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I once again sit down to write my final newsletter of the term, and my head's doing a wordle all by itself.... it's whirling at a million miles an hour - it's been a truly brilliant year, yet we have made mistakes, but from my point of view, compared to last year at least, it's been incredibly smooth.
Last year I likened the end of term to landing at New York.... bumpy, pacey, safe, yet unpredictable as we were hit with another COVID wave. This year, let's metaphorically arrive at New York again, but this time let's dock there. We've sailed across the Atlantic, it's been smooth lovely crossing, one or two cloudy moments, one or two waves, that tried to throw us off our direction of travel, but largely enjoyable, pleasant, exciting... and now as we dock we do so amidst calm waters, with everyone happy, having enjoyed the journey.... and resilient enough to manage the odd bump as we tie up.
It's important to try and get the tone of every newsletter right, not least the final one. Just like at Christmas, I am aware that the summer holiday isn't a sweet spot for everyone. The cost of living difficulties, irritable children, indeed loneliness for some can create a negative experience. My daily verse popped up on my phone from the bible app and it inspired me.
It comes from Philippians,
"And God's peace, which is far beyond understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe...."
Have faith that God will keep you save and will give you each day, "Your daily bread," and also have faith in your ability to cope, thrive, and enjoy the summer. If you do need advice, or a little extra help, remember your can email me, or use our duty SLT phone, on 07507627673 and a member of SLT will assist
May I wish you all a safe, and content summer holiday, may I thank you for all your support this year, and for all the times I've got it wrong, may I apologise.... and let's start once again, a fresh, in September, to write a brand new chapter.
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As we approach the end of yet another year I want to pass on once again my sincere, heartfelt thanks to everyone of our staff who have done themselves, the profession, the school and the kids proud, despite the stresses and strains of day to day life, let alone the lingering stresses that living and working in the COVID environment has brought.
On behalf of all the staff and governors at St George’s thank you so much. And now…. Let’s once again look forward….
To our outgoing year 6 – a massive well done, and an even bigger thank you! You made it! I'm not sure how, but you did, and enjoy your performance on Tuesday! You may be nervous, but remember, you've been nervous before - and succeeded. You've got the Power within you to Thrive on the night. Promise.
You’re now going to take hold of the tremendous opportunity that secondary school will pose with gusto, with determination…. You have proven yourself whilst in year 6 to be much more mature than perhaps we thought. Much stronger than we expected. And much more resilient than, as adults, we hoped you would have to be at this time. You’ve shown your many many qualities, and you are, I promise, now perfectly equipped to “leg it” into high school and rugby tackle to the ground and flatten any challenges that it sends your way. You can run into high school safe in the knowledge that you are perfect. You are equipped. You’re good to go and fly…. And show the entire world what you are made of.
It is not too dramatic or hyperbolic to say that the children leaving school now are the most confident, the most able, the most accepting and the most enthusiastic ever. They are brilliant, whether 11, or 16. They will go on to achieve great things, see great things and indeed be great “things” I’m in no doubt that this generation of young people are the best that the country has produced. I am proud of them, and I am excited to see what they become.
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Final Year 6 Events - Sorry about the tardiness of this info - I meant to get it to you last Monday etc.... my fault.
Tuesday Year 6 Leavers' Week. 7pm Start
We're making every effort for this to be outside..... it was amazing last year, a forced changed that COVID brought about, but a lovely one, and one, thanks to The Beesleys, and Paul K, we can keep..... for now. If it drizzles, or rains, we will stay outside, and get wet - some come dressed appropriately - shorts dry quickly!
Kids
Arrive back at school for 6pm. Enter through front door. Go to your classroom.
Parents
As we're outside, we can allow a larger number of visitors - there's really no limit. May I suggest 4 or 5? The problem will be if we are forced inside (severe stormy conditions), in which case we will have to restrict numbers to 2. So, please make this clear to your party.... some may have to watch it on YouTube, if we're forced inside.
We will enter through the car park, a member of staff will direct you. Please bring your own chairs (remember legs must be curved, or bring some coasters to prevent chair legs penetrating the MUGA).
The event will be streamed via the YouTube account. It will also be recorded with the link placed on facebook after the performance for you all to enjoy.
If the weather is inclement, we will still be performing, so please come dressed appropriately; I will be bringing an umbrella! It's very hard to change the venue at the last minute.... and I think we've committed to being outside.
Wednesday 15th July. Church Service & Blessing
Y6 to attend the St Georges Church Service. Drop off at Church please any time after 8.30am. Children will walk back to school after the service and will arrive before lunch (if they have a packed lunch please bring to Church). Parents are welcome to join the kids for this service.
It's the year 6 sleepover on Thursday night. Kids, come to school on Thursday as normal, we'll send you home, then come back to school for 6pm with your sleeping kits and clothes for the following day. We'll get the pizzas in, chill on the MUGA, have a disco, watch a film, then go to bed. This will then roll into a blessing on the MUGA on Friday. The kids can have breakfast in school. Parents can join us for the breakfast blessing from 8.15am, blessing on mug at 8.30. After the blessing if parents could take the kids sleeping kit home please. This will be on the MUGA.
By Friday 22nd July - Please clear all SCOdebts before you leave us!
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Dear friends,
Here is the next episode in the story of Joseph (read Genesis 40, first): https://stgeorgechorley.co.uk/news/news_inner/195
Here is the notice sheet: https://stgeorgechorley.co.uk/brochure/theway.pdf
Bishop Julian’s farewell speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zdaWLOCGig
Please sponsor our 20mile walk, from Whalley to Chorley, here: http://www.justgiving.com/Fr-Mike-Print
God bless,
Fr Mike
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Massive sincere thanks to the PTFA for organising, as one parent described it, "not a fair, a gala!"
They were ace. Truly tremendous assets to the school. Thank you to you all - to Kelly, Karen, Laura, Laura, Jen, Gail........ the list goes on, and on..... And thank you to you all for supporting the Fair. Well over £3000 was raised, and that is tremendous, and certainly not to be taken for granted.
Thank you once again, very much indeed.
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Can I now express my gratitude to the parents of the Reception intake 2022.
You had a choice. You chose us. Thank you. A highlight of the last few weeks has been the arrival of our new reception children.
It's been great to revert to "what we used to before COVID" regarding induction, and invite you into school. (Yet sometimes the hard bit is remembering what we used to do!)
Transition has been great. We know it is crucially important to get this transition right and we appreciate the support of parents and our Nursery feeder schools in helping make this work so well.
By the way, one child didn't take up their place, so we do have 1 space available if you know of anyone who would like it.
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And in a world of changes, some things remain the same.
Your accounts should now be clear on SCO pay
- Dinner Money
- Late Stay
- Breakfast Club
Thank you very much indeed to all the families who are now paid up to date! As you know, unless you have been into school to chat things through with us, should accounts not be clear, alternative arrangements will have to be made for your wrap around care. Apologies for this inconvenience, but the clubs no longer have a surplus that we can draw on to cover debts.
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Ready for another year with us?
For those children returning to us, our new term starts for children on Monday 5th September, with kids being let in from 8.45am… see you all then!
Breakfast club will start as usual and is staying in the same room, the hall, and Late Stay will be in business from the first day – as long as your bills are cleared, picking up either on the MUGA, or the hall, again as usual.
Over summer I will update the web cal with dates that I know – so please either sync or set up a calendar app for all the dates of the year.
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How Do Families and Students Download An Archive Of Student Work?
As we approach the end of term, I am looking at closing the SeeSaw classes ready to create the new classes for next year. You can download an archive of your children's work from this academic year. The link below should guide you through this. Please do this before Thursday 21st July.
https://help.seesaw.me/hc/en-us/articles/208754866-How-do-families-and-students-download-an-archive-of-student-work-
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PGL residential for our new year 6
We will revert back to our regular slot at PGL for Year 6's. The dates for PGL will be updated on the calendar, along with the information evening, which will be early doors in September.
This is fast approaching, can year 5 parents please pay for this trip swiftly via SCOpay. If you have any problems paying for this trip before your kids attends, please contact Rob or Naomi.
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Before we sign off.....
Parents, please join the 2nd facebook page - the parents page by clicking this link
Basically the Parents page is exactly that - a page for parents and carers. Spellings? Homework? Holidays? etc. But I want it also to be a page where over summer we swap uniform. I love spending money, I love new, but I abhor waste. Please join the page, and recycle any old uniform - don't just offer it, ask for it! What a great, easy way to save money! So go on folks, join the "parents" page and swap, sell and support!
Remember any un-swapped uniform can be sent into school, where we will store it in the shed for people to help themselves to.
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School Dinners - We changed the ordering system, and menu for the Junior kids last year, and it has been resounding success. Massive well done to the catering team, who now cater for over 180 meals per day. This is phenominal.
We will continue to run with the enhanced 3 week rolling menu at St George's by offering 4 choices per day for Junior kids! The menu will be on scopay, and the website!
From September
Infant Children (You will have 3 daily options)
We will assume that you are having a universal government paid meal. You are all entitled to one. You don't need to do anything until you get into the juniors.
IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS WHO ARE STARTING YEAR 3 *You have to pay now - this is done on SCOpay app
Junior Children (You have 4 daily options)
The menu choice will be on SCOpay.
You can pre-book your school dinner before the day you want it, or your child can choose it on the day. (You need credit on your account to pre-order - £2.40 per meal - we're keeping prices the same for now.... don't see much point in adding to the financial squeeze).
Once you have chosen your meal you will be given a band in class depending on your choice.
Red - Meat choice
Green - vegetarian Choice
Blue - Jacket potato
White - Grab Bag (tuna, ham or Cheese sandwich, salad, crisps, fruit/desert, drink)
(If you are bringing a packed lunch from home - then there's no need to wear a band).
Year 3 kids, give it a go! The menu will be on scopay from 29th August for you to start ordering. (remember infant kids you don't need to do anything!)
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Lost property will be on the Junior Yard during the last week!
Monday & Tuesday - have a look for what's lost, what's yours
From Wednesday - take whatever fits your child!
Let's get rid of it all!
Recycle, reuse, reclaim!
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And finally…
As we prepare for next year, may I just remind you of our protocol regarding extreme haircuts, and cosmetic jewellery? We are determined to maintain, and get back to our high standards at St George’s, to that end; if you intend on letting your child have ears pierced or hair coloured please do so at the beginning of the holiday. (Earrings, indeed any cosmetic jewellery is not allowed in school, and hair should be of natural colour, contain no ‘step’ and shaven no shorter than a number 2 grade.)
Whatever you are doing in the Summer I hope you and your family have a relaxing, safe, enjoyable time, and come back refreshed for a very busy, yet hopefully more predictable year.
May I conclude the letter by thanking you all most graciously for your support, encouragement and forgiveness over the year. I would like to reiterate my thanks to you all. Without the network of positive relationships and trust that we have built between school and yourselves, my job would be a lot harder and the experience of school for our children would be a lot less positive - so let's keep working together and moving forward as one. St George's is a great team and I for one am proud to be a part of it.
May I wish you all a pleasant, calm and relaxing holiday, and I look forward to working with you all again next year. Take care everyone, All the very best,
Andy
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