News - 3rd July 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, the past couple of weeks have been filled with exciting activities, meaningful transitions, and moments of celebration that truly reflect the spirit of our school community.

Last Tuesday, our Year 3 pupils took part in their 'Feet First' training—a valuable walking safety programme designed to equip them with the skills needed for independent travel. It was a great opportunity for them to learn how to navigate roads safely and confidently. Meanwhile, Year 6 were treated to a powerful and thought-provoking theatre performance, The Forest In Between. This interactive play explored themes close to the hearts of young people—friendships, bullying, loss, climate change, and the challenges of growing up. It was a moving and transformative experience that sparked meaningful reflection and discussion.

Transition has been a key theme across the school. Our new Reception children joined us for two delightful 'Stay and Play' sessions, and it was a joy to see their happy faces as they explored the classroom and engaged with activities that sparked their curiosity. Mrs Lawrence and her team have also been busy visiting families at home, helping to build those all-important early connections. On Tuesday, the whole school took part in Moving Up Day, with children spending time in their new classrooms, getting to know their teachers and setting the tone for the year ahead. It was heartening to walk through the school and see how confidently the children embraced the change—many looking so grown up and ready for their next chapter. Year 6 have also been out visiting their new secondary schools, taking those exciting first steps into the next stage of their education.

Last Thursday brought one of the highlights of the school calendar—Sports Day! We were fortunate with the weather, and it was wonderful to see so many parents and carers joining us for the picnic lunch and cheering on the children. Every pupil gave their best, showing fantastic sportsmanship and team spirit. KS2 enjoyed a carousel of field events, from obstacle races to bean bag balancing on their heads, followed by a series of track events that ensured everyone had multiple chances to participate. KS1 had a similarly joyful morning, with plenty of smiles during their races and activities. A special thank you to our Year 6 house captains, who were brilliant role models and a great help throughout the day. And of course, the parent and teacher races added a touch of fun—though I must admit, my egg-and-spoon balancing skills still need some work! In a St Mary’s first, we had joint winners this year—congratulations to Amber and Emerald houses! Huge thanks to Miss Hampshire, Mr Hanson, Mrs Lawrence, the KS1 team, Mr I, Rob from PSD, and our wonderful volunteers, including ex-pupils and local supporters. Thanks also to Mrs Wilson and Mrs Bishop for their meticulous scoring.

On Monday, our KS2 pupils represented the school at the Confederation Sports event. Despite the sweltering heat, they showed great resilience, staying hydrated, seeking shade, and supporting one another throughout. While we didn’t come away with a win, the children’s effort and team spirit were commendable. Mr Hanson was especially pleased with his second-place finish in the staff race! Thank you to all the parents who helped with transport and cheered from the sidelines.

Looking ahead, we’re all eagerly anticipating the end of year production of Aladdin Trouble! next week. Performances will take place on the evenings of 10th and 11th July, and we look forward to welcoming you back to school for what promises to be a fantastic show. The PTA will be running stalls including a bar, BBQ, and tombola—details have already been shared, and class teachers will post further reminders on Seesaw next week.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. A little over 2 weeks to go!

Warm regards,

Alison Evans
Headteacher

KEYBOARDS
We have some Keyboards which are no longer required. If you are interested in having one of these, please contact the school office.

LOST PROPERTY
Please ensure that all clothing that comes into school is clearly named to avoid items being lost. Items that are not claimed will go into the clothing bank.

Please also check the school uniform that is brought home belongs to your child.

SCO PAY
Future school trips will shortly be added onto Scopay. Please review Scopay for any payments due for school trips for next term.
Please ensure that Scopay is updated by midday on Wednesdays for lunch choices for the following week.

MEDICINES
Please can you collect any medicine, pills, epipens, etc from the school office before the end of term. Any over the counter medicines left will be thrown away.

A reminder to also return any allergy/medical forms to the office ASAP ready for the start of next term.

CLUBS
Please note that week commencing the 7th July is the final week for after school clubs (apart from cricket). Clubs for the new academic year will be sent out at the end of term.

Places are limited so will be given on a first come, first served basis. Bookings will go live for these clubs on Monday 8th September. This is via Eventbrite. Links will be found in the timetable sent out at the end of term. Bookings will close on Wednesday 10th September at 6pm.

BREAKFAST CLUB
Please ensure you book on to Breakfast Club prior to bringing your child. This allows the staff who manage this club an idea of numbers. It is important we have the right staff ratio for those who attend.
This is bookable via Scopay.

ATTENDANCE
We need 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.

The ‘National Threshold’, when it is appropriate to consider issuing a penalty notice, is 10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a rolling period of 10 school weeks. A school week means any week in which there is at least one school session. This can be met with any combination of unauthorised absence (e.g. 4 sessions of holiday taken in term time plus 6 sessions of arriving late after the register closes all within 10 school weeks). These sessions can be consecutive (e.g. 10 sessions of holiday in one week) or not (e.g. 6 sessions of unauthorised absence taken in 1 week and 1 per week for the next 4 weeks). The period of 10 school weeks can also span different terms or school years (e.g. 2 sessions of unauthorised absence in the summer term and a further 8 within the autumn term).

From autumn term 2024, only 2 penalty notices will be issued to the same parent in respect of the same child within a 3-year rolling period and any second notice within that period is charged at a higher rate:

1. The first penalty notice issued to a parent in respect of a particular pupil will be charged at £160 if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.
2. A second penalty notice issued to the same parent in respect of the same pupil is charged at a flat rate of £160 if paid within 28 days.
3. A third penalty notice cannot be issued to the same parent in respect of the same child within 3 years of the date of issue of the first. In a case where the national threshold is met for a third time (or subsequent times) within those 3 years, alternative action will be taken instead, which will often include considering prosecution.

If you would like any further information regarding these changes, full details can be found here:
Working together to improve school attendance (Gov.uk)
https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/at-school/attendance-and-absence/legal-processes-used-to-enforce-school-attendance-guidance-for-parents
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance
https://www.stmaryschidd.org/key-information/parent-information/school-attendance/

Week Commencing 23rd June
Reception	97%
Year 1	89.6%
Year 2	94%
Year 3	97.5%
Year 4	93.7%
Year 5	93.4%
Year 6	98.6%

 

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL VISION
Reflecting virtues of Mary, our vision is for everyone to be inspired to blossom and grow, fulfilling their potential in all aspects of life. By exploring the Christian values of wisdom, hope, respect and community, our pupils understand the importance of being respectful, resilient social advocates, building a better world.