14th October 2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
This Week in School
A large bright spot in the school week was undoubtedly the Harvest Festival. I must confess that I was overjoyed to see so many parents joining us for what I think you will agree was a fantastic celebration of the children’s talents, and a poignant reminder of how thankful we should be for the Harvest gifts we receive. The generosity of our school community was clear for all to see in the donations that were so kindly offered, in aid of those families being supported by the Taunton Food Bank. We know that the staff at the Food Bank were incredibly grateful to have experienced such generosity of spirit, and from all the staff, we would like to say a big thank you to all who donated.
Parent’s Evening
These will take place on Monday 17th October (5.30-7.30pm) and Tuesday 18th October (3.30-5.30 pm). Please contact the school office if you are unsure of your appointment time, or need any further assistance.
Support for Families in Need
Here is the information that was provided in last week’s newsletter regarding support for families in need in Somerset. The link is included below.
If you are a family who needs more support, please log on to the Household Support Fund website: Somerset Household Support Fund which will help by providing food and fuel vouchers, and white goods to those who are eligible. There is further information on the website, including who is eligible and how to apply. There are also links to other sources of help available. Click the link above for further details.
Harvest Mass – Readers
This Sunday 16th October, a number of children from our school will help to lead a Harvest Mass at St George’s Church. This will be at 9.15am. Many children from the choir will be attending to lend their voices, and a group of children have volunteered to read the parts of the Mass. We have had a little practice, and they did really well. Please could I ask parents to support them in practicing over the weekend, and in arriving nice and early to Church on Sunday so Mrs Weetch, Mrs Godfrey and Mrs Twort can let them know their seating arrangements and timings for going up to read. Thank you in advance for your help with this. All our families are welcomed and encouraged to attend this wonderful occasion.
Illness
It can be tricky to decide if your child is well enough to be at school due to illness or should be kept at home. I am including the link to the NHS guidance around this issue. Please remember, if your child has a temperature, they should be kept at home until it has subsided and they feel well again and if they have had any incidence of vomiting or diarrhoea, please keep them at home for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting/diarrhoea.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
Photographs
I am pleased to inform you that we will be having school photographs again this year. Tempest Photography will be here on Friday 4th November to take individual and family photos. Add the date to your diary as a reminder to spend an extra moment or two combing your child’s hair and smartening their collar!
Amenities/Swimming
Please can I remind all parents and carers that each year, we ask for a voluntary contribution of
£10 per term per child for swimming, and £10 per term for each family for School Amenities.
The school has always traditionally asked parents and carers for an amenity contribution. The Amenities Fund allows the school to give children extra opportunities and experiences such as visiting artists, performers and sport companies. We feel it is crucial that the children continue to have these WOW moments and with the rising costs of maintaining and running the swimming pool, we would really appreciate your contribution to allow this to continue.
Payments for Swimming and Amenities can be paid online, details are as follows:
Bank Account Number: 02887152 Sort-Code: 30-98-45
Please quote ref S for Swimming or A for Amenities
Flu Immunisation
The nurses are visiting St George's on Tuesday 29th November to give the flu nasal spray for the whole school. It is vital that parents and carers complete the consent form using the following link https://www.somersetsaint.co.uk/Forms/Flu and enter the school’s unique code: SM123851.
This link will close on the morning of the session date but we request that you do this as soon as possible. If you are unable to access the online consent form for any reason, please contact Somerset SAINT for assistance on 0300 3230032.
Reception Intake Applications
Time to start school? If you have a child born between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019, then now is the time to apply for a place at our school for admission from September 2023 onwards. You must complete an application form that is available from the school admissions team at County Hall, Somerset County Council. Please ensure you apply by the closing date of 15 January 2023. If your child is Catholic, you must also provide a copy of the baptism certificate to the school by this date.
Best wishes for a lovely weekend,
Edwina McDonnell
Upcoming Dates:
Sunday 16th October – Harvest Mass at Church, 9.30 am
Monday 17th October – Parents’ Evening 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Tuesday 18th October – Parents’ Evening 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Saturday 22nd October – Sunday 30th October: SCHOOL CLOSED (Half-Term)
Monday 31st October – SCHOOL OPEN
Friday 4th November – School Photographs
Tuesday, 29th November – Flu Immunisations
