Dear Parents / Carers,

 Thank you to everyone who supported National Dress Day today, it was wonderful to see all the children dressed in clothes representing their heritage. The children are always so proud to talk about their families and their heritage and loved talking about what they were wearing today. We are very lucky to be a school family that is so diverse, it is one thing that makes St Mary’s so special, and this was the day to celebrate it.

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.

St Francis Liturgy

Mr François-Williams had the pleasure of attending St Francis Class Liturgy on Wednesday. Here is what he said - “It was a lovely prayerful and reflective liturgy where all the children considered new beginnings and how God is with them and theynever need to be worried or afraid.

It was a very peaceful way to start the day with all the parents and children coming together in prayer.’

He also told me how proud he was of all St Francis children and how much they had all matured in the two years since he had taught them in Reception.

 We are looking forward to St Martin Liturgy on he 15^th October 2025

Individual Photographs

We have a change of date -sorry the company have recently changed the day from the 8^th October.

The individual photos will now be On Tuesday 7^th October. They will take place during the school day. However, if you would like your children, Infant and Junior- to have a sibling photo you can bring them from 8am – 8.45am.  It will be on a first come first serve basis.

Food Guidance for young Children

As you are aware all the children’s safety is of the upmost importance to us here a St Mary’s Infant School. We follow the guidance set by the government, and recently there has been an update on food safety for Early Years settings (Early Years is under 5s). The guidance applies to ALL children under 5 to minimise the risk of choking.

I am asking you please to follow this guidance if you are sending your child in with a packed lunch.

1. Cut all grapes/ strawberries and cherry tomatoes in half or quarters.
2. Cut melon, apples and carrots into slices rather than chunks.
3. Do not give nuts or seeds to under 5s -we are a nut free school so no nuts should be in school AT ALL.
4. Cheese should be cut into strips rather than chunks
5. Give your child wholemeal bread or toast as white bread can become doughy in the throat.
6. Do not give popcorn as a snack.
7. Do not give them chicken on the bone.

 We want to keep your child as safe as we can while they are at school, so we ask you to please follow the above. If we find any of the above in ANY child’s lunchbox we may have to give them an alternative lunch, in order for us to follow the guidelines set.

We appreciate your cooperation with this.

National Identity Day

Thank you all for the effort you have all went to in support of this day; it was brilliant seeing all the children in their amazing outfits! As a school we are very lucky to celebrate such a great number of cultures. 

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

We have had a few cases of HFMD in school. It mainly affects children under 10, though adults can also catch it.

Symptoms

• Cold-like symptoms: cough, loss of appetite, fever (38–39°C)
• Red rash on hands and feet, sometimes painful blisters
• Mouth ulcers and sore throat
  Symptoms usually last 7–10 days.

Is it dangerous?
No. It is a mild, self-limiting infection and children usually make a full recovery.

How it spreads
Through coughs, sneezes, and contact with infected faeces. Children without symptoms can still pass it on.

Treatment

• No specific treatment; illness clears on its own
• Paracetamol may help if a child feels unwell (never give aspirin to under-16s)
• Antibiotics/creams do not help
• Keep well hydrated

Time off school
Children should stay home while unwell. Keeping them off longer does not prevent spread, as some children without symptoms may still be infectious.

Golden Table

Our weekly Golden Table Celebration will be slightly different this week; we normally celebrate the Golden Table on the Friday of each week but next week we shall be celebrating on the Monday and the Friday and we are excited to share all the celebration news with you on Friday 10^th October!

A word from the Saints 

“Faith is the union of God with the soul” - St John of the Cross

Dear Lord Jesus,

Please increase our Faith and move us to action- sharing God’s love with everyone we meet

Amen