07/09/18
BISHOP MARTIN WEEKLY NEWS
Autumn Term Issue 1
“Inspire, Enjoy, Achieve” Tel No. 01695 724730 Dates for Your Diary Monday 10th September Whole Class Photographs 3.20pm – Y2 Owls Parents Welcome Meeting Tuesday 11th September 3.20pm – Y3 Giraffes Parents Welcome Meeting Wednesday 12th September 3.20pm – Y4 Koalas Parents Welcome Meeting Thursday 13h September 3.20pm – Y5 Tigers Parents Welcome Meeting Friday 14th September 3.20pm – Y6 Lions Parents Welcome Meeting Monday 17th September 6.00pm Governors Meeting Tuesday 19th September Y5 at Lathom High – lunch provided Wednesday 26th to 28th September Y6 Residential Trip Monday 8th October Family and individual photographs Monday 15th October 6.00pm Governors Meeting Friday 19th October 3.10pm School closes for half term Monday 29th October 8.55am School re-opens to all.
Headteacher – Mr IJ McDonald
www.bishopmartin.lancs.sch.uk
Dear Parents, It feels like a real privilege to write this and welcome everyone back for a new school year at Bishop Martin! This is my first full year as Headteacher and I can’t wait to be a part of the amazing learning journey your children are going to have. I have to say a HUGE thank you to you all as parents first and foremost. The children look so smart in their new uniforms and I can see the incredible effort you have made over the summer to make sure they were all ready for the start of term. The ‘Buy One, Get The Cheapest One Free’ offer is in place until the end of the school year (next July) so hopefully you will find this helpful in keeping the cost of uniform manageable through this first year of transition. There has been a fantastic, calm, positive atmosphere around school these first few days. All the children have settled in well with their new teachers and the new staff also starting this year have been getting to know their pupils too. We will be holding class ‘Welcome’ meetings all next week, after school, for parents to meet the new teacher and hear about some of the amazing things planned for the year. Please check the ‘Dates for your Diary’ section on the left hand side of this newsletter to see when your child’s class meeting is next week. All the information you need for supporting your child in school this year (Homework, Spellings, Reading, PE days etc) will be covered in these meetings but will also be posted on the class page for your child on the school website. Please keep checking www.bishopmartin.lancs.sch.uk to stay right up to date with class information. Our KS2 results last year were, as in previous years, well above the national average and make us one of the top performing schools in the area once again. This is perhaps reflected in the fact that we have welcomed one of our biggest ever Reception cohorts into the school this year and our Nursery is also thriving. As a parent myself I understand the huge decision it is settling on which school to send your child to and I am both grateful and humbled you have chosen Bishop Martin. In order to help us educate your child to the highest possible standard, we absolutely rely on you to work as partners with us. Attendance is absolutely critical and was below the national average last year so we are having a big push this year on improving! I know I can rely on your support in making sure your children are in school, on time, every day. If you need any help or support from us please speak to Miss McKnight, our Learning Mentor, or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Finally, on behalf of all the staff here I would like to thank you again for your ongoing support. I look forward to working with you all this year to make the standard of education of your child receives as high as possible! Mr McDonald - Headteacher Data Collection Forms Blank data collection forms have been given out this week, please complete all details, sign the form and send them back to school by Friday 14th September. Note: If your child is regularly seen by any health agencies (such as paediatricians, opticians, dieticians etc) to receive medication or ongoing support, it is vital that this information is shared with school. This includes asthma, eczema, dietary needs, allergies etc. If there is a second contact (not living permanently with your child i.e. Dad or Mum) please ensure these details are on the form if they have parental consent. This is a legal requirement.
APPLYING FOR SCHOOL PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 The system for applying for reception and secondary places in September 2019 is now live. Please ensure that you hit the "submit" button when you are ready to send in your completed on-line application. You must apply even if you already have children at your preferred school. The closing dates for applications for September 2019 are at 11-59 pm on:Secondary school applications – 31st October 2018 Primary school applications – 15th January 2019 www.lancashire.gov.uk (search "school admissions")
Free School Meals Apply now you may be entitled If you are not already in receipt of free school meals and think you may be entitled to them, you need to apply now, please contact LCC on 01772 531 809. Reminder: Y3 to Y6 Dinner Money School meals are £2.20 per day – £11.00 per week. This is payable at the office on Monday mornings. Daily Snack YR – Y6 Children are able to order toast or fruit for their break. The cost is 20p for a slice of toast or 20p for a bag of fruit. This is payable in class on either a daily or weekly basis. Nursery snack is £1 per week payable to the staff in the unit. Physical Education Days and Kits Can parents and carers please ensure that their child has their PE kit in school with them on the following days: YR Caterpillars - Tuesday Y1 Rabbits - Wednesday/Monday Y2 Owls - Wednesday/Thursday Y3 Giraffes - Wednesday/Monday Y4 Koalas - Wednesday Y5 Tigers - Wednesday/Friday Y6 Lions - Wednesday/Friday It is important that children have appropriate clothing on these days to allow them to fully participate in their PE lessons. Don't forget swimming! Y5 Tigers - Friday Children will need swimming costume, towel and swimming hat (available from the office £1.20).