Mrs Swift's Office

COMIC RELIEF

Tomorrow (Friday 18^th March) is Red Nose Day.  Children may come dressed in something red and make a contribution for comic relief.

(The Staff)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

(The Staff)

MOTHERS DAY

Once again we are having a credit crunch ‘Mothers Day Gifts’.  This year we are having it in the form of a tombola costing £1. Every child will receive a gift for their mother.  If you have any unwanted toiletries or gifts please send them into school.

(The Staff)

MS SOCIETY

A big thank you to you all for your generous donations to the MS shop.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Leah Foster (Y6) and Connor O’Neil (Y5) who represented the Wigan team in the Greater Manchester Cross Country.  Both the Wigan boys and girls teams received bronze medals.

(The Staff)

BEDDING PLANT BONANZA

Your child should have brought home an order form this letter.  The collection date this year is Thursday 12^th May from church.  If anyone would like to donate plants to the school garden it would be appreciated.  Thank you to everyone who supported us last year; we raised over £300.

(J Donnellan)

RECYCLING

As well as inkjet cartridges and mobile phones we can now accept toner cartridges.  The collection box is just inside the main school entrance on the right hand side.  Thank you for your support.

(J Donnellan)

GIVING MACHINE

Don’t forget you can raise money for St Andrew’s when you shop online.  Just log on to www.thegivingmachine.co.uk and choose St Andrew’s as your beneficiary.  It doesn’t cost you anything and the online shop pays us commission.

(J Donnellan)

LENT LUNCHES

These are being served in St Andrew’s Parish Centre each Wednesday during Lent from 12 noon to 1.30pm.  Come along and enjoy a bowl of soup with a bread roll/crusty bread, followed by cheese and biscuits, tea and coffee at a cost of £1.50.

(Shared Ministry Team)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

COMIC RELIEF

Next Friday (18^th March) is Red Nose Day.  On that day your child is allowed to come dressed in something red or their own clothes.  A donation will be appreciated in aid of Comic Relief.

(The Staff)

SPORTS KITS FOR SCHOOLS

Thank you to all the children, parents, teachers and friends of St Andrew’s who collected over 500 CDs and DVDs for a new sports kit.  We now have 2 fantastic new 8 player sports kits. 

A special mention to Mrs Linde who pointed us in the direction of Music Magpie, who exchanged our disks for the fantastic new kits.  Thanks again.

(Mr Sharkey)

BOROUGH ELECTIONS

School will be closed on Thursday 5^th May for the borough elections.

(Mrs Massey)

SPRING INTO EASTER WITH THE LUNCH BUNCH

On Wednesday 6^th April the school kitchen will be holding an Easter lunch (cost £1.85).  If your child usually brings sandwiches and would like a school meal on that day, please return the slip on the leaflet sent home with this letter as soon as possible.

(The School Cook)

PTFA MONTHLY DRAW

This month’s winners are:

• 1st Prize  -  Abbie Penistone Y1
• 2^nd Prize  -  Alex Kenyon Y4

Thank you to everyone who contributed.

(Mrs Rooks)

MORRISONS VOUCHERS

Yesterday we received the order I placed late last year from Morrisons.  We received gardening equipment, baking items for Friday Fun and a few items for Reception class.  May I take this opportunity on behalf of the school to say a big thank you to all who sent in vouchers.

(Mrs Blackburn)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

The following after school clubs will restart next week (7^th March).

(Mrs Rooks)

PTFA MONTHLY DRAW

The draw will take place next Friday (11^th March).  Please send your envelope with your child’s name and class on and your £1.00.

(Mrs Rooks)

CHARITY SHOP

The MS Society has recently opened a charity shop in Pemberton.  A very close friend of Miss Taylor’s is an MS sufferer and has asked if we could donate items to the shop.  If you have any unwanted clothes, bric-a-brac, toys, books etc, please send them into school by next Friday (11^th March) and they will be collected by the charity shop.

(The Staff)

READING GLASSES OR SUN GLASSES

If anyone has any old reading glasses or sun glasses please could you donate them to Y1 (this term their role play is on Opticians).  Many thanks.

(Mrs Davies)

CONFIRMATION

Everyone at St Andrew’s sends their best wishes to all the Confirmation candidates who are being confirmed at Liverpool Cathedral next Thursday.

(The Staff)

CAN YOU HELP?

If anyone has any unwanted junk jewellrey for our Reception treasure chest, we would be most grateful if you could send it into school.  We are also collecting any unwanted tights or stockings (sheer only please).  Many thanks.

(Mrs Tomlinson)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

SCHOOL DISCO

Thank you to everyone who attended the school disco.  We have raised just over £300.00 for school and PTFA funds.  Many thanks for your support.

(The Staff)

TESCO VOUCHERS

Once again we are collecting Tesco vouchers towards school equipment.  Please send your vouchers into school with your child.  Your support is very much appreciated.

(Mr Sharkey)

LATE GATE

During a recent visit by our School Educational Welfare Officer (SEWO) it has been highlighted that our school has a large number of children who are regularly late for school.

During the next half term the LEA will be monitoring this problem and there may be spot checks at the school gate as to the reasons why the children are regularly late.

We need your parental support in ensuring your child’s prompt arrival in the school playground from 8.50am, followed by registration which closes at 9.00am. 

Many thanks.

(Mrs Massey)

YEAR 2 – CAN YOU HELP?

After the holidays Y2 will be designing and making a wheeled vehicle in Design Technology and would be grateful for any donations of empty boxes, tubes etc (shoe boxes are ideal).  Also any unwanted wool (particularly yellow) would be appreciated.  Many thanks.

(Mrs Banks)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

DISCO

School and the PTFA are once again holding a disco on Tuesday 15^th February.

• KS1  -  4.00-5.30pm
• KS2  -  6.00-8.00pm

The cost is £2.00 (paid on the night) and will include crisps and a drink.

(S Rooks)

PTA MONTHLY DRAW

This month’s winners are:

• 1^st Prize  – Olivia Peet Y2
• 2^nd Prize – Caitlin Brown Y4

Thank you to everyone who contributed.

(Mrs Rooks)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

MONTHLY DRAW – 1^ST PRIZE £10.00, 2^ND PRIZE £5.00

Our next monthly draw will take place on Friday 11^th February.  If you wish to take part please send in your £1.00 in an envelope with your child’s name on.

(S Rooks)

DISCO

School and the PTFA are once again holding a disco on Tuesday 15^th February.

• KS1  -  4.00-5.30pm
• KS2  -  6.00-8.00pm

The cost is £2.00 and will include crisps and a drink.

(S Rooks)

HOLIDAY PATTERN 2010/2011

AUTUMN TERM:     WEDNESDAY 1^st SEPT -  FRIDAY 17^th DEC 2010

Half – Term: Monday 25^th Oct – Friday 29^th Oct 2010 (inclusive)

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SPRING TERM:      THURSDAY 6^th JAN – FRIDAY 15^th APRIL 2011

Half – Term:  Monday 21^st Feb. – Friday 25^th Feb 2011 (inclusive)                             

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SUMMER TERM:           WEDNESDAY 27^th APRIL  -  FRIDAY 15^th  JULY 2011

Half – Term:      Thursday 26^th May – Friday 3^rd June 2011 (inclusive)

 Bank Holidays:Monday 2^nd May 2011               

                                     Friday 29^th April 2011

HOLIDAY PATTERN 2011/2012

AUTUMN TERM:     TUESDAY 6^th SEPT -  WEDNESDAY 21st DEC 2011

 Half – Term: Monday 24^th Oct – Friday 28^th Oct 2011 (inclusive)

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SPRING TERM:      THURSDAY 5^th JAN – THURSDAY 5^th APRIL 2012

 Half – Term:  Monday 20^th Feb – Friday 24^th Feb 2012 (inclusive)

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SUMMER TERM:           TUESDAY 17^th APRIL  -  WEDNESDAY 18^th  JULY 2012

Bank Holiday:  Monday 7^th May 2012               

Half – Term:      Wednesday 23^rd May – Tuesday 5^th June  2012 (inclusive)

(Monday 4^th June & Tuesday 5^th June are Bank Holidays)

SAINSBURYS VOUCHERS

We are now collecting the Sainsbury’s Active Kid Vouchers at school.  Any vouchers would be greatly appreciated and can be placed in the collection box in the school foyer by your child.  Thank you for your support.

(P Sharkey)

HELP FOR HEROES WRIST BANDS

We now have a new supply of wrist bands in school.  Large bands are £2.00, small bands £1.00. 

(The Staff)

ST ANDREW’S CHURCH CONGREGATION

Members of the church congregation are performing the pantomime ‘Aladdin’ in the school hall during half term week.  The dates of the performances are 22^nd, 23^rd, 24^th and 26^th February (no performance on Friday evening).  The ticket price is £4 adults and £3 children (under 16 years of age).  Tickets can be bought after the church services on Sundays, also at rehearsals (details of which are printed on the weekly church newsletter) or by telephoning 01942 237575).

(M Smethurst)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

Filed under: Uncategorized

HEALTHY LUNCH BOXES

Just a reminder that we are a ‘Healthy School’ and are encouraging healthy lunchtimes, so could you please ensure your child’s packed lunch is as healthy as possible (please try not to include chocolate bars or biscuits).  Sticker rewards can be won for healthy choices. Many thanks.

(A Davies)

MULTI-SKILLS

There are a few places for Multi-Skills on Thursdays from 3.15-4.00pm for Y2 and Y3.  If your child wishes to take part please see Mrs. Rooks or Mr. Sharkey to reserve a place.

(S Rooks)

RAINBOWS, BROWNIES & GUIDES

If you would like your child to join any of the above organisations please see Mrs. Tomlinson to put your child’s name on the list.

• Rainbows (age 5-7 years)  Thursday 5.30-6.30pm in school.
• Brownies (age 7-10 years) Friday 5.30-7.15pm at the Parish Centre.
• Guides (age 10-14 years)  Friday 7.30-9.00pm at the Parish Centre.

Many thanks

(S Tomlinson)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

PE EQUIPMENT

Just a reminder that all children need PE kit and pumps in a bag with their name on.  Their PE equipment should be left in school and only brought home at half term and end of term. 

Thank you for your co-operation.

(The Staff)

MULTI-SKILLS

Multi-skills will be starting again on Thursdays in the hall with Mr & Mrs Schofield from 3.15-4.00pm.

(P Sharkey)

RUIRU

Well done to Freya and Emily in Y4 who raised over £38.00 for our school charity Ruiru by selling bracelets and cakes.  Thank you to everyone who made a contribution.

(P Sharkey)

HELP FOR HEROES WRISTBANDS

As the wristbands are selling really well we will be getting a new supply next week.  Large bands are £2.00, small bands £1.00. 

MONTHLY DRAW

Due to the fact we are asking for contributions for the Life Education Bus the next monthly draw will take place on Friday 11^th February 2011.

(S Rooks)

CAN YOU HELP?

Do you have any unwanted children’s underwear and socks?  Our stock of these items is very low.

Also does anyone know where we can get hold of large sheets of corrugated card?

Kind Regards

(S Holmes)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

HELP OUR HEROES

One of our parents (Mr Lee Thilwind) is amongst a group taking part in the 3 Peak Challenge to raise money for the Help for Heroes charity. 

Below is a short note from Mr Thilwind for you to read:

We are completing the 3 Peak Challenge (hopefully in 24 hours) in aid to support ALL OUR HEROES and their FAMILIES, some of whom were unfortunate to have been killed whilst in service and a vast majority that have suffered trauma and injury.

40 Commando Royal Marine Sgt Steven Darbyshire, whom not only is a local HERO was a Wigan born & bred lad.  My wife Andrea Thilwind (former known as Roughley) grew up with Steven.  They attended the same school and were in the same class.  Years later Steven became close neighbours with his Fiancé Kate and young boys Ryan and Callum, who attend the same school as our children.

Steven was one on our HEROES that didn’t return home.  He will always remain in our hearts as a HERO and is sadly missed but never forgotten. R.I.P.

Please find it in your hearts to dig as deep as possible and donate as much as you possibly can.  ALL donations will be greatly appreciated to help OUR HEROES & THEIR FAMILIES.

If you wish to make a donation rather than sponsor the 3 Peak Challenge then please use the following bank details to do so.

NatWest Wigan Branch

Sort Code – 60 24 02

Bank Account No. – 85441848.

Kind Regards

Lee & All Involved

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Mr Thilwind can do so by sending in their contributions to school in an envelope marked Help for Heroes.

There are also Help for Heroes wristbands on sale in school at a cost of £2.00 for a large band and £1.00 for a small band. 

Many thanks for your support.

(The Staff)

JUDO CLUB

Thanks for the great response to the after school Judo club starting on Monday 17^th January at 3.15pm in the hall.  All children who have returned their permission slips have places; however the club is now full.

The sessions last for 5 weeks and will each last for 1 hour, so you can collect your child at 4.15pm.  Children will need to wear their PE kits. 

Kind Regards

(P Sharkey)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff

Happy New Year to you all!  I hope you enjoyed the Christmas break. 

SNOWY WEATHER CONDITIONS

On our return to school the weather is obviously a concern.  Should the weather deteriorate with heavy snow falls, a decision will be taken as to whether or not the school remains open or closed.  This decision will be based on the health and safety of the school site users, both adult and children. 

Should the school be closed notification will be given to WISH FM who will release the names of the schools closed throughout the morning on their regular bulletins.  Please do not phone the radio station as this will only lead to blocked phone lines.  Please be assured that notification will be given to the radio station at the earliest possible time.  Please check the school website www.wiganstandrews.net which will be regularly updated.  Information may also be found on the Wigan LA website www.wigan.gov.uk.

(Mrs Massey)

RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER SICKNESS AND ILLNESS

Can I remind you that children must not attend school if they have suffered from a sickness bug or diarrhoea until 48 hours have passed since the last bout.  This is to prevent the illness spreading throughout the school community.

(Mrs Massey)

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Please can we direct your attention to the flyer (that we are sending out again) about free school meals eligibility.  Schools are encouraging parents and carers to check if they are eligible and apply because the number of pupils attracts much needed funding for schools.  Many thanks for your support.

(Mrs Massey)

UNWANTED CDs & DVDs

Thank you all very much for your generosity in donating your unwanted CDs and DVDs for a new girls football team kit.  We have easily reached our target of 250 CDs or DVDs for 7 football kits.  However, we are only short of another 80 CDs or DVDs in order to obtain 15 full football kits.  So could you please dig deep to the back of your cupboards and recycle any unwanted CDs or DVDs in order for us to achieve this magnificent target.  The collection box is outside Mrs Swift’s office by the main entrance.  No copied CDs or DVDs please.  Thank you for your help.

(Mr Sharkey)

YOUNG GENERATIONS

Just a reminder that we meet this Monday (10^th January) at 3.30pm in the Parish Centre.

(J Donnellan)

FUNDRAISERS

Thank you to everyone who supported our last two fundraising events, we had a great response.  I have received the cheque from Bag2School for our November collection.  We raised £376.00!!  Thank you.

Our Christmas card event raised over £150.00, another fantastic effort.  Thank you to all who took part.

(J Donnellan)

Many thanks

St Andrew’s Staff