St. Mary's Catholic Primary Schools Trust

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Headteacher's Newsletter 6

 

Friday 10th October 2025

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

This week’s Gospel (Luke 17:11–19) reminds us of the importance of gratitude. Ten men were healed by Jesus, yet only one returned to say thank you. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that recognising goodness and showing appreciation are signs of true faith. As a school, we see this same spirit of thankfulness in our children every day in the way they care for one another, help a friend, or say a kind word to a teacher.

 

We were treated to a wonderful class assembly this week, which explored Jesus’ ancestors and the lessons we can learn from their courage, faith and trust in God. The children spoke with such confidence and reverence, showing how the stories of the past can guide how we live today.

 

We also welcomed a visitor for our school review and I’m delighted to share that the feedback was incredibly positive. Our guest commented on how kind, polite and enthusiastic our children are and how well they engage in their learning. They truly are a credit to our school and to all of you: the parents, carers and families who help shape their values and nurture their faith.

 

Thank you for being such an important part of our community. Together, we are helping our children grow not just as learners, but as kind, thoughtful followers of Christ who know the power of gratitude.

 

With thanks and blessings.

 

What would Jesus do

 

As part of our continuing journey to live out our faith in all we do, we are launching a whole-school art competition:

 

What Would Jesus Do?”

 

This competition invites children to reflect on how we can follow the example of Jesus in our everyday lives. We are asking pupils to design a poster showing what it means to live in the way of Jesus through: kindness, forgiveness, honesty, courage and love for others.

 

The winning posters will be displayed proudly in our school hall as a daily reminder of how we can act like Jesus in our words and actions.

 

Children may complete their posters at home or in school. We can provide paper for anyone who would like to take part — please just let your child’s class teacher know.

 

All entries should be handed in by Friday 24th October 2025.

 

We look forward to seeing the children’s creativity and the thoughtful ways they show what it truly means to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

 

Harvest Festival Liturgy Invitation

 

I am delighted to invite you to join us for our school Harvest Festival Liturgy on Thursday 17th October at 3:00pm in the school hall. This is always a special occasion in our school calendar, where we come together as a community to give thanks for God’s blessings and to share with those in need.

As part of our celebration, we will be collecting donations for our Harvest appeal.

 

If you are able to contribute, we would be most grateful. Items that are especially useful include:

  • Tinned goods (soup, vegetables, beans, fruit)
  • Dried food (pasta, rice, lentils)
  • Long-life items (UHT milk, juice, teabags, coffee, cereal)
  • Toiletries and household essentials

Your generosity will support those in our local community who are facing hardship.

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink” (Matthew 25:35). Our Harvest celebration is a chance to live out this call to love and service, showing kindness and compassion to our neighbours.

 

We look forward to welcoming you at our Harvest Festival

 

Dates for your diary

Please remember the following dates:

  1. Parents’ Evening: on Wednesday 22nd October 2025
  2. Individual School Photos: Wednesday 22nd October 2025
  3. Wear it Pink Day & McMillian Coffee Morning: Friday 24th October 2025

 

Support Available: The Wellness Centre

 

https://cbmeforum.org/the-wellness-centre/

 

We want you to know about The Wellness Centre, a local resource offering free support for mental health, wellbeing and creating stronger community connections. They’re especially focused on helping those facing stress, anxiety, isolation or low mood but their services can benefit a broad spectrum of people.

 

What they offer

  • A drop-in centre where parents/caregivers (and community members) can access advice and guidance.
  • Referrals to other local services, if more specialised help is needed.
  • Counselling support (via the Wellness Centre Team).
  • Workshops and group activities designed to boost mental wellbeing, physical health, social networks and daily living skills.
  • They also host health & wellbeing events and partner with community groups.

 

Who it’s for?

 

While the Wellness Centre places a special emphasis on supporting Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) communities in Croydon and Southeast London, their services aren’t limited to just those groups; anyone struggling or wanting to build resilience can reach out.

They accept people with mild, long-term, or enduring mental health needs, with the goal of improving quality of life and reducing the chance of more serious issues or hospital admissions.

Address

First Floor, Unit 1040/42, Croydon, CR0 1LP (opposite Waterstones)

Opening Times

Mon–Fri, 10:00 – 17:00

Contact

Phone: 020 8684 3719
Email: info@bmeforum.org

 

Why this matters to you and our school community

 

Parenting is hard. Balancing work, family and your own mental health isn’t something you should do alone. This is a free, local support option you or someone you know might turn to — whether you’re battling a tough season, or just seeking connection and tools to stay well.

If you ever need someone to talk to, or don’t know where else to look for help, keep this in mind. We encourage you to share this information with friends or family who might benefit too.

 

 

Achievement Certificates

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to:

  • Mara in 3A
  • Chidalu in 3E
  • Joren in 4D
  • Annarosa in 4T
  • Daniella in 5B
  • Rene in 5C
  • Vellisha in 6G
  • Afia in 6P

 

The Headteacher’s award goes to Anela in 5C

 

The Kindness Award goes to Chizoba in 6P

 

The Swimming Award goes to Thierry in 6G

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Sarah Fizul

Acting Headteacher