Family Information and PTA news 16 September 2022
The last week has flown by and I have now spoken with all of our September new starter families. I hope our conversations were useful. Do remember that I am here to support families in whatever way I can. I am able to do this by phone, email, TEAMS and face to face.
Weekends can be tiring for all, so I’m wondering how families feel about the 2 blogs sent out. Are they useful, relevant, too long, too short, interesting? What can I do to improve the family Information and PTA news one? I’ll be asking at the event below and am pleased at the level of response so far.
By now you will have received the letter of invitation to the coffee morning and introduction to the PTA on Thursday 29th September from 9.30 till 11.00. There is a copy below, in case you have not received or have misplaced it. I know some parents/carers have other children to drop off, but please feel free to arrive later and leave earlier if necessary. I will do my best to do these on different days, but am restricted in the times I can offer.
Coffee morning and PTA Meeting letter. 080922
Social events. There are ongoing discussions around getting parents together socially. Watch this space; more details I am assured will be shared next week.. On that note, we would love to know what you would like. Perhaps the coffee morning will allow us to explore and share ideas.
Great North Run:
I was delighted to meet the many runners on Sunday who took part in the GNR, raising the profile and funds for Percy Hedley. I’ve been volunteering in the tent since 2010 and it humbles me to see people who come back year after year who have no connection to us. How special is that? However, my favourite part is seeing Percy Hedley School and College parents, staff and even students. Did you know that 2 former Percy Hedley School students, and 1 from Northern Counties were pushed around the 13.1 miles? This takes a lot of planning and I want to pay special tribute to the staff who support them; our very own Jenny Wilkin and former Physio Matt Dale. You are ALL amazing.
Sign up for next years race for only £19.53 HERE
Mini and Junior Great North Runs:
There is a new date for these; postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth 2nd. The date is:
Saturday 8 October 2022 for the Junior and Mini Great North Run. Good luck to any of our students, siblings and family members taking part. It is possible to defer your place to next year if the date isn’t suitable.
More information here
Great North Run 2023. If the GNR is on your bucket list, and you would like to run for Percy Hedley, discounted places at £19.53 to can be booked. This is to celebrate 70 years of Percy Hedley Foundation in 2023. The link is here
Information
I thought I would share some of the links I use when looking for guidance on matters SEN.
IPSEA: Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity (number 327691) operating in England. IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The link to their website is here
Contact-for families of disabled children: 
A charity founded in the 1970’s for all families with disabled children – supporting families, bringing families together and helping families take action for others. Our vision is that families with disabled children feel valued and are strong, confident and able to make the decisions that are right for them. There is a wealth of online resources on their website and a free helpline. The link to their website is here
SOS SEN: 
We offer a free, friendly, independent and confidential telephone helpline for parents and others looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).We concentrate on helping people to find their way through the legal and procedural maze which is so daunting to so many who try to obtain satisfactory provision for a child’s special needs. The link to their website is here
SENTAS: 
Special Educational Needs Transport Advocacy Service: This website provides families with Information on home to school transport including the legislation and statutory government guidance that surround this issue. The link to their website is here
Activities
As and when I receive information I will add. In the meantime, if you are in the PTA Facebook group there is plenty to keep your family occupied.
Super 1’s Cricket:
Free sessions for all abilities aged 12-25years. Full information on the links below:
SUP 1 NUCASTLE (1) SUP 1 NUCASTLE (1)
These cover North Tyneside, Newcastle and West Northumberland.
For more information contact Sam Biggs on 07496438080 or email:
sam.biggs@northumberlandcricketboard.co.uk
or visit www.lordstaverners.org
PTA News
I thought I would introduce you to the committee this week so here goes:
- Chair: Donna Jones (parent)
- Vice Chair: Christine Fewster-Smith (parent)
- Secretary: Kate Cordwell-Smith (parent)
- Treasurer: Ros Holden
- Media & Events: Jo Thomas (staff)
- Teacher link: Claire Hayden
- School designated link: Eileen Robinson (staff). School, role specific appointment
- Fund-raising: TBC
I deal with day to day matters in school and liaise with the committee. I’m also your point of contact if you want to get in touch with the PTA. We are fortunate too that 2 of our committee are also parent governors.
Meeting:
As per my letter we will combine this with a social coffee morning, details at the top of this blog. Our AGM will be on Tuesday 15th November from 9.30-11.00. Please save the date and let us know if you could offer more support.
100 Club:
We have made a good start with 26 numbers taken already, and more promises. The forms are on the link below and I will have some available at the coffee morning too.
100 Club Annual Subscriber agreement 2022-23
Last year the PTA supported lots of activity in school including: Online Pantomimes/Productions, True Colours Theatre Group sessions, MOVE activity resources, shared funding for memento for the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, Mud kitchen for the Outdoor Learning Space along with memberships for school use of the National Trust Educational membership and the Tim Lamb Centre. We hope to continue making school even better for all students with your support.
Summer Fayre
We held a very successful event in July raising £1636.78. We hope that the families who attended enjoyed the day. I would like to extend personal thanks to the PTA committee, school, fundraising and communications staff who supported us on the day. We couldn’t have done it without you.
PTA Facebook page.
The link to join the closed Facebook group is here
Have a good weekend and remember that we are closed on Bank holiday Monday 19th September for the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth 2nd.
Eileen
My contact details are
- Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
- Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext 3260