Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 15th March 2024.

Welcome to Percy Hedley School's Family Liaison Blog!

15.03.24

Family Liaison Blog, Percy Hedley School

This is a short half term, and it seems to be gathering pace. Thanks to everyone who supported the Student Council Mother’s Day sale last Friday. This is always very popular with the students, and I hope you enjoyed whatever gift your child/young person chose. They raised £219.65 which is a bonus.

This week we had a FoPHS meeting, details in the FoPHS section. One thing which will interest families is that we plan to do the school photo shoot again this year, on a pay-as-you-feel basis. We are conscious of the squeeze on finances. We’ve also decided that the letter, when it goes home will have an opt out focus, which saves us seeking consent. Photos will only be shared with families, so consent isn’t necessary. I will do the usual reminders via text and Facebook. Hannah F will work with Beth so that a letter is ready to go out before we break up for Easter.

Today we have double the fun as there is a Beating the Odds day, focusing on the Core Self strand of the resilience framework. We are also supporting Red Nose Day and students were invited to dress in a style that makes them smile and to bring a small donation to Comic Relief

Events:

Coming up over the next 2 weeks.

Friday 15th March: celebrating St Patrick’s Day (17^th) with a themed menu.

St Patricks Day Menu >

St Patricks Day Menu Veggie and IDDSI 3,4,5 >

Tuesday 19^th March: EGGcited to MOVE; event in school for all students.

Monday 25^th March: 9.30-11.00. Social Coffee morning for parents, carers, extended family.

Tuesday 26^th March: 9-9.30. Engagement pathway Easter Assembly and coffee for parents & carers of classes HW, BE/TS, AH, HF, KS + CHe.

Wednesday 27^th March: 14-15.00. Enterprise Fair to raise funds for the School Prom in July. Parents of the following classes invited (KS4 accreditation and engagement pathways & Post 16): HF, KS, CHe, CT/TJ, MM, CHa, JF/KG, AJ, KR, RR, JH, LD, LWC, LA & PH.

The events calendar can be found on the school website under the heading “Parents and Carers Area”, then “School Calendars” where you will also find the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic calendars. All are linked below:

2023-2024 Academic Calendar >

2024-2025 Academic Calendar >

2024-2025 Events Calendar >

Remember school closes for the Easter holidays on Thursday 28^th March as Friday 29^th is Good Friday and a Public holiday. We re-open to staff and students on Monday 15^th April.

Online Safety

The link to the Online safety information can be found on the school website under the heading “Parent and carers area”, then “online safety” from the dropdown menu.

Information: Event Unique

Shared by a parent: If you would like more information, I can put you in touch.

Mencap webinars

I make no apologies for plugging these as I know from experience that being prepared is vital. The webinar below is repeated twice a month.

Home to School Transport: Free webinar with IPSEA.

Parents and carers of children with SEND Join us on Monday 18 March for our FREE webinar where we'll be explaining the law and guidance regarding home-to-school/college transport.

Activities: Alan Shearer Centre

Another plea to staff and families. If you know of any activities over the Easter holidays, please let me know so that I can share with others.

There are some good activities at this centre over Easter. Their play area and garden are lovely and secluded. You do need to be members, but this is free of charge. Visit the website for more information and to register. I have shared details in previous blogs, including how to get there on public transport.

Alan Shearer Centre Website >

Alan Shearer Centre Member Application >

Here is a round up of special events over the holidays:

1.Ease into your Easter celebrations with some Easter arts and crafts! Join us at the Centre to make your own bonnet or bunny ears!

2.Join us at the Centre to hunt down some tasty Easter treats! Call us on 0191 267 8118 to book your place

3. Enjoy some animal therapy over the Easter holidays and join us in welcoming Humbles Wood Farm Animals to the CentreCall us on 0191 267 8118 to book your slot.

Activities: Smile Through Sport: Easter fun

Easter Holiday Activities now available to book, don't miss out

Activities: Whitehouse Farm:

Activities: City of Newcastle Gymnastics Academy

Activities: North East Family Adventures:

Activities: North East Family Fun

Newcastle Household Activities and Food Programme:

Free activities for children living in Newcastle aged 5+ who are on income related free school meals. You may need to check with them if there are activities suitable for children with additional needs.

Activities: Tailored Leisure

Places where children can eat free or for £1.

Taken from Money Saving Central:

Activities: Mini and Junior GNR

Fundraising: Skydiving Challenge

For the first time ever Percy Hedley is doing a Skydiving Challenge in July, see more information and how to sign up.

Friends of Percy Hedley School

We had a meeting yesterday and covered a lot. I will share the main points. It was the first meeting Ollie chaired and he will be writing to you.

We would like to get some more parent volunteers to help with events in school. I appreciate the support I, unexpectedly received at Christmas, so if you have some skills or just some time, please let me know. We aim to get volunteer DBS done to make it easier.

There was special focus on the Outdoor Learning area which needs some work done to make it fully usable in all weathers. It has become waterlogged recently and we are working to get a survey done, a full plan and how FoPHS can best support.

We are going to do a number generator for a short break at a respite caravan at Cresswell Towers. It will be £2.50 a number, or to make it easier £5 for 2 numbers. More details to follow but here are some photos and a link to the page. This has been provided by Hartlepool Carers

No deposit will be required, and the winner will book directly with them.

link to their page >

We were visited by Kayden, Chair of the school council supported by HLSSA Amanda who supports the running of this important group. He told us how they organised the Mother’s Day sale, how many lovely comments they had from parents and that they raised £219.65. They will do a Father’s Day sale too. Ollie asked if they might do something similar at Christmas and Kayden will discuss with the rest of the council but was enthusiastic. Finally, with COVID restrictions behind us, we will order the items they reviewed.

Our funds are healthy; however, as Ollie pointed out, our outgoings exceed our income, and we would welcome suggestions to generate revenue.

FoPHS 100 Club

We’d love it if some more numbers were taken. To date 58 have been, and as 6 draws have already been done, we will give you 2 numbers for £12.

Facebook Group

As Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day, I had to share an Irish blessing or 2:

“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”

“May your troubles be less. And your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door.”

Contact details

Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer

Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk

Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.

Join Our 100 Club

You can get 2 numbers for just £12 for the remainder of this academic year.

100 Club Application Form >