St Mary's Catholic Primary Schools Trust

Headteacher

Newsletter no. 25

Friday 20th March

Dear Parents and Carers

I cannot believe we are now approaching our final week of the spring term, it has gone so quickly. Long may the sun shine on us all. Next term is already looking very busy, we are putting a lot into the last 14 weeks of the school year-, Sports days, class assemblies, trips and so much more learning!

Our last day of term will be on Friday 27^th March and the school will be closing at 1.45pm. There will be no after school club on that day so please be prompt in collecting your child. We will return to school on Monday 13^th April at the usual time.

Music Festival

Our wonderful Year 2 pupils took part in Croydon’s Infant Musical Festival on Wednesday evening, and what a fantastic achievement it was. They sang beautifully, behaved impeccably, and represented the school with great pride.

This performance was the result of a busy and dedicated term, with the children rehearsing both in school and alongside other local schools, as well as practising at Fairfield Halls in preparation for the concert. These experiences not only developed their musical skills but also gave them the invaluable opportunity to perform on a large stage.

Opportunities like this are so important for our children. Performing in front of a large audience, including the Mayor of Croydon, can feel daunting, but our pupils rose to the challenge with confidence and enthusiasm. They showed real courage in overcoming their nerves, and it was wonderful to see them grow in confidence and self-belief as they performed.

Thank you to all of our Year 2 parents who came to support the children. Your encouragement means so much, and I know you share in how proud we all are of them.

A huge thank you must also go to Mrs Fernandes, Miss Rafat and Mrs Charlesworth, who have dedicated so much time to rehearsing with the children and nurturing their confidence, enabling them to shine on such a large stage. I would also like to thank Miss Fuller for giving up her evening to support both the children and staff.

It truly was an unforgettable experience and a very special opportunity for our pupils, and they should all feel incredibly proud of themselves.

St Andrew Class Liturgy

St Andrew class and some of their parents came together on Wednesday morning for their Gathering Liturgy.

It was a wonderful spiritual way to start the day. The children sang and prayed beautifully and showed how far they have come in living with their Faith since September. Mr François Williams talked about how each and every one of us is part of a puzzle that is needed to Gather and grow in God’s love. The parents spoke beautifully about the part of the puzzle their child offers, examples were loving, kindness, beauty, smiles, and curious. Mr François Williams also gave examples about each child in his class and how they are part of the puzzle in St Andrew Class.

The Big Lent Walk

This year our school will be taking part in the CAFOD Big Lent Walk.

As part of this initiative, each year group will be going on a walk to help raise money for CAFOD. CAFOD is a Catholic charity that supports people in need across the world, regardless of their religion.

Through our Big Lent Walks, we will live out our Lenten journey by showing solidarity with others and helping those less fortunate.

Walking plans:

Nursery and Reception: Walk around the school grounds
Year 2: Walk to Park Hill Park on Wednesday 25th March
Year 1: Walk to Park Hill Park on Thursday 26th March

Instead of asking for sponsorship this year, we will be holding a non-uniform day on Friday 27th March.

Children are invited to come to school wearing their own clothes and bring in a £2 donation.

If every child brings £2, we will be able to donate £400 to CAFOD, helping to support our brothers and sisters around the world who are most in need.

Thank you for your continued support.

Golden Table

Today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting on the Golden Table with six of our children at lunchtime. It was such an enjoyable experience. The children demonstrated impeccable manners throughout – saying “please” and “thank you,” using their cutlery beautifully and engaging in such polite, thoughtful conversation.

The children who joined me this week were:

Antonella – in St Andrew

Evan – in St George

Sophia – in St Bernadette

Carmelia – in St Therese

Abraham – in St Martin

Jonas – in St Francis

They were a credit to themselves and to our school. It was lovely to spend time with them and see first-hand the kindness, respect and consideration they show every day. Well done to each of them for setting such a wonderful example.

Wednesday Word

Compassion

A word from the Saints

Compassion for suffering is the beginning of holiness

St Maximillian Kolbe

Dear Lord Jesus

Thank you for the gift of everlasting life. Please help us to be more Compassionate as we journey through Lent together

Amen