Author: Mrs M
Active SMiles
Active SMiles – Application Deadline!
Following on from the information we sent-out on xxxx, the deadline for expressions of interest in the Active SMiles active commuting project is 9am on Monday 10th June, with the scheme running from the 17th June to the 12th July.
A quick reminder of how the scheme works:
- The aim is to walk, scoot or cycle to or from school at least 10 times over this period, ditching the car and experiencing the benefits of active travel. For this, you’ll receive a £50 supermarket voucher.
- A commute is either to or from school, so if you go from home to school and back again on the same day, that will count as 2 commutes.
- If you don’t manage to meet the target of 10 commutes, you’ll still be rewarded but will lose £5 for every commute short of 10 you didn’t manage to do, so for example if you achieved 8 commutes you’d get £40.
- Support will be provided by us in the Health Protection Hub at the Council if you need it. We want you to succeed!
- You’ll need to create a free account on the fitness tracking app Strava, following our full, easy-to-follow instructions. You’ll then need to record your commutes on your ‘phone using the Strava app. This is simply so your active commutes can be verified before the rewards are issued. The app is free in its basic form
- Travelling to or from a railway station or bus depot counts as a commute provided the minimum distances below are achieved
- The minimum distance to count as a commute is 0.5 miles walking or 1 mile cycling
- You will be asked to complete a 5 minute survey after the project period has ended
- Rewards will be distributed as soon as the verification has taken place and the survey has been completed
Otherwise, email any expressions of interest (or questions) to HealthProtectionHub@telford.gov.uk – act quickly as spaces are limited!*
*Selection criteria will apply if over-subscribed; a “space” is for one family, so multiple children at the same school actively commuting will only attract one £50 offer (but would make selection more likely in the event of over-subscription) Priority will be given to those children/families who don’t currently actively commute to school.
Active SMiles
Active SMiles
The Health Protection Hub are running a scheme for our pupils called Active SMIles, to promote active commuting – walking, cycling or wheeling to school.
Those who sign-up and are selected will be offered financial incentives in the form of a £50 supermarket voucher for completing 10 active commutes during the 4-week period from 17th June to 12th July
There is a wealth of evidence to show that active commuting has these benefits:
- You’ll save money on fuel
- You’ll get fitter
- Your mental health and well-being will improve
- You’ll beat traffic congestion
- You’ll help to improve local air quality and fight climate change
We’re looking for people to take part who don’t typically walk or cycle to school, so would be replacing car journeys with active travel.
It’s appreciated that you may have concerns about walking or cycling to school, and it won’t be for everyone, but the benefits are huge and most if not all of your concern will be easy to overcome. If you’re interested, we’d recommend that you download British Cycling’s commuter e-book, by following this link: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/commuter-ebook and check out the resources at: https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20464/cycling
A few points on how the scheme works:
- A commute is either to or from school, so if you go from home to school and back again on the same day, that will count as 2 commutes.
- Support will be provided by us in the Health Protection Hub at the Council if you need it. We want you to succeed!
- You’ll need to create an account on the fitness tracking app Strava, following our full, easy-to-follow instructions. You’ll then need to record your commutes on your ‘phone using the Strava app. This is simply so your active commutes can be verified before the rewards are issued. The app is free in its basic form
- If you do sign-up but don’t manage to meet the target of 10 commutes, you’ll still be rewarded but will lose £5 for every commute short of 10 you didn’t manage to do, so for example if you achieved 8 commutes you’d get £40.
- Travelling to or from a railway station or bus depot counts as a commute provided the minimum distances below are achieved
- The minimum distance to count as a commute is 0.5 miles walking or 1 mile cycling
- You will be asked to complete a 5 minute survey after the project period has ended
- Rewards will be distributed as soon as the verification has taken place and the survey has been completed
In the meantime, apart from dusting-off your bike or walking shoes, if you’d like to discuss the scheme feel free to call Wayne Jones at the Health Protection Hub on 01952 380753 for a chat, or email HealthProtectionHub@telford.gov.uk
Otherwise, email any expressions of interest to HealthProtectionHub@telford.gov.uk – act quickly as spaces are limited!*
*Selection criteria will apply if over-subscribed; a “space” is for one family, so multiple children at the same school actively commuting will only attract one £50 offer (but would make selection more likely in the event of over-subscription) Priority will be given to those children/families who don’t currently actively commute to school.
Year 6 Rugby Success
We were very proud of our Year 6 rugby team today who competed in the Shropshire County finals at Shrewsbury.
The team had great spirit and performed well together. They played a total of 6 games and finished second in their league. The team went on to win the third place play off.
We are very proud of them all.
Swimming After Half Term….
Monday: Year 3
Tuesday: Year 6
Please remember your kit: costume/trunks, swimming hat, goggles and towel.
Half Term Reminder!
Reminder that we finish today (Friday 24th May) for half term and return on Tuesday 4th June (Monday 3rd June is a PD day).
Remember term dates can always be found on our website.
Have a lovely half term all, I have my fingers crossed we have some sunshine to enjoy!
Mrs M
Edgmond Hall
Well done to our Year 3 children for their enthusiasm and exceptional behaviour at Edgmond Hall this week. Thank you for parents and carers for their support. Huge thanks to staff members who volunteered their time to enable the residential; Mr Moody, Mr Humphries, Mrs Pearson, Mr Butler, Mr Lawson, Mr Jones, Miss Lockwood and Miss Smith.
Haberdashers Adams
The Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School Entrance Test registration portal is now open for current Year 5 boys and girls. This year’s test will be held on Monday September 16th. Please visit https://www.adamsgs.uk/join-us-year-7/ for more information and to register your child. The registration deadline is 4pm on June 28th (June 14th for SEND applicants, so that testing accommodations may be arranged).
We welcome applications from children of all backgrounds, and offer free access to a test familiarisation website for looked-after & previously looked-after children, children who are eligible for pupil premium (income-based free school meals in the last 6 years) or service pupil premium. Please email outreach@adamsgs.uk for more information.
ALTON TOWERS POSTPONED
URGENT ALTON TOWERS UPDATE
Parents and Carers of Year 6
Earlier this afternoon we were alerted to the Amber Weather Warning in place for Staffordshire tomorrow with heavy rain and winds from midnight tonight until Thursday morning. There is currently heavy rain forecast throughout this period.
We have liaised over the afternoon with the Telford and Wrekin Educational Visits Lead and Alton Towers this afternoon for advice. We have made the difficult decision to postpone the visit to Alton Towers which will now take place on Monday 17th June.
We know in the short term the children will be disappointed: we are too. We have been working on this over the last couple of hours and have not yet informed the children. Please reassure them they will be going and we are working to do all we can to ensure they have the best day. In school tomorrow in uniform please.
There are several reasons for the decision but key are that heavy rain will make for a miserable, uncomfortable day and rides will be likely to close and this will bring disappointment and not the value for money we want from the visit. Alton Towers and the coach company are agreeable and supportive to amending the date which means we can give certainty of the 17th June for the children to look forward to.
Please know we are decision making with every commitment to doing the very best for the children with the information and advice we have this afternoon.
We really do appreciate your support and understanding.
Mrs M