Headteacher

Newsletter no. 7

17th October 2025

Dear Parents / Carers,

I cannot believe how fast the first seven weeks of the school year have gone. All the children are very settled in their classes and are engaged in their learning. We have packed a lot into this half term with trips to the Church, library and the theatre, Liturgies, plus all the wonderful learning the children have completed.

I hope you and the children have a restful week, as next half term will be equally as busy with the run up to Christmas.

Harvest of Peace

Thank you to all who came to support the children for our Harvest Liturgy today. The children did an amazing job at performing their songs in front of so many people.

It was lovely to see the school full with parents.

The support you give the children and the school on these occasions means a lot.

Another big thank you for all the donations you have sent in for the harvest appeal. I know Father Patrick and all the Priests will welcome it all and those who are less fortunate than us really will appreciate it.

We are still accepting donations next week. Later on in the week Year 2 will be taking everything that we have collected down to the Church.

St Martin Class Liturgy

Wednesday morning began in a very clam and spiritual way, when I was invited to attend St Martin Class Liturgy with the parents. The children reminded us that we are Baptised into God’s family and that his light and love shines in us all, no matter where we come from or who we are. We are all shining lights that spread love, peace and respect wherever we go.

Month of the Holy Rosary

October is the month of the Holy Rosary. During this time, we come together as a school to say a decade of the Rosary.

We would like to invite parents to join us, so you are all very welcome to come to the school hall at 3pm every Thursday

Phonics Meeting

We know that children learn best when there is a strong partnership between home and school and when we are all teaching the same techniques. We want all our children at St Mary’s to have a passion for reading and leave the Infant School as confident readers.

Therefore, we would like to invite you to a phonics meeting on Wednesday 22^nd October 2025 at 9.15am or Friday 24^thOctober at 2.30pm. This will be an opportunity for Miss Garner to explain our phonics and reading approach, so that you can feel confident with helping your child at home. It is aimed at Reception and Year 1 parents but everyone is welcome to attend.

Both sessions will be covering the same content, so there is no need to attend both- but we wanted to give you a couple of options for your convenience.

If you have any questions please see Miss Garner in Year 1- St Bernadette Class

Year 2-3 Parents Meeting in the Junior School

Wednesday 5^th November at 2.45

As we work closely with the Junior School, we want to give you this opportunity to visit the school and receive information in order to support your child’s transition into Year 3.

Although we are all part of St Mary’s Primary Schools Trust- the Infant and Junior school are two separate schools. Therefore, you need to apply for your child’s position in Year 3 both through the Local Authority and the schools’ supplementary forms.

All the packs and forms will be given to you at this meeting. If you are unable to attend please speak to a member of the office for a pack.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Golden Table

The children have been trying hard with their table manners during lunch times. It is definitely much quieter when they are eating and many are trying hard to use a knife and fork to eat.

Today I had another 6 wonderful children to have lunch with- I have been spoilt this week

Today on the Golden Table was:

Hannah - St George

Kwanza – St Andrew

Dhyani – St Therese

Madon - St Bernadette

Ernestina – St Francis

Melania – St Martin

School Uniform

Please can you ensure your child comes to school in the correct uniform each day. I have noticed children are coming to school in various coloured coats and the incorrect school shoes. School coats must be blue, black or grey. All scarves, hats and gloves must be navy, royal blue, black or grey, no other colours please.

School shoes must be black, unless it is your child’s PE day when they must be wearing trainers. If your child is in lace up shoes please make sure they are able to tie their own shoe laces, it becomes very dangerous when they are running around with them undone and unable to tie them independently.

School uniform:

Polo shirts which are pale blue (either with the logo or without)

School sweatshirt with logo - royal blue

Boys- grey trousers

Girls, navy blue pinafore, skirt, or trousers. Tights to be navy blue.

Shoes to be black school shoes.

Coat - black, blue or grey.

PE uniform:

White school t-shirt with logo

Navy blue tracksuit bottoms or royal blue shorts

White or navy socks

Trainers (it is important your child is wearing the correct shoes for PE in order to keep them safe)

I know how proud you all are of your children and the uniform they wear, let’s make sure it is consistent.

MacMillian Coffee Morning

On Friday 24^th October we will be holding a coffee morning to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support. It will be from 9.15am.

Please come along, bring a cake and we will provide tea /coffee and some more cakes.

The coffee morning will be held in the Infant School Hall

Wednesday Word

PRAYER

A word from the Saints

“ Prayer brings us not only nearer to God but also nearer to one another”

Pope Benedict XVI

We will say the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.

God Bless and have a wonderful weekend.