The half term has flown by and I am really enjoying being the Head Teacher of this fantastic school. There has been a lot going on and I have appreciated the increased communication I’ve had with parents. We continue to strive to bring excellence for all.

Please find below some messages and updates

Contact details

If you have recently changed: home address, email, phone number etc please can you complete the following online form so we can update our records.   

https://forms.gle/nw7HCsrVLiNp2v7V9

Nuts in school

We have seen an increase in children bringing nut based products into school for snacks and lunch. Please can we ask that products containing nuts, such as Nutella, are left at home.

Grapes

Whilst many children enjoy a grape at lunch time, we are seeing whole grapes being sent into school. The hazard of choking on a whole grape is a risk, therefore we ask that grapes are cut up if being brought into school.

Child entertainment and employment

We have been asked to share these links with parents relating to Child Entertainment and Child Employment.  The local authority is aware that not all dance, drama and modelling groups apply for licences/permits and it is usually because they are unaware of the legislation.  They are hoping if they can get the information to parents you will ask the questions that are needed of these groups.

The link to the new parent information is https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/16657/Overview

The link to Child Employment is https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2879/Child-employment-laws

The link to Child Licencing for Entertainment is https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2881/Children-in-entertainment the link for parents is also within the body of this page on our website.

Many thanks for your support

Mr Bennett

Head Teacher

*Please find below an overview of our online learning tools which children may access at home.

Safer Internet Day 2023

‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online.’

On Tuesday 7th February we will be joining schools and youth organisations across the UK in celebrating Safer Internet Day 2023.

Safer Internet Day is a global campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of technology, which calls on children and young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, policymakers and more, to help to create a better internet.

Using the internet safely and positively is a key message that we promote at Mortimer Primary School, and celebrating Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for us to re-emphasise the online safety messages we deliver throughout the year.

We would be delighted if you could join us in celebrating the day by continuing the conversation at home. To help you with this, the UK Safer Internet Centre have created some free activities and information for parents and carers which are available at: saferinternet.org.uk/SID-parents.

Whether you have 5 minutes to start a conversation or hours to spare, there are top tips, quizzes and films which you can use at home with your child.

If you have any concerns or questions about keeping your child safe online, please do get in touch with your child’s class teacher, Miss Marshall (Computing Lead) or Mrs Peacock, our Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Thank you for your support

Mr P. Bennett                             

Head Teacher 

It has been a fast paced start to the new term! We have been delighted to see so many parents in school to meet new staff and hear from the senior leaders. There is still time to sign up for the 2^nd Meet the Head & SLT meeting this Thursday at 5pm.

(Sign up here https://schoolforms.uk/T/FB3Ln9Kyv50i6jtL3X)

A specific communication will be with you, on Tuesday 24^th Jan, regarding teacher strike action. 

Please can I draw your attention to the following:

School Uniform & PE Kit

As a school we have noted that some children are not in the appropriate school uniform this term. We allow stud earrings only and ask that footwear is dark, preferably black. There is no requirement to wear uniform with the school logo. Clothes in the correct colours are also readily available at most supermarkets and high street stores.

We operate indoor and outdoor PE lessons to ensure we fully cover the curriculum. For outdoor lessons, we ask pupils to have outdoor trainers, jumper/tracksuit top, joggers/tracksuit bottoms and socks. Socks are especially important if your child wears tights to school. PE kit should be in school all week.

We also ask that shoulder length or longer hair be tied back, whilst earrings are removed by the child for PE lessons.

Information about our agreed uniform and PE kit can be found at https://mortimerprimary.co.uk/school-uniform-2/

Drinks in school

The love for the drink ‘Prime’ continues to attract children. Whilst we are happy to see children wanting to stay hydrated, we do ask that children use bottles, for their water, that have a sports cap rather than bringing bottles of Prime or other such drinks to school.

Smart Watches

Christmas has been very kind to some children and we have seen an increase in the number of KS2 pupils wearing Apple and other smart watches. Please can we ask that parents alter the settings of the watches to ensure that notifications, messages and updates are not received during the school day. This must also include the use of any camera function.

If you have any questions about any of these matters, then we would be happy to answer them.

Many thanks for your support

Mr Bennett

Head Teacher