Dear Parents and Carers,
I cannot quite believe this is the last newsletter of the academic year. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year as Headteacher at St Mary’s and have been welcomed by everyone in the community at different milestones throughout the year. Highlights for me have been International Evening, the Year 6 production and getting to know the children and families across the school. It is with great pride, excitement and determination, that I say that I cannot wait for next academic year, to work with the community as we continue to flourish and demonstrate how St Mary’s is the place to be!
Year 6 raise the roof with their fantastic production of Oliver Twist
Wow, what a show! There was an abundance of energy, commitment and talent seen at the two performances of Oliver Twist this week. The singing, both choral and solo, gave me goosebumps. The performances were fabulous, with great stage presence and confidence that captured the audience in this classic tale. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing staff team, parents, pupils and ex-pupils who volunteered to make it a resounding success. We thank them for bringing the extras to the show, for which we are very grateful. For the many people who attended the performances, thank you for supporting your children and the school and for those who didn’t attend, make sure you come along next year and have a look at some of the photos here Oliver – Y6 Production
A very hot Olympic themed Sports Day
How wonderful was it seeing the whole school at Rectory Gardens today for sports day! The children put so much effort into their techniques and were quite determined to be the best they could be in the many events on offer. We had such positive feedback from the parents and family members who attended and joined in the excitement of the morning. I think it is fair to say that the way in which Mr Oakley set it up, the events he chose, and the organisation was great and we will aim to replicate this next year. Mr Oakley was a star, getting everyone on board to make this a brilliant morning for the children, staff and families. A big well done to Grove House who gained the most house points and won the trophy.
Reminder – Book Amnesty
Please can you look at home for any books belonging to school and send them back in on Monday or Tuesday.
Holidays in Term Time and Fines
You may have seen in the news that the new government are still supporting and encouraging schools to take action when families take unauthorised holidays in term time. Like most schools we have many families who take their children out of school during term time and in line with guidance, St Mary’s will start issuing fines to families. If you were thinking of booking a last-minute holiday, please ensure you will be back for the start of the school term on Wednesday 4th September 2024.
Reminder about 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 child attending Breakfast Club or After School Club, please speak to a member of the office staff.
If you are attending the BBQ this eveing, I’ll see you there. If not, have a wonderful weekend and I will see you next week for the last two days of school this academic year,
Enjoy your weekend,
Jane O’Brien
Headteacher
