Dear Parents and Carers,
We’re rapidly approaching the end of term, and the official Christmas holiday season, but we have already been busy with lots of Christmassy activities over the last two weeks, and are all very excited for what is to come. Have a look at our Christmas post Christmas 2025 to see some of the things we have been up to. On Thursday, Rectory Gardens will be watching a pantomime at the Kings Head Theatre in Islington, following on from Church Lane’s visit to the ice show at Alexandra Palace.
Christmas Fair
We are so grateful to the PSA for organising a wonderful Christmas Fair, with a great sense of community. They’ll let us know how much was raised soon, but it was a great event attended by lots of faces, old and new. We love it when past pupils and families come back to visit.
Nativity
Next week, we have our very special Nativity performances on Tuesday next week. You have been given the details of where your children should be, what they should be wearing, and when you can watch, but if you have any questions please contact either office, or the class team. The main take-away point is that all children will be based at Rectory Gardens all day. Rehearsals are going very well and we think it’s going to be a great show. Nativity 2025 – Important Information for Parents & Carers
Hornsey Food Bank – donations
Also next week, on Monday, we will be taking in your donations for the Hornsey Food Bank, to help families less fortunate. The link to the letter is here Hornsey Food Bank Christmas Appeal 2025 and please feel free to add in any festive treats.
Goodbye and Hello Again
We say goodbye to Mr Lumsden, who has been covering Ms Toms’ maternity leave in Crimson Class and would like to thank him for his hard work. We look forward to seeing Ms Toms back in class at then end of next week.
School will finish for children at the usual time on Thursday 18th December and resumes on Monday 5th January.
Best wishes,
Jane O’Brien
Important Dates – please make a note
- Tuesday 16th December – Nativity @ RG (parents of Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6 invited) 10.00am
- Tuesday 16th December – Nativity @ RG (parents of Nursery, Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 invited 2.00pm
- Thursday 18th December – Rectory Gardens to the pantomime
- Friday 19th December – no school for children – INSET DAY
- Monday 5th January – children return to school
- Tuesday 13th January – Y1 to London Zoo
- Wednesday 14th January – Y6 to Imperial War Museum
- Wednesday 25th February – Y4 to Natural History Museum
- Thursday 19th March – Reception Eye Tests – click here to see opt-out letter Parent Eye Test Screening Request Letter Opt-Out Mar 26
For Your Information
- Most of the clubs start back in the first week of the new term – please see the webpage above for details on how to book each club and contact accordingly (please note the additional information regarding RG Coding Club)
- LOST PROPERTY – we have lots and lots of lost property at Rectory Gardens – please come and have a look and reclaim lost things – maybe consider these stick-on labels (or similar) which are reasonably priced STICK-ON LABELS
- Are you the parent/carer of an SEND child? If so, you might like to read the December Haringey SEND Newsletter December Haringey SEND Newsletter
- Fixation Academy of Performing Arts kindly donated a gift for the raffle at the Christmas Fair – if you’re interested in their club in Finchley or Barnet, please see the poster below.
- Reminder: Rectory Gardens is a School Street. This means no driving on the road between 8am–9am and 2.45–3.30pm. Let’s keep our children safe, the air clean and prevent you from getting a penalty notice!
- Our Toddler & Parent Group on Monday mornings is becoming very popular – if you’d like your under 3 to attend (or know of someone) email lchristou@stmarysn8.co.uk to book a place
Reminders
- Please remember to call or email if your child is going to be off school – don’t wait for us to call you!
- We are on Instagram – follow us to see our wonderful school @stmarysschooln8 and tell your family to follow us too!
- Reminder about unauthorised absences and holidays during term time As you will know from previous correspondence, St Mary’s will be following the Government guidance with regards to fining families when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (5 days) for unauthorised reasons. Children should only be out of school for reasons that have been authorised.
- We are strictly a nut-free school – please remember this for packed lunches and party treats
- We are a latex-free school – this includes balloons, latex gloves, rubber bands etc
Contact Details
Are your contact details up-to-date?
If you have changed your address, telephone or email address please let us know as soon as possible. Have your personal circumstances changed? Again, please let us know. If you don’t get emails or texts from us then we may need to update your details.
