News - 24th October 2024

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we approach the end of our first half term, I find myself reflecting on the myriad accomplishments and experiences that have enriched our school life. There is indeed so much to celebrate and be grateful for, and I'm delighted to share these moments with you.
Last week, our Year 5 pupils treated us to a truly spectacular assembly performance centered around their Tudor topic. From the masterful acting to the melodious singing, complemented by brilliant costumes and props, it was a sensational display of talent and hard work. Staff, pupils, and parents alike were unanimous in their praise, agreeing that Year 5 had set an impressively high standard. Well done, Year 5 – your performance was nothing short of outstanding!

I'd like to extend my thanks to all the parents who attended our parent evening meetings last week. We hope you found these sessions both informative and reassuring, providing valuable insights into how your child has settled into their classes and our educational approach.

This week has been particularly eventful, with Ofsted visiting our school on Tuesday and Wednesday. As expected, the inspection process was thorough and rigorous. While I'm unable to disclose the outcome until the final report is issued, I can share with immense pride that your children were exceptional ambassadors for both our school and village. Their conduct and engagement were truly exemplary, and we couldn't be prouder of them. I'd also like to express my gratitude to all parents who took the time to complete the parent survey – your input is invaluable to us.

Tomorrow brings an exciting event to St Mary's, as we welcome visitors from Marwell Zoo and The Southern Sustainability Partnership for a special awards ceremony. This celebration stems from a competition held last year, where three of our classes designed pages for a 2025 calendar focusing on sustainability, the beauty of nature and the wildlife around us. The judging process, conducted by an artist, was entirely anonymous, with no names of pupils or schools attached to the entries.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that, remarkably, nine out of the twelve chosen designs for the calendar are from St Mary's pupils! This outstanding achievement is a testament to the creativity, environmental awareness, and talent nurtured within our school.
Looking ahead, we're eagerly anticipating our fabulous village Bonfire Night on Saturday, 2nd November. During the half-term break, I encourage you to stop by Elliotts Coffee Shop, where you'll find our Guy making himself comfortable for the week, blissfully unaware of his eventual fate. If you're able, please consider making a donation to the bucket provided – your generosity will support many worthy local causes.

Before we part for the break, I kindly ask all parents to check the lost property box and lunch bag trolley to ensure all children's belongings have been collected. It's always surprising how many items accumulate over the term!
As we close this chapter of the academic year, I wish you all a wonderful and restful half-term break. We look forward to welcoming you back, refreshed and ready for new adventures, on Monday, 4th November.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our school community. Here's to another successful half-term ahead!
With very best wishes,

Mrs Buckley
Headteacher

ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATES:
Attendance certificates will be sent home on Thursday 24th October. Attendance certificates will be sent home every half term and can also be reviewed on the Parent Portal App.

STARTING SCHOOL
Secondary School
You need to apply online for a secondary school place by 31st October 2024. If you live in Surrey, you can find out all you need to 
know about school admissions and apply online at surreycc.gov.uk/admissions or you can call on 0300 200 1004 

Starting School – Reception:
If your child was born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 you will need to apply for a school place. You can apply between 4 November 2024 and 15 January 2025.

If you live in Surrey, you can find out all you need to know about school admissions and apply online at surreycc.gov.uk/admissions or you can call on 0300 200 1004

REMINDERS
P.E FOR KS2:
Please send in a spare pair of shoes for days that your child is participating in outdoor PE. Children may wish to bring in a spare change of clothes as well due to the wet weather/mud.

CHRISTMAS CARDS:
We are sending home the Christmas Card Competition Form. If you would like your child to participate, please return these by Monday 4th November 2024.

SCOPAY

Please ensure that Scopay is updated on Wednesday by midday each week for lunch choices for the following week.
Please review Scopay for any outstanding balances for trips, breakfast club or school lunches. If you are having any issues with making payments, please do get in touch.

KOOSA
If your child attends KOOSA and you decide to pick them up at 3pm, and are therefore no longer attending KOOSA, please contact KOOSA directly to inform them.

They can be contacted on 01276 21884 or info@koosakids.co.uk

PARKING
Parents should not be using School Lane or residential drives for drop off and/or pick up, inclusive of breakfast club.

There continues to be issues with parking on School Lane and access for residents. Staff at school are also having issues parking on arrival.

Please park either at the Catholic Church (not on the grass) or the back of the school and walk to the school gates.

Please do not, under any circumstances, park across the gates which access the school or on the corner of School Lane as this causes traffic on the Petworth Road and obstruction.

Thank you for your cooperation.

SCHOOL FUND
On a termly basis, we ask for a small contribution per family in order to support some of the extended opportunities that we provide. This may be used for additional resources for specific resources i.e. Art or a piece of equipment to be used by pupils on the school
site.

In today’s economic climate, I am aware that parents are concerned about requests for financial support from schools. However, the reality of the situation is that, like all schools, in our latest budget we have had to make significant savings, which reflect reduction in
our funding allocation from central government. It is only through continued careful management of resources that we have been able to afford to do this and protect the core curriculum resources. With this in mind, your on-going support for the school fund would help us to continue to support these additional resources. For the academic year 2024 – 2025, we would like to ask each family to contribute £25 per term; however, anything you can contribute would be gratefully received.

We want to remind you that there are new Department for Education regulations in place regarding children’s absences. These took effect from 19th August 2024 which affect penalty notices issued for unauthorised absence from school. More details can be found:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance https://www.stmaryschidd.org/keyinformation/parent-information/school-attendance/

Week Commencing 14th October 2024
Reception – 98.6%
Year 1 – 97.1%
Year 2 – 98.3%
Year 3 – 93.9%
Year 4 – 97.5%
Year 5 – 98.7%
Year 6 – 99.3%

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL VISION
Wisdom

Wisdom is a core Christian value in our school because we believe through wisdom good choices are made, that it encourages us to learn from our mistakes and encourages us to live our lives wisely for the benefit of all. "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set
you free.’’ John 8:32 

Hope

Hope is a core Christian value in our school because hope gives us energy and supports us through difficult times. "Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.’’ Romans 12:12 To act with hope is to aspire to greater things, to promote positivity and courageous advocacy.

Respect
Respect is a core Christian value in our school because we believe that all life is precious within the image of God and deserves to be valued. "Do to others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31 Our Christian value of respect means living up to the image of God with our school, our community and ourselves. 

Community
Community is a core Christian value in our school because we know that together we are stronger and can achieve more. "Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.’’ Romans 12:16 Everyone in our school, local and global community are needed and valued.