Friday 24^th October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of this first half term, I want to thank you all for helping to make it such a smooth and successful start to the academic year. Your support for the school—in every way—has been unwavering and it truly underpins everything we do.

It was wonderful to see so many of you at Parents’ Evening this week. These meetings remind us that education is a partnership built on mutual respect and humility—the willingness to listen, reflect and grow together for the good of the children we serve. Your engagement makes a tangible difference and we are deeply grateful.

Today’s Wear it Pink day was another shining example of our community’s compassion and generosity. The kindness shown through your donations will help to support vital work in the fight against breast cancer.

This Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 18:9–14) tells the story of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee boasts of his goodness, while the humble publican simply opens his heart to God and asks for mercy. Jesus reminds us that it is humility, not pride, that brings us closer to God. In many ways, that message has been lived out in school this week—through the honest conversations at Parents’ Evening, the acts of kindness shown through charity and the quiet, consistent efforts that make our school such a special place to be.

As we begin the half-term break, I hope you all take time to rest and enjoy the company of loved ones. May we return renewed, ready to continue walking in faith, humility and gratitude.

Parent Workshop: Understanding Grooming and Exploitation

We are pleased to welcome Skye Alexandra House to our school on Thursday 14th November, 9:15–10:45am for the first in a series of important parent workshops.

Skye Alexandra House is an organisation that supports girls and women who are at risk of, or victims of, sexual exploitation and violence. In this initial session, the facilitator will lead an informative discussion exploring grooming and exploitation—helping parents recognise risk indicators, understand how to keep children safe and find out what support is available.

We encourage all parents and carers to attend this valuable session to strengthen our collective efforts in keeping every child safe.

Thank You to the Wellesley Road Crossing Scheme Engagement Team

A huge thank you to the Wellesley Road Crossing Scheme Engagement Team for visiting St Mary’s Catholic Junior School and delivering such an inspiring engineering workshop on bridge design and construction.

Our pupils absolutely loved the hands-on sessions, which sparked creativity, curiosity, and plenty of teamwork. As one teacher shared:

“This week’s STEM workshops were full of creativity and curiosity! The children had an amazing time exploring engineering as they planned their bridge designs and brought them to life with marshmallows and spaghetti. The sessions were hands-on, interactive and filled with smiles as young engineers turned their ideas into real structures! The team’s presentation and engagement with the children throughout the school was wonderful – thank you!”

We’re so grateful for the enthusiasm and expertise you brought to our classrooms.

Reminder: Please Label All Belongings

As we head into the new half term, please take a moment to check that all your child’s school items are clearly labelled with their name — including jumpers, coats, lunch boxes, water bottles and PE kits.

Unlabelled items are very difficult to return to their owners and our lost property box is already filling up! A quick check and name label really do make all the difference.

Thank you for your support in helping us keep belongings safe and easily returned.

Praying the Rosary Together

During the month of October, it has been truly special to come together as a school community to pray the Rosary. These times of prayer and reflection have helped us grow in faith and reminded us of the importance of devotion, peace, and unity.

A heartfelt thank you to Naeva and Sofiia, members of our Rosary Club, who have led us so beautifully throughout the month with confidence and reverence.

We would also like to give a very special thank you to Father Malachy from The Catholic Parish of The Holy Family, Sanderstead, for joining us today to lead a wonderful assembly on the Rosary and to guide us in praying together as we end the half term.

 

Achievement Certificates

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to:

• Johanna in 3A
• Emmanuella in 3E
• Grace in 4D
• Ashton in 4T
• Ava in 5B
• Chris in 5C
• Olivia in 6G
• Alix n 6P

 

The Headteacher’s award goes to Williams in 6G

 

The Kindness Award goes to Valliah in 4D

 

The Swimming Award goes to Chiadikaso in 3E

 

Yours faithfully,