued support.

 

Wishing all a restful and enjoyable Christmas.

 

Kind regards

Mark Joule

Head teacher

Newsletter 15.12.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 15th Dec 2020 @ 2:23pm

15^th December 2020

 

Newsletter

 

Dear Parents / Carers

 

INSET Days

You may have noticed in the national news that the Government have allowed schools to change the

In Service Education Days should they consider it appropriate, to facilitate an early finish at the end of term. Having considered the options, it has been decided that we will not be changing our finish date this term due to the late announcement and the fact that this would have a significant impact on parents as well as scheduling the remaining days. We will therefore finish at 3.15pm on

Friday 18^th December as planned.

 

Miss Williams

I am delighted to inform you that Miss Williams will be getting married over the festive period. She will return to school in January to teach her class Reception Bollin, but will answer to the name of

Mrs Trigg. I am sure that you will all join with me in congratulating her on her forthcoming nuptials.

 

Class Move

Due to the increased number of children joining the Nursery in January, Miss Fox and Y1 Mersey will be relocating to the classroom off the small hall. The only difference to parents will be to drop their children off at the door to the left of the current class door. Collection will continue to be from the Year 1 entrance.

 

Tablets

I am delighted to inform you that we have now acquired sufficient Galaxy 7 Tablets to loan one to each child from Year 1 to Year 6. The children in the Reception classes will them receive a tablet as they enter into Year 1.

The roll out of the technology will help to develop the home / school learning link as the children will be asked to take their tablet home each night to complete their homework on, in the same way as they take home a reading book. We are currently uploading the required software onto each device, which will be managed by Guardian Angel, Mobile Device Management System. Once this has been completed the children will be issued the tablets for their use whilst they remain pupils at the school. You will shortly receive further details in the form of a home / school agreement for you to complete to enable us to regulate the use of the devices. Please note that it is likely that the majority of the tablets will be issued in January.

 

Christmas Updates

 

Pantomime

As previously mentioned we are pleased to be welcoming a small theatre company to school during the last week of term to deliver a production of Peter Pan for the children. Sadly, as with all events of this nature we will need to ask for a small contribution towards the cost of this from you as parents. This will be subsidised by the PTA, but we should be grateful if you could contribute £3.00 for your child to participate. Please can we ask those parents who have not made the contribution so far to do so before Wednesday via the Eduspot website.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Parties

It has been lovely to see the children enjoy their Christmas parties. On behalf of all concerned, we would like to thank Vicky Raddy for providing a cake for each child. As always these have been well received!

 

Rudolf Run

As per my last letter, we will be asking the children to take part in a Rudolf Run during this week.  Please can you ensure that your child has outdoor trainers or wellingtons in this week as the run will be through the woodland area.

This is fundraising which will involve the children wearing a set of antlers and a red nose provided by St Luke’s Hospice and following a member of staff (dressed in a Santa Suit) around the school grounds to raise awareness of and to support support St Luke’s hospice. Should you wish to make a donation for this, please follow the link below which will take you to the JustGiving Page. A small donation, irrespective of the value, will help to maintain this wonderful service in the town. Please also share the link with your friends and families as the donations do not have to come solely from our school community. Thank you for your support with this matter. Please note that the children will get to keep their antlers and red nose and will also be provided with a pot of porridge.

 

You can donate to the JustGiving page by clicking here:

 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/winsfordhighstreetprimary?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=winsfordhighstreetprimary&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=0ebf3b640cba41ef8952d8bbe19be939

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice, so it's the most efficient way to give - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

Christmas Music

We are currently working hard at putting together recordings of the children singing Christmas songs. We will be releasing this later this week for you to share with your family and friends.

 

PTA Christmas Raffle

Many thanks to the PTA for organising the Christmas raffle on behalf of the school. I am delighted to inform you that the following members of the school community were the winners and have now collected their prizes:

 

1^st           J Oakes

2^nd          N Hargreaves

3^rd           D Hunt

 

School Starters September 2020

Please may I remind parents with children who are due to start Reception class in September 2021, that the final day for registering your child for a place in the school of your choice, is Friday 15^th January 2021. Please note that even if you have a child in our school Nursery, you will still need to apply for a place through the Cheshire West and Chester Admissions Portal.

 

School admissions (cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk)

 

Dates for your diaries

December

16^th      Rudolf Run: Early Years and KS1

16^th      Theatre Visit: KS2

17^th      Theatre Visit: Early Years and KS1

17^th      Rudolf Run: KS2

 

 

 

Support payments for the winter period

 

Please note the following for families in need during this difficult time.

After the Government announced £170 million in funding would be available for local authorities through its COVID Winter Grant Scheme, Cheshire West and Chester Council will receive £925,000 in total to support residents.

This funding will help families struggling to pay for food, fuel or water bills throughout the winter period.

Who will qualify

• Families with children receiving free school meals on 1 December 2020.
• Families receiving either a Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction on 1 December 2020 AND with children below the age of four, or children between the ages of 16 and 18 inclusive.
• Individuals who have left the care of Cheshire West and Chester Council and are below the age of 25 on 1 December 2020.

     

Details of the award

Applications must be made online as bank details are required to make payments. An award of £45 per eligible person and £35 per household will be paid into the nominated bank account, subject to checks against records held by the Council. An automated notification will be sent out to confirm that an application has been received.

  To apply online:

• Visit: Winter grant scheme 

 

When payments will be made

Payments will start in December, but volumes are likely to be high. The Council is asking that, once an application form is completed, time is given to send the awards out as repeat contacts are likely to delay any awards made.
 

Contact us

• Telephone: 0300 123 8123
• Email: [email protected]

 

Other help available

Citizens Advice Cheshire West, in conjunction with The Fuel Bank Foundation will also receive funding to support people who are struggling to meet their fuel bills.

• Visit the Citizens Advice website
   

Disability Positive has also been awarded funding to support children and adults it works with who have long-term health conditions, helping them access food, energy or water bill support. 

The Welcome Network is commissioned by the Council to coordinate food offers across the borough. Details of local food offers in Cheshire West and Chester over the Christmas are being compiled on the Welcome Network website.

• Visit the Welcome Network food map

 

May I take this opportunity to thank all parents/carers for your continued support during what has been and what continues to be a difficult time in school. The children have been brilliant, and have followed the new routines and have tried hard, making good progress and catching up on lost learning. We are very proud of what they have achieved and also what has been achieved by the school community.

 

Wishing all a restful and enjoyable Christmas.

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

Newsletter 3.12.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 3rd Dec 2020 @ 2:19pm

3^rd December 2020

 

Newsletter

 

Dear Parents / Carers

 

Christmas Updates

 

Pantomime

As previously mentioned we are pleased to be welcoming a small theatre company to school during the last week of term to deliver a production of Peter Pan for the children. Sadly, as with all events of this nature we will need to ask for a small contribution towards the cost of this from you as parents. This will be subsidised by the PTA, but we should be grateful if you could contribute £3.00 for your child to participate. Please follow the link to Eduspot, which will be provided on a separate email to pay your contribution towards the cost of the theatre visit. Thank you for your support with this matter.

 

Christmas Parties

As per the calendar below, the Christmas parties will take place next week. Should your child be in Y3 and Y5, we should be grateful if they could come to school dressed in their party clothes, but bring their uniform into school to change into afterwards. If your child is in Y1, Y2, Y4 or Y6 we should be grateful if your child could bring their party clothes into school in a bag and wear their uniform to school in the normal manner. Please note that due to Covid -19, the staff are planning to run some of the part games outside, you should therefore take this into account when helping your child to choose their party attire. Children in the Nursery and Reception classes will be provided with separate guidance.

 

Christmas Jumpers

To help the children enter into the spirit of Christmas we would like them to wear their Christmas jumpers during the last two weeks of term, starting from Monday next week. If they haven’t got a Christmas jumper, then we are happy for them to wear their school sweatshirt with a little tinsel. Please ensure that the rest of the school uniform is worn each day.

 

Christmas Singing

Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions we have not been able to run our usual array of Nativity Plays. However, next week we will be filming each year group singing songs from the Christmas story with their friends. This will take place on the green carpet area adjacent to the Y4 classes. For this event the children will need their coats as well as hats and gloves, although we will only keep them outside for the minimal amount of time. Please note that we will only film your child if you have given permission for us to do so by completing the on line form distributed earlier in the year.

 

Rudolf Run

As per my last letter, we will be asking the children to take part in a Rudolf Run during the last week of term.  Please can you ensure that your child has outdoor trainers in this week as the run will be through the woodland area.

This is fundraising which will involve the children wearing a set of antlers and a red nose provided by St Luke’s Hospice and following a member of staff (dressed in a Santa Suit) around the school grounds to raise awareness of and to support support St Luke’s hospice. Should you wish to make a donation for this, please follow the link below which will take you to the Just Giving Page. A small donation, irrespective of the value, will help to maintain this wonderful service in the town. Please also share the link with your friends and families as the donations do not have to come solely from our school community. Thank you for your support with this matter. Please note that the children will get to keep their antlers and red nose and will also be provided with a pot of porridge.

 

You can donate to the JustGiving page by clicking here:

 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/winsfordhighstreetprimary?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=winsfordhighstreetprimary&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=0ebf3b640cba41ef8952d8bbe19be939

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice, so it's the most efficient way to give - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

School Starters September 2020

Please may I remind parents with children who are due to start school in September, that the final day for registering your child for a place in the school of your choice, is Friday 15^th January 2021. Please note that even if you have a child in our school Nursery, you will still need to apply for a place through the Cheshire West and Chester Admissions Portal.

 

School admissions (cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk)

 

Dates for your diaries

December

8^th        Year 3 Christmas Party (am)

            Year 4 Christmas Party (pm)    Please note that this is a change of date

9^th         Reception Christmas Party (am) Please note this is a change of time from previous                                                                                   newsletters

            Year 2 Christmas Party (pm)    Please note this is a change of date

10^th       Year 5 Christmas Party (am)

            Year 6 Christmas Party (pm)

11^th       Nursery Christmas Party (am)

            Year 1 Christmas Party (pm)

15^th       Christmas Lunch

16^th       Rudolf Run: Early Years and KS1

16^th       Theatre Visit: KS2

17^th       Theatre Visit: Early Years and KS1

17^th       Rudolf Run: KS2

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your support with the aforementioned.

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

Newsletter 26.11.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 26th Nov 2020 @ 3:08pm

26^th November 2020

 

Newsletter

 

Dear Parents / Carers

 

School Starters September 2020

Please may I remind parents with children who are due to start school in September, that the final day for registering your child for a place in the school of your choice, is Friday 15^th January 2021. Please note that even if you have a child in our school Nursery, you will still need to apply for a place through the Cheshire West and Chester Admissions Portal.

 

School admissions (cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk)

 

Breakfast and After School Wrap Around Care / School Meals

Please can I take this opportunity to remind all parents who use this service that bookings need to be made online through Eduspot.  Payment for all dinner money also needs to be made online through Sims Pay.

 

 

Christmas Updates

 

Rudolf Run

As per my last letter, we will be asking the children to take part in a Rudolf Run during the last week of term. This is fundraising which will involve the children wearing a set of antlers and a red nose provided by St Luke’s Hospice and following a member of staff (dressed in a Santa Suit) around the school grounds to raise awareness of and to support support St Luke’s hospice. Should you wish to make a donation for this, please follow the link below which will take you to the Just Giving Page. A small donation, irrespective of the value, will help to maintain this wonderful service in the town. Please also share the link with your friends and families as the donations do not have to come solely from our school community. Thank you for your support with this matter. Please note that the children will get to keep their antlers and red nose and will also be provided with a pot of porridge.

 

You can donate to the JustGiving page by clicking here:

 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/winsfordhighstreetprimary?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=winsfordhighstreetprimary&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=0ebf3b640cba41ef8952d8bbe19be939

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice, so it's the most efficient way to give - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

Christmas Cards

This year due to the pandemic, we should be grateful if the children do not bring Christmas cards into school. Instead, if they would like to send a collective card to their class or members or the school community, then we ask that they make their own card and that a photograph of this is sent into school to be shown on the electronic whiteboard in their classroom or if appropriate sent to the relevant member of staff. Please use the year group email accounts to send cards into school.

 

Christmas Gifts

At this time of year, we usually have parents sending cards and gifts to members of staff to acknowledge the work the they have undertaken with their child. Although we never request gifts, we usually receive many items and are grateful for the gifts and the thought behind them. This year we realise that many families will be experiencing difficulties due to the pandemic and therefore we feel it appropriate to advise you of an alternative way of thanking a member of staff, without sending a card or gift into school. By following the link below you will be able to post an appropriate message on the ‘Thank a Teacher’ website, which is supported by the Department of Education, should you wish to do so. Messages to all members of staff can be posted in this way free of charge, simply use the returns email address for each member of staff.

 

[email protected]

 

 

https://thankateacher.co.uk/thank-a-teacher-day/

 

 

Should you still wish to send a small token of your appreciation into school for a member of staff, we ask that you do so early during the last week of term, so that any items can be placed into quarantine before the member of staff takes them home for the festive break.

 

 

 

Dates for your diaries

December

8^th        Year 3 Christmas Party (am)

            Year 4 Christmas Party (pm)    Please note that this is a change of date

9^th         Reception Christmas Party (am) (change of time)

            Year 2 Christmas Party (pm)    Please note this is a change of date

10^th       Year 5 Christmas Party (am)

            Year 6 Christmas Party (pm)

11^th       Nursery Christmas Party (am)

            Year 1 Christmas Party (pm)

15^th       Christmas Lunch

16^th       Rudolf Run: Early Years and KS1

16^th       Theatre Visit: KS2

17^th       Theatre Visit: Early Years and KS1

17^th       Rudolf Run: KS2

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your support with the aforementioned.

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

Newsletter 20.11.20, by Mrs Collins

Date: 20th Nov 2020 @ 2:33pm

Newsletter

                                                                                                                        20^th November 2020

Dear Parents / Carers

 

Children in Need

Many thanks for your support with regards to Children in Need. It was lovely to see the children dressed in spots and stripes for the day and to be able to raise the profile of the charity. As a result of your generosity, I am delighted to inform you that we have sent £597.27 to help to further the work of this good cause.

 

Armistice Day

To commemorate Armistice Day, the Year 6 led a short service via Zoom for the children throughout the school. This was very well written and produced by the children and staff and helped the children to focus on the meaning behind the day. Well done to all concerned! I am also delighted to inform you that a total of £499.70 was raised on behalf of the British Legion to support the charity through the sale of poppies and merchandise. Many thanks for your support with this.

 

Lockdown

I would like to take this opportunity to that you for your continued support during this difficult time. The vast majority of parents are adhering to our face covering policy, which combined with the regular cleans and one way systems has helped us to avoid an outbreak of the virus at High Street. However, we need to maintain these high standards and therefore rely on members of the school community following the rules: what we must stress is that no one is enjoying this, but together we are stronger and will be able to protect those closest to us.

To support the Lockdown process and help us all to get through this difficult time, please may I remind all concerned of the need to follow the following guidance:

 

Face Coverings:

These should be worn by all adults and children over the age of 12 on entry to site.

One Way System:

Please follow the one-way system as you enter and exit site; this has been introduced to reduce the spread of the virus, please adhere to this system when dropping off or collecting children from Breakfast and After School Club.

Social Distancing:

Please adhere to social distancing when entering and exiting the site.

Parents on site:

Please note that only one parent / carer per family should be on site at any one time. Parents / carers are also asked to simply drop off their children and collect them as quickly as possible, remaining on site for the shortest period of time.

 

Christmas

This year, as with all school activities, Christmas will be different to what we usually do. However, we are desperate for the children to experience something closer to the norm and to celebrate Christmas in a fun way, whilst ensuring the safety of all members of the school community. With this in mind, we have planned the following activities (lockdown permitting).

 

A sing for Christmas

The children will take part in a Key Stage Carol Service during the coming weeks. This will be recorded and made available for all parents to view online before we break for the Christmas holiday.

To comply with regulations the singing will be filmed outdoors. Please note that those children whose parents have not given permission to feature on video feeds, will join with their peers, but only their voices will feature as part of the choir.

 

 

 

Christmas Parties

We hope to be able to continue with these as planned, but sadly we won’t be able to ask the PTA to help us with the party food due to current regulations. We will therefore be providing the children with a bag of crisps, drink and a cake. Sadly, it is unlikely that Father Christmas will be able to visit due to the current restrictions, but it is hoped that he will be able to send a video message.

 

Theatre Visits

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to take the children to the theatre as we normally do to see seasonal plays / pantomimes. However, we have been able to source a company who deliver pantomimes for schools. They will deliver a performance to each year group at a time, in a socially distanced manner, which will comply with the current Government guidelines. Further details to follow.

 

Christmas Meal

This year Mrs Piggott (the school cook) will be providing a Christmas Dinner on Tuesday 15^th December. An electronic form will be sent out to parents next week to determine who would like a Christmas meal on the day. Please note that the deadline for returning the form will be 1^st December to allow the cook to order the number of Turkeys required.

 

Festive Fundraising

This year we have decided to support St. Luke’s through our Christmas fundraising appeal. To do so, the children will be asked to take part in a ‘Rudolf Run’ during the last week of term. This will involve them wearing a set of antlers and a red nose provided by St. Luke’s and following the lead of a member of staff dressed in a Father Christmas suit around a designated course. This is usually a sponsored event, however we are mindful that finances are tight for many families at present and therefore we have set up a ‘Just Giving Page’ which will enable parents to make a donation of what they can afford to this worthy charity. Please note that the children will also be provided with a pot of porridge for taking part in the activity. These have also been provided by St. Luke’s and were donated by Mornflake Oats in Crewe. However, it should be noted that the pots come with a sachet of Nutella for flavouring and that this product could contain nuts. More details about the Just Giving Page to follow.

 

Dates for your diaries

December

8^th        Year 3 Christmas Party (am)

            Year 2 Christmas Party (pm)

9^th         Reception Christmas Party (pm)

            Year 4 Christmas Party (pm)

10^th       Year 5 Christmas Party (am)

            Year 6 Christmas Party (pm)

11^th       Nursery Christmas Party (am)

            Year 1 Christmas Party (pm)

15^th       Christmas Lunch

16^th       Rudolf Run: Early Years and KS1

16^th       Theatre Visit: KS2

17^th       Theatre Visit: Early Years and KS1

            Rudolf Run: KS2

 

 

Should you have any issues which you wish to discuss with regards to the current situation or school matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

Newsletter 6th November 2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 10th Nov 2020 @ 3:02pm

Newsletter

                                                                                                                        6^th November 2020

Dear Parents / Carers

 

Lockdown

As we have now entered Lockdown 2 we have to comply with additional restrictions specified by the Government. Sadly, one of these is to temporarily suspend our after school clubs run by members of staff. This is hugely frustrating for us, as we believe that the model implemented at High Street is safe, with only one-year group being allowed to attend each club and therefore maintaining the integrity of the year group bubbles. Unfortunately, because most schools have multiple groups attending clubs, the Government has imposed a blanket ban on extracurricular activities. Please note that the temporary suspension of clubs does not affect our before and after school childcare. We will also look to resume our clubs as soon as possible.

 

To support the Lockdown process and help us all to get through this difficult time please may I remain all concerned of the need to follow the following guidance:

 

Face Coverings:

These should be worn by all adults and children over the age of 12 on entry to site.

One Way System:

Please follow the one way system as you enter and exit site; this has been introduced to reduce the spread of the virus.

Social Distancing:

Please adhere to social distancing when entering and exiting the site.

Parents on site:

Please note that only one parent / carer per family should be on site at any one time. Parents / carers are also asked to simply drop off their children and collect them as quickly as possible, remaining on site for the shortest period of time.

 

Poppy Sales

This year we will be selling a small selection of British Legion Merchandise in each year group bubble to comply with the Covid-19 restrictions. The products range in price from a minimum of 20p donation for a poppy to £1.50 for a wrist band. The products will be on sale from Monday to Wednesday next week. To commemorate Armistice Day, the Year 6 will lead a short service via Zoom for the children throughout the school.

 

School Photographs

Unfortunately, we have been forced to cancel the photographers visit to site due to the Lockdown restrictions. We will look to rebook this in the New Year. Apologies for any inconvenience which this may cause.

 

Flu Vaccinations

Please note that the flu vaccinations are still scheduled for 10^th and 11^th November. These are permissible during Lockdown as they relate to the health of the children.

 

Children in Need

To raise awareness of Children in Need the School Council have suggested that we hold a Non Uniform Day on Friday 13^th November with the children being asked come dressed in spots and stripes where possible. All participants will also be asked to make a donation on the day which will be sent to Children in Need. Many thanks for your support with this.

 

Should you have any issues which you wish to discuss with regards to the current situation or school matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

 

 

Ofsted Letter, by Mrs Collins

Date: 10th Nov 2020 @ 3:01pm

Please see below the letter regarding our recent Ofsted visit, thank you

Newsletter 23.10.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 23rd Oct 2020 @ 3:05pm

Newsletter

                                                                                                                        23^rd October 2020

Dear Parents / Carers

 

Mrs Hardwick

After 21 years as a Teaching Assistant at Winsford High Street we have sadly said farewell to Mrs Hardwick today. She has worked with many children during her time at the school providing guidance in the areas of autism and speech and language. Mrs Hardwick has decided to retire and will be relocating closer to her family in Liverpool where she has plans to spend more time with her grandchildren. She has been presented with flowers, jewellery and additional money to celebrate her time at the school. I am sure that you will join with me in wishing her a long and happy retirement.

 

Mental Health Awareness Day

Thank you for your support of World Mental Health Day. As a result of the children dressing in yellow and participating in an array of wellbeing activities, we raised £317.92 which has been donated to Young Minds a Mental Health Charity which supports young people. Thank you again for your support with this. Please note that this was a whole town initiative through the Winsford Education partnership and some images of children at the school can be found in this week’s local newspaper.

 

Office 365

We are progressing well with our roll out of the new 365 Platform. As a result, a high proportion of our children are now accessing their homework through the platform. I have also been delighted by the parental response to our online parent / teacher consultations. We have had a few teething problems with these and thank you for your patience. As the term progresses we will be guiding the children further in the use of the platform so that it becomes an integral part of their learning.

 

If for any reason you have not received your child’s log on information, please contact the class teachers who will speak to Mr Bratt and the IT leads, they will make contact with you and resend the information.

Please note that the instruction videos produced by Mr Bratt will also be posted on the school website for future reference. Please note that we realise that you as parents will be required to support your child initially with these procedures, but as they become proficient they will be able to access the platform themselves.

 

Face Coverings

Many thanks to all members of the school community for adhering to our policy by wearing face coverings whilst on the school grounds. This will hopefully help to keep all members of the school community safe during these difficult times. We do understand that there are a very small number of parents who are exempt from wearing face coverings and ask that these parents carry their lanyards / cards with them to display to staff members on duty.

 

School Photographs

I am pleased to be able to inform you that we will still be having Tempest Photography visit to take individual photographs of the pupils. They will do so for the children in Early Years and KS1 on Tuesday 17th November and for the children in KS2 on Friday 20th November. Unfortunately, this year we won’t be able to have family group pictures taken or pictures with siblings due to the movement around the school and the possible cross contamination of ‘bubbles’.

 

School Council

I am delighted to inform you that the following children have been voted as Head Boy, Deputy Head Boy, Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl by the children from each year group. I am sure that you will join with me in congratulating them.

 

Head Boy:  H Wallace    Deputy Head Boy: L Blackburn

Head Girl:  E Newton     Deputy Head Girl: M Taylor

 

 

Flu Vaccinations

Please note that the flu vaccinations have been scheduled for 10^th and 11^th November. If you are still to return your paperwork to request that your child participates in the programme, we should be grateful if you would do so before Wednesday 4^th November.

 

Ofsted

As you will be aware we were recently visited by Ofsted to review how we have implemented the guidance on returning to full time education. The formal letter will be released following our return to school after the half term break.

 

Half term

Please note that the school closes at 3.30pm this afternoon for the half term break and reopens for the children on Monday 2^nd November 2020.

 

We are delighted to have reached this point in the school year without having to close any year group bubbles. We can only thank you for your support in following the procedures set and guidance issued. Hopefully we can continue in this vein and reach Christmas in the same way.

 

Should you have any issues which you wish to discuss with regards to the return to school or other school matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

 

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

 

Newsletter 5.10.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 5th Oct 2020 @ 2:45pm

Newsletter

                                                                                                                        5^th October 2020

Dear Parents / Carers

 

Class Bollin

Please note that Miss Williams will be off school for the next three weeks, starting Monday 5^th October to undergo a small medical procedure which is NOT COVID Related. Mrs Smith, who has worked in the school on many occasions, will cover the class during her absence and will work closely with Miss Garnett and her team to ensure the smooth running of Class Bollin.

 

Mental Health Awareness Day

To mark World Mental Health Awareness Day on Saturday 10^th October, we would like the children and staff to wear something yellow to school on Friday 9^th October. We should be grateful if the children could make a small donation of 50p – £1.00. All proceeds will be distributed to mental health charities.

 

Office 365

You should now have received log on details for your child to our new Learning Platform. This is very similar to the ones used in the High Schools and will make distance learning easier should a child need to isolate or if we are required to enter a further lockdown. Mr Bratt has also kindly produced an instruction guide for all users to help you become familiar with the log on procedures which was emailed out to your personal email address over the weekend. Please note that we realise that you as parents will be required to support your child initially with these procedures, but as they become proficient they will be able to access the platform themselves.

 

Homework

As staff we have been reviewing the homework which we set. In doing so, we have identified key activities for all children to complete on a weekly basis based on their year group. We are also producing an overview of further activities which your child can complete during a half term to help to consolidate their learning. From this grid the children will be asked to complete a set number of tasks but may complete all of them should they wish to do so. All homework will now be posted on the Microsoft 365 Platform. Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you are having issues accessing this.

 

Parent / Teacher Meetings

Due to the current Pandemic, all meetings between parents and teachers (Parents Evenings) will be virtual and will be held through your child’s Microsoft 365 account which is accessible on smart phones, tablets and computers. Mr Bratt is currently putting together a short video clip and will send this out to you to guide you through the process. Your child’s class teacher will shortly be distributing a link to Microsoft Forms from which you will be able to indicate your preferred date and time for the meeting from those available. Once we have finalised the list for each class, the class teachers will email you a link to the meeting to your personal email accounts.

 

Face Masks

Many thanks to all members of the school community for adhering to our policy by wearing face coverings whilst on the school grounds. This will hopefully help to keep all members of the school community safe during these difficult times. We do understand that there are a very small number of parents who are exempt from wearing face coverings and ask that these parents carry their lanyards / cards with them to display to staff members on duty.

School Council

I am delighted to inform you that the following children have been selected by members of the school community to act as Year 6 School Council Representatives this year, they will act as team leaders for each team and meet with myself to decide on modifications to the school / charity fundraising.

 

J Mather            J Day                   T Dunbar        H Wallace         L Blackburn

L Holt               M Presland          S Buckley       E Newton          M Taylor

 

Should you have any issues which you wish to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

 

Newsletter 28.9.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 28th Sep 2020 @ 9:43am

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

We were sad to hear the news of one of our former parents Mr Neil Hawkins who sadly lost his battle recently with COVID-19. Our thoughts are with Sarah, Alisha and Kyle and his friends during this difficult time.

 

New COVID – 19 Restrictions

Thank you all for your continued support and your understanding of the measures that we have put in place to keep everyone as safe as possible during these difficult times. From talking to some of you, I understand the high levels of worry that you are facing sending your children to school, this is fully understandable and all of the school staff are doing everything that they can to make sure that your children are kept as safe as possible, whilst they are in the school.

 

Although we have had no positive COVID-19 cases at Winsford High Street since our return in September, Cheshire West and Chester is experiencing a significant increase in positive cases within the community. In response to this, the Local Authority with the support of Public Health England have made the following recommendations and have advised the need to implement them. We will therefore be following their guidance to keep all members of the school community safe.

 

From Monday 28^th September:

 

• All adults and children over the age of 12 to wear a face covering when visiting or entering the school premises including outdoor yard areas.

 

• Parents/carers to arrive and leave promptly when dropping off/collecting their child – please do not congregate and maintain social distancing as we know that the virus is easily transmitted from person to person.

 

• Only one adult should enter the site for drop off and pick up per family.

 

• All staff to wear face coverings when they come out onto the playground during drop off and pick up times.

 

Our priority is the safety of the children and staff and keeping the school as fully open as possible. These measures that we are putting in to place will help us to do this. Please remember that we are implementing the changes to help to protect your children and the staff and to keep the school open and safe.

 

One-way system

In addition to the aforementioned, I wish to thank you for adhering to the one way systems when entering and exiting the site. Please can I ask that all children attending the before and after school club also follow these specified routes.

 

Parking: Verdin Car Park

I would like to thank you for following our parking guidance on my last newsletter. Having been regularly on the Verdin Car Park at drop off and pick up times, there has been a marked improvement, although there is further progress to be made.

 

Parking: High Street

Unfortunately, we have seen a number of parents parking illegally on the High Street on double yellow lines. I must advise you that the Police and PCSO’s are currently patrolling the area and have advised that they will be issuing fines. Please think carefully, the yellow lines are there for a reason!

 

 

Dogs on the Playground

Please note that dogs are not permitted on the school grounds. This is a Local Authority directive and must be adhered to. Under exceptional circumstances, small dogs may be carried by owners, but must not be set down in the grounds.

 

Smoking / Vaping

Please can I reiterate that smoking or vaping is not permitted on the school premises in accordance with Local Authority guidance. Should individuals not adhere to this request they will be prohibited from entering the site.

 

 

Bike to School Week

Next week is national Bike to School Week (28^th September to 2^nd October), an event organised by Sustrans and supported by the Bikeability Trust, to celebrate cycling to school and the positive impact an active lifestyle can have on pupils’ health and wellbeing. We should be grateful if you would encourage your child (ren) to ride to school on their bikes if possible. Please note that the wearing of a helmet is compulsory. Helmets should also be worn by children using scooters.

The following website Sustrans website has a free guide to walking, cycling and scooting to school for families to download.

 

Microsoft 365

We are now in the process of rolling out an email address and password to you for your children. This will be their email address for the remainder of their time at Winsford High Street. At present the email address will only be used as a user name although we will continue to distribute all newsletters and correspondence through your personal email address, this account is available for your child to use to access their homework and chat with members of staff, through the chat function not by replying to the email. In the future we may allow the children access to an email platform, this will not be done until we are certain the privacy settings are sufficient to protect your child. However, it must be noted that staff will not access 24/7 as they also need their downtime, but will do so on a regular basis. For the parents of younger members of the school community, we should be grateful for your support in guiding your children on how to log on / access their account.

The staff will now start to distribute homework using this platform. Furthermore, should we need to ‘lockdown’ a class or year group then the staff will distribute work through this media.

 

Maths Fluency Grids

All children in KS1 and KS2 have been sent home with a fluency grid. Fluency is at the heart of the National Curriculum for mathematics. Children need to know key mathematical facts and methods to aid their reasoning and problem-solving skills. Repetitive practice can support them with memorising these facts and becoming fluent in using them. The grid that your child has at home recaps key learning from the previous year and allows them the chance to practice their skills.

Children can take ownership of their own learning at home by choosing their 'star' number, when they have completed all or part of their grid they can check their answers with the aid of a calculator or by checking with their parents. Evidence of completing the grid does not need to be brought into school, so there is no need to submit it as homework, however, if your child is struggling with a particular section, then they are encouraged to ask their teacher for support

 

 

 

 

And finally

We are currently following the guidelines issued last week as to when children are allowed to return to school or when they must self-isolate when they display COVID-19 Symptoms and as noted we have been lucky not to have had any confirmed cases. However, in the event that your child is diagnosed with a confirmed case, I should be grateful if you would call me directly on 0781 5444 034, so that I may take the appropriate action and advise the relevant members of the school community. Please note that this number must not be used for any other communication.

 

Thank you as always for your support during this difficult period.

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

 

Newsletter 8.9.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 8th Sep 2020 @ 2:24pm

Dear Parents / Carers

 

As we enter the first full week since our return, I would like to thank you for your support so far. As you can imagine there have been plenty to consider and no matter how much we try to think of all eventualities there are always additional challenges! However, with your support we will overcome these and ensure that your children get the most out of their time at school.

 

Entry to and Exit from School

On my previous newsletter, I inadvertently confused matters by listing the start times for each session and not the arrival times. Having studied the arrival and departure times over the last few days, I feel that we need to make a few slight changes to avoid the spread of Covid-19. Listening to the news today, where there has been a significant rise in the number of cases, I am sure that you will understand the reasons for doing so.

 

On the table below I have outlined the arrival times for each group and the collection times. As parents we need you to adhere to these and not enter the school grounds before these times. In doing so we will prevent groups congregating and should increase the safety of all members of the school community. Please note that if you have requested to modify the times allocated, please read those appropriate to you.

 

Children with surnames beginning with:	Parents / Children Arrive on site	Children enter class	Parents / Children Arrive on site	Children leave class
A - G	8.35am	8.40 am	2.55pm	3.00pm
H-O	8.55am	9.00 am	3.10pm	3.15pm
P-Z	9.10am	9.15am	3.25pm	3.30pm

 

 

Individual Consultations

During the current times staff will meet with parents where possible in an outside location. However, should the need arise for you to discuss a matter in private we kindly ask that you wear a face covering.

 

Guidance

Although government guidance seems to continually change, we have been advised of the following, which we will adhere to until otherwise directed:

Should a child lose their sense of smell or taste, display a high temperature or develop a dry persistent cough, then parents will be advised to have them tested for Covid -19. No school closure or part closure will take place, unless a child or member of staff has a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19. Should this happen I will follow the guidance specified by Public Health.

 

Should your child have a runny nose or slight cold, they will be permitted to attend school. However, parents will be advised to monitor their condition and should this develop into the aforementioned symptoms, the child should be kept at home and tested for Covid-19.

 

Microsoft Teams

I am pleased to inform you that during the next few weeks we will be rolling out individual email addresses for the children to use as they progress through the school. These together with the passwords provided, will also enable the children to log onto computers in school. We would therefore appreciate your support in helping your child to learn their email address and password.

Through the accounts created we will also be able to provide online homework more effectively and will be able to communicate with you and your children. We will also be able to run online lessons should we be forced to ‘lockdown’ again. Furthermore, parent / teacher consultations will be held through this medium later this term. The roll out will start with Year 6 and we will then work through the school. The older the child, the more autonomy they will have, the younger the child, the more we will rely on parents to support them with the accessing their accounts. Please note that this system is similar to the ones used by the Academy. It is secure and children won’t be able to access inappropriate content through it.

 

School Meals

Please note if you have a child in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2, then they are automatically entitled to Universal Free School Meals. These can be ordered by your child on a daily basis. We are currently on Week 1 of the School Menu, which is available on the school website.

 

Pupil Premium

During these difficult times, we realise that lots of members of the school community will have lost their jobs. Should you be in receipt of any of the following benefits, then you might be entitled to Free School Meals (and therefore Pupil Premium) for your child:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

If successful in your request, then your child will be entitled to free meals for 6 years in addition to significant discounts off school visits once we restart them. To see if you are entitled to this, please call: 0300 123 7039 the process takes only a few minutes, but could save you a considerable amount of money.

 

School Visits

Each year we run a series of day and residential visits for the children throughout the school. This year we hope that we will be able to continue and will be sending out letters regarding these. At present I am looking into the different visits to see how we can ensure the safety of the children and staff. Where possible residential visits will involve the year group bubble visiting a centre where they are the only group on site. Further details will be distributed as the guidance from the government changes.

 

We are now permitted to restart day visits. These will be planned and thoroughly risk assessed. Where possible we will initially visit outdoor visits, for example a Y6 visit to the River or a year group undertaking a study of the locality. Furthermore, the children will only travel in a manner recommended by government guidelines and will remain in their class / year group bubbles.

 

Verdin Car Park

Thank you to all concerned for helping to improve the entry and access to the car park. Having studied the last couple of days there seems to be some improvement, although we have some way to go with this.

As promised, I have met will representatives from the Town and Borough Council and have suggested modifications to the timing of the traffic lights at the junction between Grange Lane and High Street. I have also suggested a mini roundabout at the entrance to the car park. These will be considered under short and long term plans for improving parking in the town. As previously mentioned, please forward any further suggestions so that I can pass them to the relevant bodies.

 

Should you have any concerns or wish clarification on the points made, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

Newsletter 4.9.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 4th Sep 2020 @ 2:14pm

Dear Parents / Carers

 

It has been lovely to welcome the children back to school. Seeing their happy faces as they have reacquainted themselves with friends and staff has been a pleasure.

 

Within school, I am pleased to say that the children have generally followed the guidance and have maintained their distance from each other and staff. When needing a reminder, they have acted quickly and have followed the rules.

 

Uniform

Thank you for supporting our request to send the children into school in appropriate uniform, they look very smart and well prepared for their learning. However, we have a small number of children who are wearing black cloth trainers, which is not part of the uniform. We ask that these children find appropriate school shoes.

 

Routes into school

Please can we ask that all visitors to school comply with the one-way system which has been implemented. The main route into school is along the pathway adjacent to Kiddicare and the main exit can be accessed across the yard to the front of the Y6 entrance and to the Verdin Car Park. However to alleviate the numbers on site we have also opened the ramp adjacent to the Verdin Exchange for the children in Y4 –Y6. This helps to keep individuals apart and will hopefully reduce the spread of the virus if anyone is unfortunate to contract it.

 

Car Park

Although we have implemented staggered times for entry and exit to school the volume of cars has led to traffic jams and delays. We realise that this is frustrating, but rest assured we have been working on solutions to the problem with relevant parties. Unfortunately, the issue has been compounded by the closure of the car park on the town centre and the poor weather on our return. What we must remember is that most schools are not fortunate to have such a facility close to their school. The car park is also owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council and therefore not under our control although I have made recommendations to them for modifications.

 

What can the school do / has the school done?

I have made representations to Cheshire West and Chester Council and have asked if the timing of the traffic lights on Grange Lane can be modified at ‘rush hour’.  I have also asked about having the junction to the Verdin car park widened. These are long term plans but we need to continue to push for a change.

 

As a school we have looked at ways of reopening one of the entrances off the High Street. Due to Covid-19 restrictions this has proved difficult, due to the flow of pedestrians and the difficulty in implementing a one-way system. Having explored the different possibilities, from Monday 7^th September, we will be opening the vehicle entrance off the High street to pedestrians. One of the site officers will guide all foot passengers, using this entrance to a pedestrian gate which will lead to the Nursery / Foundation Stage area. Parents will then be asked to follow a route along the fence line and return to the High Street (having dropped off or collected their child) via the pedestrian gate closest to the chip shop.

 

What more can members of the school community do?

 

Walk to school where possible.

 

Be child aware: We ask that all drivers allow sufficient time to enter and exit the car park, being aware that children can and do move suddenly when least expected.

 

Reduce the speed at which you enter / exit the car park.

 

Keep close control of your children.

 

Some parents have suggested parking in different zones depending on the arrival time of your child. We should be grateful if users could adhere to the following:

 

8.40am / 3.00pm arrivals: Park close to the Verdin Exchange

9.00am/ 3.15pm arrivals: Park close to the Kiddicare end of the car park

9.15am / 3.30pm arrivals: Park close to the Verdin Exchange

 

Be a courteous driver: Allow one vehicle to leave in front of you before you leave the car park.

 

Send me an email with your concerns over the safety of the car park and access to Grange Lane. I will forward these to the Highways Department. Together, we might be more likely to get a response!

 

School Times

Thank you for your understanding with the staggered start and finish times. These are generally working well and are ensuring that we minimise the numbers in any area at a specific time. We have now recorded the times when your children have arrived this week and have listed them accordingly. We should be grateful if you would therefore ensure that you work to these times. Should you need to change due to work commitments etc. then please email to do so.

Please note:

The children starting at 8.40am should be collected at 3.00pm

The children starting at 9.00 should be collected at 3.15pm

The children starting at 9.15am should be collected at 3.30pm

Please note that the staff will only release them in accordance with these times to ensure the safety of all concerned. Please do not ask the teachers to release your child early, as this would result in them having to leave other children unattended.

This system will also help the staff provide your children with additional support which they may need following Lockdown as extra reads will be undertaken and a focus will be on basic skills. This input is in addition to the main lessons each day.

 

School Clubs

During the next two weeks’ staff will be starting a number of after school clubs. For these the children will be in Year group bubbles. The children will be asked if they would like to attend and an electronic form will be distributed seeking your permission. In instances where numbers are limited the staff will allocate places on a first come basis. This can easily be achieved as the reply forms provide a time and date stamp. Children not allocated places will be placed on a waiting list and offered places at a later date. Should your child start a club and wish to stop for any reason, we ask that you notify the member of staff so that the place can be offered to another child. Please note that should a child fail to attend a club on 3 consecutive occasions, then their place will also be awarded to another child.

 

Mr Askey

I am pleased to inform you that Mr Askey’s wife gave birth to a healthy baby girl just before the start of the term. He is currently on paternity leave and Mrs Lowe and Mr Bratt will cover his class until his return. I am sure that you will join with me in wishing the Askey’s all the very best for the future.

 

As you can imagine the return to school this year has been challenging, but with your continued support, then we can achieve a great deal and ensure that your children reach the standards which they are capable. Should you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to raise them. We also love to hear when you feel that we are getting things right!

 

Many thanks

 

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

 

 

 

Newsletter 14.7.20, by Mrs Collins

Date: 14th Jul 2020 @ 12:53pm

Newsletter                         14^th July 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

Arrangements for September 2020

Following the release of further guidance from the Government we have reviewed and modified our procedures and undertaken further risk assessments on numerous occasions during the last few months. We have now reviewed current legislation to enable us to open the school fully from 2^nd September 2020

 

Please note that Government Legislation states that all children must return to school in September. We realise that this may be a worry for you as parents, but rest assured, my team and I have been working non-stop to ensure that we provide a learning environment which is as safe as possible.

 

Beginning and End of Each Day

As indicated by the Government, we intend to continue with staggered start and collection times, but to support you as parents we will be implementing the following timetable for drop off and collections, based on the first letter of your child’s surname. Where families have children with different surnames we suggest that you drop off and collect at the time allocated for the youngest child.

 

Children with surnames beginning with:	Drop off time	Collection time
A - G	8.40am	3.00pm
H-O	8.55am	3.15pm
P-Z	9.10am	3.30pm

 

Please note that we will continue with the current one-way system which has proved successful. Children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 will enter the site via from the Verdin Exchange car park using the pathway adjacent to Kiddicare. The children in Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 will enter the site from the Verdin Car park using the ramp adjacent to the Verdin Centre.

 

Class Bases / Year Group Bubbles

From September, the children will be based in their dedicated classes for the majority of their time each week. Movement around school will be limited to staggered break and lunch times as well as toilet breaks. However, for some activities e.g. lunchtimes, the children may come together in their year group bubbles, but such times will be limited to minimise the mixing of children throughout the school.

 

Breakfast and After School Clubs

These will restart from the first day back in September, but to comply with the new guidance the following changes will apply:

Bookings must be made by lunchtime on a Friday for the following week by using the school payment system Eduspot. Please follow the link provided. A link will be distributed to families new to the school.

 

The children will be kept in the following groups to reduce the mixing of the designated bubbles in school.

 

-Nursery and Reception

-Year 1 and Year 2

-Year 3 and Year 4

-Year 5 and Year 6

 

Please note we will only be able to provide a selection of sandwiches for the children who attend the after school provision as opposed to hot meals.

 

We will continue to provide breakfast in the usual manner for the children who attend the breakfast provision.

 

Sadly, we have been forced to increase the cost of the provision. This is the first increase since we started the provision four years ago. Please note that this is a non-profit making aspect of school, but we need to be able to cover the increase in staffing costs. The rates from September will be as follows:

 

Wrap around Care	Time	Price	Price for children whose parents are in receipt of Pupil Premium
Breakfast Club	7.50am - 8.50am	£3.50	£1.50
	8.20am - 8.50am	£2.00	£1.00
After School Club	3.15pm -5.50pm	£8.00	£4.00
	3.15pm – 4.30pm	£4.50	£2.50

 

Snacks for the Kitchen

To comply with new regulations, we will not be selling morning snacks from September from the kitchen. However, children are able to bring in their own HEALTHY Snack for morning break. Please do not send chocolate or crisps.

Please note that we will continue to provide the free milk for the children in Early Years and KS1 from September, as well as the free fruit for snacks for the children in these year groups.

 

School Lunches

We will be returning to a more ‘normal’ school menu on our return in September. The cost of a meal will be £2.30. Menus for each week will be displayed on the school website.

For school meals, the children will be allocated a slot in the hall or theatre for hot meals. Children on sandwiches will be asked to eat them in their classrooms. However, this will all depend on the numbers of children opting for hot school meals or sandwiches.

 

Please note that children bringing their lunch into school should do so in an appropriate container, which can be taken home for washing at the end of each day.

 

Break times / Lunch Play

The children will be allocated a specific area to play with the children from their classes. This will ensure that minimal mixing of the year group bubble takes place.

 

Uniform

Please note that we want the children to return to school in full uniform from September. Please can I stress that black shoes must be worn and not trainers. For full requirements, please follow the link on the school website. This will also take you to the uniform supplier who will deliver items to your home.

 

 

 

Pencil Cases

Please note that we will be providing each child with their own pencil case and equipment for the start of the new year. This will reduce the need for them to bring in their own materials and will therefore reduce the risks associated with bringing items into school.

 

PE Uniform

Please can you equip your child with the required PE kit. This will be kept in a designated area and must be taken home each week for washing.

 

Preparation for September

To prepare your child for September, please ensure that he / she reads on a regular basis. If possible it would also be worth revisiting some of the learning which has been distributed throughout lockdown. Please also encourage your child to have a go at the Times Tables Rock Stars or Numbots programs as well.

 

Residential Visits

At the present moment in time we are not permitted to run Residential Visits during the Autumn Term. However, I have provisionally booked visits for the pupils in Y1 –Year 6 from January onwards. We will therefore send letters out for these in the Autumn, but rest assured, if these visits cannot take place due to Covid-19, then a full refund will be provided.

 

Correspondence / E Forms

During the Lockdown we have started to send all correspondence and permission forms via email. As we have made this step we intend to continue doing so from September. For each letter / form sent, we will send a corresponding text to alert you to the fact. This will be a safer means of communicating with you.

 

And finally

Please note that the school will be closed over the summer holiday to allow the staff time to recharge following the past few months. As indicated in my previous letter this has been a very challenging time for all school staff, who have worked tirelessly through holidays to ensure that we have maintained a provision for Key Worker Children and more recently to welcome back children in the other year groups.

 

I would like to thank you all for your support during this difficult time. With your support we have been able to overcome a number of barriers and have been able to operate in a safe manner. We look forward to welcoming your children back for the Autumn Term. In the meantime, enjoy the summer break and stay safe!

 

 

 

Yours sincerely.

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

 

 

 

Newsletter 13.7.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 13th Jul 2020 @ 12:49pm

Newsletter                             13^th July 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

As we approach, what can only be described as a most unusual year, I would like to thank you all for your support during the difficult period of time which we have all encountered. As Head teacher of Winsford High Street, I am forever amazed at the resilience displayed by the children and enthusiasm for learning. Whether this be through home learning or following a return to school, it has been lovely to see the children thrive in many different ways.

 

Year 6 Leavers

Sadly, this year we have not been able to celebrate the end of primary school in the same way for the children in Y6 who are set to move onto the challenges of high school. However, when we reflect on the pathway they have followed through their time at High Street, we can celebrate the learning which has taken place, the many visits that have been enjoyed and the residential visits that the children have participated in. We can also consider how well they have represented the school, and as a result what life skills and experiences they will take with them. We wish them all every success for the future and hopefully they will return when circumstances permit, to visit and share their ongoing journey.

 

Staff Changes

Mrs Claydon

The end of term will see the departure of Mrs Claydon who has been at the school for over 20 years as a teaching assistant. Having returned on a part time capacity following the birth of her second child, she has decided to break her links with the school to spend more time to enjoy her growing family. Having worked with her for many years, I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her valuable service to the children of Winsford High Street.

 

Mrs Andrews

We also see the departure of Mrs Andrews; she will be leaving at the end of term following the birth of her first child. We wish her all the best for the future and thank her for her time at Winsford High Street.

 

Mrs Mellor

Mrs Mellor will be moving to Kuwait at the end of the summer to embark on the next stage of her career in an international school. I am sure that she will rise to the challenge of working abroad. We thank her for the short, but valuable time she has spent at the school.

 

Mrs Barnes and Mr Rainer

Mrs Barnes and Mr Rainer are also leaving the school following the end of their temporary contracts. Mrs Barnes has secured a new position at Winnington Park Primary School and Mr Rainer is looking for positions closer to his home on the Wirral. We wish them both every success with their future careers.

 

Miss Carter and Mr Spann

I am delighted to inform you that Miss Carter and Mr Spann will be taking on additional teaching responsibilities from September following the completion of their degrees. Although they won’t be responsible for their own classes during the coming year, they will be teaching in Year 2 and Year 3 maximising the input for the children in these two year groups following COVID 19.

 

Class Structure for September

Please find listed below the class structure for September 2020. As you will notice we have added Additional Teachers who will work with the year group throughout the year, but not have class responsibility. In addition, we have two Associate Teachers who will work with other year groups during the year. These are graduates who are completing their training. By introducing regular teaching support in this way, it is hoped that we can rectify some of the impact of Covid-19.

 

Nursery 1	Dane	Mrs S Powell
Nursey 2 (From Christmas)	Weaver	Mr R Bratt
EYFS 2	Dean	Miss Garnett
EYFS 2	Croco	Mr Allen
EYFS 2	Bollin	Miss Williams
Year 1	Mersey	Miss Fox
Year 1	Wheelock	Mrs Cooper
Year 1	Dee	Mr Owen
Year 1	Gowy	Miss Price
Year 1	Associate Teacher	Miss Kelly
Year 2	Wye	Mrs Ferguson
Year 2	Dove	Miss McCabe
Year 2	Manifold	Mrs Robbins
Year 2	Additional Teacher	Miss Carter
Year 3	Conwy	Miss Barwick
Year 3	Adda	Miss Phillips
Year 3	Severn	Miss Kaur
Year 3	Additional Teacher	Mr Spann
Year 4	Ouse	Mrs Coleman / Mrs Raistrick
Year 4	Derwent	Miss Toomer
Year 4	Foss	Mr Amarasinghe
Year 4	Associate Teacher	TBC
Year 5	Brent	Miss Baker
Year 5	Thames	Miss Warrell
Year 5	Wandle	Mrs Bullen / Miss Guppy
Year 5	Additional Teacher	Mr Bratt (Until Christmas)
Year 6	Eden	Mrs Moorhouse
Year 6 Year 6	Calder	Miss Stanway
Year 6	Esk	Mr Askey
Year 6	Associate Teacher	Mrs Ward

 

 

 

Organisation for September:

Please note that a further letter will be distributed tomorrow to the parents of children in Reception – Year 5 with regards to arrangements for September.

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

 

 

 

Newsletter 10.3.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 10th Mar 2020 @ 10:57am

Newsletter 10^th March 2020

Dear Parent/ Carers

 

Diary Dates (*** Change of date/New Date)

	MARCH
11.3.20-13.3.20	Y5 residential to London
13.03.2020	Sport Relief Day
16.03.2020	Sport Relief Day Y5 Children
23.03.2020	***Edsential Concert @ the Academy- letter to follow
25.3.20	***Year 3 Dressing Up Day (Egyptians)     Year 4 Dressing up day (Ancient Greeks)
25.3.20	***Geography G & T Competition @ The Academy Y3,4,5,6- letters to follow ***Science G & T Competition @ The Academy  Y3,4,5,6- Letters to follow
31.3.20	Y2 Trip to Quarry Bank Mill
	APRIL
31.3.20	Parents Evening 4-6.00pm (All year groups except Year 2)
1.4.20	Parents Evening 5-7.00pm
2.4.20	Parents Evening 4-6.00pm (Year 2 parents only)
2.4.20	***Easter Service Led by Y5 pupils @ URC
2.4.20	***Year 3 to participate in Hope Journey at St Andrews
3.4.20	Times Table Rock Stars / Robots Day Easter Egg Hunt PTA
3.4.20	Finish for Easter @ 3.15pm
20.4.20	School reopens
27.4.20	Weaver Parkway Pond Dipping Visit:Y4 Ouse 9.30 – 12.00pm
27.4.20	Weaver Parkway Pond Dipping Visit:Y4 Derwent 1.00-3.30pm
27.4.20	Weaver Parkway Pond Dipping Visit: Y4 Foss 1.00-3.30pm
29.4.20-1.5.20	***Y3 Residential to Anglesey
29.4.20-30.4.20	***EYFS Health Screening
	MAY
8.5.20 (Friday)	***Bank Holiday: School Closed for pupils and staff

 

 

World Book Day

Thank you for your support in sending your children into school in the specified colours for World Book Day. They looked great when altogether in assembly! This enabled us to focus on one text (The Colour Monster) as well as exploring feelings through the book. The children seemed to enjoy the variety of activities on offer in each year group. The school Council will now evaluate this further through discussions with each class.

 

Sports Relief

This Friday (13^th March) we will be participating in Sports Relief. For this we should be grateful if the children could come to school dressed in their favourite sports kit and make a small donation for doing so 50p / £1.00. All proceeds will go towards this worthy cause. During the day, the staff will make sure that they plan a sports activity for the children to participate in to promote their physical literacy skills. As the majority of the children in Year 5 will be on their residential visit, they may come to school in their favourite sports kits on Monday 16^th March.

 

Reading Challenge Winners

You may recall that we challenged the children to read aloud as many times as they could as part of the #worldreadaloudday challenge. In return, the children received a raffle ticket for doing so. The winners of the raffle were drawn from a ‘hat’ during an assembly and will be taken to Waterstones in Crewe during the week beginning 16^th March to choose a book.

 

To continue to promote reading across the school we have introduced a further reading challenge. Each week the children will be asked to read aloud as many times as they can at home / school. The child in each class with the most reads will then be awarded a raffle ticket. A raffle will be drawn at the end of each half term and further visits to Waterstones or other suitable book shops will be made for the winners to choose a book each half term. We appreciate your support in encouraging your children to read regularly.

 

 

Year 5 Visit to London

This week, I will be leading a visit to London with the Year 5 children, where the children will visit the Houses of Parliament, Wembley Stadium, the Natural History and Science museums, in addition to having a flight on the London Eye, a cruise on the Thames and a visit to see “Wicked” at the theatre. As Mrs Lowe will be accompanying me and the Y5 staff, Mrs Taylor will assume responsibility for day–to-day enquiries from Wednesday 11th March to Friday 13^th March.

 

Coronavirus

Please note that each day we receive an update from the Local Authority and Department of Education regards the spread of the virus and what we need to do as a school. At present the main advice is to guide the children on appropriate hand washing and hygiene. We have been doing this, but will be putting posters up to remind the children. In addition, the site staff have developed a programme to further sanitise all doors and handles more regularly. Should additional guidance become available, we will inform you accordingly.

 

Times Table Rock Stars

As you may be aware, we have been implementing the aforementioned programme for the Y2 –Y6 children to use to develop their times tables knowledge. Each child has been provided with a log in password to access this at home as well as in school. However, we now feel that we would like to raise the profile of this, as well as introducing a new programme for the children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 called Numbots, which focusses on number bonds in a fun interactive manner.

To generate the interest of the children in the two programmes, we would like them to come to school on Friday 3^rd April dressed in one of the following ways:

Reception / Year 1: Robots

Year 2: Robots or Rock Stars

Year 3-Year 6: Rock Stars.

During the week leading to Friday 3^rd April, there will be a significant focus on using the programs in school and developing number bonds / times tables through literacy.

Please note that costumes can be as basic or as elaborate as you feel appropriate. Thank you again for your support in this matter.

 

 

 

Kind regards,

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

Newsletter 27.2.20, by Mrs Collins

Date: 28th Feb 2020 @ 9:01am

Newsletter 27^th  February 2020

Dear Parents / Carers

World Book Day

This year we will be celebrating World Book Day in a different manner. Each class will focus on the story ‘The Colour Monster’ and work on appropriate activities based on this text. To bring this to life, we should be grateful if the children in the different year groups could dress in the following colours:

Nursery / EYFS: Blue

Year 1: Black

Year 2: Yellow

Year 3: Green

Year 4: Red

Years 5/6: Pink

We realise that your child might not have a full set of clothing in the designated colour, but should be grateful if they could wear at least one item of the clothing in the colour specified.

Please note that we have avoided asking the children to dress as book characters on this occasion as this can be expensive and because a number of year groups have planned to dress up in costumes associated with their topic work during the year. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

 

Text

Unfortunately the text messaging service which we use caused an embarrassing situation earlier this week which some parents may be aware of. At the top of each message the service generates a numerical / alphabetical code for reference. Sadly on the top of a Y6 text, the code displayed was a rude word. We can only apologise for this and let you know that we have contacted the Text Messaging providers to ask them to rectify this flaw in their product.

 

Mobile Phones

Unfortunately we have a growing number of children bringing their mobile phones into school for no reason other than to stand before or after school with their friends creating / viewing videos etc. which is a safeguarding concern. As a result from Friday 28^th February children’s mobile phones will not be permitted on site. Any phone belonging to a child found on site will be confiscated and handed back to parents. We appreciate your support with this matter.

 

Book Fair

I am delighted to inform you that we have the School Book Fair in school from Friday 28^th February until Wednesday 4th March. During this period each class will visit the fair to view the texts on offer. The books will be on sale each evening after school, from 3.15- 3.45pm in the theatre. Should you not be able to visit the fair, but wish to purchase a book, we are more than happy for you to send the money into school in a named envelope and a member of staff will help your child.

 

Coffee Morning

Please note that we will be holding a coffee morning on Wednesday 4^th March from 8.50am to 09.50am for parents to visit the book sale. Please enter through the glass corridor off the green carpet area.

 

Fairtrade Fortnight

This year we are lucky to be working with Fairtrade ambassadors who will be delivering assemblies to the children about Fairtrade and the aims of the charity. They will also introduce the children to the wide range of products produced by workers, who now receive a fair price for their products, thanks to Fairtrade. To raise money this year, instead of our usual Fairtrade bake sales, the school council will be running a stall selling a range of Fairtrade Products priced £2 - £4.  A text will be sent out next week confirming the dates and times of the sale.

After School Club Fairtrade Cakes

After School Club have taken an interest in Fairtrade Fortnight and will be busy baking cakes ready to go on sale. The children are going to be selling these for 50p outside the school office from 3.15pm during the week beginning 02/03/2020. The baking and selling will be completed by the children from the After School Club under the supervision of the adults present. The children would really look forward to seeing you at their stall.

 

Year 3 / 4 Dressing-up Day

This will take place on 25^th March 2020. During the day we should be grateful if the children in Y3 could dress as Ancient Egyptians and the children in Y4 dress as Ancient Greeks. The children will then participate in an array of activities bringing their history topics to life. We appreciate your support with this: Further details to follow.

 

Sports Relief

This year the School Council have decided that they would like the children to participate in Sports Relief on Friday 13^th March. During the day they would like the children to come to school dressed in their favourite sports kit and make a donation of £1 for doing so. The teachers will also be running a variety of sports activities to promote physical activity during the day. As the Year 5 will be in London on their residential visit they may come to school in their favourite sports kit on Monday 16^th March.

 

 

Diary Dates (*** Change of date/New Date)

	FEBRUARY
27.2.20	Book Fair in school for 1 week
28.2.20	Airport Trip-Nursery classes- all day
	MARCH
4.3.20	Cross Country Competition 3.30-5pm Letter to follow
5.3.20	World Book Day
11.3.20-13.3.20	Y5 residential to London
23.03.2020	***Edsential Concert @ the Academy- letter to follow
25.3.20	***Year 3 Dressing Up Day (Egyptians)Year 4 Dressing up day (Ancient Greeks)
25.3.20	***Geography G & T Competition @ The Academy Y3,4,5,6- letters to follow ***Science G & T Competition @ The Academy  Y3,4,5,6- Letters to follow
31.3.20	Y2 Trip to Quarry Bank Mill
	APRIL
1.4.20	Parents Evening 5-7pm
2.4.20	***Easter Service Led by Y5 pupils @ URC
2.4.20	***Year 3 to participate in Hope Journey at St Andrews
3.4.20	Easter Egg Hunt PTA
3.4.20	Finish for Easter @ 3.15pm
20.4.20	School reopens
29.4.20-1.5.20	***Y3 Residential to Anglesey
29.4.20-30.4.20	***EYFS Health Screening
	MAY
8.5.20 (Friday)	***Bank Holiday

 

Kind regards,

 

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

Newsletter 7.2.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 7th Feb 2020 @ 9:52am

Newsletter 7^th  February 2020

New Canopy

I am pleased to inform you that we will be having a canopy installed on the green carpet area to provide the children with shelter from light rain and the sun. Unfortunately the only date that we could secure for the installation is the week beginning Monday 10^th February.

All risk assessments have been undertaken, but unfortunately we will need to close off this area for a few days.

As happened when we had the gas-main issue the following actions will be taken:

-Entry to the before and after school club will be via the Y3 steps.

-All Y3 children will enter and exit the building via the Y3 steps for the duration of the installation.

-The children in Y4 will be asked to meet before school on the MUGA and will be taken into class from there by their teachers.

-The Year 4 will be taken to the MUGA at the end of the school day and released from that point by their class teachers.

 

New Boilers

Having managed with ineffective boilers in the ‘Chappell Building’ for the last few months, I am pleased to inform you that these will also be replaced. This will take two weeks, with the work also starting on Monday 10^th February.

Having spoken to the contractors, they will set up their compound on the Monday before starting work on the system on Tuesday 11^th February. There should be little, if any disruption, by the contractors, as the work will be carried out in the boiler room opposite the school office.

Please note that from Tuesday 11^th February the building will be heated by temporary heaters, so it would be advisable for all children in Y5 / Y6 to wear their school sweatshirts and have an additional layer at their disposal.

 

Netball Team

Our mixed Netball Team did well to reach the Vale Royal finals this week and finished 5^th overall. A real credit to the players and the coaches! Well done to everyone who took part.

 

Basketball

Our basketball team played well in the finals of the Vale Royal tournament. I am delighted to hear that they displayed a good sporting attitude and developed their skills. Unfortunately they did not progress to then County finals. Well done to the players and staff involved!

 

Toys

Please can we remind parents and carers that toys are not allowed in school. Recently we have seen an influx of toys being brought in for children to play with at playtimes, which have resulted in children becoming upset if they have been lost or damaged. We thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

 

Promoting Reading

Our ongoing focus this year is promoting reading at home so that every child is able to enjoy reading and also practise the skills being taught in school. Your class teacher will write in your child’s home school diary after their guided reading session each week. Together with this, we are reminding children that they should be reading every night of the week ( a minimum of 5 days) and that an adult should sign their reading diaries to indicate that they have done so.

 

As the children move in to KS2 and become more independent, we are happy for them to write the title of their book and the pages they have read and then for their responsible adult to sign adjacent to this.

 

In addition to the above, from February half term we will be recognising the children that have read most throughout each week by displaying their achievements on a class display. The class with the highest number of reads will then be recognised in the hall during a celebration assembly each week.

 

PLEASE KEEP LISTENING TO YOUR CHILD READ IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR AGE, IT REALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE AND SUPPORTS THEIR LEARNING!

 

Athletics

I am delighted to inform you that our athletics team represented the school well and were a real credit to all concerned during the Vale Royal Partnership Indoor Athletic Finals on Monday. The team finished in fourth place overall in the locality. Well done to all!.

PTA Cake Sale

The PTA are holding a Valentine’s Day cake sale on Friday 14^th February. Cakes can be pre-ordered in the school office, by completing an order form.  Collection and purchase of cakes is from the glass corridor.

 

Diary Dates (*** Change of date/New Date)

13.2.20	***Y4 Time Table Assessment Meeting for parents@ 3.20pm
14.2.20	End of Half term- school closes at 3.15pm
24.2.20	Inset Day- School closed for children
25.2.20	School Reopens for children
27.2.20	Airport Trip-Reception classes- all day
27.2.20	***Book Fair in school for 1 week
28.2.20	Airport Trip-Nursery classes- all day
4.3.20	***Cross Country Competition 3.30-5pm Letter to follow
5.3.20	***World Book Day- Letter to follow
11.3.20-13.3.20	***Y5 residential to London
31.3.20	***Y2 Trip to Quarry Bank Mill
1.4.20	***Parents Evening 4-7pm
3.4.20	***Finish for Easter @ 3.15pm
3.4.20	***Easter Egg Hunt PTA
20.4.20	***School reopens

 

Kind regards,

Mark Joule

Head teacher

 

Newsletter 24.1.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 24th Jan 2020 @ 9:33am

After School Club

I am pleased to announce that we have now relaunched our After School Provision. As a result of changes to staff, the club can now take up to 45 pupils per evening. Mr Bebbington has been appointed as the club lead and will be supported by Miss Golden and Miss Royden.

The new team have been working on the development of activities to engage the children. These will involve physical activities, social activities, structured play as well as the opportunity for children to read / complete homework activities. Bookings for the After School Club can be made through the Eduspot website. Payment is required in advance.

 

Year 5 London Residential

There will be a Parents/Carers meeting for all children attending the Y5 London Residential on Thursday 6^th February at 3.20pm in the school theatre.

 

Breakfast Club

The breakfast club will continue to be led by Mrs Hardwick and run with the support of Mr Spann. Again we have been reviewing the activities on offer and providing the children with the opportunity to read to one of the members of staff.

During the coming weeks the changes to both clubs will be reviewed and modifications made should they be required. The children will also be working with the staff to think of a name for the facility and to design a logo to represent the clubs.

 

Sporting Success

Netball

Congratulations to our mixed Y5/6 netball team. Last week they competed in the final round of the Winsford tournament winning all of their games. They will now progress to the Vale Royal Finals. Well done to all concerned!

 

Football

The Y5/6 football team also enjoyed a degree of success last week in the Crewe Alexandra tournament. Following a shaky start where they were beaten 2-0, they dominated play and won their remaining games 3-0 and 1-0. Unfortunately the mini league ended with three teams on 6 points and the High Street contingent lost out on progressing to the finals on goal difference. However we are very proud of all of our players.

 

Athletics

The Y5/6 athletics team enjoyed a great deal of success in the indoor athletics tournament held last Wednesday. The team represented the school with a great deal of skill and enthusiasm. They won all but one of the races / field events and will now progress to the Vale Royal finals at Rudheath on 3^rd February 2020. Well done to all of the athletes, a fantastic achievement!

 

 

 

Public Speaking

I am delighted to inform you that our three representatives who participated in the Public Speaking Competition in Chester this week did so with confidence and enthusiasm: They had compiled their own speeches on ‘No Outsiders’ and presented these to their peers before taking part in the finals at the Story House. Each child spoke clearly and articulately. Well done to all concerned!

 

 

World of Work

As a school we are constantly looking for representatives from the world of work to speak to our pupils to inspire them as to the jobs available as they grow up. We are currently looking for NHS guest speakers to come and talk to us about their job roles as well as other professionals in other lines of work. Should you be able to spare a small amount of time to help, please contact Mrs Raistrick via the school office or by emailing [email protected]

 

 

Flu Vaccine Catch up

We have  been informed that Wharton Children’s Centre are doing a catch up flu session  on Wednesday the 12th of February between 3.30pm- 5pm.If any parents wish to attend with their child, can they please contact Rebecca Turner on 01244 397470 to confirm their attendance and bring along their completed consent form on the day of the session.

 

Diary Dates (*** Change of date/New Date)

27.1.20	Safety Central Trip Y5 1and ½ classes
29.1.20	Safety Central Trip Y5 1and ½ classes
29.1.20	Spelling Bee competition @ the Academy Y3,4,5,& 6 teams
29.1.20	***Food Competition @ the Academy Y3,4,5,& 6 Teams- Invites to follow
29.1.20	***Hockey Competition- letter to follow
31.1.20	Audlem River Trip Y6 all day
31.1.20	EYFS Dance training all morning
6.2.20	***Y5 Residential to London Parents meeting @3.20pm
7.2.20	Anderton Boat Trip Y6 all day
14.2.20	End of Half term- school closes at 3.15pm
24.2.20	Inset Day- School closed for children
25.2.20	School Reopens for children
27.2.20	Airport Trip-Reception classes- all day
28.2.20	Airport Trip-Nursery classes- all day

Should you have any issues to discuss or points to raise, please don’t hesitate to contact me via the school office.

 

Kind regards,

 

Mark Joule

 

Head teacher

 

Newsletter 10.1.2020, by Mrs Collins

Date: 10th Jan 2020 @ 12:08pm

Dear Parents & Carers

 

Welcome back following the Christmas break. I hope that you managed to have a good festive period and that you also avoided some of the ‘bugs’ which have been around!

Closing Date for School Applications

Please note the closing date for applications for children to start at Primary School in September 2020 is 15^th January 2020. If you have a child who is due to start at this time please do not automatically assume that they will gain a place at the school because they have an older brother or sister at High Street, or if they are attending our Nursery. All applications for children starting need to be made through the Local Authority. Further details can be obtained from Wyvern House or through the school office.

 

Year 1 Residential Visit

The first group of Y1 children set off on their residential visit to the Tattenhall Centre on Wednesday morning of this week; it was lovely to see the second group of children’s excited faces on Thursday morning as they set off as well. I visited the first group on Wednesday evening and the second group on Thursday night and joined in with their activities. We realise that this is a big step for the children, but one which they will enjoy and grow and develop from. I would also like to say a big thank you to the Year 1 team who have accompanied the children, as without them, these trips would not be possible.

 

Achievement for All Quality Mark Award

For the last two years the school has been working on the Achievement for All Quality Mark. We have done this by teaching additional interventions to the children, meeting targets and working closely with parents, carers and governors. I am pleased to announce that after an afternoon of rigorous interviews of a range of children, parents and staff, with supplementing documentation being looked at, we have been notified that we have achieved the Quality Mark. Well done to all concerned, including some of our parents who assisted in the process on the day.

 

New Staff

I am pleased to inform you that we have appointed a new PPA teacher to join our team. Mrs Mellor will be starting working at our school as of next week. She will be timetabled to cover the classes across the school when their class teachers have their non-contact time each week. We have also appointed two new Teaching Assistants to support our children in school; they are Mrs Traill and Mrs Fisher. In addition to this, we have appointed a new Site Maintenance Officer- Mr Robinson who will be leading the maintenance team and cleaners.

 

Office Desk

We have a spare office desk that would be free to a good home, that we no longer need. If you are interested in the desk please contact the school office and the desk will be given on a first come first served basis.

 

Lost Property

We have a number of items of lost property that we are beginning to accumulate again, this includes quality winter coats that are in good condition, but unfortunately have no names in them. We will be displaying our lost property outside of the school office by hanging them on the railings on Thursday 16^th January from 3.15pm onwards.

 

Travellers

We have 2 travellers’ caravans on the Verdin Car Park, which some parents have notified us of in the office. We spoke to the Local Authority when they arrived on Tuesday this week, and they have been served notice to leave. We also notified the fire brigade on 2 occasions, as they had started fires near to where they had set up this concerned us and some parents. At this moment in time we have done all that we can do from a school point of view, but we will keep you updated of this situation when we know more.

 

PTA Meeting

The next PTA meeting is Thursday 16^th January 2020 at 3.30pm at school – new members are very welcome to attend!

 

Diary Dates (*** Change of date/New Date)

13.1.20	***Netball competition Y5/6 team 3.30pm-5.30pm-Letter to follow
15.1.20	***Athletics Competition Y5/6- 4-6pm- Letter to follow
17.1.20	***EYFS Dance training all morning
27.1.20	***Safety Central Trip Y5 1and ½ classes
27.1.20	***Airport Trip-Reception classes- all day – Letter to follow
28.1.20	***Airport Trip-Reception classes- all day – Letter to follow
29.1.20	***Safety Central Trip Y5 1and ½ classes
29.1.20	***Spelling Bee competition @ the Academy Y3,4,5,& 6 teams-Invites to follow
31.1.20	***Audlem River Trip Y6 all day- Letter to follow
31.1.20	***EYFS Dance training all morning
7.2.20	***Anderton Boat Trip Y6 all day-Letter to follow
14.2.20	End of Half term- school closes at 3.15pm
24.2.20	Inset Day- School closed for children
25.2.20	School Reopens for children

Should you have any issues to discuss or points to raise, please don’t hesitate to contact me via the school office.

 

Kind regards

 

Mark Joule

HEADTEACHER

 

Newsletter 17.12.19, by Mrs Collins

Date: 17th Dec 2019 @ 11:05am

17^th December 2019

NEWSLETTER

 

Dear Parents

 

As we approach the end of the current academic year, may we wish you all a restful and peaceful Christmas.

 

Mr Allen

Unfortunately, Mr Allen will continue to be absent this week and into the New Year, due to personal circumstances. Mrs Powell will continue to teach Nursery Weaver in his absence.

 

Mrs Lawton

As previously indicated Mrs Lawton will finish working at High Street at the end of term to spend more time with her young family. We wish her all the best and thank her for all the hard work she has put in during her time at our school.

 

PTA

We would like to thank the members of the PTA for their continued support during the term. This week they will help to provide food for the Christmas parties and have been selling raffle tickets for a Christmas cake raffle. The winners have been informed by text.

 

Nativity Plays

We are very proud that our children have had the opportunity to participate in concerts and/or Nativity Plays this year. Each year group has excelled and has been a credit to all concerned. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff involved for their dedication in ensuring that these have taken place and you as parents for supporting the children with costumes and by attending the events at what is a busy time of year for everyone.

 

Viruses

Unfortunately as with most schools and places where people congregate, we have suffered the effects of different viruses at this time of year. As a result, we have intensified our cleaning procedures and worked with the children on keeping themselves clean to mitigate the effects. At one point, the Chair of Governors and I considered closing the school, but Public Health England felt that this was not required as they were happy with the actions taking place. We thank you for your patience and support during this period of time.

 

No-Nonsense Spelling

Spellings are an important part of our learning curriculum. To support your child to learn the spelling rules/patterns assigned to their year we are trailing a new spelling programme called ‘No-Nonsense Spelling’. As part of this programme your child will take part in daily/weekly spelling lessons which teach spelling patterns and rules. There is also a focus on children learning spellings linked to patterns and rules.

 

We will continue to send home weekly spellings for your child to learn. Rather than 10 spellings, 5/6 will be sent home to learn. The theory behind 5/6 rather than 10 is to give your child the opportunity to increase their success in spelling the words and understanding the spelling pattern linked to the words.

 

Different ways to learn spellings will also be introduced to your child over this half-term. They will be able to share these with you as they become more confident with using different ways to remember how to spell words. The staff are excited about this new programme and we will share more information with you as we continue to work on the programme this year.

 

Pupil Premium Funding 

Pupil Premium Funding is funding attached to individual children for schools to use to support their needs. Many families are eligible but do not apply. We use the funding to subsidise visits and to provide additional support for the children concerned in class. 

Your child may be eligible for pupil premium funding if you are in receipt of the following: 

• Income Support
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit and have an annual income that does not exceed £16,190
• The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit

 

Please call the number 0300 123 7039 ​to apply via phone or access an online application through the Cheshire West and Chester website.  If you need support with your application then please get in touch with school. 

 

 

Verdin Centre Car Park

Unfortunately, I have had a number of cases reported to me where parents have driven in a dangerous manner on the Verdin Car Park. As previously stated, we are lucky to have such a facility close to the school as many schools built when High Street was, have nothing; St Chads and Over St Johns being two examples of this.

However we are reliant on parents and visitors using the car park in a sensible, safe manner. We understand the frustration of queuing to exit, but the safety of the children and parents using the facility must come first. Inappropriate use of the facility will be reported to the police and the Local Authority who own the car park.

 

In addition to this, I am also working with representatives of the LA in relation to the building development planned for a section of the Verdin fields and I will be raising the need to improve access to the car park with them during the spring term.

 

Dates for your diary:                            

 

18/12/19	Y3/4 Grange Theatre am
18/12/19	Y1/2 Christmas Party am
18/12/19	N/EYFS Christmas party pm
19/12/19	Y5/6 Christmas Party am
19/12/19	Y3/4 Christmas party pm
20/12/19	Close for Christmas holidays at 3.15pm

 

Dates for the New Year 2020

 

6.1.20	Inset day for staff- school closed
7.1.20	All children return to school following the Christmas break
7.1.20	Swimming starts for Year 3 children
8.1.20	Swimming recommences for Y5 children
8.1.20-9.1.20	Year 1 Residential to Tattenhall Group 1
9.1.20-10.1.20	Year 1 Residential to Tattenhall Group 2
14.2.20	End of Half term- school closes at 3.15pm
24.2.20	Inset Day- School closed for children
25.2.20	School Reopens for children

 

 

Wishing you all a peaceful and restful Christmas!

 

M Joule

 

Head teacher

 

Newsletter 3.12.19, by Mrs Collins

Date: 3rd Dec 2019 @ 2:47pm

3rd December 2019

Dear Parents

 

Netball

Well done to the Y5/6 Netball team who were a credit to our school, when they played at the Academy last week. They played brilliantly and came joint first with another local school. Thank you to Mrs Lancaster and Mrs O’ Mara who attended with the team. Well done to all concerned!

 

 

Cross Country

The cross country runners took part in a competition last week also and represented the school well. We are awaiting their league results to see where they are in the tables. Well done to everyone who took part and a thank you to Mr Bratt and Miss McCabe who accompanied the children.

 

 

PTA Movie night

Thank you for the support from our PTA who ran our Movie night last week. Thank you as well to the staff that assisted the PTA during the evening. The children had a wonderful time and all enjoyed watching the Grinch!

 

 

Social Media

We have had a number of incidents of children misusing “What’s App” and “Tic Toc” whilst at home, which have then unfortunately affected friendships and relationships of the children in school. Please may we remind all parents and carers to check their children’s phones or devices regularly to monitor what is being sent to other children. These apps do also have an age restriction of 13 or above.

For more help and advice go to https://parentzone.org.uk/digitalparenting

 

 

Mrs Lawton

Mrs Lawton returned to school just after the half term. She has notified us that she will finish working at High Street at Christmas to spend more time with her young family. We wish her all the best and thank her for all the hard work she has put in during her time here. Mrs Barnes will continue to share the teaching of Y5 Wandle with Miss Guppy until the end of the school year.

 

Basketball

Congratulations to our Y5 and Year 6 Basketball teams who participated in the Vale Royal Partnership Competition on Monday this week. Both teams played well but were unfortunately did not win the overall competition. Well done to everyone who took part and a thank you to Mr Bratt and Miss Phillips who accompanied the children.

 

Year 4 Visit to York

A huge congratulation to the children in Year 4 who ventured to York last week on the first residential visit of the school year. It was a pleasure to spend quality time with them and to see them enjoy the sights of York, learning all about invaders and raiders in the process; many thanks to parents for supporting the visit and to the team of staff who gave their time to accompany them.

 

Kitchen Assistant Vacancy

Please note that we currently have a vacancy for a Kitchen Assistant to join Mrs T Piggott and her team. The position is for 10 hours per week and will involve the preparation and serving of food and clearing up following school dinners. The successful applicant will be employed by Edsential who provide the catering for the school. Interested parties should contact Mrs Piggott via the school office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diary Dates (*** Change of date/New Date)

 

4/12/19	*** Open Evening for prospective parents in Reception and Nursery 2020
9/12/19	Nursery Nativity @ 2pm
10/12/19	EYFS Nativity @ 10am
10/12/19	Y1 Performance @ 6pm
11/12/19	EYFS Nativity 1 @ 2pm
12/12/19	Y1 Nativity @ 9.45am
12/12/19	***Y1 Hope Journey @ St Andrew’s afternoon trip
12/12/19	Y5/6 New Vic Theatre trip all day
12/12/19	EYFS trip to Tatton Park
13/12/19	Y2/3 Nativity at the United Reformed Church- 2 shows 1 morning & 1 afternoon
16/12/19	N/KS1 Travelling Panto am
16/12/19	Christmas Lunch Day
16/12/19	Y5/6 Carol Concert @ St Andrews @ 6pm
18/12/19	Y3/4 Grange Theatre am
18/12/19	Y1/2 Christmas Party am
18/12/19	N/EYFS Christmas party pm
19/12/19	Y5/6 Christmas Party am
19/12/19	Y3/4 Christmas party pm
20/12/19	Close for Christmas holidays

 

 

Dates for the New Year 2020

 

6.1.20	Inset day for staff- school closed
7.1.20	All children return to school
8.1.20-9.1.20	Year 1 Residential
14.2.20	End of Half term- school closes at 3.15pm
24.2.20	Inset Day- School closed for children
25.2.20	School opens for children

 

 

M Joule

Head teacher

 

 

 

Newsletter 15.11.19, by Mrs Collins

Date: 15th Nov 2019 @ 2:39pm

Dear Parents

 

Remembrance Day

A special thank you to the Y6 classes who led our Remembrance assembly on Monday of this week for the children in our school. The children informed us about some very emotive things and wrote a range of fabulous poems about a “Life without War”. Thank you for reading so eloquently Y6!

 

Our School Councillors also did a wonderful job of selling our poppy merchandise throughout this week and last week and we were able to raise a staggering £515.00 that was sent to the Royal British Legion. Thank you for your support with this.

 

 

Football

Well done to the Y5/6 boy’s football team who tried their best and were a credit to our school, when they played at the Academy on Wednesday night. Both teams played brilliantly and only lost 1 game each. We are awaiting the results to see where we are in the Y5/6 league, so watch this space!

 

 

PTA Disco

Thank you to the PTA who organised and ran our November Friendship Disco. All the children had a fantastic time and enjoyed themselves. It was lovely to see so many children having a dance and making new friendships.

 

 

Children in Need

The children looked amazing today dressed in their non-uniform and bright yellow coloured clothes for Children in Need and World Mental Health Day. The school council gave out prizes to the children who had the best yellow clothes- so if your child has come home with a bag of Haribo’s- this is because the school council deemed them the best dressed in their age group. Well done to all concerned!

 

Our winners and runners up were:

 

Best dressed children in yellow	First Place	Second Place	Third Place
Nursery/Reception	AP Nursery	NB Nursery	MM Reception
Key Stage 1	Freddie H Y1	Maddie B  Y2	Cian M Y1
Lower Key Stage 2	Eris D Y4	Jaiden Y Y3	Aimee B Y4
Upper Key Stage 2	Toby W Y5	Caitlin S Y6	Maisie B Y6

 

Book Fair Coffee Morning

Our travelling Book Fair will be in school from today and will be open after school from 3.15pm until 3.45pm each day until Wednesday 20^th November. If parents wish to send in a book order in an envelope with the appropriate monies we can also accommodate that if you’re unable to visit the fair.

 

We are also hosting a coffee morning for parents to come and look at the books on Wednesday 20^th November from 8.40am until 9.30am, where parents will be able to browse the books with their children whilst having a cup of coffee.

 

 

Open Evening

We are holding an Open Evening for prospective parents new to Reception and Nursery in 2020. This evening will be on Wednesday 4th December 6pm-7.30pm. There will be a talk by myself and Miss Garnett at 6.30pm and then an opportunity to talk to both Nursery and Reception teachers and have a look at both of our settings. Please pass on this information to any parents who have children not yet attending our school.

 

 

Christmas Meal

We will be having our annual Christmas dinner on Monday 16th December. Orders for this need to be placed and paid for before 6th December to enable the cook to order the correct amount of food.

 

 

 

Diary Dates (*** Change of date/New Date)

15/11/19	Children in Need/Mental Health Awareness non-uniform day-Wear Yellow
15/11/19	***Travelling Book Fair in school &after school each night until Wed 20/11/19
20/11/19	***Coffee Morning for parents to visit the book fair in the theatre 8.40am- 9.30am
25/11/19	***Dentist to talk in Assembly for KS1 & KS2
27/11/19-29/11/19	Y4 Residential to York
2/12/19 & 3/12/19	***Y4 Christmas Cantata- Letters to follow
4/12/19	*** Open Evening for prospective parents in Reception and Nursery 2020
9/12/19	Nursery Nativity @ 2pm
10/12/19	EYFS Nativity @ 10am
10/12/19	Y1 Performance @ 6pm
11/12/19	EYFS Nativity 1 @ 2pm
12/12/19	Y1 Nativity @ 9.45am
12/12/19	***Y1 Hope Journey @ St Andrew’s afternoon trip
12/12/19	Y5/6 New Vic Theatre trip all day
12/12/19	EYFS trip to Tatton Park
13/12/19	Y2/3 Nativity at the United Reformed Church- 2 shows 1 morning & 1 afternoon
16/12/19	N/KS1 Travelling Panto am
16/12/19	Christmas Lunch Day
16/12/19	Y5/6 Carol Concert @ St Andrews @ 6pm
18/12/19	Y3/4 Grange Theatre am
18/12/19	Y1/2 Christmas Party am
18/12/19	N/EYFS Christmas party pm
19/12/19	Y5/6 Christmas Party am
19/12/19	Y3/4 Christmas party pm
20/12/19	Close for Christmas holidays

 

 

M Joule

Head teacher

 

 

 

Newsletter 25.10.19, by Mrs Collins

Date: 25th Oct 2019 @ 12:59pm

25^th   October 2019

 

Dear Parents

 

 

Harvest

A huge well done to our Year 1 and Year 2 children who delivered a fantastic assembly to their family members last week at St Andrews Church. We had so many compliments from both family members and the church members after we had finished our assembly. The children were buzzing!!

 

 

Parents Evening

It was lovely to see all our parents and carers at parents evening this week, thank you for coming to speak with your child’s class teacher. Also well done to the School Council who did an amazing job directing parents to different year groups on both nights!

 

 

Aldi Vouchers:

Thank you to all the parents and carers that have so far sent in an Aldi stickers- we have now completed 2 sportsperson charts to enter the £20,000 draw with the stickers collected. Please continue to send stickers in with your child as it gives us a chance of winning some money for our school.

 

 

Netball

Our Y6 netball team represented our school on Wednesday last week at the Academy and won all of their games - Well done to everyone who took part!

 

 

Tag Rugby

Our Tag Rugby team took part in a competition at Winnington Rugby Club on Wednesday this week and performed very well and won some matches. Their behaviour and attitude was complimented by the organisers of the competitions - Well done - we are always pleased to hear how well our children represent our school!!

 

 

Football

Well done to the Y5/6 girl’s football team who tried their very best and were a credit to our school when they played at the Academy last night.

Our Y3/4 girl’s football team also represented us this week and they were runners up in their tournament- Well done to everyone who took part!

 

 

Helmets whilst riding Scooters/ Bikes

Last week we had a call from a member of the public who had witnessed one of our children weaving in and out of cars on Townfields Lane/ Dene Drive on their scooter- please reinforce with your children how to be safe on the roads when not at school.

Also a reminder: that children riding to school on either scooters or bikes must wear a helmet in accordance with the Local Authority guidelines. In addition, children should dismount and push their bikes / scooters from the school gate to the storage area. Sadly any child who doesn’t comply with the aforementioned will receive a ban from coming to school on their bike / scooter.

 

 

Remembrance Day

Poppies will be on sale in school time along with zip pulls (50p minimum donation), reflectors (50p minimum donation), snap bands (£1.50 minimum donation) and silicon wristbands (£1.00 minimum donation) during the first 2 weeks back after half term. Our school councillors will be selling these to raise money for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

 

 

 

Half term holidays

I can’t believe that we have been in school for 8 weeks now and the first half of term has gone so quickly. We have been so amazed by the work that has been produced by the children and how they have grown in confidence, since starting in their new classes. We hope you all have a wonderful half term holiday and don’t forget, we are all back to school on Monday 4^th November at 8.50am. Mr Joule will be coming back after half term on a phased return after advice from his doctor and I know how excited the children will be to hear this, as I saw how excited they were when they saw him in school this last week for a few hours, so it’s a welcome return for him from children and staff alike.

 

Diary Dates (*** Change of date/New Date)

 

25/10/19	Close for half term
4/11/19	Open for Autumn 2 term @ 8.50am
6/11/19	***Y5 start swimming until Easter
12/11/19	Nasal Flu Vaccine
13/11/19	Nasal Flu Vaccine
15/11/19	Children in Need/Mental Health Awareness non-uniform day-Wear Yellow
27/11/19-29/11/19	Y4 Residential to York
9/12/19	Nursery Nativity @ 2pm
10/12/19	EYFS Nativity @ 10am
10/12/19	Y1 Performance @ 6pm
11/12/19	EYFS Nativity 1 @ 2pm
12/12/19	Y1 Nativity @ 9.45am
12/12/19	Y5/6 New Vic Theatre trip all day
12/12/19	EYFS trip to Tatton Park
13/12/19	Y2/3 Nativity at the United Reformed Church- 2 shows 1 morning & 1 afternoon
16/12/19	***N/KS1 Travelling Panto am
16/12/19	***Christmas Lunch Day
16/12/19	Y5/6 Carol Concert @ St Andrews @ 6pm
18/12/19	Y3/4 Grange Theatre am
18/12/19	***Y1/2 Christmas Party am
18/12/19	N/EYFS Christmas party pm
19/12/19	***Y5/6 Christmas Party am
19/12/19	Y3/4 Christmas party pm
20/12/19	Close for Christmas holidays

 

 

 

 

Caroline Lowe

 

 

Deputy Head Teacher

 

 

 

Information leaflet about head lice from the NHS, by Mrs Collins

Date: 21st Oct 2019 @ 11:35am

Newsletter 11.10.19, by Mrs Collins

Date: 11th Oct 2019 @ 3:32pm

11^th October 2019

 

Dear Parents

 

Harvest Services

A huge well done to the Year 3 and Year 5 children who led our KS2 Harvest Service this week and also to the staff that organised this. Mrs Taylor told me that she was very proud of all the children for their acting and singing whilst at the United Reformed Church. In addition to this, the EYFS children performed their Harvest Service in our theatre to their parents today and were fabulous - Well done to everyone that took part and to the staff that helped to put this service together. I look forward to seeing the Year 1 and Year 2 children next Tuesday (15^th October) at St Andrews Church.

 

Harvest: Year 1 & 2

The Key Stage 1 service will be held at St Andrew’s Methodist Church on Tuesday 15th October at 9.30am. Please note this is a change of date as the Church can now no longer accommodate us on the original date. (Year 1 parents are invited to attend, as these children will lead the service). Y2 children will form the choir, but unfortunately there will not be sufficient space to accommodate the parents of these children. There will be opportunities later in the term for these parents to see their children in other performances. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

 

PTA

The PTA are holding cake sales again this year to raise money for our school. The cake sales will be on a Friday at the end of each month outside the office area, please see the dates below and support us if you can. In addition to this if you’d like to join our PTA please contact the office staff so we can pass your details to the Chair of the PTA.

 

Cake sales:

25th October 2019           22^nd November 2019           20^th December 2019

31^st January 2020            14^th February 2020              27^th March 2020

24^th April 2020                  22^nd May 2020                    26^th June 2020

 

School Disco

In addition to this, our first PTA school disco is to be held on Thursday 14^th November 2019 in our large hall. Children in Years 1, 2 & 3 will have their disco at 3.30pm - 4.45pm and children in Years 4, 5 & 6 time will be 5pm- 6.15pm. More information will follow. Children in Reception will be included in the disco later in the school year like in previous years.
 

Queens Court Business Centre Car Park (Off the main High Street)

Unfortunately we have had a number of complaints from the business users and from the Local Authority about Queens Court Business Centre, as some parents have been parking on this car park. Please may I remind parents that this car park is for business users and not for parents to use when picking up their children. Please can I stress that given the risks, a busy commercial car park is not a suitable location for children, so please can I kindly ask that you do not park on the Queens Court car park and that you also refrain from dropping children off/collecting them from this car park in the future.

 

Nursery Places

Due to the number of children who have moved into full time education we have limited places available in our Nursery. Should you require a place for your child or would like to make an appointment to view the Nursery, please contact Miss Garnett (EYFS manager) via the school office.

 

Football Success

The year 5/6 girl’s football team represented us admirably at the Academy last Wednesday. The girls played extremely well and one of our teams managed to attain four points in 4 games and our other team won all of their games and won the tournament with a total of 20 points. Congratulations to all who took part! We have also competed in 2 rounds of fixtures for the Y5/6 boys Winsford School League- we are currently 4^th and 5^th in the league table!

 

Language on the Playground

Unfortunately it has been reported to me that a number of adults (parents) have been using inappropriate language on the school playground. Please note that this is not acceptable and should we hear it or have it reported to us, then the individuals will be challenged. Should individuals not heed the warning, then we will have no alternative but to ban them from the school grounds. Please note that this is a minority of individuals and that the vast majority of our parents respect our playground space on a daily basis.

 

Parents Evening

Parents evening slots opened on Thursday 10^th October via our school spider app. Please book an appointment with your child’s class teacher through this app as this is the only way to book your appointment. Parents Evenings are to be held on Wednesday 23^rd October 5pm-7pm and again on Thursday 24^th October 4pm-6pm. We cannot wait to let you know how well your child/children are doing this term.

 

 

 

 

Extreme Hairstyles

We have had a small number of children attending school with extreme hair styles e.g. additional material braided in to plaits, extremely large bows, designs shaved in to the sides of haircuts etc. Please can I remind all parents and carers that extreme hairstyles and accessories are not permitted at school as they are not part of our smart school uniform policy. More importantly they are also a distraction to learning, both for the child with the extreme haircut/accessories and also those children looking at them. Thank you for your support with this matter.

 

Nasal Flu Vaccine

The children's flu vaccine is offered as a yearly nasal spray to young children to help protect them against flu. Our vaccines are due to be administered on 12^th November and 13^th November during the school day to all children from Reception to Year 6. Letters for this will be distributed closer to the time.

 

Children in Need/Mental Health Awareness

On Friday 15^th November the school council are organising a non-uniform day to raise money for Children in Need and also Mental Health Awareness. They have asked that children come in non-uniform on that day and have asked children to wear something yellow to fit in with Pudsey Bear and Mental Health Awareness for a donation of a £1. In addition to this, Caitlin our Junior Mayor has been asked to sell raffle tickets to raise money for this year’s chosen local charities. She will be selling her tickets every Thursday on the school yard until 28^th November- starting next Thursday (17^th) - they will be £1 for a strip of tickets and you could get the chance to win- a Haven Holiday, Pantomime tickets and lots more. The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 30^th November - please support her role.

 

 

Diary Dates (*** new dates added)

 

10/10/19	Harvest KS2- Y3 at the United Reformed Church @9.45am
11/10/19	EYFS Harvest at School 9.15am & 2.45pm
15/10/19	KS1- Y1 Harvest at St Andrews @ 9.30am
23/10/19	Parents Evening 5-7pm
24/10/19	Parents Evening 4-6pm
25/10/19	Close for half term
4/11/19	Open for Autumn 2 term
12/11/19	***Nasal Flu Vaccine
13/11/19	***Nasal Flu Vaccine
15/11/19	***Children in Need/Mental Health Awareness non-uniform day-Wear Yellow
27/11/19-29/11/19	Y4 Residential to York
9/12/19	Nursery Nativity @ 2pm
10/12/19	EYFS Nativity @ 10am
10/12/19	Y1 Performance @ 6pm
11/12/19	EYFS Nativity 1 @ 2pm
12/12/19	Y1 Nativity @ 9.45am
12/12/19	Y5/6 New Vic Theatre trip all day
12/12/19	***EYFS trip to Tatton Park
13/12/19	Y2/3 Nativity at the United Reformed Church- 2 shows 1 morning & 1 afternoon
16/12/19	Y5/6 Carol Concert @ St Andrews @ 6pm
17/12/19	N/KS1 Travelling Panto am
18/12/19	Y3/4 Grange Theatre am
18/12/19	Y5/6 Christmas Party am
18/12/19	N/EYFS Christmas party pm
19/12/19	Y1/2 Christmas Party am
19/12/19	Y3/4 Christmas party pm
20/12/19	Close for Christmas holidays

 

 

 

 

Caroline Lowe

Deputy Head Teacher