Year 6: News items

Newsletter 22.11.24, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 22nd Nov 2024 @ 2:29pm

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

After a cold and wintery week, you’ll be warmed by the feedback from a group of headteachers who visited the school from York this week. They commented on how lovely, focussed and knowledgeable our children are – something I couldn’t agree with more. Over the week I have been priviliged to observe some great activities, one of my favourites being a taste tester for Year 4 biscuit baking in DT! (I gave a few handshakes out too!)

 

When I ask my children what they did at school... I sometimes get quite a limited response! Marus Bridge has SeeSaw, which helps to share learning and achievements, but  here are a few question stems/ideas that might spark some discussion from this week!

Reception: Tell me about Humpty Dumpty's friends and the characters in nursery rhymes.

Y1: Tell me about Space Tortoise!

Y2: Can you name the continents? (And even sing the continent song?!)

Y3: What was invented in the Bronze Age? What stitches have we learned in our DT lessons?

Y4: How do we stay safe online?

Y5: What were children's lives like during the industrial revolution?

Y6: Tell me about Oliver Twist!

 

Online Safety

We are much obliged to Joe Hurst (aka Mr Hurst), for visiting the Y4s to discuss e-safety (his background is in IT). In an ever-changing digital and online environment, education about online safety remains one of our priorities. As a parent myself, I am trying to stay as informed as possible - which can be hard at times! Resources like our online safety hub do really help - please take a look.

 

Online Safety Hub - Marus Bridge Primary School

 

ParentKind/Cash Pot for Schools

Thankyou for giving your support to this – we have just surpassed the £1000 mark! ParenKind are the charity that provide support for PTAs like the wonderful FOMBA, who are finalising details of this year's Christmas fair.

 

Mini ducks etc

On Friday's moving forward, children can bring mini-ducks etc to swap on the playground at lunchtime. A few parents and the school council spoke to me about providing a way of doing this, especially in the lead up to Christmas. If brought to school, please send in a labelled container or bag.

 

Parent Partnerships

Recently, we have had visits from Youth Connect and Wigan Warriors, who have been providing varied workshops for parents - you may have seen fliers for these.

Please see the lovely letter attached from Wigan Warriors that sums up the impact of the work they do with our school and about our outward facing approach to community partnerships.

 

Message from office regarding Christmas toys for sale:

Further to the previous message, please be advised that the school office are not permitted to accept cash payments for the Christmas toys. Kindly place the money in an envelope with your child's name clearly written on it, and hand it to their class teacher upon arrival at school. The toys will be available to purchase all next week.

 

Support at Christmas

This year, we are again supporting families who maybe struggling with financial hardship and would otherwise be unable to provide gifts for the family and enjoy festive food and 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. who can make the referral.  This is a confidential service and is not means tested.

 

Dates for the diary:

Friday 6th December 2024   Non-Uniform Day (for Christmas Fair and The Brick) and Christmas Craft Afternoon for EYFS 2-3pm

Tuesday 10th December 2024  KS1 Christmas Dinner Day

Wednesday 11th December 2024 KS2 Christmas Dinner Day

Thursday 12th December 2024  Year 4 Brass concert & Christmas quiz 10.00-11.30am / FOMBA Christmas Fair

Friday 13th December 2024 Year 5 Christmas Quiz afternoon 1.45-3.15pm

Monday 16th December 2024  Pantomime day (Whole School - departing at 9.15am and back for a later lunch)

Tuesday 17th December 2024 Year 6 Christmas Quiz 1.45-3.15pm 

Wednesday 18th December 2024 KS1 (Y1 and Y2 together) Christmas performances 9.30am and 2.15pm

Thursday 19th December 2024 EYFS Christmas performance 9.30am / Year 3 Christmas Quiz afternoon 1.45-3.15pm

Friday 20th December School Closes at 1pm

 

School reopens Tuesday 7th January

 

Take care and have a lovely weekend,

 

Mr Aldridge

World Kindness Day, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 15th Nov 2024 @ 3:14pm

We have celebrated World Kondness Day in school. We linked this to one of our core values of Kindness & Respect. 

We were so lucky to recieve a lovley gift off one of our pupils to celebrate the day and the kindness of all the staff team at Marus Bridge from Oliver and his family.

Thankyou

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FOMBA DISCO TIME!!!!!!, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 18th Oct 2024 @ 11:18am

The children had an amazing time at this weeks 'School's Out' discos. Each disco was well attended and all the children enjoyed singing and dancing along with the DJ as well as creating colouring pics. We can't wait for the next event. 

Thankyou to everyone who purchased a tocket and came along. 

Officially - A Healthy School, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 18th Oct 2024 @ 11:15am

Its Official - We are a Healthy School! The PSHE ambassadors, Ellie, Grace, James & Jamie accompanied Mrs Heaton to the Wigan Healthy Schools Celebration event to receive our Healthy Schools accreditation certificate for this year. What a wonderful morning sharing the successes of all the schools taking part and meeting all the people who deliver the wonderful workshops across the borough and beyond. From cycling smoothie making to exploring mental health it was an entertaining, engaging and very informative morning.

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Youth Connect 5 Parent Course, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 16th Oct 2024 @ 1:30pm

We are pleased to announce that we are working in partnership with Wigan Council to deliver a parent course in our school. The course runs for 5 weeks and starts on 31st October. Join us from 9.00am for a coffee before the course starts at 9.30 lasting approx until 11.30am. We would love to see as many of our families as possible attending. Please see the attached flyer for more information and email Mrs Bish at k.bish@marusbridge.co.uk to book a place.

 

Y6 Girls Football Tournament, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 16th Oct 2024 @ 8:17am

Our Y6 Girls took part in a Football Competition today, They cheered on rival teams, encouraged their own team mates when faced with challenging situations and truly portrayed the Marus Bridge values throughout the whole day!
They came 6th overall - we are so proud of you girls - well done 👏

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Y6 Football Team, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 16th Oct 2024 @ 8:14am

The Y6 Footballers had a fantastic day representing our school at the Y6 Competitive Football Event! Out of a total of 35 schools, our team finished in 4th place, which is an outstanding achievement. We are so proud of you all!

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FOMBA PTA Notices, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 14th Oct 2024 @ 11:05am

Dear Parents/ Carers,

SCHOOLS OUT DISCO!

Please note this is not a Halloween themed disco, so children do not need to dress up. But they can do if they wish!

CHRISTMAS ART WORK

The children’s Christmas Artwork that came home on Friday, has to be ordered via the website and by 26th October.
This is not organised by school, so please don’t contact the school office.
If you have any queries please message the FOMBA team.

Many Thanks

The FOMBA Team 😊

'Empathy for the Elderly', by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 10th Oct 2024 @ 12:47pm

'Empathy for the Elderly' - Harvest collection reminder! Donations close tomorrow!
Our aim is to collect essentials for the elderly residents in our community to provide them with what we hope to be some welcome support before the onset of the winter months.
We would love you to contribute and donate items that would be part of their essential shopping list items.
You are under no obligation to donate or contribute but the more items we receive the more of our elderly community will benefit.
We will then distribute support packages to elderly residents in our community.
Many thanks for your support.
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Youth Connect Parent Workshop, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 2nd Oct 2024 @ 12:17pm

We have a Youth Connect Parent workshop over 5 weeks. This is a great opportunity for our parents and the community. These sessions start at Marus Bridge Primary School 31st October. Welcome and Coffee 9:00am and the course runs 9:30-11:30. We are hoping lots of the Marus Bridge community will be able to attend. Please email k.bish@marusbridge.co.uk to book a place.

 

School's out disco, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 25th Sep 2024 @ 12:05pm

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Pupil Leadership Team 2024-2025, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 20th Sep 2024 @ 1:11pm

Say Hello to our New Head boy - Freddie & Head Girl - Scarlett accompanied by their deputies - Daniel & Evie. Congratulations!! The pupils were chosen through a whole school vote as part of our work on SMSC and democracy. 

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Importance of reading, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 12th Sep 2024 @ 12:55pm

Please see the attached information from our English leads.

Visit our school - Open day, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 11th Sep 2024 @ 10:41am

Is your child starting school in September 2025 or know someone who is?

Come to Marus Bridge tour day, it will give the opportunity to look around the school, absorb the atmosphere and meet the Headteacher, staff and pupils. It will provide you with an insight into the interaction of staff and pupils and also the relationship between the pupils and their peers at our fabulous school and help you decide that you want your child to start their journey through education with us. We look forward to seeing you. 

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Support for young people in Wigan, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 11th Sep 2024 @ 9:51am

Wigan has lots available for young people regarding emotional health and wellbeing for all and support for neuro diverse young people. Please see the attached leaflet below with QR codes to scan to find out what is available to you. 

 

This can also be found in the SEND section of the website. 

New and Improved Bridge Builders - Exclusive to Marus Bridge, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 11th Sep 2024 @ 9:36am

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Join Us - Macmillan Coffee Morning, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 11th Sep 2024 @ 9:33am

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Newsletter 06.09.24, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 6th Sep 2024 @ 11:40am

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

A warm welcome back to the new school year. It has been great to see our children settle back into school-life, being reacquainted with friends, teachers, school routines, whilst looking incredibly smart in their school and PE uniforms too.  

 

Our new starters in Reception have made a wonderful start to school life. I would like to extend a warm Marus Bridge family welcome to our new parents/carers; we are looking forward to getting to know you all!

 

All classes will be receiving key information from teachers to give you an overview of timetables and what children will be learning this year. You will receive messages from me too throughout the year as well as fortnightly updates such as this one. All statutory information can be found on our website, including key dates, term times and policies. 

 

Reading

As always, teaching children to read, so that they can read to learn and experience the enjoyment in reading, is one of our everyday aims. Thankyou for supporting children with reading at home - don't forget that the books sheds are open everyday to swap age appropriate and varied titles that we know children will enjoy reading. 

 

If any adults are available to give their time to listen to readers, it would be greatly appreciated. Please just pop into the office for further details.

 

Attendance 

Excellent attendance continues to be of the highest priority to the new Government, local authority and to our school . Please read the most recent LA guidance sent out this summer. We really do appreciate your support with this and avoiding holidays in term time this year.

 

School Lunches

Don’t forget that from Reception (EYFS) to Y2, school lunches are free and from Y3 onwards extremely good value! They are tasty, well-balanced and save a bit of time for us parents too. There is a new menu from which I can definitely recommend the burrito boat! They are definitely worth giving a try - if you have any questions, give the office a call. J

 

Music Mark

Hot off the press! We have just been awarded the highly coveted Music Mark, awarded to schools for their dedication to delivering high quality education and experiences in music for its pupils. 🙂

 

FOMBA

Following a successful first year in office, the new FOMBA (Friends of Marus Bridge Association) team are itching to make plans for the coming year. If you wish to be involved, the next meeting is on September 16th 

 

Finally, all the very best to Miss Evans, who begins her maternity leave today.

 

 Hopefully the sunshine will last for the weekend,

 

Mr Aldridge

Stars of the week, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 10th Sep 2024 @ 11:05am

Here are this week's stars

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Online Safety Hub, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 28th Aug 2024 @ 11:24am

Dear Parent, Find out how to keep your child safe online. Don’t forget, that the Online Safety Hub is now live! You can access it for free here: https://marusbridge.onlinesafetyhub.uk The Online Safety Hub is a brand-new online resource with lots of expert advice and guidance to help you manage your child's safety online as a parent. 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. We’re also offering you as a parent, a free Qustodio account facilitating parental controls on any individual device and free premium access for 30 days. Gain more visibility on what’s going on in your child’s online world. Block dangerous content, introduce screen-free schedules, receive alerts for inappropriate content, keep tabs on their location and more. Follow the link to create your free account https://www.qustodio.com/en/30-days-school-special/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=OSHub &utm_campaign=marusbridge-uk If you have any questions on any of the above, please get in touch

We got GOLD!!!! School Games, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 19th Jul 2024 @ 11:12am

We have been awared the school games gold award for 2023-2024. Well done to everyone involved. 

Online Safety Hub, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 18th Jul 2024 @ 8:29am

The Hub is better than ever with a new look and new features that make it easier to help parents keep their children safe online and it is now live. 

 Take a look at the redesign https://marusbridge.onlinesafetyhub.uk/ especially over the summer time when the chidlren will be spending more time on their devices. 

 

 

MBPS Outstanding Enrichment, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 17th Jul 2024 @ 9:38am

OUTSTANDING ENRICHMENT

Dear Parents / Guardian

Please find attached a list of Enrichment Activities we have provided this academic year.

Throughout the year there are curriculum related educational visits or school-based workshops so that Marus Bridge’s curriculum remains innovative and meets the needs of every learner by deepening children’s learning experiences.

In addition, we give our pupils the opportunity to experience theatre, life education skills, an enormous variety of sports and activity clubs as well as contributing to the wider community through charitable support.

We appreciate that financially what we offer can be challenging for some families and value the contributions that you make to ensure that the various opportunities can go ahead. Transport costs, insurance and visit/workshop charges soon mount up these days. So, thank you again for your support.

As a school, we subsidise every enrichment activity. This is to try to keep the costs to parents/carers to a minimum and we are grateful to the Friends Of Marus Bridge Association for their considerable financial support in paying towards a number of the enrichment opportunities yearly. If we cannot meet the cost of visits, workshops or experiences then they would not be able to proceed.

We believe that the children of Marus Bridge deserve the best primary school experience possible, and we strive to ensure that their lives are enriched why they are with us. If you have any ideas on what activities, clubs, trips might further enhance our enrichment offer that we do not currently provide, please get in touch and we can look into this for the next academic year.

Thank you again for supporting our vision in providing outstanding opportunities for Marus Bridge Pupils.

Kind Regards

Mrs A. Atkinson & Mrs A. Hurst

End of Term Newsletter 24.05.24, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 24th May 2024 @ 1:52pm

Dear Parent/Carer,
 
The term ends following a week of enrichment centred around healthy living. Judging by the smiles on faces during the sessions this week, it's been enjoyed by all. Thankyou to Mrs Heaton, Miss Johnstone and our office team for pulling it all together. The aim is to help inspire healthy choices for life, support children with life skills and encourage them to try something new! Thankyou also for your sponsorship of today's walk, run, jog event - extra kind! We will communicate asap about how any monies raised will be invested to continually support healthy lifestyles at Marus Bridge.
 
Sportsday Rearranged Dates
Tuesday 25th June - Y5 and Y6 - 9.30 - 11.00am
Tuesday 25th June - Y3 and Y4 - 1.30 - 3.00pm
Wednesday 26th June - Reception - 9.30 - 11.00am
Wednesday 26th June - Y1 and Y2 - 1.30 - 3pm
 
Holiday Requests
We have had a number of holiday requests recently, impacting on attendance records. Please consider carefully before booking holidays in term time - it will impact on learning and can also result in fines being issued due to more stringent government guidelines. Please note that there is no need to fill in the 'exceptional circumstances' section if you are simply taking your child out of school on holiday. Thankyou.
 
Mrs Lloyd
Mrs Lloyd has informed us that she will be retiring this summer. I know it was a difficult decision but one made with health considerations in mind. She has been an integral member of the team at Marus Bridge for over 30 years, inspiring pupils as class teacher in multiple year groups, as English and music lead, through many choir performances and more recently as school SENDCO. We would therefore like to thank her for this service and will say a full and final goodbye in the summer. She unfortunately is still suffering from ill health and therefore Mrs Atkinson and Miss Evans will continue in the role for now. I will update you with further before summer with future permanent arrangements for the SENDCO post.
 
Recruited
We have recruited to the maternity post that will cover Miss Evans next year. Miss Ferro, who has worked with us previously, was successful and we look forward to her joining us in September.
 
And finally...
Do we have anyone who works in the publicity industry or who has the knowhow to help us develop our social media and publicity reach in the wider community. We want to further share the wonderful experiences and achievements of our pupils and would love your input. Please catch me on the gate or drop school an email if you could help.
 
Many thanks for the support over the term. I hope if you are taking time off next week the weather is kinder and the children enjoy a well-earned rest.
 
Mr Aldridge
 

Newsletter 17.05.24, by Mrs Atkinson

Date: 17th May 2024 @ 11:40am

Dear Parents/Carers
 
We have had a great week in school, rounded off with a superb assembly from Y4 Mrs/Hurst/Mrs Collier's Class that taught us everything they know about electricity.
 
Y6
 Well done to all our Y6 pupils whose attitude and determination was wonderful this week as they tackled their SAT tests. They can be immensely proud of themselves as I know you will be of them. Thankyou to our Y6 staff who as ever have played an integral part in supporting our pupils this year. They enjoyed a trip up to Brewer's Fayre today too for lunch to celebrate their hard work!
 
MB Fest 2024 and Healthy Living Week
We’re on countdown to the first ever Marus Bridge Fest on Saturday 8th June! FOMBA have shared a sneak preview of the festival map (attached) which gives a flavour of what you can look forward to on the day. Make sure it’s in your diary!
 
Healthy living week commences on Monday
Please keep your eyes peeled on your child’s Seesaw account for which days they are required to wear PE kit. Similarly, it is non-uniform day on Friday 24th May, which coincides with the Walk, Run, Jog fundraiser, so please could children wear something appropriate or bring in trainers to change into during the day when they do the event.
 
Next Friday, please could we ask for the following donations in preparation for the tombola:
EY and KS1 - chocolate, sweets and biscuits
KS2 - a bottle of something to drink 
 
Cyclist Dismount
Please can I remind cyclists to dismount on entering the school grounds. It’s to keep them and other little ones safe from harm.
 
Superstar Cheerleaders
A final big shout out to our very own Isla Lloyd, who's Hawks Intensity cheer team, took second, yes second, place in the world cheer championships held in America last week. It is a sensational achievement - one that I know the team, their families and their coach Nicola Lettman-Evans are still pinching themselves about! Well done to everyone who took part.
 
Key Whole School Dates:
  • Monday 20th May – Reception and Y6 Graduation Photographs
  • WB Monday 20th May - Healthy Living Week 
  • Wednesday 22nd May EYFS & KS1 Sport's days - Reception Classes then 1.30 – 3.00 Y1 and Y2 (KS1)
  • Thursday 23rd May KS2 Sport's days- Y3 and Y4 (LKS2) then 1.30 – 3.00 Y5 and Y6 (UKS2)
  • Friday 24th May - Non-uniform day for Summer Fest and End of Term
  • Monday 3rd June - School closed for staff INSET day
  • Tuesday 4th June – School reopens for Summer Term 2
 
Have a lovely weekend,
 
Mr Aldridge

MARUS BRIDGE

Primary School

CONTACT US

Kelvin Grove, Marus Bridge, Wigan, WN36SP

FIND US ON A MAP

01942 248129
enquiries@marusbridge.co.uk

HEAD TEACHER | Mr R Aldridge

DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER | Mrs A Atkinson

SENDCO | Mrs G. Evans

The Rowan Learning Trust Ofsted ...good school Emotionally Friendly School Healthy School Wigan 2023 School Games- Gold 2023-24 Music Mark School 2024-25 No Outsiders Smoothwall partnership