We often talk about recalibration in school; to stop, to reflect and to then move forward again. It is so important that we reflect so that we get better each and every day. We don’t always get things right, so we have to check in againt to ensure we are on the right path. But sometimes a recalibration is needed for a coming together and that is just what Year 6 have done this week at Castlerigg. The theme of the retreat was to let their light shine; to explore ways in which they could be the change we want to see in the world and to lead our school for the rest of the year. They were an absolute credit to the school in every workshop, in every act of prayer and in every interaction; in fact the Castlerigg team said that they had never heard a group sing Shine Jesus Shine as well as our children did. It was a pleasure to spend time with them. They now have a purpose to go forward and in the coming weeks, they will be taking on their jobs and organising clubs for our children - starting with Reception.
Next week in school, the litrugy is all about the last becoming first, which links beautifully to Our Lady. On Sunday 27th September, the feast day of Our Lady Star of the Sea will be celebrated; the perfect day for our first family mass of the year. The family masses run each half term and we would love to see as many of you there as possible - especially our Reception families who are joining us this year. As always, the children will be involved. Please fill in the form below if your child would like to be involved in reading, singing or offertory.
Food Bank Collection for September and October - tinned soup. Please add soup to your shopping for Fylde Foodbank.
Fylde Foodbank rely on our community to help them provide essentials for those who need it in our community. All donations can be dropped off at the office and placed on our Foodbank shelves. The Mini-Vinnies will collate it and take it down.
STAR Virtue Awards
There has been so many mini learning awards heading home this week. Learning is all about in the moment pops of magic! The children really wanted to keep the STARS in class as we celebrate their character. These are our STARS this week.
This week we have introduced a new award in school, THE GOLDEN BRUSH. This is awarded to the tidiest class and the one who is the most sustainable in the week. For the class that really looks after God’s world, both in their classrooms, around school and outside on the playground. The recipients earn an extra 15 minute play time the following week. This week, for super tidying and for looking after their environment so well, it is awarded to YEAR 2.
Our School Priorities…
Last week, I attended the Trust Central Office along with two of our governors for our Annual Conversation. This was the first time that I had taken part in this and presented to the Trust, so I was a little nervous - but I did not need to be. The conversation was all about our school, a celebration of our school, and the work that has taken place in each area; from Catholic life, to attainment, to inclusion & SEND, to curriculum and leadership - as well as many more. Before the Summer, I had submitted a lot of information and evidence at their request; after reviewing it and discussing it with me, they were incredibly happy with our work and we sit firmly in the exceptional catagory with few elements of strong standard in line with the new OFSTED Inspection Framework. This indicates that we will be supporting other schools in all areas and modelling our practise. Given that we are significantly above the expected standard by the Trust, I am beyond pleased and proud of this and it only validates what I know about our work, our vision and what we believe in school. I am working on a document that shows the progression of our school improvement plan and where we are going next which I will share with you in the coming weeks. We are absolutely not perfect and do not get it right all the time, but we constantly review our work for our children. This is exciting and shows that we know what it is to get it right for all of our children in our care.
School Photographs
Next Wednesday the individual and sibling school photographs will take place - hopefully outside. Please send your child in school uniform. If it is PE day, you can choose for their photo to be taken in their PE kit or school uniform - they can then change afterwards.
The class photographs will be taken in the Spring for Reception and Year 6; along with sports teams.
OPAL Play
Last year I spoke about OPAL play and the direction that we will be moving as a school. This is a project that will last for over two years in order to have a sustained impact on the school and to improve the play, indpendence, resilience and risk assessing of all of our children whilst outside - we are already having welly sheds built in anticipation of this. For this to happen, and for us to achieve our acreditation, we need a team of staff and parents to be involved. It is called an OPAL Working Group and is made up of: Headteacher, Curricular Lead for play/SLT, Play Coordinator, Governor, and Parent representatives. We are not confined to just one parent representative - so please get involved. You will be key to driving this forward and another opportunity to get involved in school life.
There are two meetings coming up: Monday 5th October 12pm - 3pm & Wednesday 21st October 12pm - 3pm. Don’t worry if you cannot make both of them, that is fine. If you would like to be involved, please complete this form below as an expression of interest. It is a really exciting iniative to be part of and I can then provide more information.
Flu Vaccinations
Flu vaccinations will take place for the children in Nursery to Year 6 on Monday 28th September in school. We have been told that our nursery children are now eligible.
Please complete the online consent form. If you DO NOT wish your child to be vaccinated for whatever reason please complete the form stating NO and the reasons.
A leaflet explaining the vaccination programme can be accessed by clicking the following link:
Starting School in September 2027…
It is that time again when we look to welcome new families into school for September 2027. If you have a child who will be applying for starting school in September 2027, or you know someone who is, please share this information with them.
Office News
Snack Booking Form
Here is the snack booking form for next week. Please book before 8am on Monday. Sausage butties are on the menu for Thursday.
The Lunch Menu is now live. You can see a copy here below and also on the lunch page of the website. Next week we are on Week 2 of the menu. The only change next week is that the burgers will be on Tuesday and Pulled Pork on Thursday due to having sausage butties on Thursday.
Extra-Curricular Timetable is now on the Sports Page of the website. Some of these start next week. Please visit to book a place.
No earrings to be worn in school. Retainers can still be worn this half term whilst piercings are healing but must be removed for PE.
Attendance Matters
Another brilliant week for attendance with 3 classes on 99% and 1 class on 100%. Our school average is getting better! 97.8% this week.
School attendance for this week.
Have a lovely weekend with your friends and family. We are starting to see more autumnal weather; please make sure that the children come to school in the right footwear and coats for the seasonal change.
God bless
Mrs Gregan