Dear Parents and Carers

Congratulations to everyone for making it to the end of what has been a long and tiring first half term.  Without wishing to tempt fate we have been quite fortunate in the number of children who have enjoyed an uninterrupted first half term and this is clearly important for all our children and especially our new children in our reception class.  It has been most encouraging to be able to finally allow our Year 6 children to work and play with their new reception chummies and it is hoped that we will be able to continue this and help the children develop both academically as well as socially.

Having said that there are a number of schools who are seeing rising numbers and increased disruption to their education which is not a good thing.  If we continue to be socially responsible I hope that we will not suffer in the same way.

The Year 5 children enjoyed two fantastic First Holy Communion Masses last Saturday.  Although having two Masses is a bigger commitment for our school staff we all feel that It is well worth the outcome.  Both Fr Grant and I were delighted with both the children and their family’s level of engagement and we really felt that the children took a very special feeling away with them.  I do hope those of you who attended enjoyed our school choir as much as I did.  We now have a school choir of 24 children and if they continue to develop in this way we shall certainly enjoy their efforts in future events.  Can I thank all of our teachers who attended both Masses I think this says a great deal about the dedication and commitment that our teachers give to the school.

After school clubs will continue after half term and although the nights will be darker the children will still be collected from the front of the school. 

Your children will be given a pre-made Christmas Shoe Box for them to fill during the half term.  The instructions are printed on the boxes which is helpful and I do hope that you enjoy doing this as we have a long-standing tradition in our school of trying to help some of the most disadvantaged young children.  Children can return their shoe box gifts when they return after half term and the final date for return is Tuesday 16^th November. 

As parents meeting draw to a close I would like to thank you for your participation and hope that you found them helpful.  Teachers will always focus on progress and positive aspects of your child’s development particularly during this difficult time which has undoubtedly had a challenging impact on all children’s learning.  Clearly if we are to help our children, support at home in reading and home school activities can only have a positive outcome, and I would urge you to try to find the time to engage in this important process.  It is a great shame that we are unable to meet in a more traditional manner but keeping the school open has to be our main priority and I know from talking to many of you that you appreciate this.  I remain hopeful that we may enjoy more normal arrangements in the Spring Term but this depends upon many factors outside of our control.

I have been asked by some parents if their children can wear long trousers and the simple answer is absolutely yes.  We ask that the children wear grey school long trousers, when they return after half term and throughout the winter months until our Easter Break at the end of March. 

The children have equipped themselves well throughout this initial difficult period and I appreciate all your support in encouraging them in all that they do in school.  The children will always be given opportunities to enjoy sports and other interesting activities and we were delighted that we had such a great turn out for the first Maghull Primary School Cross Country.  Over 30 children from Years 4, 5 and 6 attended in quite blustery conditions and we were extremely proud of all our runners with 5 of our children winning their races. 

The Friends of St John Bosco will be holding their first bingo tomorrow, doors will be open at 6.30pm for a prompt 7.00pm start.  Year 6 are welcome and can I ask that adults take a quick lateral flow test sometime throughout the afternoon. 

Can I thank you for everything that you do to help our school and I hope that you enjoy some quality time with your children during half term and look forward to welcoming you on Monday 5^th November.

Yours sincerely

Mr D MacAreavy - Headteacher