Newsletter - 14th October 2022

Newsletter - 14th October 2022

It has been another busy half term in school and we have a number of things to really celebrate. Firstly, the opening following the building works was really lovely with a number of past staff visiting us and joining in the celebrations with the Bishop of Lancaster, Right Reverend Dr Jill Duff. Everyone commented on how the school looked and how polite and engaged the children were. This made me feel very proud. Year 6 had a very successful residential visit to London. Due to the train strikes scheduled for the day of travel, the children and staff had to travel down the night before so they ended up with three nights away. Everywhere they went members of the public commented on how well behaved they were and how polite and well-mannered they were. Thank you to all of the parents who supported us and trusted us to take care of your children. Year 4 and Year 3 have both been out of school on school trips linked to their curriculum. Year 4 to Trough of Bowland and Year 3 to Lancaster Castle. In both cases the children were well behaved and listened and responded well. The children have reported that they had a fantastic time and enjoyed their learning. We have further visits and activities coming up and I look forward to seeing parents at some of these as well. Please keep an eye on the ‘Dates for your Diary’ which is at the end of this newsletter. Kind Regards, Mrs Armistead

Food Boxes

As you may be aware there is a huge demand for boxes and support from the local food banks and they do an amazing job in helping people in our community.  We continue to be fortunate enough to receive donations from Rapid Relief Team who provide boxes with food that has a long shelf life for people to access.  If you, or anyone you know, could do with support from this charity, please contact Mrs Armistead direct to arrange – head@skertonstlukes.lancs.sch.uk OR 01524 65445.

School Photo Day - Monday 17th October

The photographers will be in school taking individual and whole class photographs throughout the morning. If you would like a sibling photograph, you need to bring your children to the school field between 8.30-9.15am – this will be the only opportunity for a sibling photograph to be taken. 

St Luke's Day

On Tuesday 18th October we celebrate St Luke’s Day. As our church and the school are dedicated in memory of St Luke, we will be going to church for a service of thanksgiving that morning.  Please take children to St Luke’s Church for 9.00am on Tuesday and we will walk them back to school in their classes after the visit.  If your child is in Breakfast Club (Early Birds) that morning, we will ensure that your child is taken to church for 9.00am.

KS1 Share a Story

Parents of children in Year 1 and Year 2 are invited to join us for ‘Share a Story’ session in school on Thursday 20th October. This will take place from 8.45 in the hall. Come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before your child joins you to read either some of your favourite books from home or ones from school. After this 15/20 minute session, the teachers will go through a short presentation about reading 1:1. There might be some ideas that will help enhance your child's reading experience at home.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ways to get involved

  • Join in Friends of Skerton St Luke’s (FOSSL) activities.  All parents of pupils at the school are automatically members of FOSSL so anyone can come along to meetings and join in with all fundraising etc.  Keep an eye out for the up-coming Christmas events Newsletter. For more information email friends of skertonstlukes@gmail.com or DM on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/friendsofstlukesschool
  • Become a School Governor.  School governors are volunteers who work together with the Headteacher and the local authority to improve education and other outcomes for all pupils.  The governors meet as a full governing body three times per year.  If you would like to know more about this role please contact Mrs Armistead on 01524 65445 or email contact-us@skertonstlukes.lancs.sch.uk.
  • Volunteer to listen to children read.  If you have some time to spare, a good grasp of written English, and if you enjoy spending time with children, you could become a school reader. For more information please contact Mrs Goodwin on 01524 65445 or email contact-us@skertonstlukes.lancs.sch.uk.
  • Offer to lead an after school club/ lunch time club in the Spring or Summer Term.  We love offering different extra-curricular activities to the children in school.  If you have a particular skill that you would like to share with children then consider offering to lead a club in school. Some examples might be gardening, sewing or cooking.  For information please contact Miss Garnett on 01524 65445 or email contact-us@skertonstlukes.lancs.sch.uk.
  • Join Drop In on Wednesday straight after school.  Parents can join their child in the classroom to chat about and see what they have been learning.  No need to book, just turn up.

Late Arrivals

Children arriving late, after 8.55am, should be accompanied by an adult to the School Office at the front of school.  Parents and visitors must sign in and enter school through the secure entrance at the front of school. If your child arrives between 8.55am and 9.15am, they will be marked as late. If your child arrives after 9:15am they will be marked in the register as unauthorised 'late after registers closed’. 

You may be subject to a penalty notice if your child is consistently late for school.  

Smoking and Dogs

We are a smoke-free premises and site. Parents are also reminded that when on the school premises (including passage from Vale Road and pedestrian driveway) dogs are not allowed.

Appointments

We cannot allow children to leave school e.g. for a dental or medical appointment before the end of day, unless collected by a parent or responsible adult.   We ask all parents in KS1 at the beginning of every year to provide school with a list of adults who have permission to collect their child.  The list must be kept up to date at all times.  If an adult attempts to collect a child and their name does not appear on the list, we will refuse them.

Parking

When dropping off or collecting your child, please park with consideration.  Do not park across resident’s drives or park on the grass embankment across from school.  We suggest you park at the community centre which in itself is safer as you do not have to cross the main road.  Do not ‘stop’ or ‘park’ on the yellow zig zag lines outside school – this is dangerous and illegal.  Penalty tickets have recently been issued.

Uniform

Children MUST wear full uniform including black school shoes, except on PE days.  On PE days we encourage children to come to school in PE clothes (school t-shirt, track pants or shorts and trainers)

No rucksacks or other bags.  Book bags, lunch boxes and water bottles only please.  Long hair MUST be tied back and all jewellery must be removed.

Please ensure all items are labelled with your child’s name.

Uniform

School Applications

Primary and Secondary School applications are open

Apply now at www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools

Closing date for Primary - 15th January 2023 & Secondary - 31st October 2022

Dates for your Diary
17/10/22 School Photo Day(AM) and Year 4 and Year 5 to Ryelands Primary School for Story Telling(PM)
18/10/22 St Luke’s Day – Service in church – children to be dropped off at church for 9.00am & Reception Parents Phonics Evening at school at 6.00pm
20/10/22 Year 1 & 2 Share a Story - Parents invited
21/10/22 Celebration Worship & School finishes for Half Term
02/11/22 School returns for Autumn Term 2
07/11/22 Name the Teddy competition to start (FOSSL)
14/11/22 Parents Evening (face to face)
17/11/22 Parents Evening (face to face)
18/11/22 Children In Need Day
21/11/22 4.00pm Full Governors in school
25/11/22 Year 3 sharing Celebration Worship & Christmas Jumper swap day (FOSSL)
30/11/22 Yr-Y6 Nasal Flu Programme in school
01/12/22 6.00pm snuggle up with a book - School Hall
02/12/22 Year 2 sharing Celebration Worship & Non-uniform day in exchange for Tombola Prizes

Testimonials

It’s a lovely community. We all feel like a part of St Luke’s family. My child loves her teachers and knows other members of staff. It’s lovely to walk into school and people know my child’s name and always say hello to her, even teachers from other classes or Mrs Armistead.

Parent

I know when I drop my kids off they are happy and safe and they both enjoy their time in school.

Parent

Thank you for not only teaching my daughter but also caring for her. She’s really happy at school and is making great progress in all areas of learning.

Parent

The staff have been so supportive of my child with Special Educational Needs. They are amazing and it makes me confident that my daughter is well looked after and if she has any problems they will help.

Parent of a child with SEND

The Reception Open Day really showed the school in a good light. The Headteacher showed us round and knew all of the pupil’s names. All of the children we met were friendly and polite but more importantly they were all smiling whilst learning.

Prospective Parent

Teachers are very helpful, friendly and approachable

Pupil, Year 6
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