St Mary's Catholic Primary Schools Trust

Headteacher

Newsletter no. 30

^8th May 2026

Dear Parents / Carers,

It has been a shorter week in school following the Bank Holiday, but it has still been a busy and positive one. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the parents and carers who have generously given their time to volunteer within the school and help in the garden areas. Your support and commitment are greatly appreciated and play an important role in bringing our school community together. By working in partnership, we continue to ensure that our school remains a happy, welcoming and safe place where all children can learn, grow and thrive.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to Daria and Alex, parents of Kaya in St Andrew Class, for their incredibly generous donation of plants and fruit trees for our gardens. Their kindness will help to create a beautiful outdoor environment for our children to enjoy and learn from for many years to come. We promise to care for and nurture these additions so that future generations of St Mary’s children will also be able to appreciate and benefit from them.

Classes to Mass

On Monday 11^th May St Bernadette class will be going to 10 o’clock Mass at St Mary’s Church

On Monday 18^th may St Therese class will be going to 10 o’clock Mass at St Mary’s Church.

You are more than welcome to join the children at the church for mass.

A message for Year 1 Parents

As you may be aware, the government requires all children in Year 1 to take a Phonics Screening Check in June. Phonics is taught daily across the school and is a key part of our reading programme.

To help you understand more about the check and how you can support your child at home, Miss Garner will be holding an information meeting on 20th May at 2:45pm. This session will explain the process and provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Raising Money for the Library

As part of our continued efforts to redevelop the school library our donating page on the Love Reading 4 kids website https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/fundraisers/a-library-for-every-learner-1759920972

is still active and any donations are greatly appreciated. This year is the National Year of Reading and we would like to celebrate this by updating and modernising our school library to ensure our children have the best resources available surrounded by a calming and inviting space that encourages a love of reading. During the Summer Term we will be continuing to raise money for the library to buy books and other story telling resources to enhance the library area so watch this space for any updates!

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to give your children the best school experience possible.

SPORTS DAY

A reminder that it is our annual Sports Day on Tuesday 12^th May.

Please come along and support your child in this school event. It will last approximately an hour. Just to remind you the winning team last year was the team whose parents cheered them on the loudest! So, have your voices warmed up.

Year 1 and 2 sports day is at 9.15am in the main KS1 playground.

Morning Nursery sports day is at 11.30am

Reception and Afternoon Nursery is at 2pm

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:

Cloe – in St Andrew

Edriel– in St George

El Nora - in St Bernadette

Vincenzo – in St Therese

Kamari – in St Martin

Chimerie – 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

Helper

A word from the Saints

“Let the Holy Spirit be your helper and guide; He will not fail to lead you to peace

Pope St John Paul II

Dear Lord,

Please send your Holy Spirit into our lives to be our helper and to guide us, so that we can be a great help to those around us.

Amen