Overton St Helen's Primary School family news: Issue 24
Welcome Back!
I hope you all had a lovely Easter break and managed to make the most of the good weather. It was great to see the children return to school on Tuesday, obviously refreshed and ready to go for the Summer Term. This week has been a 'settling back in to the pace of school' kind of week, with new units of work beginning in all classes. We still managed time however for two visits out of school. Holly Class went out to visit Lakeland Wildlife Oasis and had a great time looking at and handling some amazing creatures. Elm Class took to the water, taking part in a spot of canoeing on the canal; there were some nerves at first however all the class had a fantastic time with a real sense of achievement gained. Well done all!
This term will be a busy one and no doubt go past in the blink of an eye. Our Year 6s are working hard preparing for their upcoming tests however when complete, we will turn our attention to our Rose Festival which will end the half-term on Friday 23rd May. It is my pleasure to announce that once the whole school vote was counted, Thea Brownlee was named our Rose Queen of 2025 and Michael Curran, our Rose King. We look forward to all the celebrations to come, more details of which will be coming soon.
Ground Development
Now that the better weather settles in, we will be continuing with our grounds development ambitions. Last year we completed installation of the trim-trail extension and resurfacing of the upper playground in addition to creating a veg-growing area and fruit hedge along our Forest School boundary. However our plan to develop our growing area continues further and using money from a Heysham Wind Farm grant awarded to us after a successful OSFA application, our first purchase has been a polytunnel. We plan to install this in the space where our raised beds are and are excited as to the potential for growing this will create.
However we need some help to install it. If anyone would be willing to help us erect the polytunnel when it arrives, including setting the frame into the ground, building it and covering it, we would be extremely grateful - ideally we are looking for a small team of volunteers. Please let me, Mrs Ingham or Mrs Marsland know if you are interested; we will then organise a time when we could get this done, together.
Language on the Play Park
It came to my attention that a comment has been made by a local resident who noticed some bad language being used by children on the park after school. This is not the first time this issue has come to my attention, which is upsetting. It is also not a good reflection on the pupils of Overton St Helen's when this type of language is witnessed. I would urge all parents to check that your children are playing appropriately and respectfully when on the park. Good manners are not difficult to have but create a wonderful impression when seen by others. Please make sure your children are creating the impression you would want others to have of them.
Our Ladies Catholic College 'Diamond Fest'
On 10th May, Our Ladies Catholic High School in Lancaster will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, holding a special event throughout the day. I mention this as some of our Year 6 pupils will be attending Our Ladies next year and it may be a good opportunity to get to know the school more. In addition, any of our current Year 5 pupils who are starting to consider high schools for the following year, may be interested to take a look too. I am sure more details will be found online on their own school website if this appeals to you.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Tues 29th April: Year 1/2 afterschool football competition
Wed 30th April: 'Growing and Changing' Coram Education sessions for Y4, Y5 and Y6
Mon 5th May: Bank Holiday (school closed)
Fri 9th May: New Parents meeting for September 2025 new starters - 1.15pm
Mon 12th May: Year 6 SATs week in school
Fri 23rd May: Rose Festival - 1.15pm onwards
Mon 26th May - Fri 30th May - HALF TERM BREAK
Tues 3rd Jun: School reopens after half-term break
Wed 11th Jun: SPORTS DAY (details to follow)
Mon 16th Jun: Inter-school Cross Country competition (hosted at Overton)
Mon 30th Jun - Fri 4th Jul: Y6 Residential trip to Winmarliegh
Fri 18th July: School Closes for the academic year
Star of the Week
Well done to Logan in Maple Class, Maisie in Holly Class, Lily in Elm, Charles in Willow Class, Charlie in Beech and Nathan in Oak who are our Stars of the Week for settling in to the new term with great attitude and determination, for persevering in lessons, contributing well and working hard. Well done!
