Dear Parents and Carers

Although last week was only a four-day week for the children it was once again a full and busy one.  Our Year 1 children took their phonics check and I can tell you that we are delighted with the children’s results which will be relayed to their parents in their annual reports which will be sent home on Monday 11^th July.  I sat in on a few of the children as they were being assessed and their confidence and level of phonological understanding was most impressive and I would like to thank all of our Year 1 team for how well they have prepared the children.  They actually enjoyed the experience which is encouraging as children and indeed adults should want to read for pleasure and enjoyment.

The Friends of St John Bosco have arranged a summer bingo that will take place in the school hall this Friday 17^th June.  Doors in the family room will open at 6.30pm for Eyes Down at 7.00pm, as in previous years our Year 6 children are most welcome, however, we are unable to accommodate brothers and sisters on this occasion.  Please can you send the requested donation Infants – Box of Chocolates, Juniors – Bottle of Wine by Wednesday so that the parent helpers can prepare the prizes.  This is always an enjoyable evening and it will be a reminder that we are looking forward to times when we took these social events for granted.  We have not been able to do any fundraising for our school and as you can imagine, school funds are low.  All profits will go towards further development of our wonderful school library.  Whilst I am on this subject can you please check to see if your child needs to return and change their library book particularly if they are in the infant classes. 

Although I am a particularly positive person there have been a number of family bereavements and cancer diagnosis which remind us how precious life is.  We are having a collection at the bingo for the Marina Dalglish Appeal which I know is supporting at least one of our mums at the moment.  We will also have an own clothes day on Friday on 24^th June when children are asked to bring £1.00 which will go towards our total for the Marina Dalglish Appeal.  Sadly, cancer is a disease that can strike anyone and I know of women who have found this facility and indeed the personal attention that Marina gives to sufferers is an enormous source of comfort and support.  If anyone would like to make a personal donation this can also be added.

What an exciting afternoon we had on Wednesday when Year 2 enjoyed their first swimming lesson at the Meadows Pool.  I was amazed that 19 children ended up swimming a full length with Stacy, our Swimming Instructor.  The children and particularly the girls were brilliant at getting changed and I have given the boys a few top tips to help us speed up this week.  Later that evening I joined our teachers at Litherland Sports Park where we entered a Netball Team comprising of Mr Mainwaring, Mr Parry, Miss Wood, Mrs Boynton, Mrs Clark, Miss Cook, Miss Rogers and myself.  We played four games and got absolutely drenched at the end when the heavens opened.  There were 11 teams largely from Secondary PE Departments and we put up a great performance winning one of our games, narrowly losing 2, but I have to say we were totally outplayed by the team from Active Sefton which I suppose is somewhat reassuring as that is what they do.  I was so proud of our team spirit and it really did reinforce what a strong teaching unit we have. 

On Friday afternoon I took a group of our Year 4 boys and girls to play in a cricket tournament held at the Northern Cricket Club in Crosby.  This was a group of children who had not been picked prior to this and I was absolutely delighted and proud of their effort and behaviour.  They thoroughly deserved the success that they enjoyed and I was complimented by the organiser on the children’s wonderful attitude and the way that the boys and girls encouraged each other.

Can I confirm that school will close for Summer on Tuesday 19^th July at 2.00pm.  I am aware that the website has not been updated but will see that this is updated. 

May I remind you that our Year 6 Leavers Mass will take place on Thursday 14^th July at 10.30am.  I shall confirm with Fr Grant the venue, which could be either the school hall, Church or the Prayer Garden.   Friends of St John Bosco have arranged a special leavers party in Maghull Cricket Club from 4.00pm-7.00pm so I have decided the children can go home after the Mass to get ready.

The school will be available for future parents to view on Saturday 9^th July at 10.30am – 12.00pm – please pass on this message to any friends or family who you feel may want to view our wonderful school.  I shall leave the school car park gates open where I shall welcome any families who would like a visit.

Can I please remind you that outstanding payments for Breakfast Club, After School Club and School Dinners need to be sent in, in order for us to balance the school finances.  Can I also ask that you once again check that your child’s name is clearly labelled especially as we hope to be playing out more on our school field. 

It would seem that we are in line to enjoy some finer weather and we are again most fortunate that our children can enjoy such wonderful outdoor facilities. 

I hope you have a safe and pleasant week.

Yours sincerely

Mr D MacAreavy - Headteacher