News - 26th September 2024
Dear Parents and Carers
As the autumn term unfolds, our school continues to buzz with excitement and new beginnings. The crisp air and changing leaves mirror the transformations happening within our classrooms, where young minds are blossoming and new friendships are taking root.
I'm delighted to share that our Reception Class has now joined us full-time, seamlessly integrating into the vibrant tapestry of St Mary's. Their independence and eagerness to learn have been truly impressive, setting a wonderful tone for their educational journey ahead.
Our older pupils have also been embarking on exciting adventures beyond our school gates. Year 3 recently ventured out on our first school trip of the year to Butser Farm. This immersive experience transported them back in time, allowing them to explore ancient ways of life. Our young historians had the opportunity to sit beside a large open fire in a roundhouse and then earth the past through archaeology to mastering the art of wattling, from shaping clay in pottery sessions to carving chalk like our ancestors, our Year 3 pupils have truly brought history to life.
Today, Year 2 class stepped back in time to 1666 London. Through an absorbing and interactive workshop, they delved into the dramatic events of the Great Fire of London. This experience wasn't just about learning facts; it was about feeling the heat of the flames, sensing the urgency of fleeing the city, and understanding the monumental task of rebuilding. Such immersive learning experiences ignite curiosity and enrich our pupils' understanding of the past and its relevance to our present.
Our new lunchtime club offer has been very well received. It's been wonderful to see pupils enthusiastically embracing these diverse activities. Whether engrossed in friendly games, participating in philosophy, mindfulness or TTRS workshops, enjoying sports, or finding a quiet corner in our new library for some peaceful reading, our pupils are making the most of these opportunities. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff members who have gone above and beyond to facilitate these enriching experiences.
Looking ahead, we have more exciting events on the horizon. Year 4 is eagerly anticipating their upcoming trip to Ufton Court, which promises to be another unforgettable learning adventure. Year 6 are attending a WW1 Workshop at St Edmunds School and Year 5 are visiting the Mary Rose. Additionally, our Years 1 and 2 pupils are diligently preparing to lead the Harvest Service at the church next Tuesday morning. This service is not just a celebration of the harvest season, but also an opportunity for our young ones to develop their confidence and public speaking skills.
In the spirit of harvest and giving, I kindly encourage all families to contribute to our class hampers. Your generous donations will make a significant difference to those in need.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Have a wonderful weekend.
With very best wishes
Mrs Buckley
Headteacher
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
PARKING
Parents should not be using School Lane 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 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
ATTENDANCE
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.
If you would like any further information regarding these changes and penalty charges, full details can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance
You can also refer to the Good Shepherd Trust Attendance Policy which can be found:
https://www.stmaryschidd.org/key-information/parent-information/school-attendance/
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.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
All classes will have a box available from Friday 20th September where you will be able to bring in donations. Please can we ask for non-perishable items only. A typical food parcel includes items such as:
• Cereal
• Soup
• Pasta
• Rice
• Tinned tomatoes/ pasta sauce
• Lentils, beans and pulses
• Tinned meat
• Tinned vegetables
• Tea/coffee
• Tinned fruit
• Biscuits
• UHT milk
• Fruit juice
• Donations will be sent to Haslemere food banks.
PARENTS EVENING
Parents Evening is taking place on Wednesday 16th October and Thursday 17th October 2024. You will need to book parents evening via the Abor Parent Portal App.
If you have not yet registered, please do so by following this link:
https://login.arbor.sc/
We will notify you once the appointments are available to book.
Following Government guidelines, schools are no longer allowed to authorise requests for children to be taken out of school for a holiday during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you take your child out of school, you may face a penalty notice.
WEEK COMMENCING 16TH SEPTEMBER 2024
Reception - 98.9%
Year 1 – 95.3%
Year 2 – 95%
Year 3 – 97.3%
Year 4 – 94.1%
Year 5 – 97.3%
Year 6 – 100%
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.
