Friday 6^th November 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a lovely first week back we have had at St Mary's. It has been wonderful to welcome the children back after the half-term break and I have been delighted to see them return with such enthusiasm, positive attitudes and a readiness to learn. It has been a pleasure to see our classrooms filled once again with happy faces and purposeful learning.

This week, our Year 3 children led another beautiful class liturgy, providing a special opportunity for prayer and reflection. We are incredibly proud of the confidence and reverence they continue to show as they grow in their faith. A group of our Year 5 children also enjoyed an exciting science trip to Trinity School, where they had the opportunity to experience science in action. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and, as always, represented St Mary's beautifully. We are very proud of them!

In this Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 25:1–13), Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids, reminding us of the importance of being prepared and keeping the light of faith shining in our hearts. The message encourages us to be ready to welcome God into our lives, not just through prayer but through the choices we make and the way we treat others each day.

As we begin this new half term, this is a wonderful reminder that every day brings opportunities to live out our St Mary's Way values of Love, Respect, Peace and Faith. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand or a thoughtful action, we can all be a light to those around us.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. I am looking forward to another busy, productive and rewarding half term, filled with opportunities for our children to learn, grow and flourish.

Wishing you all a peaceful and restful weekend.

Dates for your diary

• 12/11/2026 – Individual Photos
• 19/11/2026 - 6G Class Liturgy
• 26/11/2026 - 6P Class Liturgy
• 30/11/2026 – Own Clothes Day (fund raising for Discos)
• 03/12/2026 -5B Class Liturgy
• 08/12/2026 - Year 3 & 4 Disco 3.30 - 5
• 10/12/2026 - Year 5 & 6 Disco 3.30 - 5
• 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

A Very Special Christmas Gift from Her Majesty The Queen!

We were delighted to receive a very special delivery this week from Her Majesty The Queen! As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, The Queen is generously gifting every Year 6 child across the United Kingdom a copy of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell. These beautiful, specially produced editions include personal messages from both Her Majesty and the author.

This wonderful initiative aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading and bring children together through the magic of storytelling. Our Year 6 pupils will receive their copies before the end of term as a special Christmas present from The Queen. What a lovely surprise and a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of reading! We hope these books will spark imaginations, inspire adventures and encourage our children to discover the endless possibilities that reading can bring.

Achievement Awards

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to:

• Hemkrish in 3A
• Ebube in 3E
• Sowmithra 4D
• Ann in 4T
• Joren in 5B
• Kailaanie in 5C
• Nicole in 6G
• Rene in 6P

The Headteacher’s award goes to Racheal in 6P

The Kindness Award goes to Grady in 5B

The Swimmer’s Award goes to Joshua in 3A

Yours faithfully,

Miss SK Fizul

Headteacher