News - 28th February 2024

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome back to Spring 2! I hope you all had a wonderful half term break and are feeling refreshed and ready for the exciting half term ahead.

I was thrilled to share our very positive SIAMs report with you last week, and I am incredibly proud of our school community. The report highlighted our 'exceptional' links within the community, which is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff, parents, and pupils. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who took the time to speak to the Inspector and contribute to this outstanding achievement.

In Year 3, our students had the privilege of working with a professional chef this week, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have more sessions booked for them this half term, and I am confident that they will continue to learn and be inspired by this unique opportunity.
This week, our KS2 students had the pleasure of watching a thought-provoking theatre performance by Tangled Feet Theatre Company. The play conveyed powerful messages and left a lasting impact on our young minds. I would like to express my gratitude to the PTA for their support in providing such enriching experiences for our pupils.

I am pleased to inform you that we have attached the recent Inclusion Quality Review Report. It is with great pride that I announce our retention of the Centre of Excellence status and the recognition of our inclusive practices. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and the unwavering support of our parents.

Congratulations to all the children who have brought in their potato book characters. The effort and creativity displayed by our pupils are truly commendable. Book Fair vouchers will be presented to the winners during our upcoming Celebration Assembly.

Next week, we will be celebrating Book Week, and it promises to be a week filled with excitement and fun. Alongside the delivery of the Book Fair, our children can look forward to engaging in various activities, including a special performance from M and M Production, Bedtime Stories, and Book Character Day. Let's encourage our young readers to explore the magical world of books and ignite their imaginations.

Lastly, I would like to remind you that there are still a few tickets available for the PTA Fashion Show taking place at Lythe Hill on the 9th of March. I am looking forward to seeing many of you lovely ladies there and witnessing some familiar faces strutting their stuff on the catwalk.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Warm regards,
Mrs Sheila Buckley
Headteacher

PARENT PORTAL and PARENTS EVENING
Please ensure that you have logged into the parent portal app. You will require access to the Parent Portal to book on to parents evening. The booking for parents evening will open on Tuesday 5th March at 6pm. Parents evening is taking place on: 19th March and 20th March. The below Link may be of use if you are having issues with access to the parent portal. Getting started - Log into the Parent Portal and the Parent App.

COMIC RELIEF – RED NOSE DAY
There will be a Mufti Day in aid of Comic Relief on Friday 15th March. There will be activities throughout the day that children will have the opportunity to participate in if they wish to. We have put a payment on Scopay should you wish to donate to this cause.

PARKING
After several reminders there continues to be issues with parking on School Lane. Parents should not be using School Lane for drop off and/or pick up, inclusive of breakfast club.

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.

BREAKFAST CLUB

Please ensure you book your child onto breakfast club the day/evening before via Scopay. Numbers have increased over the past few weeks so it is important we have the right ratio of adults to children.

BOOK WEEK
Thursday 7th March marks annual ‘World Book Day’, and we want everyone to spread the love of books and reading for pleasure, both at school and at home.

We will be holding a book week at St Mary’s during this week, which coincides with the Travelling Book Fair at school.
Keep an eye out in your child’s book bag for their £1 book token which can either be used to get a ‘World Book Day Book’ for free, or for £1 off a book or audiobook costing £2.99 or more at your local bookseller. These vouchers can also be used towards books at the Book Fair.

Key Dates:
Thursday 29th February: Potato Book Character Competition closes.

Tuesday 5th – Tuesday 12th March: Book Fair open to classes in school hall.

Thursday 7th March: M&M Theatrical Productions performance of ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Thursday 7th March 6:00 – 6:45pm: Bedtime Stories (Book Fair open in school hall for parents)

Friday 8th March: Book Character Dress-Up Day

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 19TH FEBRUARY 2024

RECEPTION – 95.2%
Year 1 – 89.9%
Year 2 – 94.3%
Year 3 – 96.8%
Year 4 – 96.2%
Year 5 – 96.4%
Year 6H – 95%
Year 6N – 97.8%

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.