"Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, to see what the Lord hath given us."

Over the past two weeks, we have been on a mission to recruit more and more people on our journey to the stable. We have challenged each and every person who has come through the school door to be present in the moment and to enjoy the season that is before us. The nature of Christmas often means that we are consumed by preparation. Preparation for the big day in terms of presents and food; instead we need to be consumed by the preparation of Jesus’s arrival and in turn prepare our hearts.

We have continued to meet the different members of the Holy Family; this week, it was Jesus. Today we learnt that Jesus comes from the Greek name Joshua, which means the Lord saves. Really, Jesus’s name is in his job description - to save God’s people. This tiny baby, so full of love. with a message for us all! Next week, we will be exploring the word light and how Jesus is a light for us all.

Sharing in the Nativity

From the beauty of the Foundation Nativity to the poignant message that our Key Stage 1 children shared this week; I could not be prouder of them all. Together, our Year 1 and 2 children put on the most wonderful nativity, full of song and important messages - it really was a West End Spectacular. They shared in the doubt, fear and panic that Mary and Joseph must have felt, not to mention Ferrari the donkey. But despite all of those emotions, the young family knew that ultimately it was God’s will and they had to continue - no matter what. We too must listen to God’s call and His plan for us.

Thank you to each and every grown up who came and supported the children and came and watched the nativity. This was about the children; it is always about the children, and even though, my requests to just smile and enjoy the performance seated amongst many, please bring yourself and not a drink may seem a little strange or trivial at times; it is for the good of the children and to enable them to feel confident and safe. No child is the same and for them to produce what they have done this week, they needed our support. By us being a wonderful audience, and minimising distractions, they have given us the most precious gift that could have been given. Every child took part which is just what it is about. Quite often I have to take a step back and put things into perspective. If the children are comfortable and happy, then everything else is insignificant.

Next week, our journey to the stable moves to church where our Key Stage 2 children will be retelling the story through scripture and song. There are two performances: 2pm and 6pm. We hope that you will be able to join us.

Another pupil who has really shone this week is Angel. As parents and friends entered the hall for the nativity this week, Angel has been placed at the piano welcoming all in. We have always wanted a pianist in school and now we have one. We are so proud of him and his courage, playing in front of so many.

The final week in school…

The last four days in school are jam-packed. Please make sure you know what is happening and when:

Monday: KS2 Christmas Carol Concert - 2pm and 6pm. We need some adults to walk down with our youngest children at 1.30pm. Please come to school if you are able to do so. In the evening, the children will need to be at church in full school uniform (not PE kit) at 5.45pm. Please wait patiently outside when you arrive.

Tuesday: KS2 Christmas Party - the children can wear their own clothes. They are also allowed to bring in a drink (nothing fizzy or Prime related) and either a chocolate bar or a packet of crisps.

Wednesday: F and KS1 Christmas Party - the children can wear their own clothes. They are also allowed to bring in a drink (nothing fizzy or Prime related) and either a chocolate bar or a packet of crisps.

Wednesday: Christmas Dinner. Thank you to all of those who have ordered.

Thursday: School will close at 2pm. Please collect your children promptly.

Leading Learners this week

Leading Learners

Butterfly Virtues

Office News

Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 2. Our whole school attendance was 96.8%

With one week to go to the end of term the office is busy trying to tie up everything for the new year. Thank you for your orders for the digital film copy of the nativities ~ your codes will be sent to you next week as soon as we receive them.

There are still a number of school dinner accounts that need settling on ParentPay as soon as possible please. Dinners for next half term are still £2.50 in line with Lancashire County Council and therefore will be £62.50 for the five week half term. We do encourage you to please pay dinner money in advance. Thank you for your support with this.

If you have a child starting Reception next September please do not forget to submit your application on the Lancashire County website before 15th January 2024. If you are applying to our school please hand in our supplementary form and a copy of your child’s baptism certificate to Mrs Nel in the school office as soon as possible.

The holiday pattern for the next academic year has now been agreed by the governors. I have attached it below for you and put it on the dates section of the website.

After a number of years at Our Ladys, Mrs Connolly will be leaving us this Christmas to take up another position, in another school, closer to home. Mrs Connelly has worked tirelessly over the years to support lots of children as they have journeyed through school. We will miss her dearly, and the joy that she has brought. Mrs Connolly, on behalf of the school community, thank you for what you have given to the children and of yourself.

Have a wonderful weekend

God bless

Mrs Gregan

“An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid.”

Christmas festivities have definitely arrived in school this week. With the arrival of the Christmas tree, the advent wreath taking centre stage in the worship area and the children’s advent promises adorning the front display in the hall; everything definitely feels a little more magical. On Monday we started our week together by recognising the first Sunday of advent and lighting the first candle; the candle of hope. We prayed that we become people of hope, not people of expectation or greed this Christmas time. As a community, we are very much journeying to the stable together, bringing people along the way as we go. We very much hope that as you join us for the various things that are taking place in school, you too make your way to the stable this Christmas.

We have continued to meet the different members of the Holy Family; this week, it was Joseph. Despite all of the challenges that Joseph faced: fear, confusion, rejection and worry, he continued to show courage and faith. Courage is our word of the week next week and our prayer is The Our Father. It would be lovely if you prayed this prayer at home with your family.

Sharing in the Nativity

There are moments in your life when it is so important to just be still and enjoy the magic of the situation in front of you. This week has been one of them. Our smallest children in school took to the stage on Wednesday and Thursday to perform for their adults and what a story they told! This story transcends time and no matter how many times it is heard, the true beauty of it was captured. We are so proud of them all!

Next week, it is our Year 1 & 2 children’s turn to tell the story in their very own way. When you arrive in school for the nativity, can I ask that you just bring yourselves ready to be present in the story. There will be enough seats for all tickets that have been sold, to avoid the need for any standing. Often we can get tempted to stand to watch when our child appears, or stand to wave so that our children know we are there. This isn’t needed; they know you are there, they know you love them, they know you are there to pray with them and they need you to be as still as you can so that they can perform like they have been practising. It is always nice to sit somewhere where you can see your child, but they cannot see you. You can both then enjoy the liturgy as intended. I would be really grateful if you can pass this message to whoever is coming to watch the performances. If you know of someone coming who will need additional support or seating, please do let us know and we would be happy to help in any way. The production is around about an hour long. You may want to think about bringing little ones to watch the play as it may be a tad too long for them.

Both nativities have been recorded and will be available for you to view online. In recent years, we have moved to the online way instead of a DVD as technology moves so quickly, the online version is the safest way to ensure that you can all access the film in lots of different ways: via computer, mobile, tablets, consoles, smart TV, and streaming devices such as Chromecast. This way ensures that everyone can access it for as long as possible, you can also share the film in a safe way with family and friends. Mrs Nel has added the payment of £12 to Parent Pay. If you would like a copy of the nativity, we need orders by:

Reception - Monday 11th December

Year 1 & Year 2 - Friday 15th December

We will have your digital codes ready for you in the final week of the term.

The Great Our Lady Bake Off - A School Fundraiser

I think the first Our Lady Star of the Sea Bake Off was a huge success! Thank you to you all of you who have supported, baked cakes, eaten cakes, wore a Christmas jumper - we had the most jolliest of times. Our choir entertained parents, family and friends this afternoon brilliantly. What a wonderful way to start Christmas. So far we have raised £977.00 through the bake off for our outdoor area and reading shed. If you still have money to bring in on Monday, please do. Let’s see if we can get to the £1000 mark.

Office News

On Wednesday 20th December it is the School Christmas Dinner. Those children who normally have a dinner will automatically receive one. Those children who do not, but would like one, please can you book using the button below. The cost of the dinner is £2.50 per child which will be added to Parent Pay. The children who normally have a school dinner in KS1 on a Wednesday will not need to pay. Can you indicate if your child is having a Christmas Dinner in KS2 or additional KS1 children please.

If you can sign up your child by Monday 11th December, we can then ensure that our food delivery is enough to cater for everyone.

Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 1 again this week - 99.3%. Our whole school attendance was 97.6%

For over 30 years, Mrs Rose Shepherd has been involved in the school community of Our Ladys school. First as a teacher, then as a parent and more recently as a govenor. This week, Mrs Shepherd attended her final governor meeting. I have had the privaledge to work with Mrs Shepherd when I was training to be a teacher and then since whilst in school. She is someone who radiates compassion in all that she does; I know those families who have had their children taught by Mrs Shepherd would say the same. It is now time for her to be with her family and grandchildren. Mrs Shepherd, on behalf of the school, we would like to thank you for your 30 years service. You have given of yourself selflessly.

Next Friday, 15th December the Operatic Society will be holding its annual festive night of carol singing. Doors open at the Parish Centre at 7pm, with the event starting at 7.45pm. It promises to be a night for all, adults and children alike. It is a free event aiming to fully immerse one and all in the sounds of Christmas.

Have a wonderful weekend

God bless

Mrs Gregan

“So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming.” Mark 13: 33

Advent is a time of preparation, a time of waiting. We know what will be coming but we do not know when, and even though we mark Jesus’s birth on December 25th, we know that Jesus can come to us at anytime; we must all be ready. In assembly this week, we have started to look at The Holy Family. Christmas is a time for family, and it is often a time when we spend more time with those who we love due to the different events that take place. The first member of the family that we have looked at is Mary. Mary was given many names holy, Queen of Heaven, Mother Most Admirable, but above all of these she was blessed. Each week during Advent, we will be taking a different word and exploring it’s meaning along with a specific prayer for the week. This week it is WITNESS. Mary was a witness to the light - how can we too be a witness to our faith? Our prayer this week is the Hail Mary. Maybe you could join in at home and say a Hail Mary every night as a family before you go to bed. Year 1 have been learning to sign the Hail Mary - can you learn this at home? As I walked through Reception today, I had to stop and look at this most beautiful drawing of the nativity. The miracle of Jesus’ birth as captured by our youngest children.

The travelling nativity has been such a wonderful celebration which has included each member of our school family. I have loved hearing what the children’s favourite parts of the book they have read and where they have placed the nativity in their homes. I have attached some of the photographs that have been sent in and that we will be displaying in our Worship Area over the coming weeks. As you are reading this, a team of little elves have descended on the school, looking to sprinkle festive cheer. We can’t wait for the children to arrive back in school on Monday.

As part of our work on sustainability, we are trying to be as eco-friendly as possible across the school. For many years now, we have asked the children not to bring in Christmas cards for individual members of their class, but instead to make just one. This one card is for the whole class and is put up around the tree in their classrooms and next to the crib. The cards are designed by the children and made by them. This is becoming an Our Lady tradition. We thank you for your cooperation with this.

Sharing in the Nativity

Next week, we will see the first of our nativity performances taking place. Across the school, each class team and key stage have been working hard to bring the most amazing story to life through song, prayer and performance. For our children, this will be a special moment in time. We know that for parents and families too, there is no greater joy than seeing your child perform the Christmas story; it will bring back memories of your own time in school. For us, the nativity is central to our prayer and liturgy. When the children tell the story, we are praying to God for the gift of his son. The children who will initially be taking to the stage are our smallest children; for which this can be very daunting.

When you arrive in school for the nativity, can I ask that you just bring yourselves ready to be present in the story. There will be enough seats for all tickets that have been sold, to avoid the need for any standing. Often we can get tempted to stand to watch when our child appears, or stand to wave so that our children know we are there. This isn’t needed; they know you are there, they know you love them, they know you are there to pray with them and they need you to be as still as you can so that they can perform like they have been practising. It is always nice to sit somewhere where you can see your child, but they cannot see you. You can both then enjoy the liturgy as intended. I would be really grateful if you can pass this message to whoever is coming to watch the performances. If you know of someone coming who will need additional support or seating, please do let us know and we would be happy to help in any way.

The Great Our Lady Bake Off - A School Fundraiser

The Our Lady Bake Off is 1 week away. We a are looking at raising money to develop our outside wooded area and to buy a reading shed. This is everything that you need to know about how the day will run.

Your child will bring their baking into class in the morning ready for judging. In each classroom there will be a gingham altar with the very able Paul and Pru ready to taste. There are two judging criteria:

  • Flavour judging - by the class teaching team

  • Festive decoration - by the children. The more festive - the better!

A star baker will be awarded in each classroom.

If you are baking as a family and there is one bake between siblings, this will be judged separately in the hall by myself and Mrs Nel.

Following the judging, the children will have the opportunity to buy some of the delicious treats in a cake sale at breaktime. The amounts needed for the day are below.

Christmas Jumper = £1 donation

Christmas Bake Off entry = £3 entry fee

Cake Sale Purchase = £1

In the afternoon of the 8th, from 2pm, we would like to invite all family and friends into school for ‘Carols and Cake.’ The tree will be up, the lights will be lit and our choir will be serenading you with some songs of Christmas. We will be saving some of the morning treats for the afternoon and there will be a donation box for you to contribute what you are able too. Please can you complete the form below if you are planning on coming, and also if you are bringing additional guests. We can then ensure that we have enough in place to cater for everybody. We are really looking forward to next Friday and starting the festive season alongside you.

Leading Learners and School Virtue Role Models

Learning Role Models

Year 3 & 4 Virtue and Certificate Winners

School Virtue Role Models

Reading Coffee Morning

On Wednesday morning, Mrs Lyons and a group of Year 4 children, explained to a group of very willing parents, just what reading looks like at Our Ladys. We are incredibly proud of our reading curriculum and how the children really rise to the challenge her. Reading is a life skill and one that enables the children to access the wider curriculum beyond english. Thank you Mrs Lyons for being so passionate and for really leading our school’s love of reading. Thank you to the parents for coming and getting involved. After Christmas, Miss Drummond will be holding a phonics morning for our Year 1 families.

Office News

On Wednesday 20th December it is the School Christmas Dinner. Those children who normally have a dinner will automatically receive one. Those children who do not, but would like one, please can you book using the button below. The cost of the dinner is £2.50 per child which will be added to Parent Pay. The children who normally have a school dinner in KS1 on a Wednesday will not need to pay. Can you indicate if your child is having a Christmas Dinner in KS2 or additional KS1 children please.

If you can sign up your child by Friday 8th December, we can then ensure that our food delivery is enough to cater for everyone.

In school, we are a healthy eating school. This applies to the snacks that children bring in, the packed lunches that the children eat at lunch time and the drinks that the children bring in their bottles daily. We are noticing an increased amount of juice coming into school. Please can we ask that it is only water that comes into school - not juice. We will continue to monitor this very carefully in school.

Our Parent Governor elections took place this week - my what a lot of votes came in - thank you for everyone for getting involved. After carefully counting the votes, not once, not twice - but three times, it was found that our new Parent Governor will be Alison Funnell. Thank you to all of those who put themselves forward. We know more opportunities will arise and you will have the chance to contribute once more.

Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 1 again this week - 99.3%. Our whole school attendance was 97.6%

Last week, I spoke about how the Our Lady’s family has continued to grow with the arrival of Miss Bassett’s little girl, Alicia. The family at Our Ladys is of many members, all who have given of themselves selflessly for many years, and it is growing all of the time. This week we have heard the incredibly sad news of the passing of a past teacher; Joy Warwick after a very short illness. Joy taught at Our Ladys for 20 years, having taught many past pupils who are now parents here in school. Many of our staff either worked alongside her or some even taught by her. Joy’s dedication to her job, determination to bring the children she cared for closer to Christ and her compassion to all have been fondly remembered this week. On behalf of the entire school community, I have sent our condolences to her husband David and her beautiful girls, and of course our dearest Barbara and Chris, who have all lost such a special part of their family. I am sure many of you will have your own memories of Mrs Warwick that you will share in the coming days and weeks. Please pray for the family and keep them in your thoughts.

Joy’s funeral will take place at St Joseph’s Church, Ansdell on Tuesday 12th December at 11am. Joy loved Ansdell so very dearly and the parish of St Joseph’s. The family are asking for any donations to be made to Trinity Hospice in her memory, or for the proposed new cross at St Joseph’s church. Once the fundraising starts, I will share the link with you.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
~Amen~

God bless

Mrs Gregan

Parent Governor Elections

Thank you to the four parents who have put themselves forward for the Parent Governor vacancy on our governing body.

Voting slips have come home with the eldest child in each family tonight. Please vote - one per parent - and put the anonymous voting slips back in the envelope and return to school tomorrow.

The votes will be counted this week and an announcement will be made on the newsletter blog on Friday.

We look forward to announcing our new parent governor and working alongside them as part of our governing body.

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.”

What is the greatest king that has ever been? What does a great king look like? There have been so many that have ruled countries and empires, but which ones were the greatest. In today’s assembly, we have looked at the roles a great king has. It is someone who unites, cares, defends, protects and leads by example. In Matthew’s gospel, it is Jesus who is all of these and who is truly the greatest King. We have talked about behaviour in school and about when we show each other kindness and love, we are in turn doing the same to Jesus.

“Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored - you did it to me.”

Next week sees the arrival of Advent and the arrival of the Christmas tree in school. Songs of all nativities are filling the hall - the office is truly a beautiful and reflective place to be at this time of the year. Over the next few weeks, we will gather more and more as a school community to prepare ourselves for the coming of the biggest of miracles in such a tiny baby. Each class will be going to mass during Advent, why don’t you see if you can walk with them when they do go. Nativities will be starting the following week and in next week’s blog, I will let you know what you can expect and how school will operate during the nativity season. Each performance is part of prayer and liturgy - it is central to our school and faith.

Leading Learners and School Virtue Role Models

Learning Role Models

School Virtue Role Models

Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 1 this week - 98.3%. Our whole school attendance was 96.2%

News from the Office

The office is becoming more and more like Santa’s grotto as we start to prepare for Christmas parties and Bake Offs! The Foundation and KS1 Nativity tickets are on sale. Please send in your return slip in a named envelope with payment with your child. You will receive a text when the tickets are ready for collection from the school office. There are already a number of tickets ready for collection. Rehearsals for the nativities have already begun and it already promises to be a very special time! 

School photos went home earlier this week. If you still need to place your order you can still do so. For free delivery to school on your child’s photographs order online by Thursday 30th November.  Please order via the Tempest website using your unique link or visit   www.tempest-orders.co.uk. Call 01736 751555 for assistance.

Thank you to those parents who submitted their interest in the Parent Governor role. These will be collated over the weekend and a separate blog will appear on Monday where you can read the biographies. Voting slips will also go out on Monday for you all to cast your vote.

The Great Our Lady Bake Off

On Friday 8th December, our Christmas jumper day, we will also be hosting the very first Our Lady Christmas Bake Off as a fundraiser for our school. The cost for the day will not exceed £5, depending on what your child chooses to take part in:

Christmas Jumper = £1 donation

Christmas Bake Off entry = £3 entry fee

Cake Sale Purchase = £1

In the afternoon of the 8th, from 2pm, we would like to invite all family and friends into school for ‘Carols and Cake.’ The tree will be up and the lights will be lit. There will be the opportunity to buy some cake, have a hot drink and listen to our choir sing to get you into the festive mood. Please can you complete the form below if you are planning on coming, and also if you are bringing additional guests. We can then ensure that we have enough in place to cater for everybody.

Next Wednesday, 29th November, Mrs Lyons and a few Year 4 will be hosting a reading coffee morning and workshop. She will be providing lots of practical ideas about how you can support your children with reading at home, what fluency looks like and text selection. We are incredibly proud of all of our children and their love of reading. If you have a child from Reception through to Year 6 and you want to know more, please come and get involved.

When the Our Lady family grows, we are always so excited. On behalf of the whole school community, I would like to send the warmest of congratulations to Miss Bassett and her beautiful family on the arrival of their little girl. She kept her mummy and daddy waiting until the very last minute but they do say good things come to those who wait - the very best of things. We have tried to convince Miss Bassett that a real baby Jesus in the nativity would be the icing on the cake - watch this space!

Have a lovely weekend with your families. St Annes Christmas Light Switch on is tomorrow, I hope many of you can wander down and enjoy the festive spirit.

God bless

Mrs Gregan

‘Hide not your talents. They for use were made.' - Benjamin Franklin

In today’s assembly I shared the parable of The Three Servants; three people who had been given a gift by their master but who all chose to use them differently. We discovered that the first servant was delighted to have been given so valuable a gift and was determined to use it well. She went out and bought vines, planted them, grew grapes, made wine and sold it. She made lots and lots of money! The second servant was very grateful for the 2 pieces of gold and wanted to prove to the master that he was responsible and hardworking. So he bought some flour. Every morning he got up very early and made bread to sell at the market, and he made lots of money! But the third servant, who thought that because her gift was smaller it wasn’t important, had kept the money very safe, but certainly had not put it to good use. She had planted it in a hole in the ground.

No matter the size of our gifts and talents, we need to use them wisely; they are all important and with them, great things can be achieved. We are incredibly proud of each and every member of our school community who use their gifts on a daily basis for the greater good. On Monday, I had the pleasure of accompanying Mrs Harrison and Mrs Webster, along with our dance team to The Winter Gardens. Our children competed in the annual Wyre and Fylde Dance Festival. We are beyond proud of the hard work and dedication that this entire group has shown. I am sure you will agree just how wonderful they were and how they have used their talents wisely for the joy of others.

Today is without doubt the comfiest day of the year. Our annual pj day for Brian House has been well and truly embraced along with furry friends of all shapes and sizes! Thank you all for your generous donations for this wonderful charity. We will continue to raise money for them during Advent through our school nativities. Please do see the individual class pages for photos.

Thank you to everyone who supported Curriculum Evening last night. It was joy to see so many families come and meander the classrooms in school. Our curriculum is broad and exciting; we wanted you to share that and see just how deep we get the children to think. I think the Bee Bots in computing and geography went down a treat! A huge thank you to our wonderful staff who took the time to carefully plan the activities that they wanted you to try. You could not wish for a more dedicated and passionate team.

As part of our wider curriculum, Year 2 and Year 5 are on a beach clean next Tuesday, 21st November from 12.30pm. We desperately need volunteers to assist them on the trip, from any year group. If you are able to give a couple of hours on Tuesday afternoon, the children would be so grateful. Email l.hotchkiss@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk if you are able to attend.

Our Lady Star of the Sea is a special community which is built on love and trust, made up of our children, staff, parents, the parish and the school governing body.

Our governing body works tirelessly to support and nurture the school vision, providing a platform on which we can build, to move forward, grow and ultimately flourish, keeping the school mission statement, ‘You are precious in My eyes’ at the centre of all actions and decisions. The governing body is made up of volunteers who work together with the head teacher to improve education and all other aspects of school life, building work, safety, safeguarding, our budget etc!

Due to changes within the governing body, there is now a vacancy for a parent governor at school. We had lots of applications last time so we hope that those people and new ones will apply again.

Are you someone who:

  • Wants to make a positive difference to the experiences of our children

  • Works well with other people and can work as part of a team

  • Has some time to spare to attend meetings within the term (usually 2, held early evening)

  • Is ready to learn and open to new ideas

  • Is willing to give something back to our school

You don't need any formal qualifications, you'll get full training and support to make sure you are fully equipped to carry out the role successfully.

If you are interested in applying for the role of Parent Governor, please write a short biography (no more than 150 words) stating who you are, a little about yourself, any experience or skills you could bring to the governing body and why you would like to be a governor at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Please send this to Mrs Nel at bursar@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk by Friday 24th November. Once we have the nominations in, and depending on the number received, we can arrange an election process in which parents and guardians will be eligible to vote. We are hoping to have our new governor in place ready for the next full-governors meeting on Tuesday 5th December at 6pm.

We look forward to hearing from interested parents; this is a role in which you can make a difference so please do think about applying to become a Parent Governor.

Leading Learners and School Virtue Role Models

Learning Role Models

Year 1 Learning Role Models

School Virtue Role Models

Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 4 this week - 99.7%. Our whole school attendance was 96.4%.

News from the Office

What a wonderful week in school this has been! There’s nothing quite like the sound of children singing to brighten up your day. Listening to the children practising for their class assembly, as well as the nativities, has brought smiles to the ladies in the office. It all promises to be an absolute delight for you. Thank you so much for keeping on top of your ParentPay account. We know that these are increasingly difficult times and, as always, our door is open if you need a discreet word. Today was the second fencing session before school. May I remind you to please pay for these on ParentPay if you have not yet done so. I would also like to highlight the Y3 & Y4 Parish Panto that is coming up on the 1/12/23, payment is due soon on ParentPay too. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend from the office.

The Great Our Lady Bake Off

On Friday 8th December, our Christmas jumper day, we will also be hosting the very first Our Lady Christmas Bake Off as a fundraiser for our school. We want to continue to develop the outside area and a reading shed has also been suggested. The only rule is that the baking needs to be festive! Anybody can enter with each class deciding their winner. We will also be holding a cake sale that day with all of the entries - so get planning what you will make.

We do not want it to be an expensive day, as we are understanding of the pressures families are facing at the moment, therefore there is menu of opportunity to choose from. The cost for the day will not exceed £5, depending on what your child chooses to take part in:

Christmas Jumper = £1 donation

Christmas Bake Off entry = £3 entry fee

Cake Sale Purchase = £1

In the afternoon of the 8th, from 2pm, we would like to invite all family and friends into school for ‘Carols and Cake.’ The tree will be up and the lights will be lit. There will be the opportunity to buy some cake, have a hot drink and listen to our choir sing to get you into the festive mood. Pop the date in your diary now!

Wrap Around Care

For many years, we have had a wonderful relationship with St Thomas which has allowed us to provide wrap around care for our families off site at their Parish Centre. Both breakfast and after-school clubs have thrived here with more and more children attending from our school. From September 2024, the government would like to extend the care options for children until 6pm each night; ensuring that this is embedded by September 2025. Because of this change in agenda, now seems to be the right time to evaluate the provision that we currently have and to discuss ways in which it can be improved to meet the needs of our community. Over the next few weeks, I will be meeting with the head teacher at St Thomas’ and the after-school team to brainstorm all ideas so that we can move forward together. There is also a growing number of clubs provided at school which can sometimes mean that those in after-school club cannot attend due to its distance away from the school.

I would be really grateful if you could spare two minutes to complete this short questionnaire on wrap around care which will inform our discussions going forward. Whether you have used it or plan to use it or not, all responses are valid and important. Thank you.

On Monday morning from 9am to 10am, Miss Woodend will be available to chat all things SEND. If you have any questions about your child in school, or need further information, or just want to find out what happens, please do pop in. There won’t be a formal presentation, but a chance to grab a drink and have a conversation. We look forward to welcoming you all into school for this. Please complete the form below indicating whether you will be able to join us.

The following Wednesday, 29th November, from 9am-10am, Mrs Lyons and some of Year 4 will be hosting a reading coffee morning and workshop. She will be providing lots of practical ideas about how you can support your children with reading at home, what fluency looks like and text selection. We are incredibly proud of all of our children and their love of reading. If you have a child from Reception through to Year 6 and you want to know more, please come and get involved.

Have a lovely weekend with your families

God bless

Mrs Gregan

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.”
— Quote Source

And what a very special moment this is…

There are moments that have happened in the past that have changed the course of history. Decisions that have been made that have altered how people live. 104 years ago, the world saw and felt the end of World War I; a war that we are still commemorating today through the display of the red poppy. For the past two weeks, a group of dedicated Year 6 children have been attaching each and every poppy that was handmade by our community onto a large piece of netting. This has now been attached to our chapel and what a beautiful tribute it is. Throughout the month of November, we will ensure that the tribute remains in place for you to visit as a family, or by yourself at pick up for quiet reflection. With so much war and disharmony in the world at the moment, this installation serves as a thing of beauty. I am so proud of each and every poppy as I know they have been made with love. Thank you to you all. If you would still like to make one, please do and we can attach it.

We are gradually preparing for Christmas and finding special ways in which we can mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Songs are slowly beginning to be sung and words practised as the children aim to bring the most magical story of all to life. The nature of life means that events seem to be happening much earlier; I have already seen Christmas lights and trees up. In school, we are trying to preserve the excitement for just a little bit longer. The travelling nativities have visited their first homes; each with a different story to be shared. We hope you all find time to enjoy the hope and faith-filled event that will soon be upon us.

The Great Our Lady Bake Off

Following the Student Council meeting last Friday, the plans that they decided upon have been actioned. On Friday 8th December, our Christmas jumper day, we will also be hosting the very first Our Lady Christmas Bake Off as a fundraiser for our school. We want to continue to develop the outside area and a reading shed has also been suggested. The only rule is that the baking needs to be festive! Anybody can enter with each class deciding their winner. We will also be holding a cake sale that day with all of the entries - so get planning what you will make.

We do not want it to be an expensive day, as we are understanding of the pressures families are facing at the moment, therefore there is menu of opportunity to choose from. The cost for the day will not exceed £5, depending on what your child chooses to take part in:

Christmas Jumper = £1 donation

Christmas Bake Off entry = £3 entry fee

Cake Sale Purchase = £1

In the afternoon of the 8th, from 2pm, we would like to invite all family and friends into school for ‘Carols and Cake.’ The tree will be up and the lights will be lit. There will be the opportunity to buy some cake, have a hot drink and listen to our choir sing to get you into the festive mood. Pop the date in your diary now!

Curriculum Evening

Next Thursday, 16th November, is our annual CURRICULUM EVENING. School will be open from 5.30pm-7.00pm for you to take part in lots of tasks and challenges, showcasing what your child will learn as they journey through school. This year the focus is on the wider curriculum. What opportunities will your children have beyond the core subjects learn? Each subject leader will be setting up lots of activities for you to try alongside your child. Some of our Year 6 leaders will also be on hand to answer any questions that you might have.

We hope that you will be able to join us in school - we are looking forward to showing you how we learn.

This morning, our Year 5 class walked down to Hope Street Park. There, ready and waiting, was the Fylde Rangers and over 500 daffodil bulbs that needed planting. Thank you Year 5 for giving something back to our community. We cannot wait to see them flower next Spring!

Leading Learners and School Virtue Role Models

Learning Role Models

School Virtue Role Models

Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 4 this week - 97.7%. Our whole school attendance was 95.7%

Once an Our Lady’s pupil, always an Our Lady’s pupil…

I have found that being in the job that I am now, I often get invited to different events; some that I can attend and others that I cannot. Last night, I attended a very special event that validated the vision that we have for our pupils here in school. At Lowther Pavilion, the St Bedes’s class of 2023, received their GCSE certificates and special awards in recognition for their hard work during their high school years, many of which were disrupted by COVID. I was beyond proud to see and speak to so many of our past pupils and hear just what paths they will be taking in the coming years. Some teachers, some scientists, others photography and drama.

Mr Marsden spoke so eloquently about what it meant to Be a Bede and how often, we can band these terms around quite quickly and often without thought. It is the same as being an Our Lady’s Star, we say it all the time. It is simply this. We are trying our hardest to follow the example that Jesus Christ set. That when we leave anywhere, the footprints we leave are filled with the mission of Christ and we go out into the world to do good.

Congratulations to all former pupils. We wish you all the luck in the world as you head off onto your next adventures.

PJ Day for Brian House

Next Friday, 17th November, is our annual pj day in school. Brian House are our local children’s hospice, and having visited them with pupils before, I know just how much they need our support. For £1, the children can come into school in suitable pjs and dressing gowns for the day - bringing a teddy if they wish. Trainers must be worn, not slippers, as the children will be heading out on the playground for normal breaks.

Mrs Nel has been busy collating the ticket requirements for each family, ready for the nativity season. Thank you all for sending the information back so promptly, we can then plan the hall safely for the children. All money raised from the ticket sales, and then the church collection at the KS2 concert, will be given to Brian House. We are singing to support the children.

Finally, Miss Neves has been working incredibly hard over the past two years on a Foundation Art Degree; we are really lucky to have her in school teaching our children and passing on her love of art. For the rest of November, Miss Neves is displaying her own artwork in Ashton Gardens Pavilion. Her work is displayed and able to be bought. Please do pop down and show her your support.

Next Friday, we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Grey who has worked alongside us in school for nearly a year. Mrs Grey has helped support the children at lunchtimes and worked across some classes too. Throughout her time with us, she has shown the children nothing but love and compassion. We wish her the very best of luck as she starts a new role and a new adventure. This week, we have welcomed two new members of staff to the welfare team. Mrs Ely and Mrs McGow have seamlessly entered school life, under the watchful eye of Mrs Grey. We look forward to working alongside them over the next half term.

Have a lovely weekend with your families

God bless

Mrs Gregan

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." - John 14:27

Welcome back to the most magical of all half-terms; the preparation of Christmas. On Wednesday, our school walked down to celebrate the feast of All Saints with our parish. Father Peter led us all in a beautiful celebration of what it means to follow in Jesus’s footsteps. There are more than 10,000 saints recognised by the Roman Catholic Church, though the names and histories of some of these holy men and women have been lost to history. However, I would like to challenge that. When I look at our children, and see the acts of kindness that they demonstrate on a daily basis; I too think that they are saints. They are a group of people who are all trying to be like Jesus. We can all be saints.

Our Jesuit virtues are being faith-filled and hopeful. These are the perfect virtues to focus on as we move towards Advent and the arrival of the miracle in Jesus Christ. We are hopeful in the messiah and faith-filled in our determination to celebrate his birth; using this as a basis in which to continue our mission.

In school, we are trying to ensure that we celebrate events as a whole school. That there is a commonality in our faith so that we feel as one. This year, each class will have a ‘travelling nativity’ that will go home each night with a different child. We want to ensure that every child bears witness to that special moment. In the nativity bag there will be: a small nativity set, the story of the nativity, candles to show that Jesus is the light of the world, purple material for the liturgical year and a digital camera for your to capture the moment. We will be using the photographs as a back ground for our advent promises. We hope that this very small act will fire the excitement that the festive season brings. The nativity sets will start going home next Thursday so we can ensure that all children have the opportunity.

The Our Lady Poppy Appeal

Thank you all - from the bottom of our hearts - for embracing the call for poppies like you have. This is just another example of the community coming together to create something for all. As you can see from the photograph below, I have had a team of Year 6 children busy attaching the poppies that we have, ready to display next week. So far we have had over 400 poppies donated! There is still time to bring yours in if you haven’t had time. The poppies are going to be displayed by the chapel; an area of reflection and contemplation. We cannot wait to finish this project and see what has been created with the love of our families.

We have had our first student council meeting in school today. Watch this space in the coming weeks for the campaign that they will be running this year. There is talk of a Great Our Lady Christmas Bake Off!

Leading Learners and School Virtue Role Models

Learning Role Models

School Virtue Role Models

Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 2 this week - 99.2%. Our whole school attendance was 94.8%.

Office News

Before half-term, I mentioned in my weekly newsletter that attendance letters were being sent home and that we were looking at the amount of leave of absence requests that we have received. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to email or acknowledge this. So many of you have made a comment about how you have changed medical and dental appointments out of school time, or bookending the day to avoid any disruption. We will continue to monitor attendance closely and as always, communicate with you all.

The majority of our absences are medical or illness related. Please continue to use the absence form on the website to let us know if your child is off and the reason for the illness too. I have also had lots of discussions about holiday dates for 2024/2025. These will be with you imminently; as they are being approved at our next full governor meeting. I really do appreciate you all taking the time to consider the holidays that you are taking and avoiding taking them during term-time.

There is a serious matter that we really need your support with and we ask for your upmost cooperation at this time.

One of our pupils in school is receiving medical treatment that affects their immune system, which puts them at high risk if they are exposed to measles, chickenpox or shingles. We need you to let us know immediately if your child is suspected of having measles, chicken pox or shingles, as the pupil may require treatment for this. It is also important that you let us know if there is shingles in your household. As always, we follow the NHS advice for sickness and diarrhoea. There is a strict 48 hour policy for this; your child must be kept off school.

Your child is not at any risk from this situation.  However, the health and well-being of our pupil who is at risk does depend on the co-operation of all other parents and we know you can help us - just like the community of Our Ladys always does.

Thank you

The excitement of extra-curricular clubs starts again next week. Please do ensure that you have checked News Around the School or the Sports page for more information. The school calendar is brimming with events that will be coming up in preparation for the festive season, please do make sure that you have checked them. It is starting on Friday 17th November with our annual pj day for Brian House Children’s Hospice - our local children in need.

God bless

Mrs Gregan

School Photographs

It is that time of the year where we try and capture your child’s journey through primary school. The annual school photographs will be taking place on Monday 30th October (first day back) during the school day.

All children will receive an individual photograph. Children in Reception and Year 6 will also receive an additional class photo to capture their first year and final year in school.

Sibling photographs will be taken as and when the children come into the hall. These will be done with the siblings that are in school.

Full school uniform will be required, you can choose school uniform or PE kit. There has been an increase in elaborate hair accessories lately. Can I remind you that it is hair tied up, with a blue head band or bobbles, as per the school uniform policy.

Once the photographs have been taken, the children will then bring home the previews so you can choose whether to order or not.

Kind regards

"Life is a cycle of change, and the seasons are just another reminder of that."

And in the blink of an eye, we have completed our first half-term together. Despite so much happening, it seems to have started and ended so quickly; there is so much to celebrate. The main thread of our curriculum has been the Story of Creation. From plants being studied in Year 4, to deforestation in Year 6 and the human body in Year 3, to the wolf story in Year 2; we have to care for our common home. Being a steward of our community means being active and curious; constantly seeking ways to care for each other and our world. We are truly blessed that we have so many active members. Our Worship Area has been instilled to ensure that there is a collective place for prayer and liturgy. We have encouraged our pupils to interact with the area. Please watch this short video below reflecting on the scripture that we have shared this half term. As we move into the most special period of Advent, we will strive to become faith-filled and hopeful.

As well as active stewards, we have had very active learners! I cannot believe that we have only been in school 7 weeks, yet the children are producing things beyond their years. One of my favourite things is being able to visit each class, or to get a knock on my office door inviting me to see what they have been up to. I have had the pleasure of visiting Year 1 and Year 5 this week to read their stories. From the adventures of Supertato and the misdemeanors of Evil Pea, to really complex stories involving the Adventures of Narnia - the level of creativity and storytelling is so deep.

I am incredibly proud of the art curriculum that takes place in school. Every child experiences quality art that enables them to express themselves in multiple ways.

Miss Neves, our resident artist, is currently studying a Fine Art degree and for her professional practice, she commissioned Year 6 to complete some inspired graffiti art work.

I think they are remarkable and the words used; so very powerful!

The Our Lady Poppy Appeal

It has started! We have 133 poppies so far - but we need more!

Over half term, can you be creative and make a poppy that can be attached to our castle. Think about what you could make it out of to withstand the elements:

  • crisp packets

  • plastic bags

  • drinks bottles

  • felt

  • wool

  • wood

  • milk bottle tops

The list is endless. How wonderful would it be if each member of our community laid a poppy in remembrance.

Staff who lead learning

At yesterday’s INSET training, all staff completed their annual safeguarding training. This year, with the changes in Keeping Children Safe in Education, we invited in a member of the Lancashire team to present updates on Online Safety. The world in which we live in, and the one that we are preparing our children for, is a fast-paced technological world. It is crucial that we are informed about the best way that we can support our children to navigate this tricky aspect of growing up. As we move through the year, there will be opportunities for parents to gain further support and to also check the filtering systems on devices at home too. We will keep you informed and let you know about the events that we are planning.

As part of the safeguarding training, we will be making some tweaks to the systems that we have in school, in order to safeguard and protect our children further:

  • We have changed the text messaging service to be able to text BOTH parents who we have listed on our system. After half-term, Mrs Nel will be sending out a data sheet to ensure that we have the correct contact information for both parents, email addresses included. When a text message is now sent from school, it will go to both parents.

  • We have looked closely at our First Aid procedures in school and the ‘bump notes’ that we send home when the children bump their heads. We need to ensure that these notes get home and that they are seen by the parent, as quite often they are left in a child’s bag. Therefore, if your child has a bump at school, we will send a text message letting you know this and that there is a bump note in their bag so you are aware of the concussion symptoms. If the bump to the head is concerning, we will of course phone home and let you know straight away. This will be the same for an injury that needs reporting. Please do not be alarmed that you have received a text message, we are simply informing you in a more rigorous and robust way than a bump or injury letter.

  • It has been lovely to see all of our parents on the playground at the end of the day collecting your children, but we are aware that the area around KS1 classrooms can become a little congested. From 30th October, Year 1 parents will collect their children from the Year 1 outside area. There is a small gate that will be opened onto an area where you can stand and wait for the children to come out. This should ease congestion and enable parents and family members to be seen more easily by the teaching staff. Can I ask that we still continue to stand away from the doors to give the children space to come out. Please can you communicate this with each named person who will collect your child.

Office News

Unbelievably it is half term! I think we are all ready for a well-earned rest, snuggling down and enjoying quality family time. It has been a very busy half-term and the next promises to be even busier! Dinners next term, in line with LCC meal charges, are still £2.50 per dinner, £12.50 per week or £97.50 for the half term, payable on ParentPay. It is never pleasant chasing payments and we  encourage all dinner accounts to be paid up at least a week in advance. Thank you for your support with this. Please see the menu below for next half-terms meals. There may be some variation where items are unavailable, but we will stick as close to the menu as possible.

After half-term, our school’s attendance officer will be visiting, which he does annually. We will be looking at each child’s attendance and aiming to reduce the gaps that can sometimes form. Just like last year, letters will be issued to any parent whose child’s attendance has fallen below 90% in the first half of the Autumn term.

In the final week of school, we received 7 leave of absence requests for holidays that attached to the October half term. Can we urge you to let us know as soon as a leave of absence is required as the paper work associated with absences can be vast. We would really appreciate your support with this going forward. We have also had a number of pupils who have been away this week and have not contacted the school to inform us (we can always tell from the international dialing tone). Honesty is always the best policy and it legally allows us to monitor attendance. Please always do share when your child will be absent from school, it makes life so much easier for us all.

There is a new timetable for extra-curricular opportunities in school. Please see the document below and visit the Sports section or News Around the School to book a place.

We always like to celebrate the work that our pupils do outside of school, and our proud cloud is now brimming with photographs of very proud children. One of our pupils, Joseph and his family, are taking part in Nativity at Marine Hall in Fleetwood this Christmas. Details are on the poster to the left if you would like to book tickets and go and watch.

Thank you all for your continued support this last half term. We are incredibly blessed to have the community that we have. I wish you all a very happy and safe half term.

God bless

Mrs Gregan

'If you can be anything in this world, be kind.'

When we started our year together in September, I gave the community one mission - TO BE KIND. Kindness above anything instills peace, reflection and brings God’s Kingdom alive here on earth. We are exposed to so many things in the news and local community where kindness has not happened; when others have suffered as a result of actions. As a school family, we constantly want to reflect on our behaviours and actions, ensuring that we are all following in Christ’s footsteps. There are times when we get it wrong, but we trust that God will bring us back and ensure we follow his path.

Year 2 shared such a magical liturgy this week, all about us being kind to our world; demonstrating stewardship. Through the power of a story, the children spoke using powerful vocabulary to convey the message that they were sharing. We have one world, it is our responsibility to look after it. Thank you Year 2 for a thought-provoking assembly.

There is no doubt that there are times when I really miss teaching daily. There is nothing like the feeling that you get when a child overcomes a barrier or succeeds because of something that they have strived really hard to achieve. When I became head, I was adamant that I still wanted to teach where I could. I am blessed to visit Year 5 each Monday to teach maths, but this week, I delivered something different. The children explored what it meant to be kind, what kindness is and how it makes others feel. We had an open, honest and evolving conversation that I hope will continue throughout the year. The children used their desks as jotters (much to the children’s delight). They then designed some posters, using important quotes, that we will be able to share around school. Thank you Year 5 for helping us all to understand the importance of being kind.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

Being in Year 6 is so challenging; partly because of the expectations that we have of them as ambassadors and leaders. This week, the class went on a 2 night retreat to Castlerigg; exploring what it means to be the light of the world. The talent list of this group of children is endless, therefore the expectations we place on them are endless. They really have so much to give! The class were fabulous ambassadors for our school. They looked after each other and supported the team beautifully - we are so very proud of them. Thank you has to go to Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster, Mrs Barker and Mr Cornwell who took the children away. Your time is precious and we are grateful for the time you have given to enable the children to make life-long memories.

‘We shall harvest with joy.’

It is so important to say Thank you for what we have, and what we have been given. During Father Peter’s homily on Thursday, he shared that within the word ‘HARVEST’ there are a number of different words: Starve, Share and Ta - all of these things relate to what we are trying to achieve,

Various Harvest celebrations have taken place in school this week. On Thursday, Year 1, 2, 5 & 6 visited church, alongside the parishioners, to say thank you for the gifts that we have been given. In school, our Reception and Nursery children shared a beautiful liturgy together; full of song, thanks and prayer.

Thank you all for your generous donations to Fylde Foodbank, we are supporting our local community. The school foodbank is now empty. Please continue to donate goods to it and we can continue to provide support where possible. Remember that the foodbank is for all of our community.

Learning Awards of the Week

Our Growth Mindset certificate winners of the week!

Our Virtue Role Models of the week!

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

The Our Lady Poppy Appeal

It has started! We have had a number of knitted poppies delivered into school, handcrafted by Esther and her grandma. There will be a poppy box in the worship area next week for any poppies made - please do contribute to them and make any poppy you can! For half term, I have made a craft sheet of lots of different poppies that you could make at home - all from household items. It would be great if every child made at least one for our castle reflection.

Our Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 2 & 3 - 98.7% Our whole school attendance this week is 96.3%.

Office News

With one more week to go until half term, it is important that all Parent Pay accounts are settled. Please can you visit your account over the weekend and see if anything needs to be payed.

Those children taking part in fencing next year will be confirmed next week so that payment can be made.

We enter into the final three days of half term determined to finish all of the learning opportunities that we have. School closes for the children on Wednesday at normal time - 3.20pm/3.25pm; with Parents’ Day on Friday 20th October. This is virtual so can be accessed anywhere in the world; wherever you might be. There is still time to make appointments if you haven’t. We will be contacting all those without an appointment on Monday. Please click on my previous blog for more information.

There has also been some lovely news; Mrs Marshall is expecting her second baby. The school community wishes her family a huge congratulations on her announcement and look forward to welcoming Baby Marshall in the Spring.

How wonderful do our football team look? CN Active has kindly sponsored our new football kits, ensuring that our teams look their best whilst playing their best. Despite the rain, the children’s spirit was not dampened. The progress that our football and netball teams are making week on week is great. All children who train have now had the opportunity to represent the school - how fantastic! There was one extremely special goal on Tuesday too!

There will be a pause in fixtures after half term to account for the darker evenings. Watch out for the new extra-curricular timetable coming next week.

Finally, congratulations to Harcourt who have won this half term’s house points. All children in Harcourt can come in their house colours on Wednesday.

Have a lovely weekend with your families

God bless

Mrs Gregan

"Love one another as I have loved you."

The greatest commandment of all; Love one another as I have loved you. Our Year 6 children started our assemblies this week by telling us all about heroes. There have been lots of leaders throughout the world; some good, some bad, but all who we can learn from. The hero that we look to is Jesus Christ. A key message that was delivered as part of the assembly was that we can all be heroes - every single one of us. Our strengths and talents need to be shared with others for the greater good. Every day I see hero behaviour from pupils in our school; they are our greatest teachers. Below is an image of our whole school display in our Worship Area. Every child in the school has been created in the image of God. Together, they make our school family. Thank you to our nursery children who have also been talking about the gifts of Creation - your sunshine, rainbow and flowers are the perfect addition to our display.

In assembly today, we have spoken about another group of heroes. During the month of October, we will be recognising the many black men and women who have been a hero to their community and our world. Black History Month aims to make us all aware of the trailblazers who shown leadership, talent and impact. This year, in particular, we will be highlighting pioneering women. Each class in school will be focusing on one individual. Keep an eye on homework and blogs for more information.

On Thursday 12th October, we will be attending mass for our Harvest Festival. This year, we have decided to collect food donations for our local community and Fylde Foodbank. Don’t forget that we also have our school foodbank too for any donations; just inside the main office area. Over the next few weeks, please can the following items be brought into class.

Nursery - tinned beans

Reception - tinned or packet soup

Year 1 - tinned fruit or vegetables

Year 2 - tinned tuna

Year 3 - tea bags

Year 4 - biscuits

Year 5 - cereal

Year 6 - long life milk/juice

Thank you for your generosity.

Learning beyond the curriculum

The curriculum is an exciting and intertwining web of knowledge that the children have to know before they leave primary school. It is the core of their education. However, there is so much more to learning than this. There are other skills that the children have and do beyond school that add to their knowledge and life experiences. Next Wednesday afternoon, the children will all be swapping teachers and spaces in school to take part in enrichment. This is an opportunity to form relationships with the many other staff that they will come to know during their time at Our Ladys, as well as experiencing something new. Throughout the year, the children will visit each class teacher - I am really excited about this. From learning German, to ballroom dancing, and some gardening too, the children will learn some skills that they may choose to develop further.

I have loved seeing just how many of our pupils have been getting involved with the extra-curricular opportunities that are on offer. Many pupils have represented the school in football and netball this week - see next week’s newsletter for our football teams.

Please do not forget our Proud Cloud too. If your child has done anything outside of school that they are proud of, please send us a photograph so that we can add it to the display and celebrate their talents. Whether it is football, dancing, swimming, musical instruments, brownie badges or cubs, judo - whatever it is we would love to see what you have been up to and to celebrate your achievements.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

It may seem a few months too early, but we have started to think about remembrance in school. When the castle arrived, I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we used it as the basis for Remembrance Day. A space where we could display some community work.’ Therefore we have a community challenge. We want to make as many poppies as possible that can be attached to netting from the castle. These poppies will need to be suitable to be left outdoors so could be knitted or made out of a plastic bottle. The more poppies the better. So…get your family and friends to start making, ready for our community art installation.

Parents’s Meetings

In a few weeks, there will be the opportunity to speak to your child’s class teacher and find out how they have settled into school this year. Again, we are taking a hybrid approach to hopefully include everyone - a mixture of in school and virtually. You have already been into school as part of induction night to meet your child’s teaching team and see their learning environment.

There is now an opportunity for parents to meet virtually with your child’s teacher. We would like to invite you to a virtual parents’ meeting to discuss your child and to celebrate their achievements. We will be using the same system we used in the past, called SchoolCloud. This will allow you to access the meeting from where ever you are, with no need to wait in school. This can always be tricky, especially if you have multiple children, or have planned October half term holidays. We have found in the past year that parent attendance has been higher virtually, than it was in person. I even had the pleasure of conducting a parents’ meeting whilst the family was on a beach in Mexico!

This platform has no app for you to install, you simply use your web browser, and you will be automatically connected with the teacher at the time you have booked in the appointment schedule. Each appointment will last ten minutes and start at the allotted time. You will then see the time and count down on the screen. Please note: when the countdown ends, the meeting is automatically closed and the next appointment is started, we have no control over this. Please log in and check the audio and visual before your appointment starts.

Within the program there is a facility to add a note when you book. If there is something specific which you would like to discuss, this will enable you to communicate it to the teacher before the meeting.

The available appointments will be on Friday 20th October from 8.30am - 5.30pm. Appointments can be booked from 4pm today by clicking on this link:

School Cloud

When booking, it is crucial that you use your child’s legal forename and surname – those recorded on our school management system. If any part of your child’s name is hyphenated, again it needs to be so when typing in their name. Your own name on Sims is now recorded with one of the following titles Miss, Mrs, Mr or Dr. The system will also ask for an email address so that a reminder can be sent out.

There are two links below which provide support on booking an appointment and how to access the virtual meeting. Please click to find out more.

A GUIDE TO BOOKING APPOINTMENTS

If you are struggling, please contact the school office asap and we can help.

Following this meeting, we will provide opportunities in the Spring term to visit school and sit with your child to look through their wonderful work. The teachers all have an email address too. If you have any worries or concerns, please do email them at the earliest opportunity for it to be discussed.

Learning Role Models of the Week

Learning awards!

Demonstrating our virtues - curious & active!

Our Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 1 - 99.7% Our whole school attendance this week is 97.2%.

We are incredibly proud, and blessed, to have such a wonderful team of individuals who work at Our Ladys. They love the children unconditionally and strive to ensure that they experience the very best that we can offer them. A key member of our team is Mr Nay. For those of you who know him, and the work he does both in and out of school, you will appreciate just how much of his time he gives to the children - not just at Our Ladys but across the Fylde Coast. His dedication and enthusiasm is palpable. I know that we could not deliver the same quality of physical education that we do without him.

Last night he attended the Best of Lancashire Awards in Burnley where he was awarded the Grass Roots Sports Award for the work that he does. On behalf of the whole school community, thank you and congratulations. We are beyond proud of you and know how much of your own time you give, often when that family time is calling you.

Have a lovely weekend with your family.

God bless

Mrs Gregan

'Oh Lord, your love knows no bounds.'

When we go through periods of darkness, it can be so hard to see the light. We can be confused by the actions of God and why certain choices has been made. In assembly today, we have spoken about the need to trust in God; He knows the plan and can see the bigger picture, even when we can’t. God has a plan for all of us, whether we agree with it or not. We need to believe in His vision as children of Christ. We have all faced challenges this half term. Starting a new school year and a new class is always difficult to navigate. There are new people that we need to get to know, new classrooms to explore and new expectations to understand - but we always get there; much quicker than we realise!

‘Books are uniquely, portable, MAGIC!’

This week we were joined by the most wonderful author - Dan Worsley. It is a while since we have had an author in school, and my goodness, he did not disappoint! Dan filled the hall, and each classroom with tales of the unexpected. Adventures beyond our wildest dreams. Laughter that came from our bellies! Reading is so important for many reasons, but I think the most important one is that it can transport you to another place and another time. You really can get lost in the book. It would be great if we continued to support Dan - hopefully he may come and visit us again one day soon!

Our school library is missing a large number of books that was taken out last year. Please, please, please can you all have a really good look at home and see if any of our books have hidden themselves in and around your house.

Primary School Admissions

If you have a child who will be starting primary school in September 2024, the window is now open to apply. We are opening the school at various times for you to come and have a look around. Please see the poster for more details.

To apply for a primary school place, please click on the following link:

Lancashire School Admissions

If you have any questions at all, please do ring the office on 01253 726015.

Learning Role Models of the Week

Learning awards!

Demonstrating our virtues - curious & active!

Our Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 3 & 6 - 98.3% Our whole school attendance this week is 97.3%.

Office News

My goodness the weeks are flying. Please remember to check Parent Pay. Class trips and dinner money have been added.

Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any queries.

Dates for your diary:

  • Thursday 26th September - Year 6 Assembly 2.10pm & 2.35pm

  • Thursday 5th October - Year 4 Assembly 2.10pm & 2.35pm

  • Thursday 12th October - Harvest 9.30am Mass

  • Thursday 12th October - Year 2 Assembly 2.10pm & 2.35pm

  • Parents’s Day - Friday 20th October. Virtual appointments will be available to be booked next Friday

We are having an awful lot of uniform go missing at the moment; both labelled and unlabelled. Please can you ensure that all of your children’s uniform is clearly labelled and that they come home with the correct uniform at the end of the day. Thank you kindly.

Have a lovely weekend with your families.

God bless

'Family is not an important thing. It is EVERYTHING.'

This week we celebrate 175 years of Catholic Education. Some of your great-great-great Grandparents might have been the first people to have learnt in a Catholic school. The mission of Catholic education is to grow the mind, the body and the spirit of each individual, according to the Gospel values. In school, being the very best version of ourselves is central to our being, but to also recognise that we are part of a much larger family than the ones we know and see on a daily basis. We are constantly aiming to walk in Jesus’ footsteps; bringing his kingdom alive here on earth.

We are part of a community of people of faith who all share and respect the same values and virtues. On Wednesday, we opened our classrooms to welcome you in and see where your children learn on a daily basis. Having the opportunity to see the classroom through the eyes of your child is magical and I know just how much they loved bringing you into their world. You will have the opportunity to discuss your child’s start to their school year on Friday 20th October on Parents’ Day. If you have any questions at all in the meantime, please do not hesitate to email the class teacher.

‘Books are uniquely, portable, MAGIC!’

We are passionate about reading and the joys that it can bring. A child who can read for pleasure and is interested in it, can access the curriculum fully. This week, the children have all been quizzing and setting their new AR reading level (I even saw a few parents having a go on Wednesday night). Next Wednesday, I want the children to be excited by reading once again. It is a few years since we have had an author visit school, and we cannot wait to welcome Dan Worsley to school next Tuesday & Wednesday. Dan is a local author and ex-primary school teacher who is passionate about creative writing. He predominantly writes for KS2 children, but will be offering creative writing workshops to our younger children too.

Dan will have copies of all six of his books (£5 each/cash only) available for purchase after school on Wednesday 20th September in the school hall. If any children in Year 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 would like to purchase a copy on the day, he will be happy to sign and personalise the pupil’s books. Dan is a KS2 writer, therefore some of his themes demonstrate this. Year 1 & 2 children may want to purchase a book and save it for a few years, to be read at a later date.

Our school library is missing a large number of books that was taken out last year. Please, please, please can you all have a really good look at home and see if any of our books have hidden themselves in and around your house.

Primary School Admissions

If you have a child who will be starting primary school in September 2024, the window is now open to apply. We are opening the school at various times for you to come and have a look around. Please see the poster for more details.

To apply for a primary school place, please click on the following link:

Lancashire School Admissions

If you have any questions at all, please do ring the office on 01253 726015.

Learning Role Models of the Week

Learning awards!

Demonstrating our virtues - intentional and prophetic!

Our Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 6 - 99.1% Our whole school attendance this week is 96.8%.

As Autumn draws near, and the weather is changing, please ensure that all pieces of uniform are fully labelled. There is a tendency for the children to head out at breaktimes all wrapped up, then gradually lose layers as the breaktime unfolds.

Finally, this week we received the heart-breaking news this week that two of our former pupils have been involved in a serious car accident. They were such valued pupils, along with their siblings and parents, whilst in school and a big part of the Our Ladys family. We are praying deeply for their family and friends, sending much love and prayers for all who need it. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts over the weekend and coming weeks.

God bless

'So God created man in his own image, in the image of God.'

What a wonderful week we have had in school. It was a joy to open the gates on Monday morning to welcome all of our children, and families, back into school. The beautiful weather has really helped! The first week in school is always about reconnecting and forming new relationships with the class team, finding out about what they are learning and discovering all of the new adventures that they will have during the year. On Monday, we gathered for our first assembly and thought about all of the families that we belong to - they are so different. But the one family that we all belong to is God’s family. This year I have given all of our family members one mission, to be kind! We are all part of creation and we need to be stewards of it by looking after each other and by being kind. I think we can do it!

On Wednesday 13th September, the classrooms from Year 1 - Year 6 will be open from 3.30pm - 5.30pm. Please collect your child from school as normal. You may want to go home and come back or simply stay and pop in at 3.30pm. The children are really excited about showing you their new classrooms and where they put their things. The teaching team will be on hand to answer any questions that you may have too. Miss Woodend has come back to school as our new SENCO and will be in the hall for any SEN questions. We really hope that you can make it! Please do check the class website pages too - there is lots of information on there.

With any family, it never gets smaller, in fact it only gets bigger! In July, we said goodbye to our Year 6 children who all headed off to their new high schools. Once part of Our Ladys, always part of Our Ladys. I was filled with immense pride when some photos popped into my email earlier this week. We are so proud of all of our children - just how smart do they all look.

As one group of children leave us, another group of children join us. On Wednesday we welcomed our Reception children into school for the very first time. 27 children entered the classroom for the first time, amazed at what they saw and the exciting adventures that they will face this year. It is such a big step, starting primary school, but all children have done so with a huge smile on their face. We could not be prouder of you all!

Believe it or not, but we are already looking ahead to next year, ready to grow our Our Laad’s family even more. If you have a child who will be starting primary school in September 2024, the window is now open to apply. We are opening the school at various times for you to come and have a look around. Please see the poster for more details.

To apply for a primary school place, please click on the following link:

Lancashire School Admissions

If you have any questions at all, please do ring the office on 01253 726015.

Learning Role Models of the Week

Learning awards!

Demonstrating our virtues - intentional and prophetic!

Office News

There is something magical in new beginnings and  the new school year is no exception. The excitement, anticipation and air of hope is almost tangible. As has always been the case, our school office doors are open to assist, guide and support you in whichever way that we can and I do look forward to working with you and your family this year.

This school year, in line with Lancashire County Council’s meal charges, school dinners for Years 3 to 6 are £2.50 per meal or £12.50 per week or £82.50 for this first half term. We do ask that payment is prompt.

Unfortunately there are a number of outstanding dinner  accounts from the previous school year. I will be sending reminder letters shortly as we do have to recover overdue amounts in order to balance our books. Your support here would be appreciated.

I would also like to ask that if there have been any changes to your contact details that you inform the office ASAP so that our system can be updated.

Our Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 4 - 99.1% Our whole school attendance this week is 96.9%.

Back to School

All of the children have looked so shiny and new this week in their school uniforms. It has been nice to see the hoodies have been very popular, and along with the tracksuit, make our PE kit really smart. The hoodies are for PE kit days only. The school jumper and cardigan apply at the other times. Just a few reminders about our uniform policy:

  • For PE, the children need to wear trainers which are white, blue or black.

  • Hair needs to be tied back and if choosing to wear a headband, can this be in uniform colours too.

  • Some children have had their hair braided or dyed over the summer. Braids need to be plaited into the hair to avoid any injuries and dye needs to be removed.

Drop off and collection will remain the same this year:

Marsden and Harcourt 8.45am drop off Plessington and Bamber 8.50am drop off

Marsden and Harcourt 3.20pm collection Plessington and Bamber 3.25pm collection

The teachers will be sending the children out in this order at the end of the day. We really want to reduce the traffic around school, making it safer for our community. We have noticed a significant difference with this in the morning and after-school. Please be mindful where you park, especially near corners etc. And definitely not on the yellow lines or zig-zags.

When collecting your children, can I ask that you step back away from the classroom door. The teachers and staff are trying to get used to faces and for the children to be able to spot you. KS1 and Reception parents, if you can use the grass area - that would be great. Please can you communicate this message to other people who may pick your children up. We want a calm end of the day, free from any anxiety.

The website calendar has lots of important dates that you will need over the coming year; author visits and class assemblies are just two things that you will find on there. Please do keep a weekly check on the exciting things that are happening in school.

Many of our children attend breakfast and after-school club at St Thomas’ school. They are in need of some additional after-school staff. If you are interested, or know anybody who would be interested, please email stthomasasc@hotmail.co.uk

Enjoy your weekend with your families. Hopefully you may see a kite or two flying over the beach.

Mrs Gregan

"We all make so many new beginnings, there will never be an end."

“We all make so many new beginnings, there will never be an end.”
— Louise May Alcott

Welcome back to school for our new year together. There is always such a big build up to the summer holidays; I hope that you have managed to find some solace and rest, ready to start the new year together.

Over the past few weeks, the staff have been in school getting everything ready to welcome the children back in to their new classrooms. Change can often be unsettling, but we hope that with a familiar face in each classroom, the children will come back to school happy and feeling safe. The staff have worked incredibly hard to ensure that their learning environments are inclusive and engaging; ready to support the children on the exciting learning journeys that they will be experiencing this year.

We always talk in school about evolving. Are we doing everything that we can to meet the needs of our pupils? There are going to be some enrichment opportunities for the children throughout the year, which will really enhance the depth of learning that will already be taking place, as well as them being able to form relationships with other members of staff. Please keep checking the website each week so that you know what is coming up and can share the moments with your children.

Next Thursday, we will be walking to church as a whole-school community, ready to celebrate Our Lady’s birthday and start our new year together. We hope that you will be able to join us by walking down with us, or meeting us there to celebrate mass together.

Meet the Teaching Team

Each year we hold an induction night for parents to come and meet the teaching team, hearing all about what their children will be learning over the coming year. This year we are going to try something a little different. On Wednesday 13th September, from 3.30pm - 5.00pm, the classrooms will be open for you to come and have a look around with your child. We feel that it is important that your children share their new space with you, showing you spaces that are important to them and what they will be learning over the course of the year. There may even be one or two tasks for you to complete. The teaching team will be on hand to meet you all and to answer any questions that you may have. We hope that you will be able to pop in!

We look forward to welcoming all of the children from Year 1 to Year 6 on Monday. The same drop-off and collection arrangements will be in place. Our Reception children will be joining us on Wednesday for their phased induction into school.

God bless

Mrs Gregan

"If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it."

And so we have arrived at the end of the year. A year that has been full of precious memories and moments to be proud of. Sitting in church yesterday and seeing the vast numbers of people come to support the school like you did, it really took my breath away. I am so proud of our community this year. We have come together, moved forward and remained as strong as ever. There is so much to now look forward to next year. In our final assembly, I have challenged each of the children to be shining lights in our world - just like Jesus.

Our lovely Mrs Hodges

Over the past few days we have been saying goodbye to our wonderful Mrs Hodges. Today, in assembly, the children all presented her with their class made gifts and spoke about what they loved about her. There has been a steady stream of people in the office all day! Thank you from us all Mrs Hodegs for being you and for giving of yourself so selflessly. We are richer because of you. I am sure that Mrs Hodges will pop in next year from time to time. For now, we wish her the happiest of retirements.

“A heart is not judged by how much it can love, but how much it is loved by others.”

Each and every year, the staff team put on a wonderful show for the children as a thank you for all of their hard work over the year. This morning, The Wizard of Oz came to the stage. The staff team are unbelievable. They love your children so dearly and unconditionally. I am so blessed to work alongside them. Having read all of the report comments that have come in and the many emails that I have received, I know you think the world of them to.

Instead of the teachers and staff voting for the weekly learners of the week, the children in each class have voted for their learners of the year. Children who have gone above and beyond in their classrooms and showed such kindness. Thank you to all of these children for being such wonderful role models.

All that remains is for me to wish you all the most wonderful summer holiday. Thank you for your support throughout the year and we look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 4th September.

God Bless

Mrs Gregan

“Whoever listens to you listens to me" - Luke 10:16

In this week’s gospel, we hear about the benefit of listening. How Jesus used stories and parables to enable people to listen and access the messages that he was trying to share. Like any good teacher, Jesus knew the people who he was speaking to. He knew how they would respond, how they would listen and what would engage them. Sometimes we do an awful lot of talking when in fact, just listening is the key. It helps us all to have consistent messages and to come together in union for a common cause.

Last Saturday, members of our school and parish community came together to walk in St Annes Carnival, and what a lovely morning it was. We had families from Reception to Year 6 walk with us, waving flags and smiling to all. Thank you to everyone who walked, who waved, who smiled and who cheered. It was a very special morning and a lovely way for our community to come together.

The children are all bringing home their end of year reports today. I have loved every minute of reading just what journey each child has been on this year. Beyond the academic achievements, there is such evidence of confidence, resilience, friendships and independence; all of which need to be celebrated. Each and every child have been on their own journey, never to be compared to anyone else. Please do read the report carefully with your children and the information that is in the envelope too. There is an unbelievable amount to celebrate - I am incredibly proud of each and every child. They really are true gifts from God. Immense gratitude goes towards our staff team who have all contributed to the progress that your children have made this year. They really do love your children unconditionally; they provide challenge, comfort, support and humour - just when they need it the most. We may not always get it right, what human does? But we have worked with you, hand in hand, to ensure that your child is happy and safe; always reflecting on ways to do things differently.

We always like to receive feedback on the year your child has had in school, and their report. Please use the button below to do this. Thank you.

We are OPEN!

Yesterday, we opened the castle for the very first time. After a ribbon cutting ceremony, where Mrs Hodges did the honours, we spoke about how exciting this project was and how the children had been instrumental in its design. I think it is a big win! The children have spent the past few days exploring it, reading in it, acting in it and climbing. If the school Wi-fi is strong enough, you may just find me in there too!

Exciting Learners

I have really loved walking around school this week; the buzz of learning is so infectious everywhere I have been. From spaghetti bolognaise in Year 5, to stay and play in Reception, the final judo session for our Reception and Year 1 children and final parent interviews in Year 4. We have a wealth of knowledge with the professions that our parents do. Some of them, very kindly, came into school to share what they do with our Year 4 children as part of their geography unit of work.

Some tough questioning took place:

  • Can your job be dangerous?

  • Do you ever take your child to work?

  • How many years have you been doing your current job?

  • What is your favourite thing about your job?

  • How long does it take to get to work?

  • Where is the most exciting place?

Thank you to all of the parents who have given up their time to support the children’s learning.

Learning Role Models of the Week

Demonstrating our virtues

Learning Awards

Our Weekly Attendance

Well done to Year 1 - 99% Our whole school attendance this week is 95.7%. Much, much better than last week!

Office News

So much to say and such little space! We have endeavoured to reach each and every Y5 and Y6 parent to ensure that everyone could have the best allocation of Play tickets to suit their need. Tickets are still going out and we have only a handful left now. Please do contact the office ASAP if any more are needed.

Dinner money - there are still debts and we urge everyone to ensure that they are paid up to date by next Thursday - debts only roll forward to September and it’s not a good start to the year. We will be texting/ringing/writing as appropriate to urge parents to clear accounts in debit.

In September, in line with Lancashire County Council’s meal charges, we will be increasing our dinner charges for paid KS2 children’s meals to £2.50 per meal - £12.50 per week. We never like passing on increases but unfortunately we have no choice. Please remember, especially in these tricky times, if you feel that your circumstances have changed and you may qualify for free school meals, then come to the office and see Mrs Nel who will find you the appropriate form - it’s all very simple and LCC will then check your eligibility. It’s an entirely private and discreet process but it can help even if only in a small way.

Our Final Week

As we move into our final week of the year, there are still an awful lot of memories to be made. On Monday and Tuesday, our Year 5 and 6 children will be putting on their end of year celebratory play, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. There are still tickets available for all performances - do contact the office if you need one. We would love for our wider community to experience the play. The times of the play are:

Monday 17th - 6.30pm

Tuesday 18th - 9.30am and 6.30pm

Our Leavers’ Mass will be at 9.30am on Wednesday. We would really appreciate lots of help walking to and from church. It is a mass for our Year 6 children, Mrs Hodges and the Maj family, all of whom are leaving us this summer. Mrs Hodges has supported so many families, I am sure you will want to join us at mass for her and to say thank you for all that she has done.

Bamber has won the house points for this half term! Yellow can be worn on Thursday, our last day, to celebrate! Well done Bamber.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Gregan