Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 6th October 2023
Welcome to Percy Hedley School's Family Liaison Blog!
The Autumn Fayre has been and gone, and I want to start this blog by thanking people, too many to name. To the staff who gave up their time on Friday setting up, Saturday at the fayre and today tidying up you are incredible, and I could not have done it without you. To the parents, carers, students who sent donations or volunteered, it was for you, and I know you appreciate it. To the small businesses and crafters who paid to attend, were so gracious and supportive of our wonderful school and families, you humble us. Many of you have already asked to return and I am aware that we don’t provide the footfall you would get at larger events, but your presence adds to the fun of the fayre. I was especially happy to have 2 parents involved in this part. Thanks to local businesses, The Plough, Clousden, Printworks bar, Lidl (Great Lime Road) and Thorntons, Killingworth Centre for donating raffle prizes.
Free School Meals:
I have texted, emailed, and phoned those of you who were eligible for these last year or new families who have told me they are eligible. If you haven’t already returned forms, please could you do so as soon as possible.
NB: If your child is new to school or has moved Key stages you are required to submit new evidence. Please contact me if you have a problem with it as I will not be able to progress these claims without the evidence.
I understand that some students who are eligible prefer to bring a packed lunch. However, I can and do apply to North Tyneside Council for vouchers to help with costs during the school holidays. Eligibility to free school meals for students in Years 12/13 will be eligible for the discretionary student bursary. More information will be sent about this before half term.
Amendment to school academic calendar.
I sent texts and updated our Facebook page on Monday. Due to the summer exam schedule, it has been necessary to make a change to the calendar. This involves the training day which was scheduled for Monday 3rd June. The training day will now be Friday 24th May 2024.
The revised calendar can be found on the school website under the heading “Parent and Carers area”, then subheading “School Calendars”.
Dates for your diary:
There is an events calendar for the year which can be found here:
Here is what is coming up:
Tuesday/Wednesday 16th/17th October: MOVE to Spooks
Thursday 19th October 2-3pm: KS 4 accreditation pathway coffee afternoon
Friday 20th October 2-3pm: ELTBA pathway coffee afternoon
Here are the dates for the social coffee mornings I host for the remainder of the year:
- Wednesday 29 November 2023
- Tuesday 27 February 2024
- Monday 25 March 2024
- Friday 3 May 2024
- Wednesday 10th July 2024
These will all take place between 9.30 and 11. You may drop in for as long or short a time as suits you and are intended to provide support and signposting for parents/carers and the opportunity to speak with other parents/carers.
STEAM Challenge. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths)
Please see John’s blog from last week (probably this week too) as Joel has exciting plans and wants feedback from parents/carers. I promised to give a gentle reminder.
I think Joel will be happy that I’ve remembered what it all means, and I hope your children/young people enjoy the challenges.
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. See it here.
This week’s online blog covers the cybersecurity awareness assembly which students had this week and fake news. It can be found here.
Disability Living Allowance
Contact-for families of disabled children produced a useful “DLA Dictionary”.
Caudwell Children: Sensory packs
Would your child benefit from sensory resources? Caudwell Children provides a Get Sensory Pack filled with fun and sensory-soothing toys. We have a pack for children aged 0-3 and a pack for children and young people aged up to 18 years old.
Activities
This week, as promised I will start sharing information on activities which are seasonal. I know that those which are bookable may well have filled up already, so my apologies in advance for the December ones.
FoPHS News
Ah, the Autumn Fayre. I’ve pretty much covered the news in the opening; nothing more important happened last Saturday 😊 I do want to hear from you, your experience, suggestions and especially anything which could have been better and over which we have control. I’d have loved a little more sun, but generally I think those of you who came enjoyed it.
Reaching out to families:
Online support group via zoom, next meeting is Friday October 13th from 10.30-12.00. I have joined one in the past. It is not restricted to parents of children/young people with SEND.
The Percy Hedley Ball – Saturday 18th November – Parent Offer
The annual Percy Hedley Ball is taking place on Saturday 18th November at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.
The night will include great food, wine and a whole host of entertainment at one of the North East’s most iconic venues.
We are delighted to offer you the opportunity to buy one of three half-price tables.
Normally priced at £1500 for a table of 10 we are offering you the opportunity to join us for only £750 for a table of 10.
You will be treated to a delightful meal and half a bottle of wine per person, with this year’s theme ‘Northern Lights’. The dress code is Black Tie and we invite you to shine like the Northern Lights!
Join us with other parents or host some work colleagues, we would love to see you there supporting our great charity.
If you are interested in booking one of the 3 reduced tables please complete this short form below. These tables will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
This week I have come across a few tired people, parents, staff, and friends so I thought I would share this one:
My contact details are below should you need them.
Contact details
Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.
