Overton St Helen's Primary School family news: Issue 1(26/27)
Weekly Round Up
An extremely warm welcome back to all our school families as we begin the start of the new school year. It has been a delight to see our pupils return so positively this week, looking extremely smart in their new uniform and ready to make a good start to the academic year.
An additional warm welcome to our new families who join us for the first time. I trust you have found your way around school in these first few days and by now, are well into the swing of things. Please don't forget to ask for any help if there is anything you are still not sure about.
On Wednesday, pupils came home with a letter containing some important bits of information for parents, some of which I have repeated in the following sections of the newsletter. If you didn't receive it, please ask your child's teacher for a copy as we do have spares and it would be handy for all to read.
Can I also remind parents at the start of the year, to keep us up to date with any changes of mobile numbers or text messages. It is vital that we have the correct contact details for you all to ensure text messages get to the right person.
We have a lot to look forward to over the coming term and so please check out the dates section, today and indeed every week for additional things being added. Next Wednesday, we will be hosting our Meet the Teacher evening at 6pm; after a short welcome from me, you will hear from your child's class teacher about the routines and expectations of their particular classes.
Myself and the school staff look forward to working with you this academic year and are excited at the prospect of what we can all achieve together.
House Captains
This morning I had the pleasure in introducing our new House Captains to the rest of the school. I have no doubt that in their roles, they will work hard to support the rest of their housemates in all they do. Our House Captains will work hard to help us steer school events, lead fundraising, work with myself and the School Council in certain initiatives and be role models in taking up their responsibility with enthusiasm and energy. I have every confidence that they will do a sterling job!
Parking Reminder
Can I take this opportunity to remind all our parents about the importance of parking safely and courteously when dropping off and picking up at the start and end of the school day. Parking on the layby at the front of the school is not allowed, as this is an important space for our school bus to pull into so our pupils can get off or on safely. Also, please keep the crossing area clear so that drivers can see our pupils and families crossing the road.
One more thing to consider is bumping up on the pavement along Lancaster Rd. It has been tricky this week for our parents with prams to get passed the parked cars.
Remember that The Ship and Overton Memorial Hall are always happy for parents to park in their spaces and walk to school for pick up and drop off, in order to ease an congestion.
Many thanks.
School Attendance
As part of our school development priorities this academic year, we are eager to promote as high attendance in our pupils as possible. Pupil attendance will be monitored as usual and term time absence applications will be considered carefully, with penalty notices given for any extended absences. Although discouraged, pupils are allowed a maximum of 5 days absence for unauthorised reasons (holidays or unexplained absences) within a school year.
Please be aware of this if you have a term time holiday planned and remember the benefits of high attendance; consistent attendance ensures children feel more confident in school and can build upon the learning that takes place without missing any vital steps.
Allergy and Asthma Information
As part of new regulations that have come into force from 1st Sep 2026, we have renewed our policies regarding allergies and asthma. We felt that this would therefore be a good time to make sure all our records are fully up to date for pupils who have allergies or who have a diagnosis of asthma. Although you may have already told us this information before, if your child falls into one of the above categories, please could you complete the form attached to the letter sent home this week. We will then contact you for further information, should we require it.
If your child does not have Asthma nor has any allergies, there is no need to return the form; if we do not receive a form from you, we will presume this is the case.
Stars of the Week
Even though we've had a short week, we awarded Star of the Week awards out to those pupils who had particularly stood out to their class teachers.
A huge well done to Esme in Holly Class, Logan in Elm Class, Oscar in Willow, Lily B in Beech and Ezmay in Oak who have impressed in their ability to settle in brilliantly with courage, care and confidence, helping others along the way.
Dates for the Diary
Wed 9th Sept: Meet the Teacher evening for all parents at 6pm (teacher talks at 6.20pm and 6.40pm)
Fri 11th Sept: School Councillors announced in morning worship
Mon 21st Sept: After-school clubs begin this week
Thurs 17th Sept: Flu nasal spray immunisations for all pupils opting in.
Fri 25th Sept: Harvest Service (led by Worship Council) at 8.45am
Thurs 24th Sept: School Open Morning for prospective new starters (9.30am - 11.30am)
Fri 25th Sept: Macmillan Coffee Afternoon from 1.30pm -2.30pm
Thurs 1st Oct: School Open Afternoon for prospective new starters (1.15pm - 2.15pm)
Fri 2nd Oct: OSFA AGM - all welcome (time tbc)
Wed 14th Oct: Morecambe Bay Day
Wed 21st Oct: Parents Evening (appointments from 2.40pm)
Fri 23rd Oct: School Closes at 2.30pm for half-term break
Tues 3rd Nov: School re-opens for second half Autumn Term
