Dear Parents/Carers,
Earthquake in Turkey & Syria – DEC contributions.
Following the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria last weekend, we are playing our part to support the Turkish and Kurdish community by raising funds by sending contributions to the Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC), who are doing what they can to bring relief and support to so many people who have been affected by this disaster. We are also thinking and praying for our Turkish and Kurdish communities, many of whom have relatives in the affected areas.
Parent Consultation Meetings after half-term.
On Wednesday 28th February and Thursday 1st March, the mid-year parent consultation meetings will take place at school. You will be notified of this by the school office and as usual, details will be sent through about signing up for an appointment to meet with your child’s class teacher so that you can discuss the progress that they are making in their learning and development. As there are so many more nursery children these meetings will be organised slightly differently. Jane and her team will let you know more about this.
KS1 & KS2 SATS Meetings
Also after half-term, we will be holding parent meetings to discuss the Statutory SATs tests that children in Years 2 and 6 will be undertaking in the early part of the summer term. These meetings will take place on Wednesday 22nd February at 5.45pm for Year 2 parents at our Church Lane site and on Thursday 23rd February at 6pm for Year 6 parents at Rectory Gardens. Here, you will also find out more about what you can do to help support your children at home to best prepare for these tests.
NEU Teachers’ Strike
We currently have no further news about the situation relating to the proposed NEU teacher strikes in March. There are a further 3 days that have been set. These are 2nd, 15th & 16th March. I therefore urge you to make provisional plans for your children in the event that we have to close our school again. I will keep you fully updated as and when I hear more news.
Christine Mileham (School Chef) Leaving
Sadly for us but happily for her, we say goodbye today to our fantastic school chef Christine. She has been nothing short of wonderful for the past few years at our school, preparing and serving the most delicious meals for your children whilst also getting to know them so very well. We wish Christine well in all that she goes on to do. Olive, our catering contractor, is in the process of finding us a replacement for the irreplaceable Christine.
Dreams & Goal Fundraising Event
A wonderful time was had at school yesterday during the ‘Dreams and Goals’ fundraising event. Children’s creative imaginations and ideas were put to the test as they made lots of fun and challenging games for others to play throughout the afternoon. Our thanks to you, our parents for supporting this event too, especially since proceeds raised will be donated towards ‘The Brain Charity’, in remembrance of our beloved late Business Manager, Helen Hutchings.
My Resignation/Retirement
Thank you for your very kind comments following my decision to move on from St Mary’s to take early retirement. After 17 years of being a headteacher, I simply feel that the time is right to do something new and different with my life. I continue to love all that I do, in the most special of schools and amongst the most fantastic community. I look forward to continuing to work hard and enjoy my remaining months at St Mary’s, where no doubt, lots of great memories will continue to be made. I will also fully support the Governing Body as it begins the process of recruiting a new headteacher for this most wonderful of schools.
Half-Term Week next week.
Do remember that it is half-term week next week and that we return to school on Monday 20th February.
Wishing you all a lovely half-term break.
Calvin Henry
Headteacher
