Headteacher's Newsletter 2

Friday 12^th September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a truly wonderful week of learning here at school. Across all year groups, the children have shown fantastic learning behaviours—curiosity, perseverance and a real joy for discovery. It is always a privilege to walk through our classrooms and see young minds engaged, questions being asked and ideas being explored with such enthusiasm.

This week’s Gospel (John 3:13–17) reminds us of the depth of God’s love for the world: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” It’s a powerful message of love, hope and purpose.

Just as Jesus was sent to bring light and life to the world, our children remind us daily of the light they carry—their kindness, their creativity and their willingness to grow. When we nurture these qualities, we help them become people who will make a difference in the world, guided by faith and compassion.

As we head into the weekend, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate your child’s efforts this week—not just in what they’ve achieved, but in how they’ve approached their learning and supported one another. These are the habits that shape not only good learners but good people.

Wishing you all a restful and joyful weekend.

Friends of St Mary’s Meeting

You're warmly invited to our next Friends of St Mary’s Meeting on Friday 26th September at 9.15am in the Family Learning Centre at the Infant’s School. This is a great opportunity for parents from across both schools in the Trust to connect, strengthen our school community, plan fun events for children and families and support fundraising efforts that directly benefit our school. We’d love to see you there – everyone is welcome!

Year Group Meetings

We would like to warmly invite all parents and carers to our upcoming Meet the Teacher sessions for each year group. These meetings are a great opportunity to hear about the expectations for the year ahead and to find out how we can work together to support your child’s learning and wellbeing. Your child’s class teacher will share key information about routines, curriculum and how you can stay involved in their learning journey. We look forward to seeing you there and working in partnership throughout the year!

- Year 3 - 22.09.2025 at 9am-9.30am
- Year 4 – 29.09.2025 at 9am-9.30am
- Year 5 – 23.09.2025 at 9am-9.30am
- Year 6 – 30.09.2025 9am-9.30am

New End of Day Proceedures

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all parents and carers for your support and adaptability with the new end-of-day arrangements introduced on Monday 8th September. Your positive feedback has been greatly appreciated, and it’s been lovely to see the increased opportunities for families and teachers to connect in the Junior School playground. The calm and organised atmosphere has made dismissal safer and more efficient for everyone.

As a reminder, parents of children in Years 4, 5 & 6 are welcomed into the Junior School playground from 3.20pm, where class teachers will bring the children down for collection. Year 3 dismissal remains unchanged—children should still be collected from the door at the side of the building as usual. To help us keep everyone safe, please continue to exit the playground in single file, allowing space for all families to enter and leave smoothly. Your cooperation makes a big difference.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Croydon Educational Psychology Service – Resource Padlet for Parents and Carers

We’re pleased to share a helpful new resource from the Croydon Educational Psychology Service. The team has created a Padlet—an online hub bringing together a wide range of resources to support children, families and schools. The Padlet includes sections specifically for parents/carers and young people, with links to local organisations, advice on mental health and wellbeing, learning support and more. All local organisations featured are currently active.

You can access the Padlet here: https://padlet.com/CroydonEPs/croydon-padlet-qbi4yfu4sx1dlemi

Please feel free to explore and share this with others in the community who may find it helpful.

Secondary School Applications – September 2026 Start

If your child is currently in Year 6, you must apply for a secondary school place for them.

How to Apply:

Visit www.croydon.gov.uk/admissions to explore school options and get guidance on the application process.
If you already have an eAdmissions account, you can apply directly at www.eadmissions.org.uk

Deadline:
31 October 2025
Late applications are processed after on-time ones, which means your child may not get a place at a preferred school — please apply on time!

Outcome:
You can view your child’s offer online on 2 March 2026.

Need Help?
Email: school.admissions@croydon.gov.uk
Phone: 020 8726 6000 ext. 44041
More info and FAQs: Croydon Admissions Website - https://www.croydon.gov.uk/schools-and-education/schools/school-admissions/admissions-secondary-schools-university-technical-colleges-and-studio-schools/starting-secondary-school-frequently-asked-questions

Flu Vaccinations for Children

The Croydon Immunisation Team will visit St Mary’s Junior School Tuesday 25th November 2025

The NHS recommends the flu vaccine to help protect your child from flu and reduce the spread to more vulnerable family and friends.

All children will be offered either:

- A nasal spray (quick and painless)
- Or an injectable porcine-free vaccine (if preferred)

Flu strains change each year, so it’s important your child is vaccinated annually, even if they had it last year.

Consent is required – even if you choose not to vaccinate.

Please complete the form here:
Flu Consent Form - https://cypcis.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/flu/2025/croydon

If no response is received, you may be contacted by the NHS to offer future vaccination opportunities. If you submit a ‘no’ consent, there will be no further contact this year.

For more information:

Visit the NHS flu vaccine page - https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/

Achievement Certificates

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to in Chad in 3A, Noah to in 3E, Rishik in 4D, Eren in 4T, Anthony to in 5B, Giulia to in 5C, Joel in 6G and Emily in 6P. The Headteacher’s award goes to Grady in 4D, the Kindness Award goes to Sophia in 6G and the Swimming Award goes to Jaden A in 5B.

Yours faithfully,

Sarah Fizul

Acting Headteacher

Health Advice for parents

Coronavirus

The World Health Organisation now considers the covid pandemic to not be a global health emergency. For advice and support if you suspect someone has covid, please visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/

When using a test, check that it is a recent one that is set up to detect new strains of the virus.

Group A Strep (streptococci)

Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel. Children with these symptoms should not attend school.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-safely-with-respiratory-infections-including-covid-19