: News items
Local Christmas Events around St Paul's Church and the community, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 1st Dec 2023 @ 11:06am
Please see information from Rev. Mark Wade at St Paul's Church with upcoming events.
Christmas markets
Join us for our Christmas markets with stalls and fun, our stage where local choirs and bands playing.
Also our nativity trail and to book see the information below!
Our Nativity Trail is back and better than ever for 2023.
✨ Get into the Christmas spirit and get children to take part in the greatest story ever told.
✨ Follow the Wise Men and Shepherds on the mission to find the new born king, born under the light of a heavenly star.
✨ See Mary and Joseph and the new baby Jesus asleep in his manger.
✨ Be a part of the magic of Christmas, finishing your visit off with a pitstop to see old St Nick!
Tickets are available via the link below - this is sure to be another sellout event, so get yours today
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nativity-trail-tickets-763856935657
Emotionally Friendly Schools Bronze Level Accreditation, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 28th Nov 2023 @ 11:52am
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our school has achieved Emotionally Friendly Schools Bronze Level Accreditation.
We are the 12th school within Wigan Local Authority to achieve this level. This award recognises the hard work and commitment to whole school emotional health and well-being.
The panel were so impressed with our strategic, whole school approach which has been taken in school promoting emotional health and well-being. They also commented on our person-centred approach to gaining a child’s views and supporting them in their education journey.
"There is a clear whole school commitment, with wonderful examples of promoting emotional health and well-being and it was clear from the visit that this truly is a team approach at Marus Bridge."
Newsletter 17.11.23, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 20th Nov 2023 @ 8:22am
Dear Parents/Carers,
Great work from Mrs Capstick's Y3s this morning. Fun and informative with great ideas about how to stay safe online. Speaking of which, a number of parents got lots from our online safety workshop this week – should you require further information or guidance, please check out our online safety hub.
Home - Marus Bridge Primary School - Hub (onlinesafetyhub.uk)
There are two attachments this week relating to Christmas, including key dates and Christmas Jumper arrangements. Please take a look. I'll ask the office to send out separately too. Lots of exciting and enriching activities to look forward to over the coming weeks, with our wonderful friends at FOMBA adding an extra bit of sparkle to proceedings.
Core Value Award
Our core values are displayed throughout school and we strive (both pupils and staff) to live them out each day in everything we do. The focus for this term is kindness and respect with different pupils from each key stage being awarded a weekly certificate and trophy. See our FB page and website for all the details and for this week's winners!
Thankyou for looking after our office staff when you contact them or pop into school; they have vast responsibility in the smooth running of school and in keeping me organised - please treat them with kindness and respect.
Christmas Support
As we approach Christmas, again this year, we are supporting our families ensuring that they can experience the joy and warmth of the special season. We are able to refer our families to agencies where you can have the opportunity to go along and choose your own Christmas food and gifts. If you are struggling financially and would otherwise be unable to provide gifts for your family and enjoy a Christmas dinner, festive treats and a Christmas Eve Box – please telephone Mrs Bish, Pastoral Manager – 01942 24129 who will be happy to complete a referral. Please note the closing date is Friday 1st December 2023. This is a confidential service.
Road Safety Week
It's road safety week next week and we will be reminding children how to take care on our streets. I wrote to you last week about taking extra care at the busy junction on Warrington Road. Please see links below to look at with your children should you wish to.
Video link for Beep Beep for EYFS & KS1 https://youtu.be/0cV6V7SNgVw
Link to Videos for KS2 https://www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week/resources-for-educators#films-to-raise-awareness-about-speed
Have a great weekend,
Mr Aldridge
Christmas Jumper Day & Christmas Carol singalong, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 16th Nov 2023 @ 2:47pm
Anti-Bullying Week, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 6th Nov 2023 @ 9:58am
See flyer for more details for next week.
Newsletter 03.11.23, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 6th Nov 2023 @ 8:31am
Dear Parents/Carers,
We were back with a bang this week, straight into Halloween discos that went down a treat. It was the new look FOMBA's first event and I would like to thank them and all our volunteers and staff for helping on the night and for their organisation, creativity and smiles. Speaking of smiles, the choir sang marvellously in assembly this morning and are now moving on to some Christmassy numbers, with the aim of singing in the community soon. The school choir is open to all in KS2 (currently we have no boys!) - if you think your child might be interested, then do sign them up via the school office.
It's only just November, but...Christmas!
As usual, we have a busy schedule over the festive period, so Mrs Atkinson has kindly put everything together on one page so that you know what is happening and when. Last year we enjoyed a carol service with KS2 at St. Paul's church, unfortunately it is under renovation, so we have put in other activities for KS2 in school. Please see Mrs Atkinson's separate PM for the full run down.
Support at Christmas
This year, we are again supporting families who may be struggling with financial hardship and would otherwise be unable to provide gifts for the family and enjoy a Christmas dinner and festive treats. If you or someone you know are struggling and feel this would help, please contact Mrs Bish Pastoral Manager either by phone 01942 248129 or email k.bish@marusbridge.co.uk This is a confidential service and is not means tested.
Mental Health Awareness - Message from the Pastoral and EFS team
At Marus Bridge we fully support and understand the importance Mental Health and Well Being has in a child’s life. We want our pupils to thrive academically, emotionally, personally and socially and to do this they may need that little extra advice and support. The Pastoral and Emotional Friendly School team have created an informative leaflet that is packed with organisations, contact numbers and website links for parents and pupils. These leaflets can be located in the KS2 library for pupils. It's a great resource which parents can also find copies of at the school entrance. We will be speaking to pupils in assembly to reinforce this message and to explain what and where the leaflets can be found.
Dates (please also check SeeSaw for updates):
- 7/11/23 School Tour (new starters 24)
- 8/11/23 School Tours (new starters 24)
- 13/11/23 Odd Socks Day (start of anti-bullying week)
- 14/11/23 School Tour (new starters 24)
- 15/11/23 Digital Safety (online meeting 6.30pm)
- 11/12/23 Y3 Road Safety
- 13/12/23 Whole School Panto
- 15/12/23 Christmas Jumper Day - The Brick Donations
- 19/12/23 KS1 Christmas Carols
- 20/12/23 Reception Nativity
- 22/12/23 School Closes 1pm
- 8/1/24 INSET DAY
- 9/1/24 School opens for Spring Term
Newsletter 20.10.23, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 20th Oct 2023 @ 11:43am
Dear Parents/Carers,
Miss Johnstone’s class assembly was a wonderful way to close the term, singing and speaking with gusto and looking the part too – well done to you all!
Parents' Evening
Thankyou for the feedback from parents’ evening - very positive and as always some useful suggestions we can act on to better our service to you. It is always a pleasure seeing you all and absorbing the interactions around the room.
Digital Online Safety Meeting
We are running a workshop dedicated to helping parents understand the risks young people face online and the practical things you can do to help. This session will cover gaming, social media and web browsing, with opportunities to ask questions and have access to a free online safety hub. The meeting will take place on Wednesday 15th November 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Please follow this link on the night to access the meeting:
https://meet.google.com/cta-hvdc-qif
Covid
You may have noticed a rise in the number of covid cases recently. Government and Wigan guidance continues to state that it should be treated as any other similar illness – ie stay off school if too ill to come in and return to school when well enough to do so. If there are any changes I will inform you asap.
Healthy Lifestyles Event
thankyou to the team who represented Marus Bridge at the event at the Edge last week. Well done to Isla, Samuel, Ella and Freddie in Y5, who were outstanding ambassadors for the school, sharing all the ways in which we promote healthy lifestyles at Marus Bridge.
Healthy Schools Celebration Event 2023 - YouTube
New Starters 24-25
The dates for school tours are as follows and at 9.15am (see website for details):
Tuesday 31st October
Tuesday 7th November
Wednesday 8th November
Tuesday 14th November
I have added an evening walk round on Wednesday 8th November at 5pm too. Please book via the school office.
NB The application form for Reception Intake 2024 is now live. Please apply online via the Wigan primary admission web page. Primary school admissions (wigan.gov.uk)
Dates:
30/10/23 School Reopens for Autumn 2
31/10/23 School Tour (new starters 24)
1/11/23 FOMBA Halloween Discos
7/11/23 School Tour (new starters 24)
8/11/23 School Tour (new starters 24)
14/11/23 School Tour (new starters 24)
15/11/23 Digital Safety (online meeting 6.30pm)
11/12/23 Y3 Road Safety
13/12/23 Whole School Panto
19/12/23 KS1 Christmas Carols (full details to follow)
20/12/23 Reception Nativity (full details to follow)
20/12/23 School Closes 1pm
8/1/24 INSET DAY
9/1/24 School opens for Spring Term
Finally, before we break for the half term, can I say thankyou to our governing body, our PTFA and the burgeoning army of volunteers who help make our community what it is today and everyday.
Mr Aldridge
MBPS Online Safety Hub, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 12th Oct 2023 @ 12:16pm
You can now access the Marus Bridge Online Safety Hub FOR FREE.
Head to the Online Safety Hub for lots of expert advice and guidance to help you manage your child's safety online. It includes information on the latest hot topics when it comes to keeping your child safe, such as how to manage your child's screen time, understanding the latest gaming platforms, what they mean for your child’s safety and lots more. Simply follow the link to access The Online Safety Hub: https://marusbridge.onlinesafetyhub.uk
Qustodio Online Safety Parent App
Don’t forget to sign up for your FREE Qustodio. Gain more visibility on what’s going on in your child’s online world and make sure they are kept safe. Block dangerous content, introduce screen-free schedules, receive alerts for inappropriate content and more.
Follow the link to create your free account:
School Tours, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 11th Oct 2023 @ 4:07pm
Please see our flyer for our stay and play 'taster' mornings for future/prospective new starters. We love giving plenty of opportunity to meet our teachers and see the school in action. The dates for school tours are as follows and at 9.15am:
Tuesday 31st October
Tuesday 7th November
Wednesday 8th November
Tuesday 14th November
Please contact the school office to book a session.
Parent Consultation Survey, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 11th Oct 2023 @ 10:32am
We would love to know your views on Marus Bridge Primary School.
Please scan the QR code to complete our parent consultation it only takes a few minutes.
Thankyou
Newsletter 6.10.23, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 6th Oct 2023 @ 2:19pm
Dear Parents/Carers,
I am proud to announce that together we raised over £600 for MacMillan – we really appreciate the work Miss Whiting's Y6 class did in organising and leading it and our community for popping by to support them.
Providing leadership opportunities and to nurture future leaders is important to us – we may well have a future prime minister or national team captain at Marus Bridge right now! Our children voted for this year’s head boy and head girl, with many excellent candidates to choose from, I know it was a very close vote. Well done to Freya H. and Rhys B. who are our new head girl and boy – they will be very well supported by their deputies, Poppy H. and Deacon G. We know you will do us all proud. Congratulations also to our house captains, who are as follows:
Wilson – Brooklyn C.
Morpurgo – Bobby B.
Rowling – Isobel W.
Dahl – Amelia W.
Whole School Photos
School photos for children and siblings will be on Thursday 19th October.
Paint the Borough Red – Non-Uniform/Wear Red Day - Friday 20th October
We will be holding a non-uniform day and asking pupils to donate £1 and wear an item of red clothing in support of Wigan Youth Zone. The local charity supports local children and young adults in a multitude of different ways, including the mentoring programme of which several of our children and families have benefitted in the past. As well as the non-uniform day, we are hoping to have a special performance from one of our past pupils too.
New Reception Intake 24-25 (next year)
Please see our flier for our stay and play 'taster' mornings for future/prospective new starters. As always, we want to show off our school and give plenty of opportunity to meet teachers and see the school in action. The dates for school tours are as follows and at 9.15am (see website for details):
Tuesday 31st October
Tuesday 7th November
Wednesday 8th November
Tuesday 14th November
NB The application form for Reception Intake 2024 is now live. Please apply online via the Wigan primary admission web page. Primary school admissions (wigan.gov.uk)
Harvest - Message from Mrs Miller
Next week we will be learning about the festival of Harvest. We would be very grateful for donations that will be taken to the Wigan Community Grocery and which will directly help our immediate community. Could we politely ask for food (non-perishable) donations to be sent in with the children before Thursday 13th October. Please only give if you are able to.
Dates:
16/10/23 Y5 Quarry Bank Mill Trip
16/10/23 EYFS 24-25 stay and play
16 and 17/10/23 Parents' Evening
17 and 18/10/23 Y4 (Mrs Hurst and Mrs Collier’s Class) Parents' Evening
20/10/23 Miss Johnstone's Y3 Class Assembly
20/10/23 Paint the Borough Red – non-uniform with an item of red clothing please
20/10/23 School Closes for Half Term at 3.15pm
30/11/23 School Reopens for Autumn 2
1/11/23 FOMBA Halloween Discos
MARUS BRIDGE OPEN DAY, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 2nd Oct 2023 @ 2:03pm
Come and see our amazing school and waht we have to offer. Contact the school office on 01942248129 or through enquiries@marusbridge.co.uk to book your place.
Dogs Trust Assembly Visit, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 2nd Oct 2023 @ 1:28pm
Both KS1 and KS2 have had an assembly from the Dogs Trust about how to keep safe around dogs in the local area. Did you know that you need to get permission off the owner of a dog before you stroke it? Maybe ask your children about what else they have learned from the assemblies.
Dogs Trust Visit, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 2nd Oct 2023 @ 1:22pm
We have enjoyed an assembly with Melanie from Dogs Trust. Now she is going to do another session with us in class! 🦮
Newsletter 29.9.23, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 2nd Oct 2023 @ 8:41am
Thankyou to everyone who supported our MacMillan coffee morning which was a great success. Although I was in class this morning, I managed to nip down to the hall and it was a lovely atmosphere. Thanks to the teachers for their bakes, Cath our cook for additional cake and well done to Miss Whiting's Y6 class who organised this as part of their Bridge Builder charity focus this term.
New Parent and Trust Governors
I would like to welcome Mrs Rive and Mrs Weate to the school governing body. As parent governors, they will be working with myself, leaders and teachers to ensure children at Marus Bridge get the very best education, bringing their ideas, expertise and challenge to the governing body. Additionally, Mr Joe Carroll, a senior leader from a partner Rowan Learning Trust school, will be joining the team.
New Reception Intake 24-25 (next year)
Please see our flier for our stay and play 'taster' mornings for future/prospective new starters. As always, we want to show off our school and give plenty of opportunity to meet teachers and see the school in action. I will be conducting additional tours for parents over the remainder of the autumn term - dates to follow.
NB The application form for Reception Intake 2024 will go live tomorrow 30th September.
Please apply online via the Wigan primary admission web page. Primary school admissions (wigan.gov.uk) Attached is a paper form for anyone who cannot access online. We are happy to help with the application in school for anyone who needs it.
Harvest - Message from Mrs Miller
Next week we will be learning about the festival of Harvest. We would be very grateful for donations that will be taken to the Wigan Community Grocery and which will directly help our immediate community. Could we politely ask for food (non-perishable) donations to be sent in with the children before Thursday 13th October. Please only give if you are able to.
Dates:
2/10/23 Y3 Stone Age Workshop
4/10/23 Y4 Bolton Museum Trip and EY Taster Morning
16/10/23 Y5 Quarry Bank Mill Trip
16 and 17/10/23 Parents' Evening
17 and 18/10/23 Y4 Parents' Evening
20/10/23 Miss Johnstone's Y3 Class Assembly
20/10/23 School Closes for Half Term at 3.15pm
Many thanks and have a great weekend,
Mr Aldridge
Wigan Family Hub, by Mrs Atkinson
Date: 27th Sep 2023 @ 7:22pm
Wigan Central Family Hub Launch Event. Please see the attached leaflet you may be interested in attendng this with your familiy.
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 16th and Tuesday 17th October.
(NB Y4 Mrs Hurst/Mrs Collier will be Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th 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 13th 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 5th 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.
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