Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 24th May 2024
Welcome to Percy Hedley School's Family Liaison Blog!
As I start this week’s blog, I have in mind that it will be a shorter one than usual. Let’s see how that goes.
I hope that you enjoy half term. Students and staff return on Monday 3rd June.
It was great to attend the coffee afternoons this week, with the Post 16 one very well attended. Those moving to Post 16 were invited along and you all seemed to enjoy it. Apart from introductions from class teachers covering what their main subject area is, Louise our careers lead talked about this and the residential which is part of Post 16 which is so beneficial to students in preparation for adulthood, developing independence skills. Helen, one of our Post 16 parents gave an encouraging insight into how it worked for her family. I used the opportunity to introduce the bursary which I manage for school and gave out some handouts. If you were unable to attend and would like one, please let me know. If you’d like to know more about the bursary, please look back at last week’s blog to refresh your memory. We hope to start the application process next half term.
Although less well attended the Engagement pathway coffee afternoon demonstrated the importance of parental peer support. I have always been of the view that other parents/carers who walk the walk have no option but to become well informed for the benefit of the very special children in their care. It is something I hope, considering the LPPA and PfA objectives we can involve parents in, perhaps with focus groups.
This week I would like to share a poem with you which I love. I’ve adapted slightly. My faith drives me; it is at the heart of all I do and is my strength and stay.
Heaven’s Very Special Child.
A meeting was held not far from earth,
It’s time again for another birth,
Said the angels to the Lord above,
“This special child will need much love.
His/her progress may seem very slow,
Accomplishments he/she may not show,
And he/she will require extra care,
From the folk he/she meets down there.
He/she may not run or laugh or play,
His/her thoughts may seem quite far away,
In many ways he/she won’t adapt,
And he/she may be known as handicapped.
So, let’s be careful where he/she’s sent,
We want his/her life to be content.
Please, Lord find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.
They may not realise right away,
The leading role they’re asked to play,
But with this child sent from above,
Comes stronger faith and richer love.
And soon they may know the privilege given,
In caring for this gift from heaven,
Their precious charge so meek and mild,
Is Heaven’s very special child”.
Author unknown.
Contact details
Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.