Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s been super busy here at St Mary’s as we plan and think ahead to the next academic year whilst organising and enjoying the events and celebrations this term. We still have a busy two and a half weeks left so please make sure you have all the dates below in your diary.
Wraparound Care for Nursery from September
St Mary’s already offers breakfast club and after school club to support busy and working parents of children in Reception to Year 6. From September, we will be offering this to children in our Nursery class too. If you are interested in your Nursery child attending breakfast club or after school club, please speak to a member of the office staff.
Open Evening
Thank you to all of the families who attended the Open Evening on Wednesday night. Many of you had the opportunity to taste the delights of our catering company, Olive, who provide our school lunches and after school club meals. At Rectory Gardens, our specialist teachers were able to share with you the wonderful work that they do with the children at St Mary’s, nurturing their talents and interests. Most families got to meet the adults who will be teaching and supporting their children from September and had the opportunity to look at the classrooms. I hope this helps pave the way for a successful transition to your child’s new class. The teachers who were not able to attend will be available for you to meet in the coming days, and will also meet the children.
Summer Fair
Without the amazing organisation of the PSA, and the help of parent and staff volunteers, we would not be able to run such amazing events as the Summer Fair. As well as thanking everyone who helped out, and our sponsors, Philip Alexander Estate Agents who provided £500 to sponsor the bar, I also want to thank everyone who turned up for the fun, bringing our community together and raising money. The running total is close to £4,000, which is fantastic. I hope that you enjoyed the day.
St Mary’s French Cafe
It was wonderful seeing the children at Rectory Gardens practicing their French spoken language, with purpose, last week as they all had the opportunity to visit the French Café. Children were ordering orange and apple juice, croissants and pain au chocolate confidently, recalling the language that they needed, practicing their accents and listening to the French spoken by the Year 6 children who were serving in the café. What a fabulous experience for all and what a treat!
English as an Additional Language (EAL) at St Mary’s
Did you know that we have a teacher who supports children who are new to English and those who are learning English as a second language? Brana Vidic works across the school developing children’s language skills including understanding grammar. This has a great impact on children’s development and helps them to access the curriculum delivered by their class teachers more swiftly. As well as supporting the children, Brana Vidic also supports our families who have EAL. Every Thursday morning, a group of parents meet together at Rectory Gardens to support each other in developing their language and also building friendships. As the parents develop confidence, this impacts greatly on their children. If you would like to join the group, please speak to a member of the office team.
Music Concerts
Some of you will have attended the concerts held this week and I’m sure, like me, you would have been wowed by the performances. What shone through was the children’s confidence, support for each other and enjoyment. As well as listening to recorders, choir, band, trumpets and trombone we were treated to a performance from children who have been learning the ukuleles, which is a new offer at St Mary’s. I was extremely proud of all of the children, the hard work they have put in and the brilliant performances. Well done everyone.
Reminder – Book Amnesty
Please can you look at home for any books belonging to school and send them back in as soon as possible. Children will be rewarded with raffle tickets for books that they return.
Enjoy your weekend,
Jane O’Brien
Headteacher
