‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ Philippians 4:13
“Be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Letter No. 8 Christian Value: Love
1st November 2024
I.XI.MMXXIV
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back, everyone! As we gather once more, let’s embrace our school values of resilience and faith, especially as we approach the spirit of Christmas. Remember Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This season reminds us of hope, love, and the joy of giving. Let’s carry that spirit into our daily lives, supporting one another and shining our lights brightly. Together, we can overcome challenges and celebrate the warmth of community. Here’s to a wonderful half term ahead, filled with growth and the joy of the season!
Poppy Appeal
In school we have Remembrance Day items, such as traditional poppies, wrist bands and poppy pins, available for a donation to support the Poppy Appeal.
Christian Value for this half term – Love
Christian love has at its core unconditional love, love without expecting any return. God loves us as seen in the death of Jesus. The love of God in action demands our reverence, enabling us to love others as we love ourselves.
The Bible shows us many examples of God’s unending and unconditional love and the last supper, the story of Good Friday, shows us how much God loves us.
For God so loved the world he sent his only son to die for us. John 3:16
In school we show love by:
BMSC Coffee Afternoons
Our next BMSC Coffee Afternoon is on Friday 8th November, 2-3:15pm. If you cannot attend but would like to buy a raffle ticket at the cost of £2.50 for a chance to win a prize, please contact the BMSC on bmscpta@gmail.com #TeamBanks
Below are the dates for the future BMSC Coffee Afternoons.
Friday 13th December
Friday 17th January
Friday 14th February
Friday 14th March
Friday 9th May
Friday 6th June
Nasal Flu Jab
This will take place on Friday 8th November, 1pm.
Parents Evening
Our Autumn parents meetings are on Wednesday 13th November running between 3:30-5:30pm and one on Thursday 14th November, 1-3pm.
A ‘Google Form’ has been sent out so you can choose the day that suits you best and also a preferred time slot.
Children in Need
On Friday 15th November children can come to school wearing their pyjamas for a suggested donation of 50p or £1 per child. We will hopefully be having a visit from Pudsey himself at some point during the day.
Christmas Lights Switch On – Friday 29th November
After the success of last year, this is an occasion we are extremely excited about. The event will start at 4pm with the children singing Christmas Carols around the Christmas Tree before and after the switch on. Mulled wine, hot chocolate, minced pies and much more will be available to buy. If you can help out on the night, please contact Miss Callander in the school office.
Open Day
We will be having an Open Day on Wednesday 4th December to showcase our school. Keep a look out on Facebook for posts and banners/posters and spread the word #TeamBanks
Key Dates:
November
7th – Messy Church, 3:15-4pm (parents/carers welcome) – unfortunately this has had to be postponed – a new date will be put in the diary as soon as possible.
8th – BMSC Coffee/Tea Afternoon, 2-3:15pm
18th – Bikeability for Y5 – Playground Session
19th – Bikeability for Y5 – Road Session
20th – Bikeability for Y5 – Road Session
26th – Foxes trip to Blackburn Cathedral
29th – Christmas Light Switch On, 4-5:30pm
29th – Festive Friday 1 – Dress in festive clothing
December:
4th – Open Day
4th – Stay and Learn Session 1 – Craft/RE Session, 2:15-3pm
5th – Advent Messy Church, 3:15-4pm
6th – Festive Friday 2 – Dress in festive clothing
11th – KS2 Carol Concert at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 6pm
13th – Festive Friday 2 – Dress in festive clothing
13th – BMSC Coffee/Tea Afternoon, 2-3:15pm
16th – Nursery Sing-a-long, 2:30pm
17th – KS1 Nativity, 1:30pm
19th – Christmas Film Night
20th – Festive Friday 4 – Dress in festive clothing
20th – Christmas Party Day
20th – Break up for Christmas @ 1:15pm
September 2025 Primary School Admissions
Applications for places are now online and open. Closing date is 15th January 2025 for primary applications, we would however advise that you register children as soon as possible.
To assist parents there are links on our website www.banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk under ‘Admissions’ for Reception.
After School Clubs for Autumn Term 2
Monday will be Year 6 Maths Fun with Mrs Winstanley and Mr Draper, 3:15-4pm
Tuesday will be Sports Club for any child in Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm, delivered by a coach from the West Lancs Sports Partnership, 3:15-4:15pm.
Thursday will be Football Club with Mr Draper add Mr Wedlin, 3:15-4:15pm, at The Hub, Banks
Friday mornings will be Active Club with Mr Draper, where children will be encouraged to keep moving for 20-25 minutes whilst getting some morning fresh air and socialising with their friends 8:15am.
Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision
Breakfast and Afterschool provision is available, booking on-line through Eduspot.
Breakfast Club:
7:45am drop off £3
8am drop off £2.50
8:30am drop off £1.50
ASC
3:15-4:30pm £5 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-5:30pm £7 (Monday –Friday
If you need after school care with short notice, e.g. next day and are not able to book in, please could you ring Miss Callander in the office to let her know, especially for a 5:30pm pick up.
If children have not been booked in to care in advance and no other children are in after school care, there will be no staff prepared to supervise the children.
However, we will always try out best to accommodate late requests and, if possible, have staff available to work at short notice. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can payment for Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision be paid either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50 we will not be able to offer Care Provision to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Attendance
If your child(ren) is ill and not attending school it is important that you inform school by 9:15am. If the phone is engaged it is fine to leave a message using option 1 (reporting a pupil absence) or email bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk.
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices for next week (week beginning 4th November 2024):
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Meat Free Monday
Choice 1 – Veggie sausage roll with crispy potatoes and beans
Choice 2 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Pancakes with bananas and chocolate or fruit
Traditional Tuesday
Choice 1 – Cottage pie, mushy peas, carrots and gravy
Choice 2 – Quorn pie, mushy peas, carrots and gravy
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Jam sponge and custard or fruit
Mid-week Wednesday Roast
Choice 1 – Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 2 – Roast Quorn fillet, roast potatoes, vegetable medley and gravy
Choice 3 – Toasties (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Fruit sorbet or fruit
Around the World Thursday
Choice 1 – Mild chicken tikka with rainbow rice and naan bread
Choice 2 – Mild Quorn tikka with rainbow rice and naan bread
Choice 3 – Jacket potato (tuna/cheese/beans or cheese and beans) with mixed salad
Dessert – Jelly or fruit
Fish Friday
Choice 1 – Harry Ramsden fish with chips, garden peas and sweetcorn
Choice 2 – Veggie nuggets with chips, garden peas and sweetcorn
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna/ham/cheese) with salad
Dessert – Homemade cupcake or fruit
Online Payment System
Please could you remember to logon to the online payment system and pay for nursery fees, dinner money etc. on a regular basis.
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals you can apply online or email/ring Miss Callander in the school office who will happily assist you to complete an application.
If you need assistance with the online payment system, please email/ring Miss Callander who will be happy to help you through the online process. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can all payments be made either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50, we will not be able to offer Breakfast/After School Care Provision and children will have to bring a packed lunch to school to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Take care
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks
In the words of John Wesley:
Do ALL the good you can
By ALL the means you can
In ALL the ways you can
In ALL the places you can
At ALL the times you can
To ALL the people you can
As long as EVER you can
‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ Philippians 4:13
“Be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Letter No. 7 Christian Value: Thankfulness
18th October 2024
XVIII.X.MMXXIV
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of a busy and exciting half term, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful experiences our students have had and share some highlights with you.
In our school community, children demonstrate the spirit of Philippians 4:13, which reminds us that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Each day, our children face challenges with resilience and determination, believing in their abilities and supporting each another. Their faith in themselves and in each other exemplifies the strength that comes from determination and perseverance.
Furthermore, the lessons from Joshua 9:1, which speaks of the importance of wisdom. Our children actively engage in building friendships and working together on projects, recognising the value of unity and teamwork. By learning from one another and respecting diverse perspectives, they embody the principles of respect and honesty that are vital in our journey together.
Through their actions, our children not only uphold these biblical references but also create a nurturing environment that fosters growth, empathy, and community.
We would like to thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Together, we can create a positive and nurturing environment for our amazing children to thrive.
Feel Good Friday
After half term we will launch ‘Feel Good Friday’. Feel Good Friday is all about celebrating positivity and boosting morale as the week ends. Each week we will either share uplifting stories, express gratitude, or engage in self-care. This practice will aim to enhance mental well-being, foster connections, and create a sense of community. Whether through acts of kindness, fun activities, or simply reflecting on the week's positives, Feel Good Friday will be a powerful way to culminate on a high note and set a positive tone for the weekend!
Each half term we will have a ‘Feel Good Friday Health and Wellbeing’ open afternoon in school, 2-4pm which parents/carers and family members can attend. Children will be able to join their families. Our school Wellbeing Governor, Mrs Hothersall, will attend each open afternoon, as well as other agencies if they are free to do so.
Our first open afternoon will be on Friday 1st November. Hayley Mcilroy, who is the Senior Family Support Worker for the Community Children and Family Wellbeing Service will be attending to share information on what their service offers.
BMSC Coffee Afternoon
After our first successful BMSC Coffee/Tea afternoon this will become a monthly occurrence.
Friday 8th November
Friday 13th December
Friday 17th January
Friday 14th February
Friday 14th March
Friday 9th May
Friday 6th June
Parents Evening
As per last year, parents evening will run as 2 sessions, one on Wednesday 13th November running between 3:30-5:30pm and one on Thursday 14th November, 1-3pm.
A ‘Google Form’ will be sent out over the half term break so you can choose the day that suits you best and also a preferred time slot.
Nasal Flu Jab
This will take place on Friday 8th November, 1pm.
Open Day
We will be having an Open Day on Wednesday 4th December to showcase our school. Keep a look out on Facebook for posts and banners/posters and spread the word #TeamBanks
Gold Book Celebrations
In school we celebrate individual, group and class successes on a Friday during our Worship. Here are some of the entries this week:
‘Trying extremely hard to learn letters and blend them together in Phonics’
‘Helping to put resources away after group time and even picking up books on the hall floor as well’
‘Beautiful neat handwriting, trying hard to keep focused’
‘Always having a smiley happy attitude to all work and activities’
‘Kind and helpful member of the class, always willing to help peers and completing a job for an adult maturely and sensibly’
‘Consistently participating in class discussions and completing work to the best of their ability’
‘Being inquisitive and frequently asking excellent and relevant questions to understand new topics and themes better’
‘Outstanding recall of facts about the Amazon Rainforest and additional research to create a fact-filled brochure’
Holiday Dates 2025/26
School holiday dates for the academic year 2025/26 can now be found on the school website: https://www.banks.lancsngfl.ac.uk/school-holiday-dates/
Key Dates:
October
31st – Back to school
November
1st – Feel Good Friday, 2-4pm in the school hall
7th – Messy Church, 3:15-4pm (parents/carers welcome)
8th – BMSC Coffee/Tea Afternoon, 2-3:15pm
18th – Bikeability for Y5 – Playground Session
19th – Bikeability for Y5 – Road Session
20th – Bikeability for Y5 – Road Session
26th – Foxes trip to Blackburn Cathedral
29th – Christmas Light Switch On, 4-5:30pm
29th – Festive Friday 1 – Dress in festive clothing
December:
4th – Open Day
4th – Stay and Learn Session 1 – Craft/RE Session, 2:15-3pm
5th – Advent Messy Church, 3:15-4pm
6th – Festive Friday 2 – Dress in festive clothing
11th – KS2 Carol Concert at Banks St Stephen’s Church, 6pm
13th – Festive Friday 2 – Dress in festive clothing
13th – BMSC Coffee/Tea Afternoon, 2-3:15pm
16th – Nursery Sing-a-long, 2:30pm
17th – KS1 Nativity, 1:30pm
19th – Christmas Film Night
20th – Festive Friday 4 – Dress in festive clothing
20th – Christmas Party Day
20th – Break up for Christmas @ 1:15pm
September 2025 Primary and Secondary School Admissions
Applications for places are now online and open. Closing dates are: 31st October 2024 for secondary applications, and 15th January 2025 for primary applications, we would however advise that you register children as soon as possible.
To assist parents there are links on our website www.banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk under ‘Admissions’ for Reception.
For children in Foxes, Year 6, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools. If you are unable to access this, please speak to Miss Callander in the school office as soon as possible.
After School Clubs for Autumn Term 2
Monday will be Year 6 Maths Fun with Mrs Winstanley and Mr Draper, 3:15-4pm
Tuesday will be Sports Club for any child in Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Foxes, 3:15-4:15pm, delivered by a coach from the West Lancs Sports Partnership, 3:15-4:15pm.
Thursday will be Football Club with Mr Draper add Mr Wedlin, 3:15-4:15pm, at The Hub
Friday mornings will be Active Club with Mr Draper, where children will be encouraged to keep moving for 20-25 minutes whilst getting some morning fresh air and socialising with their friends 8:15am.
Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision
Breakfast and Afterschool provision is available, booking on-line through Eduspot.
Breakfast Club:
7:45am drop off £3
8am drop off £2.50
8:30am drop off £1.50
ASC
3:15-4:30pm £5 (Monday – Friday)
3:15-5:30pm £7 (Monday –Friday
If you need after school care with short notice, e.g. next day and are not able to book in, please could you ring Miss Callander in the office to let her know, especially for a 5:30pm pick up.
If children have not been booked in to care in advance and no other children are in after school care, there will be no staff prepared to supervise the children.
However, we will always try out best to accommodate late requests and, if possible, have staff available to work at short notice. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can payment for Breakfast and Afterschool Care Provision be paid either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50 we will not be able to offer Care Provision to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Attendance
If your child(ren) is ill and not attending school it is important that you inform school by 9:15am. If the phone is engaged it is fine to leave a message using option 1 (reporting a pupil absence) or email bursar@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk.
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Lunch Choices for next week (week beginning 31st October 2024):
School Dinners
If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to a free school dinner.
Thursday:
Choice 1 – Cheese and tomato pizza with waffles and beans
Choice 2 – Pepperoni pizza with waffles and beans
Choice 3 – Chicken goujons and waffles and beans
Dessert – Jelly or biscuit
Friday:
Choice 1 – Harry Ramsden fish with chips and sweetcorn or beans
Choice 2 – Veggie nuggets with chips and sweetcorn or beans
Choice 3 – Freshly filled sandwiches (tuna, ham or cheese)
Dessert – Homemade cookies
Online Payment System
Please could you remember to logon to the online payment system and pay for nursery fees, dinner money etc. on a regular basis.
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals you can apply online or email/ring Miss Callander in the school office who will happily assist you to complete an application.
If you need assistance with the online payment system, please email/ring Miss Callander who will be happy to help you through the online process. Thank you for your understanding.
Please can all payments be made either daily, weekly or monthly. If a child’s debt exceeds £50, we will not be able to offer Breakfast/After School Care Provision and children will have to bring a packed lunch to school to ensure that your debt doesn’t increase further. If you need to talk to Mr Draper about a payment plan please email him on head@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding.
Take care
Mr Draper and all the team at Banks Methodist
#TeamBanks
In the words of John Wesley:
Do ALL the good you can
By ALL the means you can
In ALL the ways you can
In ALL the places you can
At ALL the times you can
To ALL the people you can
As long as EVER you can