Stars of the Week
Oracy
Our picture news discussion is based on the news that in recent weeks, both India and Russia's space agencies have tried to send unmanned missions to the moon. They were heading to the lunar South Pole, which is a less explored part of the moon. The question we have explored is....
Team Points
Parents’ Evening
Our first parents’ evening of this school year will take place on Wednesday 18 October and you will be able to book your slot from 12.00 noon on Monday 2 October. Once you receive the link on Monday morning, please follow it to book your five-minute appointment. Appointments are strictly limited to one per child and they start at 3.30 pm. If you need any assistance in booking, please contact the school office.
Rotakids
Avondale has been chartered into the Rotakids. The President of the Rotary came to visit the School Council on Monday and provided us with a fantastic president's badge that will be added to each year with the name of our School Council/ Rotakids president.
Open Events
If you have a youngster at home who is due to start school next September (2024) or you know somebody that does, we have two open events planned:
Thursday 12 October, 6.00 pm and Tuesday 17 October, 1.30 pm
Please call the school office on 01254 703449, or email - office@avondale.blackburn.sch.uk to let us know that you're coming. If you cannot make these dates, please let us know as we will try and accommodate a visit at another time.
School Meals
Next week our menu is :
Harvest Celebrations- Thursday 5 October 2023
For Key Stage 1 parents – don’t forget that next Thursday all children in EYFS, Year 1 and 2 will be joining in our Harvest lunch. All dietary requirements will be fully taken into account. So, please don’t worry about making those sandwiches the night before! If you have any questions, please contact the office.
A few reminders
Cauliflower Cards
Don't forget to order your child's art work and have it professionally transformed into cards, wrapping paper or a mug. This weekend is your last chance to order - don't miss out!
Please return artwork to class teachers on Monday - no later. Thank you.
Administration of Medication
Although we don't want our Avondale children to be taking medicines at school, we know that it is sometimes necessary and in these circumstances we are happy to help.
Please note though that we are only allowed to administer medicines that have been prescribed by a pharmacist or medicines that are included in a care plan, as per our policy. Medicines prescribed by a pharmacist will only be given during the school day if the prescription requires four doses a day. Three dose medications can and should be given before and after school. If you have any queries please speak to a member of staff.
The Avondale Garden
Yet more amazing news! Mrs Mears and her club has successfully achieved a Royal Horticultural Society Level 4 Gardening School Award. The criteria included having a garden that supports wildlife, using the garden to support the curriculum and sharing plants or seeds with others – all of which we easily do. School has received a certificate, RHS Gardening School book and a £100 National Gardening Gift Voucher.
Clubs
Our current offer:
Online Safety
Friends of Avondale
The PTFA has recently met and is now planning their next event – the Avondale Christmas Fair. This will take place on Saturday 2 December. Watch this space for more information over the coming weeks.
Household Support Grant
This Blackburn with Darwen fund can help you if you are struggling to make ends meet. You can get support with things like the cost of gas and electric, household appliances, and energy efficiency improvements. You might still qualify for support even if you are in work.
You can be considered for the Household Support Fund if:
- Your total household income (including anyone who gets benefits) is below £26,057 gross pay (before tax and National Insurance) for one adult in work, or
- Your total household income (including anyone who gets benefits) is below £38,870 (before tax and National Insurance) for families with 2 or more adults in work
Income based benefits
We can also consider you for the Household Support Fund if your household gets income based benefits and meets a minimum of 1 of these criteria:
- A physical disability
- A learning disability, or Autism
- A long term health condition which is impacted by the cold
- A reliance on electrical equipment to support independent living
- Vulnerable adults or children in the home, who are supported by mental health services
- Vulnerable families who are supported by a social worker, or family support
- A vulnerable adult supported by a social worker or adult health and social care
- Children under 5
- Carers
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Have recently come off benefits and entered employment
- Have recently left employment and are waiting for benefits
- Your Universal Credit claim is nil because you are an intermittent worker, on a zero-hour contract, part of the gig economy or on a variable income
You can make 1 application per household during any 6-month period, including previous schemes. You must have less than £16,000 in savings.
The types of support you can get:
The scheme can provide you with practical help and advice to support you with the rising costs of food, energy and other household bills.
You might be able to get help with:
- gas and electricity costs. The person who applies must be the person who pays the bill, or be named in the application and be contactable. You can only make 1 application per household in any 6-month period
- water costs. This is a one off support
- boiler inspections and energy efficiency, if you are a homeowner
- a reduction in utility bill debt
- affordable food options
- white goods and children’s beds (1 per household in any 6-month period)
- support to reduce your outgoings
- support to increase your income
- support to stay healthy and well
Applications are on line and take up to 20 days to process. Professional, friend, family can help you with your online application
Please use the link for more information and to access the application form
Healthy Relationships Matters
The Healthy Relationships Matters animation is now available online. We all know that arguing can be a normal part of everyday life and relationships. But, when it escalates and the arguing isn’t resolved, it can impact on children, young people and the family.
Whether parents are living together or separated, the Healthy Relationships Matters shares some really helpful top tips and advice around managing parental conflict on the following link:
Class Assemblies
Class assemblies take place at 2.50 pm in the Hall and parents/guardians are welcome to join us.
Class 2F - Wednesday 4 October
Class 6J - Thursday 5 October
Class 5W - Thursday 19 October
Dates for the Diary
Please visit our school website (link below), or our Facebook page, to see what else has been going on in school this week, alongside some fabulous photos of our children.
Thank you for reading and have a lovely weekend.