Family Information and PTA News Friday 17th March 2023
Welcome to Percy Hedley School's Family Liaison Blog!
Happy St Patrick’s Day from your resident leprechaun. The scent from the kitchen this morning is so good and bringing back the happiest memories from my childhood. We are fortunate to have such dedicated, creative, hard working catering staff who really go above and beyond. So long as the cakes aren’t chocolate I may indulge if there are any left-over (no chance). I’d say I will have better luck with soda bread which I love.
Comic Relief: Red Nose Day
It is also Red Nose Day; with lots of people dressed in red. We’ve had pie the teacher, a sponsored silence and other class arranged activities to raise some money for Comic Relief.
Mother’s Day:
I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the wonderful mother’s we have at Percy Hedley. From parents who give their all, face challenges and live their lives in circumstances they could never have imagined, to staff, many of whom have direct links to different abilities.
You are incredible and your children are lucky to have you. May Mother’s Day remind you that, whatever you think, however tired you become your children live their best lives because of you. For kinship carers, foster parents who assume the role of a parent, you are just as wonderful.
We held a Mother’s Day Sale. The children and young people love this event. Thank you for supporting it.
PTA
Thanks to those who joined the PTA meeting on Tuesday. More details in the PTA section.
I’d like to draw your attention to a blog sent this week pertaining to important changes in school to medication management. The link is below:
Events in school:
Tuesday 21st March.
Easter MOVE Day for all students.
Tuesday 28th March.
Off timetable day with a focus on “I am Unique” in relation to Neurodiversity.
Wednesday 29th March. 9.30-11.00
Social Coffee morning for parents/carers. An informal opportunity to get together with other parents, share experiences, information in a relaxed environment. Hosted by me, the class teams and students will not be present. There is no set agenda, although I am always open to suggestions if these could be improved. I have had evaluations completed; with 100% feedback on what you find good “talking to other parents”. Why change a winning formula?
Information:
Contact-for families of disabled children:
One of my go-to places for up-to-date information on changes to many things affecting families of children/young people with disabilities. Here is the most recent information relating to the budget.
Many parent carers and disabled young people will be affected by upcoming changes to Universal Credit announced in yesterday’s Spring Budget.
Here’s a breakdown of how you could be affected — but visit our website for more detailed information and advice from our benefits team.
In the link above, you can read more about:
New work search requirements
Work capability assessments
The UC health element and PIP
Impact on disabled students
Timelines for implementation
You’ll also find information about other announcements made in the Budget, including major changes to childcare for working parents and energy support for households.
More information can be found on Contact’s website or below:
Activities:
Shrek the Musical:
I received this from a staff member. It features a former PHS student. It would be lovely if those accessible to Consett would support. When the staff member asked him if he would like to share his story, he sent a page. I can’t put into words how happy I feel when I hear, and I hear many positive stories of life after school for our students. I truly hope it gives some of you hope. I have permission to share. Here is what he said:
Please see poster below for full details:
Reason to – Disability Triathlon: Bookings are open
Sunday 25 June 2023
Newcastle upon Tyne: David Lloyd Centre, Gosforth
“Great news everyone.
The event is open for booking.
Sunday 25th June.
Make sure you book on to the correct event link depending on if you are an adult or under 18.
We are really looking forwards to seeing you all again this year.
The most common mistake is that the person booking in uses their own date of birth and name, rather than the person who wants to take part.”
Here are a few photos from last year, featuring some of our students. It is an event we have enjoyed as a family, seeing our son succeed and want to return year after year. I only wish I had known about it sooner.
A relaxed event for differently abled people. Swimming as far as you want in a lovely pool, Bike round the park, choosing of 1,2, or 3km (ability dependant) on your own or an adapted bike. Run, walk, scoot (your mobility aid) round the tennis courts. Alternative activities will be available for those unable to take part in all 3 disciplines.
If you need to borrow an adaptive bike, we have use of bikes that can be utilised for a wide range of special needs and you can enter your requirements during the entry process.
The link to information and booking is below:
The Friends of Hadrian School
Friends’ Movie Night
Wednesday 22nd March: Doors Open 4:30pm
Lots of parents have asked about running a Cinema / Movie Night at Hadrian to support our community. Our Louise & Elaine have been working tirelessly the last few days to get this all arranged for next week.
If you would like a ticket, contact Louise or Elaine using the emails on the poster, contact the school office or through Class Dojo.
Everyone is welcome – friends of past and present!
Beacon Films CIC
This Saturday 18th March at 2pm, we have a relaxed screening of Beauty and the Beast (U) coming up at The Customs House in South Shields as part of our “Tales As Old As Time” series!
Booking in advance is strongly advised! Tickets are Pay As You Can and you can book below:
Brocksbushes Farm and tea rooms:
Located just off the A69 near Corbridge there are often holiday activities and this is coming up.
UNLIMITED RIDES at Brocksbushes Farm Shop & Tea Room
(ad) The popular Kids Fun Zone with Carnival Rides at Brocksbushes Farm is BACK! Each 2 hour session includes:
Unlimited Rides
Unlimited Inflatables, bouncy castles and slides
Unlimited Mini Golf
Unlimited Garden Games
Find out more and book below:
Prices have been frozen from last year and are £9.99 per child and £1 per adult.
Dates:
*31 March and 28 April : Dedicated Toddler Sessions (for ages 2-5 years only)
*1-16 April : Regular Kids Fun Zone Sessions (for ages 2-10 years)
*22 & 23 April : Regular Kids Fun Zone Sessions (for ages 2-10 years)
*29 April-1 May : Regular Kids Fun Zone Sessions (for ages 2-10 years)
Find out more and book here:
Face painting and games stalls are available for a small additional cost on the day and if you visit on 3/5/8 or 12 April, why not add an Alpaca Experience to your day out for an additional £5 pp (book in advance using the link above).
Dogs on leads are welcome in the fun zone area but not the farm shop / tearoom / PYO fields and takeaway food and drinks will be available to purchase.
See the poster below for more information:
If you visit during the week there is a lovely café in Hexham called ADAPT which is fully accessible and has a “changing place”
Here is the link:
PTA News:
Our meeting on Tuesday went well and we had good discussions on future plans. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 11th May 9.30-11.00. This will be an extraordinary meeting to agree a change from PTA to Friends of Percy Hedley School. You can find information on the Parentkind website, but it allows us to involve the wider community. We would still be members of Parentkind, which keeps us compliant. Please feel free to contact me or Donna if you have any views on this potential change. We also co-opted Tracy Smithson, Lead Teacher, and lead on the Parent Partnership Award as Secretary. On a personal note I am very grateful to Tracy and I feel it presents more opportunities for parent voices to be heard in school.
Other plans to be confirmed:
We hope to hold an Autumn, as opposed to Summer Fayre this year towards the end of September.
We are exploring the potential to hold social events for students/families.
We will continue to involve the student council, supporting their work and Corin Orr, who supports them will bring the Chair to part of our next meeting. I know that I speak for those of us who have had the pleasure of being in meetings where former chair’s attended in saying that it is a really positive relationship.
Facebook page:
This is a closed group for family and friends of Percy Hedley School, where you can share news and updates about school life. It is not for external professionals who may be working with families. To join, you need to answer the question stating your link with school.
Please note: this group is for sharing news and updates about school life and is not intended to discuss any issues around individual students, and as such all comments are moderated. If you have a particular issue or concern, please contact school directly on 0191 216 1811.
All that remains is for me to say:
Have a wonderful St Patrick’s weekend and may the best team win tomorrow at The Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Contact details
Eileen Robinson: Family Liaison Officer
Email: e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext. 3260.
