Headteacher's Newsletter 1

Friday 5^th September 2025

Dear Parents,

I would also like to add my own thanks to all of you for welcoming me back to school in my new role. Your kind words, encouragement, and support have meant a great deal, and I feel truly blessed to begin this next chapter alongside such a warm and faith-filled community.

This Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 14:25–33) reminds us that following Jesus may not always be easy—and it asks us to think carefully about what matters most in our lives. Jesus invites us to “count the cost” of discipleship, encouraging us to make Him the centre of our priorities. As we begin a new school year, may we be guided by this message: placing love, service and faith at the heart of everything we do, supporting one another—and choosing what is truly important with courage and compassion.

End of Day Arrangements

From Monday 8^th September 2025, we will be changing how we dismiss our children at the end of the day. Parents of children in Years 4, 5 & 6 will be welcomed into the Junior School playground from 3.20pm. Class teachers will bring classes down to the playground where parents will be able to collect their children. There will be no changes to Year 3 dismissal and children will be collected from the door at the side of the building as usual. This will be a good opportunity for teachers and families to share important updates and information regrading the children.

At 3.40pm, any children who have not yet been collected will be taken to the office where parents will be called.

After School Wraparound Care

Our after school wraparound care service has got off to a successful start! We offer sessions after school from 3.30pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term-time. During the sessions, children will receive a freshly cooked, nutritious meal and participate in a range of activities. If you would like to access this service, please collect a registration form from reception to enable you to book via ParentPay. If you have any questions, please pop into the office.

Clubs

From Monday 8^th September, the following clubs will begin:

Wednesday – Swimming Lessons

Thursday – Swim Squad

Friday - Multisports

Choir letters will be sent out next week for children in year 5 and 6 who would like to join choir. These sessions will not begin until 15/09/2025. Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and children will be notified if they will be offered a place.

School Uniform Reminder

As we begin the new school year, we kindly remind all parents and carers to ensure that children are wearing the correct school uniform each day, in line with our school’s uniform policy. The full details of the policy can be found on our website here: https://www.stmaryscatholicprimaryschoolstrust.co.uk/page/?title=School+Uniform&pid=260

We also ask that all clothing and personal items are clearly labelled with your child’s name to help us return any lost property as quickly as possible.

Please ensure that PE shorts are of an appropriate length, ideally around knee length, to maintain modesty and comfort during physical activities.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our children take pride in their appearance and represent our school so well.

Parking Considerations – Keeping Our Children Safe

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our children is our top priority. We kindly remind all parents and carers to park safely and considerately when dropping off or collecting children from school.

Please avoid:

Blocking driveways or building entrances
Parking on zig-zag lines or yellow lines outside the school
Leaving vehicles in a position that may endanger pedestrians or restrict visibility

We also ask everyone to remain calm and polite, especially when parking becomes challenging. Our children are watching and learning from our example, and a respectful, patient attitude goes a long way in building a caring and supportive school environment.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep our school community safe and welcoming for all.

Achievement Certificates

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to all of the children in Year 3, Grady in 4D, Jaden in 4T, all of Year 5, Zion in 6G and Yvonne in 6P. The Headteacher’s award goes to Zander in 3E and the Kindness Award to Naeva in 5B.

Yours faithfully,

Sarah Fizul

Headteacher