Friday 2^nd October 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been another busy and joyful week at St Mary’s, with plenty to celebrate across our school community.

 

Firstly, a huge congratulations to our cross-country teams, who represented St Mary’s so brilliantly this week. The children have shown tremendous commitment to their training and should be incredibly proud of the determination and perseverance they demonstrated when competing. Whether crossing the finish line first or last, taking part in an event like this requires courage, resilience and a willingness to keep going when things become difficult – qualities we are very proud to see in our children.

A very special thank you must also go to Mrs Ottlyk, Mrs Chappell and Ms Namirembe, who have given their time and energy to training and supporting the children. Thank you also to our wonderful parent helpers who helped to supervise and encourage the children on the day. Opportunities like these simply could not happen without the generosity and support of our staff and families.

 

This week, 5C also led us in a beautiful class liturgy. It is always a privilege to see our children confidently leading prayer and reflection and contributing so meaningfully to the Catholic life of our school.

 

October also marks the beginning of the Month of the Holy Rosary, a special time in the Church when we are encouraged to turn to Mary and reflect on the life of Jesus through the mysteries of the Rosary. During this month, we will be creating opportunities for our children to pray the Rosary together and to deepen their understanding of Mary’s example of faith, trust and love.

 

This links beautifully with this Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew. Jesus tells the story of a vineyard that has been carefully planted and entrusted to others to look after. It reminds us that God has entrusted each of us with gifts, talents and opportunities and asks us to use them well and to produce “good fruit”.

We have seen plenty of that good fruit at St Mary’s this week: perseverance and teamwork from our cross-country runners, generosity from the adults who supported them, faith and prayer through 5C’s liturgy and the everyday acts of kindness, effort and learning taking place throughout our school.

 

As we begin a new month, perhaps we can all consider the question at the heart of this Gospel: What am I doing with the gifts God has given me, and how can I use them to

make a positive difference to others?

 

I hope you all have a peaceful and enjoyable weekend.

Dates for your diary

• 08/10/2026 4D Class Liturgy at 9.30
• 09/10/2026 – National Identity Day
• 15/10/2026 – 4T Class Liturgy at 9.30
• 22/10/2026 – 3A Class Liturgy at 9.30
• 23/10/2026 – Wear it Pink Day – Fundraising for Breast Cancer

National Identity Day – Friday 9^th October 2026

Next Friday, we will be celebrating National Identity Day at St Mary’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of our school community.

 

Children are invited to come to school wearing their own clothes. They may choose to wear clothing, colours or something else that represents their culture, heritage or national identity if they would like to but there is absolutely no expectation to do so.

 

Throughout the day, we will celebrate the many different cultures, languages, traditions and backgrounds that make up our St Mary’s family.

 

With children and families from so many different parts of the world, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. National Identity Day gives us an opportunity to learn more about one another, celebrate what makes each of us unique and recognise everything that brings us together.

 

At St Mary’s, everyone belongs. Different cultures, different stories, one school family.

Happy Bag Collection on Friday 9^th October

 

If you are having a clear out at home or sorting through your wardrobes, we are holding a Happy Bag Collection on Friday 9th October. We welcome donations of unwanted clothing, shoes, sheets, duvets and covers and jewellery. Items can be brought into school at any time from now until the collection date.

 

The more donations we receive, the more funds the school will raise, helping us to purchase new resources for our children. At the same time, all donated items go on to support people in need across the world.

 

This collection reflects our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, encouraging us to think of others, act generously and support those less fortunate than ourselves, while also benefiting our own school community.

 

Thank you, as always, for your continued generosity and support.

Achievement Awards

 

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to:

• Jesse in 3A
• Priya in 3E
• Yohan & Mateo in 4D
• Krystal in 4T
• Rishik in 5B
• The whole of 5C
• Olivia in 6G
• Nikola in 6P

 

The Headteacher’s award goes to The Cross-Country Team

The Kindness Award goes to Rosemary in 6P

The Swimming Award goes to Antonio in 6G

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Miss SK Fizul