11th October 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
PARKING AT ST GEORGE’S
We have had reports from parents this term about some issues with driving and parking on the school site. These issues are related to drivers:
- Leaving their cars unattended in the lane to collect their child, and therefore causing an obstruction when cars begin to move;
- Skipping cars queueing in the lane to get to the top of the queue, or turning around in Nunsfield Court, having left their car to collect their child;
- Aggressive behaviour, shouting and swearing at other parents and staff;
- Lack of patience in allowing other drivers to complete their manoeuvres while parking, causing a risk of collision;
- Speeding on school grounds;
- Not adhering to the ‘reverse parking only’ rule, which is part of our school risk assessment which enables us to keep a safer environment for pedestrians.
I have previously written to parents about these issues and they still persist. I understand the pressures of the school run but I would remind parents that everybody is in a hurry, and no one person is more important that another.
Dangerous driving and offensive behaviour of any sort cannot and will not be tolerated in our school.
The Governors and the Headteacher kindly invite parents to make use of our playground for drop off and pick up on the basis that they agree to adhere to the rules of our one-way system, and are respectful, patient and considerate while on school grounds, both to staff and to other parents.
However, should any parent feel that they cannot agree to these things, they are invited to park off site and walk to collect their child. This is non-negotiable and abusive behaviour and dangerous, inconsiderate driving will not be tolerated.
We are very lucky at St George’s to be able to make use of the parking facilities here. Unlike many local schools, we offer cars access to the school site as a gesture of goodwill to our parents and pupils. We should not take this for granted. Ultimately, the safety of every member of our school community, especially our children, is paramount and this will not be compromised.
I attach a reminder of the rules of our one-way system to the newsletter for the second week running, in the hope that it will bring about much needed positive change.
Finally, I would like to thank the many members of our school community who are consistently seen to follow the rules and show kindness and patience to other drivers and pedestrians. It is greatly appreciated.
Harvest Festival
You may have noticed that we have provided two dates for our Harvest Festival this year. This is due to higher than expected numbers in attendance at last years’ service that made the event feel unsafe.
This year, we are inviting Key Stage 1 and EYFS parents to attend the Harvest Festival on Thursday 24th October, and Key Stage 2 parents to attend on Friday 25th October. All classes will perform at both events, meaning if you have siblings in KS1 and KS2, you can attend one event and will still see both children participate. We warmly invite you to attend, and to join in with some familiar Harvest songs! We look forward to seeing you there.
Harvest Mass – Sunday 20th October 2024
We will hold our annual Harvest Family Mass this year at St George’s Church on Sunday 20th October. This will be at 9.15am. We are asking that members of the choir are present to add their lovely voices to the occasion. In addition, if your child is interested in reading at the Mass, do encourage them to let me know and I will try my best to find them a part. This will be on a first come, first served basis and selected children will receive a permission slip and a copy of their reading to take home. Readers will need to be available on the day and arrive at Church early, at 9.00am, so we can prepare. We hope you can join us!
Temporary Cleaning Hours available at school
We have some temporary cleaning hours available at the moment due to staff illness. This will likely be for several months in the first instance. The hours are after school Monday to Friday, and if your child is a pupil, the school may be able to support with free childcare. If you believe you can support us with this, please get in touch with the school office.
Flu Vaccinations
The vaccination team will be visiting school on Monday 4th November to administer flu nasal vaccinations. Please remember to complete the decision form even if you do not want your child to receive the vaccination. The link is below and our unique school code is SM123851.
https://www.somersetsaint.co.uk/Forms/Flu
We hope you have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes,
Edwina McDonnell
Headteacher
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday 15th October – Open Day for Prospective Parents – 9.30am tour of the school
Wednesday 16th Oct – Year 3 pupils will attend 9.30am Mass at Church – parents welcome
Thursday 17th October – EYFS Phonics Meeting – 2.50pm (School Hall)
Sunday 20th October – Harvest Family Mass – 9.15am at St George’s Catholic Church
Monday 21st October – Parents’ Evening 5.00 pm – 7.30 pm (School Hall)
Tuesday 22nd October – Year 4 pupils will attend 9.30am Mass at Church – parents welcome
Tuesday 22nd October – Parents’ Evening 3.00 pm – 5.30 pm (School Hall)
Thursday 24th October – KS1 Harvest Festival Service in School – 9.30am
Friday 25th October – KS2 Harvest Festival Service in School, 9.30am
Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November - SCHOOL CLOSED (Half-Term)
Monday 4th November – SCHOOL OPEN (Flu Vaccination Day)
