Friday 16^th October 2026

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

It has been another busy but productive week at St Mary's, with the children continuing to impress us with their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to their learning. As always, it has been wonderful to see our school values of Love, Faith, Peace and Respect shining through in so many aspects of school life.

 

This week, Class 4T led a beautiful class liturgy, providing a lovely opportunity for prayer, reflection and worship. The children did a wonderful job and I would like to thank all the parents and carers who were able to join us. Your presence makes these occasions even more special for the children and strengthens the important partnership between home and school.

 

On Thursday, the whole school joined the Virtual Rosary for Schools with Archbishop John Wilson. This was a special opportunity for our school community to come together in prayer during the month of October, traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary. The children reflected on the Luminous Mysteries and the life of Jesus, joining other Catholic schools in a shared expression of faith and devotion to Our Lady. If you would like to continue praying the Rosary together at home, you can access a simple guide to the Rosary.

 

In this Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 22:15–21), Jesus tells us, "Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." This reminds us that while we all have responsibilities in our daily lives, we also have a responsibility to God. We give back to Him not simply through prayer, but through the love, kindness and generosity we show to others. It is a particularly fitting message as we reflect on our Catholic Social Teaching this half term and the importance of putting our faith into action.

 

With this in mind, I would like to invite families to support our Harvest Collection for Night Watch, a local charity which supports homeless and vulnerable people in Croydon. We would be very grateful for donations of non-perishable food items, such as tinned goods, pasta, rice and other long-life products. Every contribution, however small, will make a difference to someone in need. This is a wonderful opportunity for our children to live out the Gospel message by showing compassion, generosity and solidarity with those less fortunate than ourselves.

 

As we approach the end of our first half term, I would like to thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. Together, we are helping our children grow not only in knowledge and understanding, but also in faith, character and love for others.

Wishing you all a peaceful and enjoyable weekend.

 

Dates for your diary

• 22/10/2026 – 3A Class Liturgy at 9.30
• 23/10/2026 – Wear it Pink Day – Fundraising for Breast Cancer. Last day of Half Term
• 02/11/2026 – Return to School
• 05/11/2026 - 3E Class Liturgy
• 11/11/2026 – Individual Photos
• 12/11/2026 - 3A Class Liturgy
• 19/11/2026 - 6G Class Liturgy
• 26/11/2026 - 6P Class Liturgy
• 03/12/2026 -5B Class Liturgy
• 10/12/2026 -5C Class Liturgy
• 16/12/2026 - CAROLS by CANDLELIGHT @3pm (Yr3/4)
• 17/12/2026 - CAROLS by CANDLELIGHT @3pm (Yr5/6)
• 18/12/2026 – Last Day of Term

 

Disco dates TBC

Wearing Earrings to School

 

We would like to remind all parents and carers of our school expectations regarding earrings.

For health and safety reasons, children are only permitted to wear small, plain stud earrings to school. Hooped, dangling or large earrings are not permitted as they can pose a risk of injury during playtimes, PE and other school activities.

 

On days when children have swimming lessons, earrings must not be worn at all. This is an important health and safety requirement, as earrings can cause injury in the swimming pool – especially if they fall out in the pool. We kindly ask parents and carers to ensure that earrings are removed at home before children arrive at school on their swimming days.

 

Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping us keep all children safe.

 

Achievement Awards

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to:

• Jacinta in 3A
• Chukwuka in 3E
• Allana 4D
• Kaaliyah in 4T
• Anthony in 5B
• Antonia in 5C
• Daisy in 6G
• Josiah in 6P

 

The Headteacher’s award goes to Rosemary in 6P

The Kindness Award goes to Ireluwa in 4T

The Swimming Award goes to Yohan in 4D

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Miss SK Fizul

Headteacher