Dear Parents and Carers,
I don’t know about you but it’s been great waking up to the sun shining. Today, I experienced the delights of the Ducklings and Goslings outdoor foot spa. Whilst refreshing and fun, it led me to get slightly wetter than I anticipated with lots of excited, splashing feet! Staff are trying to take learning outside, in the shade, of course, where they can and we are following the guidance from Haringey for schools in hot weather. We ask for your support by ensuring the children have hats, sun screen and plenty of water (the children can top up at the water fountains). You can see two information posters further down the newsletter.
Paris For A Day And More Trips!
We are coming to the end of the year and yet classes are still heading out on trips linked to learning, and for opportunities to experience new and different things. At the beginning of the year, we planned out trips carefully, to ensure that as children moved across the school they would get the same or very similar experiences that would enable them to flourish. I was very proud to hear how well the girls did in the cricket tournament last week, just missing out on a medal, but showing great team work, determination and real skill. I look forward to hearing all about Year 1’s trip to Railway Fields and Receptions trip to Freightliners Farm in the coming days.
I witnessed first-hand the delights of Year 5’s Paris trip last Wednesday! Firstly, I want to say how fabulous all of the children were, we were all very proud of their positive behaviour and enthusiasm on what was a very long and hot day. I would also like to say a big thank you to all of the staff who volunteered to support the trip, arriving at St Pancras at 5.15am, returning on the Eurostar at 8.15pm and being back in school the following day as normal – we couldn’t do these things without your dedication and help. The children got to see many of the sites, experiencing the city and Metro and, of course, using their French skills to order their delicious crepes. Madam Williamson was a star, planning and organising the day. It is also important to recognise the amazing parents who got their children up, ready and arriving on time and then waiting patiently for our delayed train on the journey home. It’s amazing what we can all achieve together. I am looking forward to doing it all again next year!
A Goodbye and Good Luck to Mrs Molloy
Many of you will know Mrs Molloy who has worked at St Mary’s for 13 years, working in Year 2 Marigold class last year. She has been a great asset to St Mary’s, both as a class teacher working across the school, as a leader of writing and reading at Church Lane, and for her creativity and talent in art. Last September, she took up a brilliant opportunity for professional development, working as an Assistant Headteacher in Hackney. We were expecting her back this September but with aspirations to continue her leadership journey, she has secured a position as a Deputy Headteacher in another school. We will miss her very much and wish her the very best in her new chapter.
WE NEED YOU!
Lots of the things we are able to do at St Mary’s are supported by the Parent and School Association (PSA). This includes subsidising some trips and activities. Each year the PSA run a programme of events for the community to enjoy like the Christmas Fair, Bonfire Night and the Summer BBQ. As well as for fun, they do it this to raise funds that support activities which your children can enjoy throughout the school year.
As a member of the St Mary’s community, you are automatically a member and we hope that you can support the PSA in one (or more) of the following ways:
- Make contact with the PSA – help to lead on the planning and organisation of events
- Become a regular helper who can be called upon on the day of events to run a stall, set up or supervise
- Donate food or items, when requested, that can be used for such things as the tombola
- Come along, have fun and spend some money to help raise as much money as possible
Look out for requests from the PSA, and please offer to support, or contact either office if you want to find out more.
See you at the Summer Fair and other events coming up this term!
Please note the following dates and times for events in the next 4 weeks.
Monday 23rd June Book Fair at Rectory Gardens – ALL parents are welcome to come up to look at the books – there are titles for all ages – after school each day
Wednesday 25th June Non-uniform day in return for a tombola prize (something you’d like to win)
Saturday 28th June Summer Fair @ Church Lane 12.30pm to 3.30pm – please come along
Friday 11th July End of Year BBQ – all invited – at Rectory Gardens 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Coffee Morning with the School Nurse
This week, we offered a coffee morning for parents to listen to and speak with the school nurse. The parents who attended found it helpful and informative. Watch this space for further coffee mornings, and please come along to support them. It’s great that various services are giving up their time to come and support us in school.
Homework Survey
We are keen to hear your views on the current system in place for homework in your child’s class. This is often a difficult area, with many dividing opinions about the benefits, quantity and time. To make the best decisions for our school and children, we want to know your thoughts (and the children’s) as we review our systems for next academic year. Please click on the links below and complete the anonymous questionnaire so that your views are heard.
We’d also like to hear your general feedback about St Mary’s so please also complete this anonymous questionnaire
Have a lovely weekend and stay safe in the heat and sun,
Best wishes
Jane O’Brien
Headteacher
