The weather is changing; Christmas is coming and in discussions with parents I’m going to focus on Christmassy activities this week so check it out and let me know what is good, or not so good. I’ll share so that all our parents/carers know! If you know of any events other families would enjoy, please dont keep it quiet. Either email me or share on our Facebook page.

Social Coffee Morning.

I’m so pleased that you enjoy these as I’ve had a good response already. It’s not too late to book in. If I know you are coming I can make sign in much easier as the lovely Jill in the office creates an event, a 1 click sign in! This will be on Wednesday 30th November between 9.30-11.00. Please drop in any time between those hours and stay for as long or short as you wish. I want to find out if we could make changes to make these even more useful for you. Currently they are informal, no agenda, a chance to talk to other parents/carers, talk to me, share ideas and enjoy tea,coffee and biscuits. I plan continuing these half termly at the same time of day as I can allot 90 minutes. I will change the days, so that those who work part time have the opportunity to attend at least a couple throughout the year.

16-19 Student Bursary. 

Thank you to those parents who joined the TEAMS meeting on Wednesday; I am pleased you found it helpful. I will record the content (the recording failed on the day) and if any parent would like to see it, please get in touch with me. The recording will be available next week, once I have had it checked.I assume that for quite a few, your child/young person will not be eligible but I am here to support, in whatever way I can those who do meet the criteria. The basics:

2 categories:

1. 1. Vulnerable Student Bursary: Benefits refer to the applicant (child/young person) and NOT household:
      • Young person is claiming Universal Credit or Income support in their own name
      • Young person is in, or recently left Local Authority Care
      • Young person is claiming either PIP or DLA AND ESA or the newer Universal Credit-ESA element.
   2. Discretionary Student Bursary:
      • Household income is less than £40,000 per annum.

Application forms will be sent to those who have returned the form and I will collect evidence to share with finance, who will process the application. For those planning on going on the Post 16 residential trip and need the bursary, please return the form urgently or phone me.

Lead Parent Partnership Award. 

You will have received a link to complete an online survey this week, as the school is participating. The survey is being carried out by the awarding body, and your views will be shared with school. As your Family Liaison Officer, I feel this is important to families and to school. I would encourage people to complete the survey and the link is HERE

If any parent/carer would like some help, I would be happy to complete with you over the phone and will keep this confidential as I assume the survey is anonymised.

Information

Toby Henderson Trust:

Support and friendship group for people living in North Tyneside.

Activities

This week I thought I would focus on Christmassy activities. As more come in I will share

Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail:

On from 17.00-22.00 daily the link to book is HERE. As tickets have been on sale for a while, there is limited availability on Friday and Saturday nights. They also advise that the trail is suitable for all weathers, so no refunds are offered is people choose not to go. Let’s hope no big storms make their way there.

I contacted Alnwick Garden today as the link on accessibility isn’t complete. I have included the link to what information is available HERE. There is free carer access. They do not have a “changing place” but do have an adult sized bed to facilitate changing; unfortunately there is no hoist.

There are other events on, including Santa visits and the link is HERE

Kielder Winter Wonderland.

This is virtually sold out, but I thought it worth sharing for people to consider for next year. The accessibility link isn’t working, but if you look in FAQ’s there is a number to call.

The link to the event is HERE

Beamish Museum: Christmas Events

The evening events have sold out, but day events are available. The link to these events is HERE

Accessibility at Beamish offers a “changing place”, free carer tickets and the link is HERE

Christmas at Gibside: 

A National Trust property, there are tickets bookable for members and non members. Blue badge parking is free for members, but must be pre-booked. Free carer tickets are available, but must also be pre-booked and are for “essential carers”. There is also a quiet session, for those with specific requirements on Wednesday 14th December where it opens at 16.00, an hour before general entry. Support information is HERE. The link to information is HERE

Winter Wonderland: Gosforth Park Racecourse.

I’m hesitant to add this, as it could be an expensive, not too accessible event, but feel that I should share as it is close to school, location wise. It includes an ice rink and if this is of interest there is a buy one get one free Black Friday offer on today. Full information, including ticket booking can be found HERE

The link to FAQ’s, including the rather limited accessibility information is HERE

PTA

IQ Christmas Cards. For those who ordered Christmas cards, most have arrived and I have delivered some to classes. The rest, along with a few late orders will be sorted out on Monday. I hope that you are pleased with them. We have some very talented young artists at Percy Hedley School.

MOVing in a Winter Wonderland: The PTA will, as agreed fund resources for the MOVing in a Winter Wonderland, which will take place over 2 days on Tuesday/Wednesday 13th and 14th December. I can’t wait to see the magical, wintry transformation of our sports hall. Without the creativity, expertise and dedication of our MOVE team this wouldn’t happen.

True Colours/Dreams on Moonbeams: The PTA is funding a full day of Christmas Disco’s and parties for the whole school on Friday 9th December. I’m told there will be elves visiting.

PTA 100 Club.

The form to join is below: it’s still not too late for those who have told me they keep forgetting; so, I will help out and keep reminding.

100 Club Annual Subscriber agreement 2022-23

PTA Facebook page.

Have you joined? The link to join is HERE

Have a lovely weekend. My contact details:

Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer

Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk

Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext: 3260