Newsletter 12th December 2025
A Message from Mrs Gaffiney What a brilliant term it has been! The children of our wonderful school continue to impress me with their behaviour, attitude to learning and open hearts. I feel so proud to be your Headteacher. As I look back, there are so many things to celebrate that it would take the whole newsletter to list them but I would like to share just a few of my personal highlights: Building relationships – I have loved getting to know you all better. Skerton is truly a special place to work and learn and that is the result of the wonderful community (children, families and staff) that come together and work consistently in the best interests of the children we serve. Thank you for all your ongoing support – we really do appreciate it. Setting a new mantra to guide us as a staff team: Every child matters. Every minute counts. We are building cathedrals. This has been so useful in framing our whole staff approach to all aspects of school life, demonstrating our continued commitment to working tirelessly to ensure that every single pupil has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Expectations and aspirations always remain high. Celebration worships – I love coming together on a Friday morning as a whole community to share in our pupils’ efforts and achievements all in the light and love of God. It is lovely to see so many of you there. I would love to get parents more involved in the worship so do let me know if you would like to play an active part, such as saying the prayer, or have any other ideas for getting involved. The Christmas nativities and plays – it is MAGICAL to see the children performing with such confidence. They brought a massive smile to my face as well as a tear to my eye so I’m sure you all found it very emotional too. Their joy and celebration is what Christmas is all about. For me having the privilege of seeing these special moments is when Christmas officially starts. This will be the last newsletter of 2025 so I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very magical and merry Christmas and send you my very best wishes and prayers for the new year to come. I look forward to welcoming you all back on Monday 5th January.
Normal school end time on Friday 19th December
We would like to politely remind you that we will no longer be doing early finishes at the end of terms. We believe that ‘every minute counts’ so will finish at normal time (3.15 or 3.20pm) on Friday 19th December. Night Owls will be open as normal, until 6pm, that evening.
Christmas Fair
Christmas Disco was a massive success! Thank you for your support.
It was a lovely way to celebrate the festive season with our friends and the kids just had the best time! Thank you to the PTA and staff volunteers who made it possible.
Our next big family event is the Christmas Fayre on Thursday 18th December from 3.30-5.30pm in school. Join us for lots of exciting stall and activities, including:
· A visit to Santa
· Pupil-made sustainable products (from soup to decorations)
· Traditional fayre activities like a raffle, tombola and other games
· Gift stalls, and LOTS MORE!
We can’t wait to welcome you in and celebrate the festive season together!
Sustainability at the Christmas fair
The children have been working hard to create a wonderful range of healthy, sustainable festive foods and crafts for you to enjoy at the Christmas Fair. From delicious takeaway soups and punches (£1.50) to beautifully homemade jams, biscotti and seasonal garlands (£3), there’s something for everyone. Come along to pick up some last-minute gifts or simply treat yourself to something festive. We’d love to see you there and share in the Christmas cheer together.
A message from Miss Race
I’m excited to share some great news. From the Pupil Parliament votes, we now have a new Eco Group called the ‘green Guardians’. This group will help us take care of our school and our world—because every little action makes a big difference. There’s lots to do, and their ideas will make it fun and meaningful. We’re planning to meet next week to start planning together for next half term. Thank you for caring about our planet and making our school an even better place.
Big thank you to all the parents that took the time to fill out the sustainability questionnaire sent out last month your ideas and thought are valuable.
Green Guardian members
Year 1 Isabelle
Year 2 Suhail
Year 3 Sophie
Year 4 Josie
Year 5 Holly
Year 6 Vinnie
Christmas Events
Christmas Fair
Help at Christmas Time
Help at Christmas Time
We hope you all have a really magical Christmas but we do know that for many Christmas can be a really hard time. Please know that, even though school may be closed, you are not alone. There are many lovely and welcoming local services that you can turn to for advice, support or help:
SAFEGUARDING
If you think you or your child is in immediate danger, please call 999. For other concerns:
For Children
· Concerns about a child: 0300 123 6720 (8am-8pm)
Report online: Lancashire County Council website or NSPCC Helpline or Child line 0800 1111
For Vulnerable Adults
· Concerns about an adult: 0300 123 6721
Report online: Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board.
Out of Hours & Emergency
· Emergency Duty Team (Child & Adult): 0300 123 6722
Emergency Services (life-threatening): 999
Heads Up – Health Protection from Lancashire County Council
Please see the latest health update from the Council, including interesting articles on vaccinations, staying well in winter and winter warm spaces that are open locally to all.
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/L...
OTHER WORRIES
Citizens Advice is always a great port of call for any worries in other areas, from housing to money to wellbeing: https://www.northlancashirecab...
MENTAL HEALTH
Samaritans 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/how...
FOOD SUPPORT
Skerton-Based Food Clubs (Membership/Low Cost)
Skerton Community Centre Food Club: Tuesdays, 1:30-3pm at King Georges Field, Slyne Rd, LA1 2JH. Members pay £6 for a bag of groceries rescued from waste. You must sign up via their website.
Food for Thought Lancaster: A community group based at Father's House (Skerton) that redistributes surplus food via a weekly club (check their Facebook/Neighbourly for times).
Emergency Food Parcels (Referral Needed)
Citizens Advice North Lancashire: Call 01524 400404 for a referral to the main foodbank.
Morecambe Bay Foodbank: Contact them directly at 01524 932001 for enquiries or referrals from partner agencies like Citizens Advice.
Lancaster City Council: Call 01524 582000 for support or referrals to local help
Fundraising
Skerton St Luke’s children and parents have made huge contributions this term to Children in Need, St John’s Hospice and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. All three charities have been blown away by your generosity.
Children In Need
A huge thank you to all parents/carers and children who donated and took part in our’ Children In need’ mufti day. We raised a massive £108.40 and this is now on it’s way over to Pudsey Bear!
Elf Run
Another big thank to all our generous parents/carers and children. After a final total up our school was able to donate £113.50 to St John’s Hospice.
Families of Skerton St Luke’s also raised a magnificent £239.70 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
| Dates for your Diary | |
|---|---|
| Monday 15th December 2025 | KS2 Production 2pm |
| Tuesday 16th December 2025 | Flu Vaccine catch up |
| Wednesday 17th December 2025 | Christmas Dinner Day Christmas Jumper Day (non-uniform) Additional Christmas KS2 Production of ’Bah Humbug’ at 1.45pm |
| Thursday 18th December 2025 | Year 5 & 6 Ice Skating YR, Y1 & Y2 Christmas Movie afternoon in Year 2 PTA Christmas Fayre 3.30pm |
| Friday 19th December 2025 | Bring a Toy to School Day. (No electronics or anything of value please) School finishes for Christmas break at 3.15pm/3.20pm Night Owls is running as usual to 6pm |
| Monday 5th January 2026 | School Reopens for Spring Term at 8.45am |
| Wednesday 7th January 2026 | New To EYFS tour - Prospective parents for Reception class 2026 at 2pm. Please contact the school office to book. |
