Newsletter - 14th October 2022

As you may be aware there is a huge demand for boxes and support from the local food banks and they do an amazing job in helping people in our community.  We continue to be fortunate enough to receive donations from Rapid Relief Team who provide boxes with food that has a long shelf life for people to access.  If you, or anyone you know, could do with support from this charity, please contact Mrs Armistead direct to arrange – head@skertonstlukes.lancs.sch.uk OR 01524 65445.

The photographers will be in school taking individual and whole class photographs throughout the morning. If you would like a sibling photograph, you need to bring your children to the school field between 8.30-9.15am – this will be the only opportunity for a sibling photograph to be taken. 

On Tuesday 18^th October we celebrate St Luke’s Day. As our church and the school are dedicated in memory of St Luke, we will be going to church for a service of thanksgiving that morning.  Please take children to St Luke’s Church for 9.00am on Tuesday and we will walk them back to school in their classes after the visit.  If your child is in Breakfast Club (Early Birds) that morning, we will ensure that your child is taken to church for 9.00am.

Parents of children in Year 1 and Year 2 are invited to join us for ‘Share a Story’ session in school on Thursday 20^th October. This will take place from 8.45 in the hall. Come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before your child joins you to read either some of your favourite books from home or ones from school. After this 15/20 minute session, the teachers will go through a short presentation about reading 1:1. There might be some ideas that will help enhance your child's reading experience at home.

We look forward to seeing you there!

• Join in Friends of Skerton St Luke’s (FOSSL) activities.  All parents of pupils at the school are automatically members of FOSSL so anyone can come along to meetings and join in with all fundraising etc.  Keep an eye out for the up-coming Christmas events Newsletter. For more information email friends of skertonstlukes@gmail.com or DM on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/friendsofstlukesschool
• Become a School Governor.  School governors are volunteers who work together with the Headteacher and the local authority to improve education and other outcomes for all pupils.  The governors meet as a full governing body three times per year.  If you would like to know more about this role please contact Mrs Armistead on 01524 65445 or email contact-us@skertonstlukes.lancs.sch.uk.
• Volunteer to listen to children read.  If you have some time to spare, a good grasp of written English, and if you enjoy spending time with children, you could become a school reader. For more information please contact Mrs Goodwin on 01524 65445 or email contact-us@skertonstlukes.lancs.sch.uk.
• Offer to lead an after school club/ lunch time club in the Spring or Summer Term.  We love offering different extra-curricular activities to the children in school.  If you have a particular skill that you would like to share with children then consider offering to lead a club in school. Some examples might be gardening, sewing or cooking.  For information please contact Miss Garnett on 01524 65445 or email contact-us@skertonstlukes.lancs.sch.uk.
• Join Drop In on Wednesday straight after school.  Parents can join their child in the classroom to chat about and see what they have been learning.  No need to book, just turn up.

Children arriving late, after 8.55am, should be accompanied by an adult to the School Office at the front of school.  Parents and visitors must sign in and enter school through the secure entrance at the front of school. If your child arrives between 8.55am and 9.15am, they will be marked as late. If your child arrives after 9:15am they will be marked in the register as unauthorised 'late after registers closed’. 

You may be subject to a penalty notice if your child is consistently late for school.  

We are a smoke-free premises and site. Parents are also reminded that when on the school premises (including passage from Vale Road and pedestrian driveway) dogs are not allowed.

We cannot allow children to leave school e.g. for a dental or medical appointment before the end of day, unless collected by a parent or responsible adult.   We ask all parents in KS1 at the beginning of every year to provide school with a list of adults who have permission to collect their child.  The list must be kept up to date at all times.  If an adult attempts to collect a child and their name does not appear on the list, we will refuse them.

When dropping off or collecting your child, please park with consideration.  Do not park across resident’s drives or park on the grass embankment across from school.  We suggest you park at the community centre which in itself is safer as you do not have to cross the main road.  Do not ‘stop’ or ‘park’ on the yellow zig zag lines outside school – this is dangerous and illegal.  Penalty tickets have recently been issued.

Primary and Secondary School applications are open

Apply now at www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools

Closing date for Primary - 15^th January 2023 & Secondary - 31^st October 2022