Newsletter 15.09.23, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 15th Sep 2023 @ 2:08pm

Dear Parents/Carers,

With the first full week under our belts, I would like to commend the pupils on how well they have got back into school routines. One of our school core values is determination, shown on a daily basis by our pupils to overcome challenges, no matter how big or small. From learning to zip up coats, to holding a conversation in Spanish, the determination shown by our pupils never fails to impress me.

School Games Gold Award

I am very proud to tell you that we have been awarded the School Games Gold Mark from the government this year. This is an award scheme that celebrates schools that go above and beyond in their commitment to competitive sport and physical activity through school and with the community. Thankyou to Miss Johnstone, the staff and of course our amazing children for their involvement.

Parents' Evening

Parents' Evenings will take place on Monday 16^th and Tuesday 17^th October. 

(NB Y4 Mrs Hurst/Mrs Collier will be Tuesday 17^th and Wednesday 18^th October)

Message from Mrs Carver and Mrs Holden

We are delighted to inform you that children’s author Lindsay Littleson is visiting Marus Bridge on Monday 13^th November to deliver two whole-school assemblies and creative writing workshops for Years 4, 5 and 6.  During the assemblies, Lindsay will read an extract from one or two of her novels and finish with a pupil question and answer session. There will also be a book signing slot at the end of the day for children who purchase books – order forms will be available closer to the time. The children will have a fantastic day with Lindsay, and this will be an amazing opportunity for them to work with an inspirational published author. For the visit, we are requesting a voluntary contribution of £2 per family via Parentmail. 

Have a lovely weekend everyone,

Mr Aldridge

Gold Mark School Games Mark, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 14th Sep 2023 @ 9:39am

A new and exciting chapter for our PTA, FOMBA, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 12th Sep 2023 @ 12:23pm

Dear Parents/Carers,

As the students are welcomed back to school this week for a new and exciting year, the school’s parent and teachers’ association ‘FOMBA’ is also looking forward to a new chapter.

After several fantastic years at the helm, the current committee is stepping down and we are hoping some fresh blood will help this fantastic charity to continue to grow, so we can provide even more support to our school.

For those parents who are new to Marus Bridge or aren’t sure; what Is FOMBA?

FOMBA (Friends of Marus Bridge Association) is a charity registered organisation which has been established to enhance the education of the pupils at Marus Bridge.

Members are volunteers consisting of both parents and staff who work collaboratively to raise funds which supports Marus Bridge in enhancing the children’s school experience. We organise and host fund-raising activities throughout the year, the proceeds of which enable us to support and fund many school initiatives that the school budget just simply cannot cover.

We always endeavour to spend our funds in ways that will benefit all our children, across all areas of the school and curriculum. We always aim high with our ambitions!

A message from the new Chair

As we start this new and exciting chapter for FOMBA, I would like to introduce myself and the new committee members.

Chair – Adam Jones

Vice Chair - Sarah Halsall

Treasurer - Rebecca Jones

Secretary - Sarah Bentley

“Many hands make light work” so we are now actively on the hunt for as many volunteers to join us as possible. We only meet once a term on a Monday evening, so the demand on your time is not too heavy.

Our first open meeting is on Monday 11th September at 5:30pm and we would love to see as many of you there as possible. If you would like to get involved but cannot attend for any reason, we are more than happy to welcome you via Teams.

If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call on 07730 131000 or drop me an email to adamjones.fomba@gmail.com.

Thank you.

Mr A. Jones

We look forward to seeing you soon,

FOMBA committee.

SEND Event, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 11th Sep 2023 @ 9:04am

Wigan Parent Carer Forum are are holding a  SEND event on 25/9/23 in Hindley (Please see attached flyer)

Places can be booked via the following link- 
www.ticketsource.co.uk/wigan-parent-carer-forum

Final Newsletter 2023, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 21st Jul 2023 @ 12:27pm

Dear Parents/Carers,

Goodbye and Good Luck!

I’m sure all the parents will join me in saying good luck to our wonderful Y6 children – they have been a fabulous cohort and the show they put on this morning was incredible. It represented their wonderful journey through Marus Bridge and commemorated their best memories. You are all set for the next stage in your education and lives!

Thankyou!

Firstly, thankyou for the extraordinarily kind words and gifts this week – unbelievable generosity. Again, your engagement and support is unwavering and we cannot thank you enough. Thankyou to every member of staff at our school, who cumulatively ensure the children get a great deal every single day. Finally, it’s thankyou to the children – we could not be prouder of you!.

Goodbye and Welcome Back

All the very best and thankyou to Miss Draper who has completed her year’s maternity cover with us. She has secured a new teaching post for next year and I know she will continue to flourish in it. Congratulations and good luck to Mr Winstanley, who has passed his teacher training year with flying colours. He has also secured his first full teaching post and has a very successful future ahead. Welcome back to Mrs Hurst from her maternity leave, returning to teach in Y4.

Governors and FOMBA

Thankyou to our chair of governors Kathryn Catterall, vice-chair Kieron Davies and the rest of the body for their challenge, support and representation over the year. I will be writing to you soon about vacancies on the board – please see separate PM. Similarly, thankyou to the outgoing members of FOMBA and welcome to the new; more details to follow from the team.

Uniforms

Please visit our website (Parent section) for all details on our school and PE uniforms. PE uniforms will continue to be worn for the full day. https://www.marusbridge.co.uk/page/school-uniform-policy/139220

Reading newsletter

Please take a look at the final reading newsletter of the year – thankyou to Mrs Holden and our reading ambassadors for the work they have done on it. Thankyou too for taking the time out of busy schedules to have a read with your children this summer! Have look at the link for some reading fun over the holidays! https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

Back to School!

The Autumn terms begins on Tuesday 5^th September. Registration is between 8.45am and 8.55am. A reminder that school will close at 3.15pm from September onwards.

Once again, thankyou for your support, smiles and kindness over the year - I will look forward to seeing you all in September.

Mr Aldridge

Compulsory Games Kit from September, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 19th Jun 2023 @ 8:50pm

New online safety hub, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 14th Jun 2023 @ 10:13am

As an offer for our families, we have signed up to Smoothwalls On-Line Safety Hub. They are the leading practitioners in the digital safety world. You can access this using the following link:

https://Marusbridge.onlinesafetyhub.uk

The Online Safety Hub is a brand new online resource with lots of expert advice and guidance to further support our families and their children at home. It includes information on the latest hot topics when it comes to keeping children safe, such as how to manage your child's screen time, understand the latest gaming platforms, what they mean for your child's safety and lots more.

It also has a 'request' feature which allows you to contact the company if there is a particular platform, app or game your child is using that you may want further information about.

You can access this anytime from your child's class page or the parents section of our website. 

Reading Sheds, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 14th Jun 2023 @ 9:17am

Dear Parents/Carers,
Hopefully, you will have noticed our brand new Reading Sheds outside our classrooms. These are stocked with beautiful new books and are accessible to our children on daily basis. They will work on a swap in / swap out basis. Please take the time to have a look inside the sheds with your child and select one to take home and enjoy. When finished, please return and swap for a new one. A great time to take a peek would be at drop off and pick up times.
Happy reading!

Y6 Football Winners, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 7th Jun 2023 @ 5:43pm

Well done to our Y6 football team who had a fabulous win this evening against Winstanley Primary School.

Newsletter 26.5.23, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 26th May 2023 @ 4:36pm

Reading ambassador Newsletter Summer 1, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 26th May 2023 @ 11:57am

Please have a look at our latest reading newsletter and see whats been going on in school. 

Newsletter 15.05.23, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 15th May 2023 @ 9:34am

Dear Parents/Carers,

Congratulations to Y6 on completing their SATs tests last week. We could not be prouder. They have done their best, which is simply all we ask for of all our children. They enjoyed a party and games this afternoon and will no doubt be ready for a rest this weekend! Thank you to all the Y6 team and parents/carers who have supported our pupils this week and over the course of the year.

National Numeracy Day

Next Wednesday is National Numeracy Day, where pupils will have a day that is centred around the more practical elements of maths, such as shape, space and measures. No dressing up required for this one!

Sports day 2023

Please see Miss Johnstone’s parent mail yesterday for all the details of this year’s event. As always, it will be run traditionally, taking part on the school field with everyone involved.

Wednesday 24th May

Early Years Sports Day 9.30 – 11.00

KS1 Sports Day (Y1 and 2) 1.15 – 2.45

Thursday 25th May

UKS2 Sports Day (Y5 and 6) 9.30 – 11.00

LKS2 Sports Day (Y3 and 4) 1.15 – 2.45

National Smile Month – Brush for Better health

The Oral Health Foundation are raising the awareness and importance of teeth brushing over the coming month.  Reception Class are signing up the Let’s Get Brushin’ Scheme, where children will receive free toothbrushes and a fun visit the team at Wigan Healthy Schools. As always, children’s health remains a high priority at school 

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday 17^th May - Numeracy Day

Monday 22^nd - Wednesday 24^th May - Y6 PGL residential

Wednesday 24^th May – Sports day - Reception Class AM. Y1 and Y2 PM

Thursday 25^th May – Sports day - Y5 and 6 AM. Y3 and Y4 PM

Friday 26^th May – School closes for half-term

Monday 5^th June – School closed INSET day

Tuesday 6^th June – School reopens for summer term 2

Tuesday 6^th June – Music Alive – KS2 performance

Wednesday 7^th June SRE meeting for parents of Y5&6 pupils. 3.30PM on TEAMS (see separate parent mail)

Thursday 8^th – Friday 9^th June – Y5 London Trip

Thankyou for your ongoing support,

Mr Aldridge

Wigan Warriors Community Foundation, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 11th May 2023 @ 1:48pm

Recently, we visited

Newsletter 28.04.2023, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 2nd May 2023 @ 10:50am

Dear Parents/Carers,

Another week has flown by and a very busy one at that! Miss Foxwell's class did themselves proud in their assembly this morning – a Florence Nightingale themed extravaganza!  We have had a science themed adventure this week – the visits from beekeepers and wildlife experts have certainly been highlights (I imagine a pet mouse has been added to a few birthday lists since yesterday, too!). Thankyou to Mrs Bower and the staff for coordinating such an immersive and enjoyable week for our children.

NEU Industrial Action

School will be open to all classes this coming Tuesday 2^nd May.

Attendance Awards

We gave out attendance awards in assembly today. Aside from illness, we aim for children to attend school everyday - avoiding holidays in term time and therefore maximising the progress they make at school. The school holiday patterns for the next two years can be found in the parents section of our website under ‘Term Dates’.

The Book Sheds 

You may well have noticed the appearance of sheds with black doors outsides classrooms around school. These will soon be open on a daily basis at the end of the school day, housing age appropriate books for pupils to borrow and enjoy. 

Kings Coronation Celebration

A reminder that on Friday 5^th May we will be holding a celebration day for the King’s Coronation. Children will be invited to wear red, white and blue, with various coronation themed activities being held throughout the day.

Upcoming Dates:

Monday 1^st May - Bank Holiday - School closed

Friday 5^th May – King’s Coronation Celebration  (details to follow from Mrs Miller)

Monday 8^th May - Bank Holiday - School closed
Tuesday 9^th – Friday 12^th May – Y6 SATs

Wednesday 17^th May - Numeracy Day (details to follow from Mrs Boffey)

Monday 22^nd - Wednesday 24^th May - Y6 PGL residential

Wednesday 24^th May – Sportsday - Reception Class AM. Y1 and Y2 PM (exact timings to follow next week)

Thursday 25^th May – Sportsday - Y5 and 6 AM. Y3 and Y4 PM (exact timings to follow next week)

Friday 26^th May – School closes for half-term

Monday 5^th June – School closed INSET day

Tuesday 6^th June – School reopens for summer term 2

Wednesday 6^th June – Music Alive – KS2 performance

Thursday 8^th – Friday 9^th June – Y5 London Trip

Have a lovely extended weekend whatever your plans are.

Mr Aldridge

King's Coronation Celebration, by Mrs Miller

Date: 25th Apr 2023 @ 11:28am

Newsletter 21.04.23, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 21st Apr 2023 @ 2:22pm

Dear Parents/Carers,

We have had a great week back in school and nice weather (bar today!) to compliment it too. Well done to Mrs Bower's class for putting on a great show this morning for parents and pupils – I have heard a lot of wonderful feedback about it!

New Starters September

We are looking forward to welcoming siblings and new starters to our reception class in September. There are a small number spaces still available, therefore if you know of any friends or family who have not got their place or preferred choice for their child, please ask them to get in touch directly with us. J

NEU Industrial Action

As I am sure you will be aware, the National Education Union (NEU) is asking its members to take industrial action (strike days) on Thursday 27^th April and Tuesday 2^nd May, over pay, conditions and funding. On this occasion, our school will not be affected and remain open to all classes on the two days. To add context, teachers at our school subscribe in the main to two unions, the NEU and NASUWT, the second of which do not presently have confirmed dates for similar action.

Sportsday

We will be holding our traditional sportdays (weather permitting) at the end of this half term. All spectators welcome. The dates for this year are (exact timings will follow):

Wednesday 24^th May – Reception Class in the morning. Y1 and Y2 in the afternoon.

Thursday 25^th May – Y5 and 6 in the morning. Y3 and Y4 in the afternoon.

Kings Coronation Celebration

On Friday 5^th May we will be holding a celebration day for the King’s Coronation. Children will be invited to wear red, white and blue, with various coronation themed activities being held throughout the day. Look out for further details from Mrs Miller.

Book Fair – Message from Mrs Bower:

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Book Fair.

As usual, you have done us proud - thank you. You have earned a fabulous £873 in rewards to spend on books for the children.

INSET Day

A reminder that school will be closed for INSET on Monday 5^th June.

Reading Newsletter

As you know, we love reading at Marus Bridge and the latest reading newsletter from Mrs Holden (sent yesterday) really showcases the inspiring activities and reading experiences children get and how enthusiastic our children are too! We aim for 4 home reads per week with our children, to help them develop reading fluency, skills and confidence.

Upcoming Dates:

Next Week - Science Week – The theme is ‘Connections Through Nature’

Friday 28^th April – Miss Foxwell’s Y1 Class Assembly @9.00am

Monday 1^st May - Bank Holiday - School closed

Friday 5^th May – King’s Coronation Celebration  (details to follow from Mrs Miller)

Monday 8^th May - Bank Holiday - School closed
Tuesday 9^th – Friday 12^th May – Y6 SATs

Wednesday 17^th May - Numeracy Day (details to follow from Mrs Boffey)

Monday 22^nd - Wednesday 24^th May - Y6 PGL residential

Wednesday 24^th May – Sportsday - Reception Class AM. Y1 and Y2 PM.

Thursday 25^th May – Sportsday - Y5 and 6 AM. Y3 and Y4 PM.

Friday 26^th May – School Closes for Half Term

Monday 5^th June – School closed INSET day

Tuesday 6^th June – School reopens for summer term 2

Have a great weekend,

Mr Aldridge

Reading Ambassador Newsletter, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 31st Mar 2023 @ 4:13pm

Welcome to our first ever reading ambassador newsletter. Have a read through and see what fabulous reading has been taking place in school. 

Easter Egg competition, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 27th Mar 2023 @ 3:50pm

What an egg-cellent competition we have had this year! Well done to everyone who took part in the Easter egg competition, you should have all recieved a little chocolatey treat for your superrb efforts – we had some smashing entries! It was such a hard decision and the judges were really scratching their heads. Here are all our fabulous creations and the final decisions. 

Newsletter 24th March 2023, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 26th Mar 2023 @ 5:57pm

Wigan Today Class Act, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 21st Mar 2023 @ 10:46am

Check out the class act feature from our equality & diversity week at Wigan Today online. Out in print today in this weeks Wigan Observer. Click the link to see more

https://www.wigantoday.net/education/class-act-marus-bridge-primary-school-4069948

School PTA AGM - We need you, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 21st Mar 2023 @ 10:19am

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We would like to invite you all to the next AGM (Annual General Meeting) on Wednesday 19^th April at 3.05pm. The meeting is a fantastic opportunity for parents to meet the committee members of the PTA (FOMBA) and to learn more about how getting involved can really benefit our children and our school. The meeting takes place once each year, offering new volunteers the opportunity to run for a place on the committee whilst giving everyone the chance to vote for who they think is most suitable for each role.  It is also the time for current committee members to stand down, making way for new faces with fresh ideas. Past and present committee members are of course welcome to re-run if they would like to continue supporting the PTA.

In order for FOMBA to continue, we really need lots of you to attend this meeting and to offer your help, as several of the current committee members are preparing to stand down as their children get ready to move on to high school. We know that it feels like a big commitment to offer your services and join the PTA but with good communication and teamwork, it really doesn’t have to be. And just to give you a reminder of what FOMBA have managed to support and/or provide over the years please see below;

Playground Equipment

Library Books

School Trips

Educational Visits

Summer Fair

Christmas Markets

Discos

These things have all been either funded by FOMBA or subsidised by FOMBA and have benefitted our children in so many ways.

We know that a lot of you struggle to attend meetings due to work and other commitments and we have really tried to take this into consideration going forward. The meeting will take place in school straight after pick up and one of the teachers has very kindly offered to stay behind to take care of all those children that have adults wanting to attend the meeting.

Parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, guardians, please try your best to attend the meeting and help us out, because we really cannot continue FOMBA unless we have sufficient numbers within the committee.

Thank you,

Your FOMBA Team

17th March Newsletter, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 17th Mar 2023 @ 2:28pm

Dear Parents/Carers,

17th February Newsletter, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 17th Feb 2023 @ 5:32pm

Dear Parents/Carers,

Yesterday we enjoyed Mrs Riley's superb class assembly about the great fire of London. It was a fitting way to end the term and a chance to wish Mrs Riley all the best before beginning her maternity leave next week. Miss Kelly will be taking over in her class fully after half-term. I know everyone will make her feel welcome over the coming weeks and months. Mrs Fisher will take over as Key Stage One leader during Mrs Riley’s absence.

Diversity Day

Diversity Day was a real hit with all our pupils. Through our curriculum we continually aim to broaden our children's understanding of our multicultural society and celebrate the differences between us. As well as taking part in a variety of activities, pupils have also enjoyed visits from a number of inspirational members of our community. More to follow on our social media pages.

Disco

The Valentine's Disco's went down a storm on Wednesday. The children looked great and had lots of fun. It takes time and effort to put on such events, therefore I would like to thank the FOMBA members and teachers who went out of their way to plan, organise and volunteer. These events simply cannot happen without you.

Playground 

Over the coming weeks you will notice more fixed play and climbing equipment being fitted on both the infant and junior yards. This has been part funded by the money raised in last year’s healthy living week. This is an example of how your generosity and help in fundraising for/with our school can have such an impact for our pupils and lasting legacy for the school.

Parents' Evening

This term's parents' evenings will take place on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st March. Booking forms will be sent out by the office in due course. If, in the meantime, there is something you wish to discuss with your child's teacher, then do get in touch. We look forward to sharing their great work with you.

World Book Day

World Book Day for Marus Bridge is on Friday 3rd March. Lots of exciting activities will be going on. Please refer to Mrs Holden’s parent mail earlier this week. To kick start Book Day celebrations we welcome the Pop Project to do a special musical assembly on Tuesday 28th February – kindly funded by FOMBA. The theme is seven decades of books and should be great fun.

Finally, as the half-term comes to an end, I would like to say well-done to our pupils and thankyou to our staff, helpers and parents/carers – you make our school the special place it is.

Mr Aldridge

Our visit to Jodrell Bank, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 15th Feb 2023 @ 5:41pm

We have had a fantatsic day at Jodrell Bank to help us understand more about out topic on Space.  It was an amazing day!

Newsletter, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 20th Jan 2023 @ 3:54pm

Dear Parents /Carers,

Well done to Miss Draper’s Y4 Class on an entertaining and informative assembly – great singing and amateur theatrics too! It certainly reflected the enthusiasm for reading that is instilled in our pupils, as well as the progress in writing they are making all of the time. Thank you therefore for your support with home reading – it really does have an ongoing and long-lasting impact.

Industrial Action

You will likely be aware from media coverage of the upcoming industrial action by members in the National Education Union (NEU) and the reasoning behind it. There are four proposed dates for strike action, which are as follows:

• Wednesday 1 February 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales.
• Tuesday 28 February 2023: all eligible members in the following English regions: Northern, North West, Yorkshire & The Humber.
• Wednesday 15 March 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales.
• Thursday 16 March 2023: all eligible members in England and Wales.

On this occasion, I do not expect the action to affect our school, however I will inform you ASAP next week should that situation change.

Online Safety – National College

This week Y5 enjoyed a workshop from Wigan Safeguarding Team all about staying safe, particularly when online. The landscape is always changing online and sometimes it’s difficult to keep up with what is current and what safety measures we should be putting into place online for our children. The link below is for the National Online Safety platform that we use in school and that you can have free access to. You can create your own account by going to the following website and using the school name. https://nationalonlinesafety.com/  Once registered, you will have free access to all the parent resources, including short videos and guides to support you at home with things such as online gaming, social media and online safety.

Attendance

With so many bugs around at the moment, attendance has naturally dipped over the past few weeks. Please can I ask that family holidays are booked in school holiday periods and not during term time. I really appreciate your support with this.

PCSO Visit

We had a visit from our new local Police Community Support Officer this week, who introduced himself to our children (who were very excited!) and briefly spoke about his role in the community. He will be visiting again to answer further questions about his job and career in the coming weeks.

Snow

A reminder that should we need to close school due to snow, we will communicate via parentmail as soon as a decision has been made. (There isn’t any forecast by the way – at least I hope not!)

Dates:

Friday 3^rd February - Mrs Capstick’s Class Assembly

Tuesday 14^th February – Safer Internet Day

Thursday 16^th February – Miss Riley’s Class Assembly

Friday 17^th February – Diversity Day 2023. School closes for February half term

Monday 27^th February School re-opens.  

It has been great seeing you on the gate and around school this week. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Mr Aldridge