Overleigh St Mary's CE Primary School - Bad Weather Information - Overleigh St. Mary's
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January 2019
April 2013 Overleigh St Mary’s CE Primary School
Bad Weather Information
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and patience with regard to the wintery
conditions we experienced this week. In case of snow we thought it worth explaining our
intended approach to manage this.
We would like to reaffirm that we will always endeavour to remain open in ice and snow and whenever possible for the
length of the normal school day. As we are lucky enough to have such a huge site, we are sure you appreciate, it can be
challenging to get it cleared and gritted safe for the children and families. Therefore sometimes we restrict the num-
ber of entry ways we open until we are able to open the whole space. We do try to keep everyone up to date on our
progress although the situation can rapidly change and we then adjust our plans accordingly.
Although some staff live within walking distance of school the vast majority drive in from a wide variety of locations.
Therefore we also need to risk assess the number of staff who are able to safely travel in as well as getting them
home at the end of the day. Last year we remained open throughout the snowy period although some staff were una-
ble to make it in from Wales, and we decided to close Cosmic Club early on one occasion. If we do take such a decision
we do not take it lightly. We understand the challenges of child care and work pressures, after all most of our staff
are also in this position. However we have to make a decision early based on a risk assessment, the weather forecast
and the distances staff have to get home once club closes. This means that parents also know early so arrangements
can be made. Although we also recognise this can be frustrating when the sun then comes out but we are sure you ap-
preciate how tricky this can be to manage.
In deciding to close the whole school we follow a risk assessment procedure. This covers the grounds etc. but mainly
how many staff we can get in to safely care for the children and provide meals. Wherever possible we will open and
ensure we enjoy the field etc, with all the brilliant opportunities for play and topical activities that this presents. On
the very rare occasion we are closed we would share this information on the website and by Parentmail. Please try not
to call the office to ask if we are open as answering the phone prevents staff from helping to make the site safe for
the start of the day. Unless you hear different always assume we are open!
On another note our PCSO has been in to school this week working with several classes. He asked us to remind all our
families about the importance of visibility on the way to and from school and especially for anyone riding a bike or
scooter. He would like to emphasise that bike lights are a must to ensure that children and adults can be seen and that
they strongly advise a helmet is worn and where possible additional high visibility jackets or bands. He mentioned that
sadly there have been a number of accidents recently where the visibility of the person involved has been a factor so
is a timely reminder to us all.
50 things to do before you are eleven and three quarters!
Please take time to visit the National Trust Web site where there are delightful activities and
charts to down load, it is well worth a visit!
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50-things-to-do
Primary school children will be challenged to go on a nature trail, visit a local landmark or make a
treasure map through a new ‘passport’ of activities launched by the Education Secretary to en-
courage more family time and help build children’s character and resilience.
Endorsed by organisations including the Scouts, Girlguiding and the National Trust – as well as children’s charity Action
for Children - the list of activities is intended to support parents and schools in introducing children to a wide variety
of experiences and fulfilling activities like flying a kite, learning something new about the local area or putting on a per-
formance.
RESPECT
In worship we are continuing to focus on our third value of the year, Respect. In the following bible story, taken from
Exodus 3: 1-4, Moses does not believe that he is important enough to complete God’s task, that he is not respected
enough to be able to help people. God helps to show Moses that respect comes in different forms and that by believing
in God and God’s work that we are all respected, and respectful. This idea of respecting everybody, no matter what
their role is, is key to our work with the children this term – and creating an understanding that we are all equal, that
no person is more important than another.
Moses and the Burning Bush.
Moses led the sheep across the dry and dusty desert to Sinai, God’s holy mountain. But in the stillness of the wilder-
ness, while the sheep were grazing, Moses’ thoughts were never far from the plight of his people the Israelites, who
were suffering at the hand of the cruel Egyptian king. Moses had left Egypt years ago. He felt guilty and wished he
could help his people, but what could he do? He was not brave, he was not a respected leader. Who would listen to
him? And then in the distance Moses noticed something very strange. A desert bush was on fire. The flames licked
hungrily around the branches and yet, strangely, the bush did not burn up. He drew closer and as he did so, he clearly
heard a voice call to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!”
“Yes, here I am” stammered Moses.
“Take off your shoes”, said the voice, “for you are standing on holy ground.” Rever-
ently, Moses untied his sandals and fell to his knees. “I am the Lord God of your
ancestors and I have seen how my people suffer under Pharaoh. I have heard them
call out to me to rescue them and now Moses, I am sending you to lead them to
freedom.”
“But I am nobody, I am nothing. How can I go to the king and expect him to
respect a simple shepherd? How can I ask him to let the people go?”
But God replied, “Do not be frightened, I will be with you.”
“But what if the people will not listen to me?” said Moses.
“What do you have in your hand?” asked God.
“A stick.” Moses replied.
“Throw it on the ground.” Moses did as he was asked. To his astonishment the stick turned
into a writhing, angry snake. “Now bend down and pick it up by the tail.” Nervously, Moses
did as he was asked. Immediately, the snake once more became a stick. “When you perform
this miracle,” said God, “the people will believe that I have sent you. Take the stick with
you, for with it you will perform great miracles. Now go and do as I have commanded.”
And so it was that on that ordinary day an extraordinary adventure began for Moses and
for the people of Israel. It was a story that the world would never forget.
PARKING ON OUR SCHOOL SITE A Trip To The Moon
Please may we remind you once again, that parking on the staff
car park to the side of our canteen is not permitted. The area is Have you ever driven a moon
for blue badge holders and staff only. buggy on the actual ghostly
silver moon? Well you can
Please park on the designated areas at the front of school where now if you fly to the moon!
there is a safe route for families to follow. Alternatively park When you're on the rocket
along the boundary fence at the college next door during drop off why don't you try space ice
and collection times only. Thank you for your support. cream but be careful because
you might get space brain
freeze brrrr! See the flames
Headlice of the rocket bursting out as
We have received several reports of headlice in school. Please fast as lightening bolt in the
check your child regularly and treat as necessary. Please do not night sky.
keep your child off school during treatment. Further advice can
be found at the following link:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and- Above is a wonderful piece of of writing by Marcus
nits/ in year 2. The children were asked to write an
May we also remind you - if boys and girls hair is advert to encourage people to visit the moon, all
shoulder length or longer it must be tied back children are thoroughly enjoying the book.
every day.
Dates for your Diary
February
6th Cantabile at St Mary’s Creative Space
11th Y5 to QPHS to watch Grease production Chinese New Year Themed Menu, Tuesday 5th February 2019
14th PTA disco Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice
15th Last day of term
25th School opens Beef chow mein
March
Quorn in black bean sauce and egg noodles
5th-8th School book fair & Book week—
further details to follow ***
15th Red Nose Day—Wear something furry or
animal themed
Banana fritters
19th Y4 to Beeston Fresh fruit platter
19th Ellesmere Port parents’ invited for lunch
20th Buckingham Palace parents’ invited for lunch ***
20th PTA Easter Bingo Fruit juice, milk or milkshake
27th Y3, 4, 5 performance 5.30pm
28th Y3,4,5 performance 9.15am and 5.30pm Jacket potato with cheese and beans or tuna mayonnaise
29th Last day of term will also be available.
April
15th School Opens £2.30 per meal. Please ensure that there are sufficient funds in
18th School closes for Easter weekend your child’s account. No charge for Reception & KS1
23rd School Opens
WEAR SOMETHING FURRY OR ANIMAL THEMED TO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY 15TH MARCH
RED NOSE DAY / WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
Wear something furry (or fluffy) to school and make a voluntary donation of £1 to
the charities. From fluffy socks to furry hats, dress as a cat, a dog the choice is
yours! The children chose the WWF as their charity to support this term and funds
raised from the non uniform day will be split between Comic Relief and the WWF.
Red Noses will be on sale from the school office from Wednesday 6th March.
ALL funds from the sale of noses will be donated to Comic Relief.
Alfie Watts Fundraising
Thank you to all our children and families for your amazing support. Our fundraising day raised a magnificent £220
which we have transferred to Alfie’s Go Fund Me Page. Congratulations to Matthew in year 6 who is now officially the
Overleigh Rock Paper Scissors Champion, having finished a very close final with Rachel in Reception!
We have been busy helping the pirates count their treasure in Reception.
The children have been thinking about repeating patterns.
Wonderful writing and drawings
by Rachel, Alexander, Olivia and
Harry in Buckingham Palace
Vacancies
Please note we currently have the
following staff vacancies in school.
Please apply online at
www.jobsdirect.com
if you are interested.
A wonderful piece of Midday Assistant
maths problem solving- 5 hours per week 38 weeks per year
from Cameron in year 6 12.00pm—1.00pm 5 days per week
Scale 2
PTA Disco—Thursday 14th February 2019
A letter will be sent home soon regarding the PTA disco. Tickets will be availa- Kitchen Assistant
ble to purchase online through Parentmail. Advance notice of the times are as 11.25 hours per week 38 weeks per
follows:- year plus 4 cleaning days,
3.15-4.05—YR and Y1 (children will go straight from class) 11.45am – 2.00pm 5 days per week
4.15—5.05—year 2 and year 3 Scale 2
5.15—6.15—Year 4, 5 and 6
No need for parents to attend but you are always welcome. Please do ensure you
collect on time so we can manage the change over safely.
Parking Issues
Please may we remind you not to park on grass verges when dropping off and collecting your
children. Catholic High School have provided us with the registration numbers of Overleigh
parents who are parking on their verges and surrounding grass verges causing obstruction to
traffic and danger to children walking to school.
Our local PCSO will be patrolling the areas and speaking to people who have parked
inconsiderately.
Thank you for your support
Roman Wall—We have been exploring the weath- Dear Mum
er in science and wrote our own weather report
Whilst visiting Chichen Itza, which is in Mexico, I found some amazing
in groups to film on the Ipads next week!
people there. I missed you so much, I am going to tell you every little
detail.
Amazingly, I got to stroke a jaguar that nearly bit off
my hand. When I was touching a strangler tree I nearly
stepped on a fer-de-lance. Also, the howl of a howler
monkey is so sensational. The worst part of the rain forest was the
rain surprisingly. The tomb, where jade shone in the darkness, was
immaculate. Unexpectedly, the obsidian carved into a dagger was really
sharp. The grand temple towered the city and sometimes gives shade
to farmers. The thick jungle trapping the city of Chichen Itza.
Pok-ta-pok, which is a dangerous game, nearly got me killed. The ball
court contained vip seats for royals, I saw people playing, but it was
also quite strange because they were not allowed to use their heads,
hands and feet.
The Maya had over 150 gods, which is a lot, and I
would have remembered 1 or 2. My favourite gods
were the Sun and Moon gods. As well as a god for
every aspect of life.
I missed you so much see you soon.
Love from Louis. Well done Louis in year 5 for this excellent piece
of writing linked to their Mayan topic this terms.
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