Friday 3 October 2025 - Issue 05

Birthday Greetings

Happy birthday to all the children and staff who have had or who will be celebrating their birthdays this week.

Jake Betteridge, Patrick Moore, Albie Leighton, Ashton Wells, Indie Clarke and Isla Sephton

We hope you have had or will have a lovely day!

Thought for the week

In prayer and liturgy this week, our children have listened to the following reading:

Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks will receive and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock.

Seek Ye First - Hymn (Matthew 7:7-8 )

Thank you from the PFA

A big thank you to everyone who came along to our first PFA meeting of the school year last week. We’ll keep you posted on upcoming fundraisers, dates for your diaries, and of course, lots of Christmas fun for our children. Please take a look at last year’s fundraising totals and spending - it’s a great reminder of the difference your support makes for our school community.

We couldn’t do it without you - thank you for being part of it all!

St Joseph’s PFA

Open Evening

Please see our attached flyer below for our Open Evening on 8 October; 2 sessions available - 1.45pm and 6pm. If you know of anyone interested in attending please let them know.

Many thanks.

School Levy payments

The school to which you have chosen to send your child is a Catholic Voluntary Aided school. Voluntary aided status provides distinct freedoms and flexibilities in the way that schools operate but, in return for the privilege of having and controlling such a school, there is a need to make a contribution to some costs, including those associated with capital investment.

The school share is based upon an annual amount calculated at £12.00 per child (or family where there is more than one child attending the same school).

We collect this money via Parentpay and this is now set up for parents to contribute. We do hope you will support the school and make a contribution for your child.

New Parent Governor

We are happy to announce that Stacy Larkin is our new parent governor and will hold the office for four years. Please read below her introductory statement.

I am applying to become a parent governor because I am passionate about supporting our school community and contributing to the ongoing success and wellbeing of all pupils. As a parent, I want to play an active role in shaping the environment in which my child—and all children—can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Professionally, I work as an adult social worker, which has given me a strong foundation in safeguarding, advocacy, and supporting individuals and families through complex challenges. I regularly work with partner agencies, develop care plans, and assess risk—all of which require strong communication skills, a commitment to inclusion, and an ability to make balanced, thoughtful decisions. These are qualities I believe are directly transferable to the role of a school governor.

Although my role focuses on adults, I have a deep understanding of how wider family circumstances, such as disability, mental health, caring responsibilities, and socioeconomic pressures, can impact children's lives and learning. I believe this perspective allows me to bring a holistic and compassionate approach to governance, with a focus on the whole child and their support network.

I would be honoured to contribute to the strategic direction of the school, to ask thoughtful questions, and to support and challenge leadership with the aim of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

We look forward to her contribution to the work of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

Exciting News: Our School Joins the OPAL Programme!

We are delighted to announce that our school has joined the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) Programme—an award-winning initiative that transforms playtimes and helps every child thrive.

What is OPAL?

OPAL is a nationally recognized programme that helps schools create amazing outdoor play opportunities for all children. It’s based on over 20 years of research and is already making a difference in thousands of schools across the UK.

Why Are We Doing This?

· Play is vital: Children spend up to 20% of their time at primary school playing. OPAL helps us make this time as valuable, active, and joyful as possible.

· Changing childhood: Many children today have less freedom to play outdoors. OPAL gives them the chance to explore, create, and enjoy the outdoors every day.

What Will Change?

· More adventurous play: Children will have access to a wider range of play equipment and materials, encouraging creativity and teamwork.

· All-weather fun: We’ll be using more of our outdoor space, all year round—we will make sure your child has suitable clothing (wellies, waterproofs, etc.).

· Happier, healthier children: Research shows that OPAL schools see happier children, better behaviour, and improved learning.

How Can Parents Help?

· Get involved: We may ask for donations of items (like old pots, pans, or loose parts) to enrich our play resources.

· Stay informed: Look out for updates and invitations to see OPAL in action at our school. You will be receiving a parents survey this week.

Safety and Inclusion

OPAL is designed to balance freedom and fun with sensible safety. Every child is included, and staff are trained to support safe, positive play.

We’re excited to see the difference OPAL will make for our children’s happiness, wellbeing, and learning. Thank you for your support as we embark on this journey!

If you have any questions or would like to know more, look out for updates on the newsletter, visit the OPAL website Home - Outdoor Play and Learning or contact our parents representative Emma Hudson via email, chair@stjosephspfa.org.uk

Maths and Writing Information Meeting

Maths and Writing Information Meeting for new parents in the EYFS classroom on Thursday, 9 October at 3.30pm.

All are welcome!

Phonics Meeting Y1

There will be a phonics meeting for Year 1 parents to share the next stage of your child's phonics journey. The meeting will be at 3.30pm on Thursday 6th November in Mrs Higgin's classroom.

If you are unable to attend information from the PowerPoint will be sent home.

Food Allergies

Please be reminded that some of our children suffer with severe allergic reactions to peanuts, nuts, lentils and peas. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs we are trained to immediately use Jext pens or Epipens and call 999.

Please do not use Nivea sun cream as it has almond oil in it and we have children with severe nut allergies.

Please do not send any items containing the above into school for your child’s lunch or snack. This includes spreads like Nutella as it has hazelnut as an ingredient.

Thank you for your support, as always.

请注意，我们学校有些孩子对花生、坚果、扁豆和豌豆有严重的过敏反应。如果发生过敏反应，我们会立即使用Jext笔或Epipens并拨打999。

请勿使用妮维雅防晒霜，因为它含有杏仁油，而且我们学校也有一些孩子对坚果有严重的过敏反应。

请勿将任何含有上述成分的物品带入学校作为您孩子的午餐或零食。这包括像Nutella这样的涂抹酱，因为它含有榛子成分。

一如既往地感谢您的支持。

School meals and an increased cost

An important letter from the local authority concerning a substantial increase to the cost of school meals and also possible eligibility for Free School Meals.

Dear parent/carer

Please be advised that the cost of a school meal is set to increase from £2.80 to £3.05 per meal from 1st of October 2025. This will result in an overall weekly increase of £1.25 per child.

This does not affect children accessing Free School Meals. The government continues to support the universal infant Free School Meals (FSM) project, and this means that all children from reception, year 1 and year 2 will be provided with a school meal free of charge. Any child in years 3-6 can also have a free school meal if you are in receipt of certain allowances. To find out if you are eligible, please visit: https://www.warrington.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals*

The council has been subsidising the service over the last few years to try and keep the cost of a meal down. However, increases in food and staffing costs mean that we unfortunately have no option but to increase the price of a school meal.

The three weekly rolling menu detailing each day’s main course and dessert, with the additional daily offer of a vegetarian option and jacket potato will remain in place. The school meals service will continue to provide a high-quality service that delivers healthy, nutritious meals, caters for all allergens and dietary requirements, and is served in a safe environment on our school premises. We will continue to offer theme days, treat lunches and inviting families to join children for special lunches through the year.

*If your child is eligible for means tested free schools meals you could also be eligible for other funded support, such as Household Support Fund (funding for food and utility bills) and Holiday Activities and Food (summer holiday free activities and food). There are also other financial support schemes available, which you can find on the council website: warrington.gov.uk/localsupportscheme

Regards

School Meals Management

Labels

Please ensure your child has their coat, PE top, water bottle and lunch box labelled as regularly children lose these items and at times can’t remember what they look like.