Willaston Primary School
Fair, respect, safe. This is how we do it here.
Willaston Primary School — the main entrance
From the Executive Headteacher
Max KellyWelcome back. There is nothing quite like the first week of a new school year at Willaston — the classrooms full again, the field busy at playtime, and everyone picking up where they left off.
Our new Reception children have made a wonderful start, and a warm welcome too to the families joining us in other year groups. You are all very much part of the Willaston family now, and we are delighted to have you with us.
There is plenty ahead this term, and we hope to see many of you at the Mhelliah in October. In the meantime, do keep an eye on our website and our Facebook page — that is where the photographs go, and it is the best window into the life of the school between newsletters.
Here's to a great year ahead.
With best wishes, Max Kelly
This month
Eight things, gathered in one place. Tap to tick them off as you go.
Welcome
The very start of a school journey, and they have taken to it beautifully.
This week we have been especially delighted to welcome our brand-new Reception children as they begin their school journey at Willaston. It has been wonderful to see so many happy smiles and excited faces as they settle into school life for the very first time.
We also extend a warm welcome to the children and families who have joined us in other year groups at the start of this new school year. You are all very much part of the Willaston family, and we are so pleased to have you with us.
Monday 14 September
Family photographs from 8.30am. We will be in the hall from 8.30am for family groups, including younger children who are not yet at school.
Individual, sibling and class photographs will then be taken throughout the day. Proofs and ordering information will follow.
Smart and in uniform please.
Friday 16 October, from 7pm
A fundraising night out for Willaston, and one we hope to see you at.
We are hoping to hold a Mhelliah fundraiser at the Manor on Friday 16th October, from 7pm. It would be great to see you there.
Keep an eye out for further communications about the evening — details will follow once everything is confirmed.
Habits for learning
Seven habits that sit at the heart of everything we do.
| Worthy | Respect · Believe · Achieve |
| Wellness | Ready · Well-being · Balanced |
| Wise | Think · Choose · Learn |
| Willing | Try · Persist · Explore |
| Wondrous | Curious · Ask · Imagine |
| Work Together | Teamwork · Share · Support |
| Warm Hearted | Empathy · Relationships · Kindness |
Please do talk about these words at home and encourage your children to show them in action. They really are part of daily life here.
Out on the field
We use the school field as much as we possibly can.
We love to make as much use of the school field as possible, especially at playtimes and lunchtimes. Wet ground shouldn't be the thing that keeps the children off it.
To help with that, please make sure your child has a pair of wellies in school, so they can get out onto the grass whatever the weather has been doing.
As the weather turns
With the weather turning cooler, a quick reminder about our wet morning procedures. On rainy days children can come into school at 8.45am through the main entrance, and will be supervised in the hall until the school day begins.
For everyone's safety, please drop off promptly and do not wait inside the building.
The school day starts at 8.55am, and that is the time we ask you to aim for. Those first few minutes matter more than they might seem. A child who arrives with everyone else hangs up their coat, greets their friends, hears the register and settles into the first lesson alongside the rest of the class. It is a calm, ordinary start, and it sets the tone for the whole day.
Lunchtimes
Children can opt for a hot dinner or a packed lunch. The cost of a school meal remains £2.55 per day. Payments are made through ParentPay, and free school meals continue to be available to eligible families.
Diary
Not an exhaustive list — keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for everything else.
Looking ahead — October
Reminders
Have you remembered to comment, sign and return the school copy of your child's report from the end of last term? There is still time to send it back in, so that we have an agreed copy here in school.
Are your contact details — address, email and phone number — up to date with the school? You can log in to the Parent Portal on Arbor and update them yourself, or see Mrs Slater if you would rather we did it.
Please do the same for any medical information. If your child has developed an allergy, started or stopped a medication, or had any change to a medical condition over the summer, we need to know. It is the sort of detail that is easy to assume we already have, and it matters most on the day nobody was expecting.
Please help us keep school nut free. Children should also bring a water bottle and a healthy morning snack — fruit, vegetables or breadsticks are all ideal.
A reminder that the car park is for staff use only, unless prior agreement has been made with the school. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our site safe and accessible.
We have plenty of pre-loved uniform available. Please ask Mrs Slater at the front desk, who will be happy to show you what we have — all free, and yours to take.
Swimming starts up again in February. There is no need to send costumes, hats or towels in until then.
A gentle reminder to keep your account in credit for school lunch payments.
In the interest of the well-being of our school community, we remind parents of the 48-hour rule. If your child experiences symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhoea, it is imperative that they stay home and are symptom-free for 48 hours before returning to school. This measure helps curb the spread of infections and ensures a healthier environment for all.