A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 
 

A huge well done to our Star of the Week and Headteacher Award winners this week! 

All Masses and Assemblies will be in church 2.30pm, with the exception of the Harvest Festival which will be in the school hall. 

Tuesday, 23rd September - Year 5
Tuesday, 30th September - Year 4
Tuesday, 7th October - Year 3
Tuesday, 14th October - Harvest Festival – led by Y2 in School Hall 2:30pm
Tuesday, 21st October - Year 1

Summer Term - Mass Arrangements

All Masses and Assemblies will be in church 2.30pm, with the exception of the Year 6 Leavers Mass which is at 9:30am. 

Tuesday, 13th May - Year 4 
Tuesday, 20th May - Year 3 
Tuesday, 10th June - Year 2 
Tuesday, 17th June - Year 1 
Tuesday, 24th June - Reception 
Tuesday, 1st July - Year 5 
Tuesday, 8th July - Year 4 
Tuesday, 16th July - Year 6 Leavers Mass  - 9:30am 
 

Day 3, it's Bee! 

Can you guess who's behind the mask? It's Alien! 

Fun fact - the most expensive book ever purchased was a first edition of Leonardo da Vinci's "Codex Leicester," which was bought by Bill Gates at auction in 1994 for $30.8 million!

The Masked Reader 

This week, to celebrate World Book Day, we will once again be taking part in 'The Masked Reader.'

Each day, at least one of our amazing staff members will be reading a snippet from their favourite book whilst being cleverly disguised with a mask. The fun part is for kids and families at home to guess who the reader is just by listening to their voice and the story.

It's a cool way to enjoy reading and have a bit of mystery to bring everyone together! We had such a fantastic time doing this last year, we just had to bring it back. 

Check out our first Masked Reader of the year - it's Pug! 

Here's a fun fact about reading: Did you know that reading can actually make you feel as if you've visited different places? When you read, your brain creates images of the scenes you’re reading about, involving the same neuro-pathways as those triggered by real-life experiences. It's like having a passport to a million adventures without ever leaving your chair!

St Bernadette's were delighted to be the first to receive one of the three ‘Our lady of Lourdes’ statues, which have begun their tours of Grace in the Centenary Year of the Diocese of Lancaster.

We welcomed Mrs Fran Wygladala, as a representative of the Diocese, into our whole school Celebration of the Word. We were also joined by Father David, who kindly blessed the statue. We processed with Our Lady to ‘As I kneel before you.' 

Mrs Sattertwhaite, Jacob ( Head Boy) and Jasmine ( Head Girl) made their way with the statue way to St Teresa's;  what a lovely welcome they received. 

The children all had time with our beautiful statue and work was pasted into a scrapbook which will accompany the statue to other Catholic schools. 

Spring Terms 1 and 2 2025 - Mass Arrangements

All Masses and Assemblies will be in church 2.40 pm except for Easter Assemblies - 9.15 am and 9.30 pm for the Easter Mass

Tuesday, 7th January - Whole school Mass led by Y5 & Y6 
Tuesday, 21st January - Year 4 
Tuesday, 28th January, Year 3 
Tuesday, 4th February - Year 1 
Tuesday, 11th February - Reception 
Tuesday, 4th March - Year 5 
Wednesday, 5th March - Ash Wednesday Service, in school at 09:15am, led by Father David. 
Tuesday, 11th March - Year 2 
Tuesday, 18th March - Year 6 
Tuesday, 25th March - Year 1 
Tuesday, 1st April - Reception 
Tuesday, 8th April - Year 5 
Monday, 14th April - Year 3 Easter Assembly, 9:15am in Church 
Tuesday, 15th April - Year 4 Easter Assembly, 9:15am in Church  
Wednesday, 16th April - Years 5 & 6 Easter Mass, 9:30am in Church 

Our school choir had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the annual Blackpool Catholic Schools Advent Service, held at the beautiful St John Vianney Church. The event brought together Catholic schools from the area in a spirit of unity, reflection, and celebration as we prepared for the Christmas season.

The evening was filled with heartfelt performances, with students showcasing their talents that expressed the joy and anticipation of Advent. 

This service was not only about music but also about coming together as a community to reflect on the deeper meanings of the Advent season. Through readings and prayers, we were reminded of the hope, peace, joy, and love that this special time of the year brings.

Thank you to our school choir who worked incredibly hard for this performance and to Mrs Kirkpatrick for your hard work and dedication!

We were very lucky to be visited by Olympic athlete James Dasaolu. He spoke to the children in assembly about his career as an athlete and showed the children some of his drills. Afterwards, each class took part in their sponsored circuits. The children had so much fun and were very inspired! We might have some future Olympians! 

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them."

Some of our Year 2 children represented St Bernadette's at Blackpool Football Club Community Trust's 'Fit 2 Glow' event. 

On Thursday, 31^st October 2024 the school photographer will be in school. Any families with younger or older siblings (not in our school) are invited to come into school to have a family photograph taken.  This will take place in the school hall and you should come into school via the main entrance from 8.30 am.

From 9am onwards, individual and class photographs will be taken class by class, with sibling groups also being taken.  Please ensure that your child has full school uniform on this day and if they have PE/Forest school, they should bring their kit to change into.

We’ve got some exciting news to share with you.

Parentkind – a charity that supports school PTAs - have teamed up with Asda, who is making millions of pounds available to donate to primary schools across the UK through their ‘Cashpot for Schools’ initiative. To support our school, all you have to do is opt-in through the Asda Rewards app, shop and scan in store or shop online at Asda.com.

Between 2^nd September and 30^th November 2024 – every time you shop with Asda using your Asda Rewards app, Asda will donate 0.5% of the value of your shop to your chosen Primary school. Also, every time somebody opts-in to support our Primary school, Asda will give an additional £1 to the school Cashpot. Plus, it doesn’t stop there – Asda are also giving £50 to every school to get them started.

The supermarket has joined forces with Joe Wicks to support the initiative – look out for the TV advert, radio ads and social media coverage!

It’s as easy as 1,2,3

1. Download the Asda Rewards app, register and opt-in to Cashpot for Schools (make sure you have the latest version of the app installed)

2. Choose our Primary School – either searching by name or postcode

3. Shop instore across Asda and George, or online at Asda.com and start filling your Cashpot as you shop

Asda does the rest, all money raised will be donated to schools to spend on the things they need the most.

Remember, anyone can sign up – so start spreading the news and raising funds for our school.

This initiative is on top of the existing Asda Rewards benefits you get as a shopper – so you won’t lose out on any of your own earnings or Cashpot, so everyone is a winner!

For more details, visit asda.com/cashpotforschools

Class Masses - Autumn Term 
 

Class Masses will be held in the school hall at 2:40pm, unless stated otherwise. 

Tuesday, 10th September - Whole School Mass, led by Year 6 in Church 9:30am 
Tuesday, 17th September - Year 5 
Tuesday, 24th September - Year 4 
Tuesday, 1st October - Year 3 
Tuesday, 8th October - Harvest Festival led by Year 2 
Tuesday, 15th October - Year 1 
 

We say a final goodbye to our Year 6 children today. We wish them well as they move onto their secondary education and we thank them most
sincerely for their hard work and commitment to our school. This year, in particular, we say goodbye to some families that we have had a
long-invested relationship with.  They may have had 2, 3 or even 4
children attend St Bernadette’s so we say thank you for trusting us with their precious young ones.  We hope you and your children leave
St Bernadette’s enriched by the experience – you’re always welcome at our school.

Click here to watch the Year 6 Leavers Video 

Please see below the 'surprise' video 

This week we celebrated St Bernadette’s Feast Day (16th April) in school. Throughout the week, the children have been learning about St Bernadette through their RE work.  Watch out for work completed on the class pages and on our Facebook page.

We marked this wonderful day with a ‘Manfredi ice cream' on the school field. You can sample this fabulous ice cream from ‘Manfred’s ice cream parlour’ in Bispham.                                              

Dear God,

We thank you for your guidance and unconditional love. Help us to have Faith like St Bernadette.  Help us to be kind and helpful, always so that our light shines through.

This week we celebrated St Bernadette’s Feast Day (16th April) in school. Throughout the week, the children have been learning about St Bernadette through their RE work.  Watch out for work completed on the class pages and on our Facebook page.

We marked this wonderful day with a ‘Manfredi ice cream' on the school field. You can sample this fabulous ice cream from ‘Manfred’s ice cream parlour’ in Bispham.                                              

Dear God,

We thank you for your guidance and unconditional love. Help us to have Faith like St Bernadette.  Help us to be kind and helpful, always so that our light shines through.

Year 2 have been experimenting with watercolour paints and have created these beautiful pieces of art in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and the forthcoming joy of His Resurrection.

Schools Alive 2024 performance: A Grimm Tale Indeed.

Check our our amazing children performing in this year's Schools Alive event!

Can you guess who's behind the mask?! 

Can you guess who's behind the mask?! 

Can you guess who's behind the mask?! 

Can you guess who's behind the mask?! 

Introducing, Dragon! 

Can you guess who's behind the mask? 
 

It's officially World Book Week! 

Here's our first edition of 'The Masked Reader'. 
Can you guess who's behind the mask?! 

Book Character Day

World Book Day takes place in two weeks and we will be celebrating our love of reading on Friday 8th March when children will have the chance to dress as their favourite book character and there will be a prize for the best-judged character outfit.

Character Dress Up

At 9:05, the children will parade around the track (weather permitting). In Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 there will be prizes for the best costume. In Years 3-6, children will have the opportunity to take part in book day activities linked to their character and other books. They will also watch videos of authors and how they create their characters and get their ideas for their stories. There will be an opportunity for a child from each year group to win a book voucher for the book fair.

Book at Bedtime

Book at bedtime will take place on Thursday 7th March 5:30pm – 6:00pm for Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3. The children may come in their PJs and dressing gowns. They will be given a drink while they listen to the teachers read a story. Parents are invited to stay for tea/coffee and biscuits.

Scholastic Book Fair

The book fair will arrive on 20^th March where you can come along and buy a book using your book day voucher. This will give children £1 off any book purchase. Please support the book fair as it is also an opportunity for the school to acquire new books from Scholastic for free to put into the library.

Book Swap

At playtimes, children can take part in a book swap. For every book they bring in, they will receive a ticket to choose another book on the book stall. Books can come in from Friday 1^st March until Thursday 7^th March. Please make sure that all books are clean and in good condition.

Get Caught Reading in an Unusual Place

Take a picture of your child reading in an unusual place. The most unusual will win a book token to spend at the book fair. Send your photos to:

admin@st-bernadette.blackpool.sch.uk or tag us on Facebook!

The Masked Reader

Let’s try something new! This year we will be posting videos of staff reading on Facebook. All you have to do is guess who is reading from their favourite book.

Please keep your eyes peeled on the website and Facebook for the Masked Reader videos all throughout World Book Week. 

Can you guess who's behind the mask?! 

And finally ….

We have recently had a new roof on the library which has meant a little refurb. On Thursday 7^th and Friday 8^th March please feel free to drop in and take a look. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful space.

Over the half term, Mrs Pearson has put a lot of hard work and TLC into our school library. 

The displays are so inspiring and being in there really does make you want to curl up and read a good book! 
 

Wow, what an incredible performance from St Bernadette's for Schools Alive 2024! 

The children and the staff have worked incredibly hard, their dedication and passion for what they love really shone through last night. 
The singing, the acting, the dancing - it was a pleasure to watch, quite the "phenomenon" you could say. 

A huge thank you to Mr Hopkinson, Mrs Kirkpatrick, Miss Gooch & Miss Paul for all of your time and effort getting this performance together, it is so appreciated. 

We are bursting with pride, well done to St Bernadette's! 

Year 2 have been creating some beautiful cherry blossom art as a part of Chinese New Year and Spring Festival. 

They used cotton buds to dip in the paint and create small cherry blossoms on the tree. 

Non Uniform Day 

Friday, 9th February 2024 - all donations to go to 'Elmer's Big Trail' in aid of Brian House. 

Year 3 really enjoyed their Matilda workshop on Monday afternoon.

This was a fantastic opportunity and they had a brilliant time learning about the West End and all things musical theatre.

During the workshop they used different techniques to create a fantastic short musical piece to the songs from Matilda the Musical.

St Bernadette’s has ranked 4th in Blackpool and 9th in all of Lancashire in the performance tables for 22/23.

This is incredible news and we’re super proud of all of the children and staff who worked so hard to get there. We were even featured in an article in the Blackpool Gazette featuring the top 12 schools in Lancashire. Our amazing St Bernadette’s family!

Click here to see our end of year performance information for 2022/23.

on Monday, seven of our Year 5 & Year 6 girls represented St Bernadette's in the Premier League Primary Stars U11's Girls football tournament at Stanley Park.

This was the first time they had played as a team and they all showed great sportsmanship and excellent teamwork. They were outstanding role models.

Well done girls!!

On Monday 18th December, our school choir accompanied Reception Class on a trip to Moor Park Library to sing some beautiful carols. 

As part of our Christmas activities this year, St Bernadette’s are going to support the work of Brian House Children’s Hospice.  We will be holding an Elf Run on the morning of the Friday 22^nd December 2023, at 9.00am approx.  Starting with the Reception class, then Y1, Y2 etc.

This event will help work up a festive appetite for all the children and staff and will involve a sponsored run around the field track.  If wet it will be in the school hall.

The children do not need to wear their uniform but will need to be wrapped up warm, with trainers and their coats.  They can of course wear an Elf hat. If you wish the children can themed their outfits to reflect the Christmas season, which could a jumper, sparkly headband, socks etc.

We have set up a just giving page so every Elf can collect vital funds for children and families across the Fylde Coast who need our care and support, especially over the Christmas period. It costs around £2.50 every single minute to deliver our much-needed service; just think of how many hours St Bernadette’s could pay for if every child raised this in sponsorship!

Please click here for our ‘Just Giving’ page

St Bernadette’s and Brian House are proud to work together to support families across Blackpool and the Fylde and we really hope you can support this activity.

Best Elf to you,

Brian House & St Bernadette’s

It's HERE!!!

Check out our Schools Alive Performance for 2023!

First school trip for our reception children and what an amazing experience and time we had together. Along with 12 year 6 children, they travelled by coach to Glazey Days in Fleetwood and had an afternoon of pottery painting. We had blue dogs, orange penguins, colourful giraffes and even a few mummies were created. The children enjoyed themselves and were a credit to the school. 

Blackpool Music Service's Music Evening was held this year on Wednesday 21st June. 

We had children showcasing their musical talents in; violins, drums, guitars, cornetts and even the school choir! 

The evening was fantastic, everyone worked so hard to put on a fabulous performance. 

On Monday, 19th June, Year 3 made a visit to Ribchester Roman Museum.

The children were incredibly excited and inquisitive at the museum as their highly knowledgeable curator talked about the Romans, Ribchester and showcased some of the weapons and armour used by the Romans.

Check out the images below to get a taste of some of the things Year 3 got up to!

Year 4 attended the joined Blackpool Schools, Catholic Trust open air Mass at St Mary's. They presented artwork and took part in the mass.

It was a joyful occasion and they each received a prayer card to remember the event. 

KS1 Sports Day 2023 

An obstacle course, beanbag race, relay, sack race, egg & spoon race to name but a few of the sporting activities showcased by our KS1 children this morning.

The children were absolutley fantastic! It was so wonderful to see them all working together as a team and cheering each other on.

Also, a huge thank you to our Year 6 children that came out to help, you were all so patient and understanding of the smaller children. You all really helped this morning go smoothly.

King Charles III Coronation Day - 2023

Our Holy Week this year was respectfully portrayed, through actions and prayers, by the children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.   

It was the first time we have celebrated Holy Week in church rather than in school; the Easter story seemed more poignant. 

Thank you to all the staff who worked tirelessly to support the children during this significant week of the year.  Thank you also to the parents/carers/grandparents and friends, of St Bernadette’s, who joined us during this special week.

Year 3 Sing it! Hosanna 

https://vimeo.com/814674047

On Monday, 20th March we had a delivery of 10 eggs to our Reception Class, 

We are taking good care of the eggs and watching out for any signs of them starting to hatch! 

Keep an eye out on the school Facebook page and Reception Class Page for updates. 

The Scholastic Book Fair is back! 

Wednesday 15th March - Friday 17th March, every day after school from 3:30pm in the 'small hall'. 

 

Our choir gave a beautiful performance at St Kentigern's Lenten Service on Tuesday, 14th March. 

Check out the video below! 

Well done to four Year 6 children who represented the school in a Sciathalon for Science Week.

They completed challenges around engineering and scientific knowledge whilst having to work as a team.  A super job!

World Book Day 2023! 

What a wonderful turn out for World Book Day!

It was fantastic to see all the children in their character costumes. We have celebrated in lots of ways – Book at Bedtime, hot-seating, book reviews, quizzes, get caught reading photos, book swap and the parade.

A big thank you to everyone who supported the event – the staff, the Year 6 Reading Ambassadors and all our parents.

Most Creative Costume Winners 
Marcelo - Reception Class 
Romilly - Year 1 
Nixon - Year 2 

Book Character Hot Seating Winners 
Isabella - Year 3 
Lucy - Year 4 
Tobias - Year 5 
Ella - Year 6 

Our school football team took part in the '1 Form Plate Tournament' and won! 

Fantastic team work from all of them, we are so incredibly proud. 

Well done boys! 

Check out our new Football Club page

Back-to-school advice issued to North West parents amid high levels of flu, COVID-19 and scarlet fever circulating

As pupils and students return to school following the Christmas break this week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people that winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels, but following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities.  

Flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) are currently circulating at high levels and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported.

Prof Susan Hopkins, Chief medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “It’s important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.

“Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading.

“Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings unless urgent or visit vulnerable people.

“Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus.  We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low. Flu can be very unpleasant and, in some cases, can lead to more serious illness. Getting your child vaccinated protects them and those they come into contact with and it’s still not too late.”

Dr Merav Kliner, UKHSA North West Deputy Director, said: “As we see more cases of flu across the North West, we can all play a part in reducing infections spreading by following simple measures. It is important to remember that catching flu or other infections for more vulnerable people can be far more serious.

“Taking sensible measures to stop bugs spreading is something we all can and should do. These include practicing good hygiene, taking up vaccinations when offered and not mixing with vulnerable other people when you are poorly yourself.”

Children eligible for the vaccine include:

• Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2022
• All primary school-aged children
• Some secondary school-aged children

You can get more information getting your child vaccinated against flu here.

Dr Arif Rajpura BSc, MB ChB, MPH, FFPH, MBA, DRCOG, DFFP, PGC (Exec Coaching)

Director of Public Health

Today we completed the Elf Run 2022 in aid of Brian House! The children did so well, we have managed to raise over £300! 
Thank you to everyone that donated. 

Christmas Dinner 2022 

Grandparents’ Afternoon

What a wonderful week we have had.  It was fantastic to see such an excellent turnout (140) in total. The children were able to join in with a craft activity, show their fabulous learning,  followed by tea/juice and biscuits. 

We pride ourselves on having such supportive families and I have to say the Grandparents are certainly leading the way. We had so many uplifting comments – just a flavour …..

‘Thank you - lovely opportunity to see Grandparents and Grandchildren sharing in their learning’

‘Thank you for letting us be part of this day – priceless.’

‘Fabulous idea – relaxed atmosphere – wonderful to spend time together.’

‘Thank you for involving us, we love coming to school.’

‘Thank you for such a special afternoon.’

‘Can this be an annual event and can we have more events for us Grandparents!’

‘… couldn’t believe the valuable learning taking place.’

‘What a lovely happy event for all the Grandparents.  It has made a miserable day into a cheerful one.’

'We love St Bernadette's - our Grandchildren are so lucky  - thank you.' 

‘How important Grandparents are for family life, for passing on the human and religious heritage which is so essential for each and every society!’

                                                   Pope Francis 

Scholastic Half Price Book Fair is coming to St Bernadette's on Wednesday, 7th December - 14th December! 

This will be open every afternoon from 3:35pm in the 'small hall' 

Thank you. 

Today we were able to come in our football shirts and watch the first England match of the 2022 World Cup! 

It was so lovely to see the children cheering and celebrating the goals. Lets hope we see a few more wins! 
 

A beautiful day of celebration was had by all for the Queen's Jubilee!

Here is a montage of our day

A mass collection of pictures from all classes:

Our class prayers for Her Royal Highness:

Trainline have put together a guide to booking family train tickets to help people find out ways they can save money on train tickets and child fare information. Please follow the link below.

https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/family-train-tickets

St Bernadette's are taking part in Blackpool 30 Reading challenge!

Families in Blackpool are invited to take part in a reading challenge to read for 30 minutes a day for pleasure.

The ‘Blackpool 30 Challenge’ is for everyone regardless of age. The main message is that reading is fun and good for your wellbeing.

Follow the link for more information!

https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Education-and-schools/School-improvement/Blackpool-30-reading-challenge.aspx

Blackpool have launched a new 30 minute reading initiative.

If you click on the latest news icon on the website, it will take you to the link.  The initiative also provides opportunities for families to enter reading competitions to win book vouchers individually and school. 

Prize 1 - £1000 of books for our school library – our school has signed up to the Blackpool 30 minute reading challenge and will be entered into a draw to win the prize.

Prize 2 – Best new reader - £100 voucher for books – Schools can nominate any child who has made significant progress in reading, when they were previously a reluctant reader.  We will be nominating candidates. 

Prize 3 – Most prolific reader - £100 voucher for books – Schools can nominate any child who has read for 30 mins a day, for at least 60 consecutive days.  We will be forwarding more information next week so we are able to log participation

Prize 4 – Best family reading partnership - £100 voucher for books – Schools can nominate a family who has engaged in the inter-generational reading aspect of this challenge, by evidencing reading to each other within the family group, for 30 minutes a day, for at least 60 consecutive days. We will be forwarding more information, next week so we are able to log participation. 

Prize 5 – Best class of readers - £500 of books for the class to share – Schools can nominate any class or form group that achieves a combined 50,000 minutes of reading by Christmas, evidenced through a class reading log.

Blackpool will award Prizes at the start of the next school term.

Please check the latest government guidelines on living with COVID-19.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-living-with-covid-19/covid-19-response-living-with-covid-19 

After many hours of rehearsals, the tapping, the clapping, the spinning and moving our Schools Alive performers were finally able to show off all their hard work and commitment at Schools Alive 2022!

A huge thank you to all the children who participated in Schools Alive this year and to the parents, grandparents and carers who have supported them throughout the rehearsals. 

A special thank you to Mrs Murphy for her time and choreography to help put the performance together.

Here you can see some of the backstage images taken of the children in their groups. 

A video will be added when it is available.

Please click on the link to watch the Blackpool Schools Advent Service.

You are warmly invited to join us for our online Advent Service celebrating the Year of St Joseph. Each of our Catholic Schools in Blackpool has prepared a short reflection on a section of the Christmas story from the perspective of St Joseph to mark the end of this special year. 

https://www.st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk/index.php/our-school/chaplaincy

Science Christmas Card Competition

Why not have a go at designing a card to win some prizes!

Design a Christmas Card to show how Santa will use science to help deliver your Christmas presents this year.

Entries to be in by Wednesday 9th December to Miss Scarlett. Please ensure your name and class are on the back of your entry. 

Please find attached a letter and flyer from Lancashire Constabulary with important information regarding e-Scooters.

e-Scooter Safety

Ride the Lights and Fireworks are back for Winter!

Two of Blackpool’s most popular events are coming back for the festive season. Click on the link below to find out more!

https://blackpoolcouncil.org/1L8J-7L3GH-17F7BDD88738E52BMRRZ6791DBFE0D1E805E5E/cr.aspx

St. Bernadette's has registered to Morrisons' It's Good to Grow campaign to help encourage children to get out in to the garden and start growing.

Please help us to collect points for some amazing equipment that we could use in our garden.

Further information can be found at: https://www.itsgoodtogrow.co.uk/

Congratulations to Mrs White  who has had a beautiful little boy named Remi on the  28th May.  Remi and Mrs White are now at home and everyone is doing well.  We send love and prayers from  the St Bernadette's family .

National survey of children, The Big Ask, launches today

The new Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has today launched The Big Ask – the largest ever consultation with children aged 4 to 17 in England. It aims to find out children’s concerns and aspirations about the future, so that we can put children at the heart of our country’s recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

All schools are encouraged to support their pupils to complete this survey. A range of teaching resources have also been produced, including lesson plans and activity packs, to help teachers incorporate this into their lessons.

Parents, care leavers and those working with children are also invited to complete the adult survey to share their views about the future for children and young people today, and what they think is holding young people back.

The results from this survey will help the Children’s Commissioner identify the barriers preventing children from reaching their potential, put forward solutions and set ambitious goals for the country to achieve.

Please use this link to access the site: The Big Ask

Royal Mail's Heroes Stamp Competition

Today children have been given the entry forms a Heroes Stamp Design from the Royal Mail. 

Please return all entries to your child's classroom teacher by Friday 14th May and make sure the following information is clearly written on the entry from:

- Child's name

- Age

- School (St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

- Postcode (FY2 0AJ)

Further information can be found at: https://www.stampcompetition.ichild.co.uk/

Regards,

Mr. Hopkinson (Year 3 Teacher)

We hope you enjoy the children’s depiction of Holy Week.
Year 3 - Palm Sunday
Year 4 - last Supper
Years 5 - 6 Good Friday

St Bernadette’s wish you a happy and blessed Easter

Here you can watch Blackpool Primary Schools' Lent Liturgy.

Please also visit our Faith page for further prayers from Fr. Peter.

Weblink from the Twitter image: https://t.co/gYm1Q0kQk8

This week, 1-7 February is Children's Mental Health Week with the theme of 'Express Yourself'. For more information on a subject that couldn't be more relevant and important during the current situation, please visit:

https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/

Please also find below a link to a video about supporting your child's mental health and wellbeing during lockdown. This was produced by the Xavier Catholic Education Trust.

We hope you will find the video both informative and helpful.

Blackpool has been placed into Tier 4 coronavirus alert level by the government. This means you must stay at home unless you have a ‘reasonable excuse’. 

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “With infection rates in Blackpool and along the Fylde Coast under 200 per 100,000 and positivity rates lower than in the likes of Merseyside, which is in Tier 3, we are perplexed at how the Government can claim it is following the science. Ministers are treating Lancashire as a homogeneous mass and completely ignoring the evidence submitted to them which shows how our areas are connected and how our population moves around.

 “Decisions such as these are utterly baffling and it hard to envisage how Blackpool and the Fylde Coast can ever come out of the highest tier restrictions if policy continues to be determined in such a blunt fashion. Our hopes very much rest on an effective roll-out of the Astra Zeneca vaccination programme in Lancashire from the start of next week and we would urge our residents to recognise that the vaccine offers the best prospect of us returning to some semblance of normal life.”

In Tier 4 restrictions 'reasonable excuse' to leave your home includes:  

• To work or volunteer if you cannot work from home 

• To buy food or medicine, collect items ordered through click-and-collect or as a takeaway 

• For education and childcare where parents can still drop their children off at school and operate in a childcare bubble where parents and children live apart 

• For medical appointments, to avoid injury or illness or to escape risk of harm 

You can exercise outdoors: 

• By yourself 

• With the people you live with 

• With your support bubble 

• With one person from another household 

You can form a support bubble with another household if: 

• You are the only adult in your household 

• You live with someone with a disability who requires continuous care and there is no other adult living in the household 

• You live with a child under one, or who was under one on 2 December 2020 

• You live with a child under five, or who was under five on 2 December 2020, who has a disability and requires continuous care 

 Weddings and Funerals: 

• Up to 6 people can attend a wedding or equivalent ceremony in exceptional circumstances 

• A maximum of 30 people can attend a funeral. Wakes and other linked ceremonial events can continue in a group of up to 6 people. 

Businesses and venues which must close 

• Non-essential retail - these venues can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect and delivery services 

• Hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery 

• Accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites 

• Leisure and sports facilities including indoor gyms 

• Entertainment venues and indoor attractions 

• Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons 

Places that remain open: 

• Essential retail such as supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, building merchants and suppliers of building products and off-licences 

• Market stalls selling essential retail  

• Libraries for essential IT services  

• Businesses providing repair services, where they primarily offer repair services 

• Petrol stations, automatic (but not manual) car washes, vehicle repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses 

• Banks, building societies, post offices, short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses 

• Funeral directors 

• Medical and dental services 

• Outdoor gym, pools, sports courts, golf courses and outdoor riding centres 

• Places of worship where strict social distancing is maintained 

• Crematoriums and burial grounds 

Clinically vulnerable people:  
 
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable the government is advising you to work from home. If you cannot work from home, you are advised not to go to work and may be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. 

Travelling within Tier 4:  

The list of reasons you can leave your home and area include, but are not limited to: 

• Work, where you cannot work from home 

• Accessing education and for caring responsibilities 

• Visiting those in your support bubble - or your childcare bubble for childcare 

• Visiting hospital, GP and other medical appointments 

• You can travel a short distance within your Tier 4 area for outdoor exercise (for example, to access an open space) 

• Attending the care and exercise of an animal, or veterinary services 

Travelling out of Tier 4:  

You must stay at home and not leave your Tier 4 area, other than to: 

• Travel to work where you cannot work from home 

• Travel to education and for caring responsibilities 

• Visit or stay overnight with people in your support bubble, or your childcare bubble for childcare purposes 

• Attend hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health 

International travel to or from Tier 4: 

If you live in a Tier 4 area, you can only travel internationally - or within the UK - where you first have a legally permitted reason to leave home. In addition, you should consider the public health advice in the country you are visiting.  

Get the full breakdown of all Tier 4 restrictions here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home

The Illuminations, which were due to stay on until January 3, will now be switched off from 10.30pm tonight in recognition of the Government’s “stay home” advice for Tier 4 areas. The Blackpool Tower, which has remained illuminated throughout the pandemic, will stay lit throughout the New Year period.

Please use the link below to view the Blackpool Schools Advent Service

Advent 2020

We worked with Pentagon Play on our outside KS1 learning area  who design and install outdoor learning environments for schools and nurseries.  The children are delighted with the end product -  www.pentagonplay.co.uk