Thank you to everyone who was able to come along to our Sports Days. It was lovely to see so many of you there. A huge well done to all the children. You were amazing! Can I just remind families please not to share photos/ videos on facebook etc as not all children have permission to be on there. Congratulations to Hanover- our winning team!

Well done to our Y6 maths reasoning group who had their final session on Wednesday. Miss Brown is so pleased with them and the resilience shown in the sessions, resulting in them coming first this week in their session.

Next week we have another busy week at St. Stephen’s. On Monday we are looking forward to the druhm sessions. Each class from nursery upwards will be spending time in the hall drumming developing a whole host of core skills for everyday life – namely focus and attention. For the sessions we have asked for a contribution of £2.00 per child, payable on ParentPay.

On Tuesday we have family worship with Years 1 & 2. Please meet at the junior gate on the carpark. Worship will start at 9.10am, and refreshments are available beforehand. On Wednesday afternoon we look forward to welcoming our new Reception pupils and their families into school for a fun afternoon.

This afternoon we were treated to a performance from one of our past pupils, Austin, on his cello. He has been working with Wigan Music Service to promote the cello. We have been offered a small number of free places for cello tuition, including instrument hire for the Autumn term. This is available for current Y2-5 pupils on a first come-first serve basis. Please email the office on enquiries@admin.astleysaintstephens.wigan.sch.uk to express your child’s interest.

Preparations are underway for our Summer Fair on Saturday 27th June. If anyone is able to provide some sweets or chocolates for our tombola they would be very much appreciated.

Fingers crossed we continue to see some sunshine.

Take care, and have a lovely weekend.

It has been lovely to see everyone back in school this week. On Wednesday morning I joined our Singing Club at St. George’s Church, where they joined a few of our local schools in a singing event. Each school sang 2 songs. All the children sang beautifully, and performed for us again in assembly on Wednesday afternoon. Thank you to Miss Quinn for organising the event and for her time preparing our children for the event.

The children may have told you about the Music Alive performance yesterday. A group of staff from Wigan Music Service joined us. We learned about a number of woodwind instruments and how to play them, and we were all entertained with a great selection of music. The children from current Y2 upwards can choose to learn to play a musical instrument next year. For those children interested we have some forms in school where you can find out about hiring an instrument if necessary and the cost of the tuition. These will come home next week with those children interested.

As we look to next week, the phonics screening tests will be carried out in Y1 and in Y2 as required. Y4 will also be carrying out their multiplication tables check. On Monday we have someone from the Canal and River Trust coming into school to deliver some very important water safety messages. On Tuesday family worship is with Y5 & 6 at the usual start time of 9.10am. On Wednesday our Y5 pupils have their art work on display at Leigh Spinners Mill. On Thursday the children are invited to join us in wearing a football kit/ sports wear for the start of the World Cup.

Next week is a week that determines the funding we receive for Bee Ready Club. If your child has not tried our free breakfast club, then they are very welcome. The junior gates are open from 8.25 – 8.35am, and the children can choose from toast, yoghurt, cereal with a drink. No need to book in – just turn up.

Have a lovely weekend.

A huge congratulations to our Year 6 pupils. They have coped so well with the demands of this week’s assessments. We are so proud of the way they have come into school each day and really focused themselves on the tests. They can now enjoy their last few weeks together.

This week is Christian Aid week. We mentioned it in worship on Wednesday looking at the work of the charity supporting people to live the life they want free from poverty and injustice. We had a small number of envelopes to give out to our younger pupils. Otherwise, if you would like to contribute to the collection, please send money into school in an envelope labelled ‘Christian Aid’.

Yesterday Mr. Grogan came into school to announce the winner of the ATSA logo design competition. We were delighted to find out that, out of the 300 entries, the winning design comes from Bella in Year 6. Congratulations Bella!

On Monday morning we waved year 4 off as they set off on their 2-night residential to Bispham Hall. They had a great time with the Nomad Rangers carrying out a huge range of activities, including grass sledging, orienteering, fire-lighting and frisbee golf. If you follow this link to the website you can find out more - https://astleysaintstephen.ovw10.juniperwebsites.co.uk/page/?title=Y4+Residential+to+Bispham+Hall+May+2026&pid=972
Thank you to Mr. Burrows, Mrs Deakin and Miss Longshaw for giving up their time to be with the children.

This half-term seems to have flown by, and next week is the last week before the one week break. On Tuesday family worship is with Y1 & 2. We will start at the usual time of 9.10am. Please wait at the junior gates if you are able to join us. Refreshments will be available as usual.

We finish the week with our sponsored walks on Friday afternoon. Families who are joining the junior walk are asked to wait by the junior gates ready for their walk at 1.30pm. Families who are joining the infant walk are asked to wait by the infant gates ready for their walk at 2.30pm.

Just to remind you all- Bee Ready Club is our free breakfast club open to all pupils attending our school as and when required. The junior gates are open from 8.25 – 8.35am to welcome the children to school. The children have access to drinks, fruit, cereal and yoghurts before the start of the school day, and spend time playing with their friends. There is no need to book. Just turn up.

Enjoy the weekend, and we will see you on Monday.