Archive

02 May Newsletter – Edition 61 – 2nd May 2025

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1746185196144{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,I hope that you all enjoyed the Easter celebrations at the end of last term and, of course, the Easter break. It was great to see many of you process down Hornsey High Street with us on Donkey Day, enjoying the spectacle and the joy of the occasion.Easter at St Mary’s in the Ham & HighDid you see the article in the Ham & High about our Easter celebrations? If you haven’t, please take a look, especially if you have never been to our Donkey Day!  Ham & High Easter at St Mary'sA busy start to the Summer termOur enrichment curriculum kicked in as soon as the summer term started with trips and visitors into school. Every year we welcome the London Fire Brigade into school to do a workshop with the children on fire safety in the home. This is always focussed on Year 2 and Year 5 so that as the children move up the school they would have met with the LFB team twice, learning about what they can do to keep themselves and others safe.On Monday morning the Year 4 classes had an early start as they headed off to London Zoo and what a day it was! The sun was shining and they saw lots of different animals, learning about the many different animal habitats in line with their current topic. A big thank you to the parent volunteers that supported on this trip enabling it to happen. Some of the highlights were seeing some baby gorillas and the penguins and Roman, Scarlet class spider enthusiast, said, “My favourite part was walking through the spider enclosure because I got to get up close to some different spiders” while Carmen in Scarlet Class said, “I really enjoyed the gorillas because we learnt new facts like how dominant males have a silver back.” Y4 to London ZooHave you been to the Natural History Museum before? The children in Year 6 visited the museum this week to further learn about evolution and adaptation. They looked at fossils and had some really interesting discussions in the workshop that even had the adults joining in. Y6 to Natural History MuseumReception had a wonderful field trip Alexandra Palace to Wild in the Park where they met artist Laura Fox and had a brilliant day building dens and bridges and discovering plants and wildlife. Reception Go Wild!Crimson Class AssemblyWe were treated to a great assembly on Thursday by Crimson Class who showed off their learning in geography around natural disasters and science, animals and their habitats. As well as referring to their learning and the animals that they saw at the zoo, they also linked it to animals more locally, at Priory Park! Did you know there were animal predators in Priory Park? Who do you think might eat the worms? If you want to find out more, ask some of the children in Crimson Class who shared lots of knowledge and also treated us to some songs linked to their learning. Well done Crimson class and thank you to the parents that came along to watch and support their children.Impressive Rainforest Exhibition by Year 5If you didn’t make it up to Year 5 this week, then you missed out! Year 5 were showing off their learning in what appears to be one of their favourite topics so far. They exhibited their books and displayed work for all to see with some authentic forest sounds and props to help visitors feel the same love and excitement around the topic that they had. The purpose for this wonderful exhibition, and the cake sale they had, was to raise some money to buy an acre of rainforest in order to help save it from deforestation. As we know from Year 4’s learning, the rainforest is an important habitat for animals and so it is fantastic that Year 5 are trying to be ‘active global citizens’ trying to make a difference to the planet. They successfully raised enough money to go ahead and you can see some of their lovely work here Y5 Rainforest ExhibitionTop Tips for Healthier Digital Habits as a FamilyWe know that it’s a difficult time for families as we are realising the negative impact of having a smart phone and trying to navigate how to mitigate this, particularly if your children already have smart phones. This useful poster was shared with us and we wanted to share it with everyone as it has simple tips on what we can all do, parents and children to make our digital habits more healthy. Please take a look here Top Tips for Healthier Digital HabitsInternational Evening on Monday 19th May 5.30pm to 7.30pmInternational evening is a celebration of our similarities and differences, demonstrated through traditional dress and food that we all get to share. Every other year we invite families, children and staff to show off their cultural creativity with performances of song, dance and drama, however on the years in between we focus on the food and dress. An addition to this is traditional games! Can you share any traditional games? Can you cook some delicious food to share? Please see the poster for more details of how you can get involved.  We look forward to seeing you at our international evening.When I Grow Up Day - Wednesday 21st MayWe would still like to find volunteers for our When I Grow Up Day.Please see the letter that was emailed for all the details and have a think how you could help. It doesn't even have to be your current job - it could be the best job you ever had (or the worst at a push...!) or a job you did when you were younger, that led to what you do now. We would also love to have any ex-St Mary's pupils come along to talk about what they did after they left secondary school, or grandparents to talk about their work history.Best wishesJane O’BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1746193853785{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Tuesday 22nd April - London Fire Brigade visiting Y2 & Y5
• Thursday 24th April - Class Photos - both sites
• Monday 28th April - Y4 to London Zoo
• Tuesday 29th April - Y6 to Natural History Museum
• Wednesday 30th April - Y5 Drop-in to see Rainforest work
• Thursday 1st May - Y4 Crimson Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 1st May - Y5 Drop-in to see Rainforest work
• Thursday 8th May - Y4 Scarlet Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Monday 12th May to Friday 16th May Christian Aid Week
• Tuesday 13th May - wear red and bring £1 for Christian Aid
• Thursday 15th May - Reception Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Monday 19th May - International Evening 5.30-7.30pm @ RG
• Tuesday 20th May - Coffee Morning @ RG - Foster Carer Recruitment info - from 2.15pm (for more information see here Fostering Information Pack - Haringey )
• Wednesday 21st May - When I Grow Up Day - see here When I Grow Up Day - 2025
• Wednesday 21st May - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - 3.15pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 22nd May - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - 3.30pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 5th June - Y3 to British Museum
• Friday 6th June - Nursery to Railway Fields
• Wednesday 11th June - Y5 Trip to Paris
• Tuesday 17th June - Coffee Morning - RG - come & meet our School Nurse to talk about Healthy Living - 9.00am at Rectory Gardens
• Monday 23rd June - Reception to Freightliners Farm
• Thursday 26th June - Y5 Topaz & Turquoise Class Assembly - 2.40pm
• Friday 27th June - Reception Duckling & Gosling Eye Tests
• Saturday 28th June - Summer Fair @ CL - 12.30-2.30pm
• Friday 4th July - Sports Day - more details to follow
• Friday 11th July - End of Year BBQ @ RG - 6.30-8.30pm

For Your Information

• Year 2 and Year 5 received a visit from the London Fire Brigade and they would like us to share their Home Fire Safety Checker LFB Home Fire Safety Checker
• Hornsey Cricket Club in Tivoli Road, Crouch End are offering two free taster sessions on Friday 25th April and Friday 2nd May from 6pm to 7pm.  Contact hornseygirlscricket@gmail.com or 07921 881465 to register your interest. They are particularly interested in developing their girls teams but welcome all. If you can't make those sessions, you can try again on Friday 9th and Friday 15th May.
• Have a look at the Olive Dining Summer Edition Newsletter Olive Dining Newsletter Summer Edition
• APY FC are holding trials for their youth football teams: Alexandra Park Youth Football Club are holding trials with a view to forming 2 new girls teams made up of girls from Y3, Y4 and Y5 as of September (current Y2,Y3 and Y4). This is a great opportunity to get in at the ground level and form a team with friends and other like minded girls. Please register interest and come along to try out, even if new to football.  The boys section are also looking to form 2 new U8 teams (Y3 in September) (see two posters below and use QR to register your interest)
• Activity Clubs for Summer Term RG RG All Clubs Summer 2025
• Activity Clubs for Summer Term CL CL All Clubs Summer 2025
• Term Dates 2025-2026 Term Dates 2025-26
• Olive Dining Summer Term Menus Olive Dining Summer 2025 Menus Weeks 1, 2 & 3
• Are you interested in cricket? All Stars Cricket Club have spaces for the summer term - see here if you are interested All Stars Cricket Summer 2025
• Are you interested in finding out about the Smartphone Free Childhood Movement? Some parents/carers at St Mary's have set up a WhatsApp group to share support and information - details here Smartphone Free Childhood Movement WhatsApp
• Is your child interested in coding and over 11? Queen Mary University are holding a special afternoon on Tuesday 4th May (4.30-7pm) to celebrate 20 years of "Computer Science For Fun" - there will be a magic show & cake at the Stepney Campus - see here for (free) tickets Computer Science for Fun tickets
• May Half Term Holiday Camp - at HR Sports Academy :@ Mulberry Woodside Academy May Half Term Sports Camp
• Does your child play a stringed instrument? There will be a Stringwise Summer Camp at Hornsey School for Girls in the Summer Holidays - see here for details (and poster below) Stringwise Music Summer Course 2025
• We are rebranding our ESOL class as a Parents Club - please see the poster to see some of the things we'll be up to. Come along and meet other parents and let's have a chat or cook some food Parents Club March 2025
• 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

04 Apr Newsletter – Edition 60 – 4th April 2025

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1743775044236{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,The sun is shining and we are all enjoying it here at school. I hope that you are too.Easter Celebrations and ActivitiesThis week has been extremely busy for the St Mary’s community. The week kicked off with an Easter egg hunt and craft fair at the Church Tower which I hope you all enjoyed. On Wednesday, Derek the donkey, from Spitalfields Farm started the procession at Church Lane and led the children from Nursery to Year 2 along Hornsey High Street to our Rectory Gardens site, where the children from Year 3 to Year 6 were waiting for them. The children sang along the road and waved their palm leaves and crosses at passers-by, who also enjoyed the fun. Under the watchful eye of Derek the donkey, who appreciated the lovely grassy area in front of the school, the children and the church team from Hornsey Parish Church enjoyed singing and sharing the Easter story. Without Derek the donkey, the Year 3 children performed the story of Easter at Hornsey Parish Church this morning. It was lovely for the school community to come together to end the term. Thank you to everyone who came along to join us and to those adults that helped make these memories.Did you attend the E–Safety workshops for parents and carers?Thank you to the parents that attended the E-Safety workshops last week. The feedback from the parents who attended was that it was very useful, albeit a little frightening, as they learned about children’s internet use, what they may be exposed to, bullying online and the general challenges of keeping children safe. It would be great to know whether it would be helpful to run any more of these workshops as this is an extremely important topic and we want to help you to make the right choices for your children by sharing information. If we have enough interest, we would happily run another session. If this is something that you would find helpful and could commit to attending, please speak to a member of the office team who will keep a list of interested parents as we plan ahead for next term.Le Café FrancaisA big thank you to Madam Williamson who organised our French Café this week. The children had a wonderful experience enjoying their pain au chocolat, croissants and juice. This is a great opportunity for children to practice their French speaking and listening and experience the French culture through food. We look forward to the children in Year 5 further experiencing the French culture on their day trip to France in June. Thanks also to Ms Vidic for pitching in to help as well.Celebrating Sports and CreativityWe are very proud of the children who represented St Mary’s at a dance festival at Highgate School last week. We have some super talented dancers who we hope will continue to develop their skills and wow audiences as they continue through St Mary’s and beyond. As in previous years, children also entered the Haringey Basketball Cup. It was a tough competition and they didn’t come home with the cup but they did extremely well and again, made us all proud. We need to remember that talents come in many forms and by having a specialist teacher like Mr Oakley, we can nurture these, and grow possible sports people of the future! Similarly, the skills and talents of the children who play trumpets, trombones and violins have been showcased over the last two weeks. The standard is so good because of the hard work that the children put in and because of the adults that enable them to have this opportunity.Whatever the Easter break looks like to you, I hope that you enjoy some time for yourselves and as a family. See you back in school on Tuesday 22^nd April.Best wishesJane O’BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1743755551602{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Monday 7th April - Hornsey Churches Easter Camp Hornsey Churches Easter Camp
• Tuesday 22nd April - London Fire Brigade visiting Y2 & Y5
• Thursday 24th April - Class Photos - both sites
• Monday 28th April - Y4 to London Zoo
• Tuesday 29th April - Y6 to Natural History Museum
• Wednesday 30th April - Y5 Drop-in to see Rainforest work
• Thursday 1st May - Y4 Crimson Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 1st May - Y5 Drop-in to see Rainforest work
• Thursday 8th May - Y4 Scarlet Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 15th May - Reception Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Wednesday 21st May - When I Grow Up Day - see here When I Grow Up Day - 2025
• Wednesday 21st May - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - 3.15pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 22nd May - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - 3.30pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Wednesday 11th June - Y5 Trip to Paris
• Monday 23rd June - Reception to Freightliners Farm
• Thursday 26th June - Y5 Topaz & Turquoise Class Assembly - 2.40pm
• Friday 27th June - Reception Duckling & Gosling Eye Tests
• Saturday 28th June - Summer Fair @ CL - 12.30-2.30pm
• Friday 11th July - End of Year BBQ @ RG - 6.30-8.30pm

PSA Update

Thank you so much to the PSA for arranging some great events this term. Here is an update of the funds raised

• Christmas Fair: £2,400
• Bingo Night: £360
• Disco Night: £500
• Easter Egg Hunt: £300

Thank you also to the parents and carers who have come along to make these events such a success. Here's to a busy Summer Term of events and fun!

For Your Information

• Activity Clubs for Summer Term RG RG All Clubs Summer 2025
• Activity Clubs for Summer Term CL CL All Clubs Summer 2025
• Term Dates 2025-2026 Term Dates 2025-26
• Olive Dining Summer Term Menus Olive Dining Summer 2025 Menus Weeks 1, 2 & 3
• Are you interested in cricket? All Stars Cricket Club have spaces for the summer term - see here if you are interested All Stars Cricket Summer 2025
• Are you interested in finding out about the Smartphone Free Childhood Movement? Some parents/carers at St Mary's have set up a WhatsApp group to share support and information - details here Smartphone Free Childhood Movement WhatsApp
• Easter Cycle Training @ Lordship Rec 7th-10th April - see details here and below Easter Cycling Training Lordship Lane
• We are rebranding our ESOL class as a Parents Club - please see the poster to see some of the things we'll be up to. Come along and meet other parents and let's have a chat or cook some food Parents Club March 2025
• Request from After School Club - After School Club would very much like a Monopoly set, if anyone has one that is going spare. Please email swalker@stmarysn8.co.uk if you do! Thank you.
• 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

21 Mar Newsletter – Edition 59 – 21st March 2025

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1742569321567{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,I hope that you are enjoying the end of the week warmth, the weather is certainly brightening up a bit.When I Grow Up Day on 21^st May 2025 – we need your help!Can you offer some time to come and speak to some classes about your job (current or past)? We are looking for family members who can do a brief talk about their career, to inspire and open up possibilities for our children. Are you a builder, brain surgeon, social worker, musician, hairdresser, lawyer, designer, nurse, volunteer, IT developer or a lion tamer?!   Do you own your own business, do you volunteer, what special skill do you have? Do you have a former St Mary’s pupil who would like to share their educational journey, once they have left school? Whatever you do, we want to hear from you! If you are able to offer some time, please email swalker@stmarysn8.co.uk to volunteer.E–Safety Workshops (for parents and carers only) - Thursday 27th March Regularly, parents and carers talk to staff about children’s internet use, what they are exposed to, bullying online and the general challenges of keeping children safe and monitoring their use. We teach the children about E-Safety in school and but now we have a lesson for parents and carers. This is an extremely important topic and we want to help you to make the right the choices for your children by sharing information. We are hopeful that many of you will attend this meeting to find out more about E-Safety and therefore are running two sessions, one at 9.00am and one at 5.00pm. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the topics, this event is for parents and carers only. We hope to see you there.Term dates for 2025 – 2026We have just published next year’s term dates (see below in For Your Information or  or take a paper copy from the office). This allows you to plan holidays in advance to get the best deals, as we know the trips in the school holidays are expensive. We are trying all we can to improve outcomes for our young people, and one way of doing this is to ensure that they are in school as much as possible. Take a look at the chart below that demonstrates how absences from school mount up significantly over a 5-year period and how much learning is lost.[gallery ids="19596"]The goal is that your child has the minimum 96% attendance by the end of the academic year. We realise that children get poorly and sometimes there are family bereavements and suchlike, that of course are unavoidable. However, during the rest of the academic year, we ask that you do all that you can to get your child into school as there is a direct correlation between children’s attendance at school and outcomes in life.Royal Albert Hall ConcertWhat an amazing opportunity for children at St Mary’s and across the borough, to perform at the Royal Albert Hall. The children were amazing, sounded fantastic, behaved impeccably and made us all proud. Thank you to the adults who worked hard to make this happen, particularly our specialist music teacher Mrs Peacock. A big thank you to all of the parents and family members who went to watch and cheer the children on, we hope you enjoyed it too.Easter EventsEaster is approaching fast. Please join us on our Easter Procession Donkey Day on Wednesday 2^nd April where the children from Church Lane process along Hornsey High Street behind the donkey, waving their palm leaves. It is a sight to be seen! Also note the Easter Craft Fair on Saturday 29^th March, please come along for the Easter Egg Hunt (11am-1pm) and have a look at the Crouch End Craft Fair stalls (11am-4pm). Hornsey Church Tower is also open for tours.Big Walk & Wheel FortnightThe Big Walk and Wheel Fortnight starts on Monday 24^th March and runs for two weeks. Please join in by walking or wheeling your way to school. If you can’t manage the whole journey, then please try to take part for some of it, maybe getting off the bus one stop earlier to walk the rest of the journey. The aim of this is to encourage physical exercise whilst also having a positive impact on the environment for those that swap their cars for walking, cycling or scootering. Ask your children what they talked about in assembly.Have a wonderful weekend,Best wishesJane O’BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1742571131369{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Friday 21st March - PSA Disco at Rectory Gardens DISCO TICKETS RG Disco 21 03 25
• Monday 24th March to Friday 4th April - Big Walk & Wheel Fortnight Big Walk & Wheel Challenge
• Tuesday 25th March - Y4 Scarlet & Y5/6 Continuers - Violin Assembly 11am RG
• Thursday 27th March - Y2 Marigold  & Buttercup Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Thursday 27th March - E-Safety Workshop for Parents & Carers 9am & 5pm - more details here E-Safety Workshop March 2025
• Friday 28th March - An Evening of Musical Theatre @ Hornsey Parish Church - from 7.30pm TICKETS HERE Evening of Musical Theatre
• Saturday 29th March - PSA Easter Hunt & Craft Fair @ CL 12.30-2.30pm Easter Craft Fair
• Thursday 3rd April - Y4 Crimson & Y5 Continuers - Trumpet & Trombone Concert 11am @ RG
• Monday 7th April - Hornsey Churches Easter Camp Hornsey Churches Easter Camp
• Tuesday 22nd April - London Fire Brigade visiting Y2 & Y5
• Thursday 24th April - Class Photos - both sites
• Tuesday 29th April - Y6 to Natural History Museum
• Thursday 1st May - Y4 Crimson Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 8th May - Y4 Scarlet Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 15th May - Reception Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Wednesday 21st May - When I Grow Up Day - see here When I Grow Up Day - 2025
• Wednesday 21st May - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - 3.15pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 22nd May - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - 3.30pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Wednesday 11th June - Y5 Trip to Paris
• Thursday 26th June - Y5 Topaz & Turquoise Class Assembly - 2.40pm
• Friday 27th June - Reception Duckling & Gosling Eye Tests
• Saturday 28th June - Summer Fair @ CL - 12.30-2.30pm
• Friday 11th July - End of Year BBQ @ RG - 6.30-8.30pm

For Your Information

• Term Dates 2025-2026 Term Dates 2025-26
• Easter Craft Fair on Saturday 29th April will be a fantastic opportunity to do a bit of Easter shopping (and Mother's Day!) with lots of lovely stall holders plus an Easter Egg Hut + Hot Cross Buns - please put the date in your diaries and come along!
• We are rebranding our ESOL class as a Parents Club - please see the poster to see some of the things we'll be up to. Come along and meet other parents and let's have a chat or cook some food Parents Club March 2025
• There is also a talk at St Aidan's School on 27/3 to talk about a smartphone free childhood - details here Smartphone Free Childhood Talk 27 03 25
• Request from After School Club - After School Club would very much like a Monopoly set, if anyone has one that is going spare. Please email swalker@stmarysn8.co.uk if you do! Thank you.
• 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

07 Mar Newsletter – Edition 58 – 7th March 2025

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1741359462044{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,Welcome BackIt feels a little like spring has sprung into action! We have been enjoying some warmer days at school and some of our lovely flowers are already beginning to bloom. We are now two weeks into the second half of the Spring Term and the school is as busy as ever.Special eventsThis year, World Book Day came a little early to St Mary’s. Last Friday, we welcomed CBeebies star Andy Day, who entertained the children with extracts from one of his books. There was a great deal of excitement as Andy entered the hall…. he is very tall and very energetic!This week, we have celebrated Science Week with a special series of assemblies for all children, from Reception to Year 6, titled MAD SCIENCE. The assemblies were held at Rectory Gardens, with lots of engagement from the children. Here is a link to see what happened Science Week - Mad ScienceContinuing our celebration of World Book Day, our children dressed up to ‘Read Your Way’, which meant you could dress as a book character or just dress up in comfy clothes ideal for relaxing and reading. This morning, we welcomed parents and carers in to Stay and Share, this time a book with their children. Thank you for coming in. The children at Rectory Gardens welcomed Sita Brahmachari, author of Artichoke Hearts. She held a series of workshops, talking to children about what it means to be an author, helping them to develop their writing skills. The children at Church Lane had a mystery to solve.Across the school, children were encouraged to create ‘Potato’ book characters from their favourite books as part of a voluntary competition. The winners will be announced in the coming week. A huge thank you to all the children who brought potatoes in. Please see HERE for lots of lovely photos from today.Parents ConsultationsNext week on Tuesday 11^th and Wednesday 12^th, are the Parent Consultations, where you will have the opportunity to see how your child is progressing. If you have not made an appointment yet, you can use this link Parent ConsultationsBook FairThere will be a Scholastic Book Fair on both sites after school on Monday and during the Parent Consultations on Tuesday and Wednesday. For every book you buy, the school receives some commission to keep our library topped up, so please come and have a look.BingoTonight is Bingo Night – a PSA event for parents only. This is the first time we have held this event for a while so if you’re coming along, have a wonderful time, and enjoy our bingo caller, Mr Beardwell. Do you know your snakes alive from your two little ducks?Best wishesJane O’BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1741696084044{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Friday 7th March - World Book Day
• Friday 7th March - Reading Stay & Share - after drop off CL & RG
• Friday 7th March - Adult Bingo Night @ RG 7-9pm BINGO TICKETS - free
• Monday 10th March to Thursday 13th March - Scholastic Book Fair on both sites - Book Fair March 2024
• Tuesday 11th March - Parent Consultations - both sites  Parent Consultations
• Wednesday 12th March - Parent Consultations - both sites Parent Consultations
• Thursday 20th March - Y6 SATs Meeting for Parents/Carers 5pm
• Friday 21st March - PSA Disco at Rectory Gardens DISCO TICKETS RG Disco 21 03 25
• Monday 24th March to Friday 4th April - Big Walk & Wheel Fortnight
• Thursday 27th March - Y2 Marigold  & Buttercup Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Thursday 27th March - E-Safety Workshop for Parents & Carers 9am & 5pm
• Friday 28th March - An Evening of Musical Theatre @ Hornsey Parish Church - from 7.30pm TICKETS HERE Evening of Musical Theatre
• Saturday 29th March - PSA Easter Hunt & Craft Fair @ CL 12.30-2.30pm
• Thursday 24th April - Class Photos - both sites
• Tuesday 29th April - Y6 to Natural History Museum
• Thursday 1st May - Y4 Crimson Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 8th May - Y4 Scarlet Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 15th May - Reception Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Wednesday 21st May - When I Grow Up Day - see here When I Grow Up Day - 2025
• Wednesday 21st May - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - 3.15pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 22nd May - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - 3.30pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Wednesday 11th June - Y5 Trip to Paris
• Thursday 26th June - Y5 Topaz & Turquoise Class Assembly - 2.40pm
• Saturday 28th June - Summer Fair @ CL - 12.30-2.30pm
• Friday 11th July - End of Year BBQ @ RG - 6.30-8.30pm

For Your Information

• Last chance to book cheap theatre tickets through the London Theatre Week scheme - "London Theatre Week is back again in 2025 from Monday 17 February to Sunday 09 March! For a strictly limited time, book tickets to see some of London’s hottest musicals including The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, The Tina Turner Musical, Wicked, and Back to The Future the Musical as well as smash hit plays like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and many more! London Theatre Week is the West End’s biggest promotion, giving you the chance to see over 50 amazing award-winning musicals and stunning plays with tickets from £15, £25, or £35!"  - use London Theatre Week
• Following on from our recent information regarding children and technology, you may be interested in this article from the BBC regarding Barnet Council who are considering a smart phone ban in schools SMARTPHONE BAN
• There is also a talk at St Aidan's School on 27/3 to talk about a smartphone free childhood - details here Smartphone Free Childhood Talk 27 03 25
• Request from After School Club - After School Club would very much like a Monopoly set, if anyone has one that is going spare. Please email swalker@stmarysn8.co.uk if you do! Thank you.
• Love Productions are looking for any keen and talented young bakers to apply for Junior Bake Off - see poster below and apply online here Junior Bake Off
• Interested in cricket? Middlesex Cricket Club have been working with the children in Y3 and Y4 this term, coaching them in cricket skills. Please have a look at their information leaflet to find out about opportunities to continue with this sport, including free and subsidised places Middlesex Cricket Opportunities
• If you are receiving any kind of child benefits have a look at this leaflet to see how different benefits can be used with other childcare schemes Combining Childcare Schemes
• 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

14 Feb Newsletter – Edition 57 – 14th February 2025

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1739549469954{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,Here we are, already at the half term break. I hope that you get some down time for yourselves and an opportunity for some quality time with your loved ones.Class AssembliesWe have been entertained by our Year 1 and Year 3 classes over the past couple of weeks, as they showcased some of their learning for family, staff and friends. If you were in the audience, I hope that you enjoyed watching.Year 1 told us about their trip to London Zoo, with great enthusiasm and wearing their animal masks. They taught us about the different types of animals, their characteristics and what makes them different from one another. Do you know some of the characteristics of fish, reptiles and birds? Do you know what characterises an amphibian or mammal? They also entertained us with songs and Devora performed a piece on her violin. What amazing and talented children we have!What do you know about rivers? Well, Year 3 know lots and delivered a very informative assembly last week. Their learning had been made even more exciting and relevant by visiting the River Thames, looking at water quality and things that they found in the river. Again, they spoke confidently and sang beautifully as they entertained us all.Upcoming AssembliesWe have lots of special assemblies coming up for the children - keep an eye on the calendar and the dates below but we wanted to draw your attention to one shortly after we return.To mark the beginning of Lent, we will be holding a special Ash Wednesday assembly where the Church Team will invite the children to have the sign of the cross made on their foreheads with ash. Please discuss this with your children in advance of the assembly on Wednesday 5^th March, and decide whether you are happy for them to have the mark made. Thank you.Trips and Activities for Safer Internet DayAs well as Year 1’s trip to the Zoo, children in Year 5 visited Kew Gardens this week. It was a dry day but very cold and slightly muddy, however they all had a fantastic time as they learned more about their topic, rainforests. This week we have also had special assemblies around E-safety and have been learning more in class for Safer Internet Day. As well as one-off learning around E-safety, we also have learning embedded into our curriculum through Computing and Personal Social Health Education (PSHE). This is such an important topic and we look forward to inviting you to learn more about E-safety at a meeting next half term. Watch out for the date in school communication.UniformWith the half term holiday approaching, and the promise of warmer weather to come, I would like to remind parents/carers of the rules and expectations for uniform at St Mary’s as there is quite a lot of variation going on. If you are replacing uniform over half term, please bear in mind the information below:Please note our uniform rules are as follows:We wear school uniform:

• Grey or bottle green pinafore dress or skirt (not black)
• Summer dress – green and white gingham
• Long grey or black school trousers/shorts
• White shirt with a tie or white blouse/polo shirt
• Plain bottle green V-neck jumper/sweatshirt/cardigan or with school logo
• Tights or socks – white, grey, bottle green or black
• Black shoes (no open-toed or sling back sandals/shoes, slip-on shoes are not ideal for the school environment). If trainers, these must be black with no bright logos, flashing details or coloured laces/soles
• Long hair should be securely tied back. No large hair decorations. We strongly discourage children from having shaved, patterned hair styles
• No tattoo transfers or nail varnish to be worn
• Children who wear earrings should only wear studs for reasons of safety
• Small and simple analogue watches are allowed. No other jewellery should be worn
• Make up is not allowed

PE Kit

• No PE kit is necessary for Nursery
• Children will be allocated a House in their first term
• Children wear House colour T-shirt, black shorts in summer, and black tracksuit bottoms or leggings with a sweatshirt/hoodie in their House colours or black in winter
• Black plimsolls or trainers – no bright logos, flashing details or coloured laces/soles
• On PE days, RG & CL children can wear their PE kit to school
• For the second PE day, children can wear black trainers with their uniform
• Click here to see Mr Oakley's letter about PE kit Correct PE kit letter JO 13 02 25

We recommend that all uniform is labelled so that lost items can be easily returnedHave a great half term holiday and we will see you back in school on Monday 24^th February,Best wishesJane O’BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1740412987964{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Friday 28th February 2025 - Andy Day CBBC Presenter assembly Reception to Year 6 - you can pre-order his book here Pre-order
• Tuesday 4th March - Year 1 Monuments of London Walk trip
• Wednesday 5th March - Y5 Pre Paris meeting for Parents 8.15am @ RG
• Thursday 6th March - Science Day
• Friday 7th March - World Book Day
• Friday 7th March - Reading Stay & Share - after drop off CL & RG
• Friday 7th March - Adult Bingo Night @ RG 7-9pm BINGO TICKETS - free
• Friday 21st March - PSA Disco at Rectory Gardens
• Monday 24th March to Friday 4th April - Big Walk & Wheel Fortnight
• Thursday 27th March - Y2 Marigold Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Thursday 3rd April - Y2 Buttercup Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Saturday 5th April - PSA Easter Hunt & Craft Fair @ CL 12.30-2.30pm
• Tuesday 29th April - Y6 to Natural History Museum
• Thursday 1st May - Y4 Crimson Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 8th May - Y4 Scarlet Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 15th May - Reception Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Wednesday 21st May - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - 3.15pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 22nd May - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - 3.30pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Wednesday 11th June - Y5 Trip to Paris
• Thursday 26th June - Y5 Topaz & Turquoise Class Assembly - 2.40pm
• Saturday 28th June - Summer Fair @ CL - 12.30-2.30pm
• Friday 11th July - End of Year BBQ @ RG - 6.30-8.30pm

For Your Information

• CBBC Presenter & Author will be giving a free assembly for children from reception to Y6 on Friday 28th February. To pre-order his book for a signed copy on the day please use this link and use the code DINODAY in order to get a discount on the books, and select DINO DAD to get free shipping straight to the school - Pre-order Andy Day's book
• Free half term cycle training - see here for details Free Half Term Cycling Training Feb 25
• Campsbourne Baptist Church are running a free one day holiday club in half term on Monday 17th February - click here for details on how to book Campsbourne Feb Half Term Holiday
• Coach Joel who runs the Boxing Club at Rectory Gardens is running a half term boxing camp - please see here for details Jab First Boxing Half Term February Boxing Club
• Request from After School Club - After School Club would very much like a Monopoly set, if anyone has one that is going spare. Please email swalker@stmarysn8.co.uk if you do! Thank you.
• Interested in cricket? Middlesex Cricket Club have been working with the children in Y3 and Y4 this term, coaching them in cricket skills. Please have a look at their information leaflet to find out about opportunities to continue with this sport, including free and subsidised places Middlesex Cricket Opportunities
• Please click here to read the February SEND Newsletter February SEND Newsletter
• If you are receiving any kind of child benefits have a look at this leaflet to see how different benefits can be used with other childcare schemes Combining Childcare Schemes
• 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
• CLUBS - Spring 2025 It's time to book your activity clubs for the Spring Term - click here to have a look at what's available HERE CL All Clubs List Spring 2025 RG All Clubs Spring 2025

31 Jan Newsletter – Edition 56 – 31st January 2025

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1738328572340{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,St Paul’s Cathedral ServiceYesterday, eight St Mary’s children teamed up with children from Kentish Town Primary School to perform in a service for the LDBS schools at the amazing St Paul’s Cathedral. There was an audience of approximately 1700 children, staff and special visitors from the LDBS community and yet the band performed confidently and beautifully, unphased by the audience, vast space and grandness of the Cathedral. It was a privilege watching our children perform pieces on their instruments and it made me immensely proud. It is not every day that such an opportunity arises and I hope that the children carry that memory with them into the future. Mrs Peacock and I will continue to seek opportunities to do similar things as they arise. If you have Instagram, please take a look at the photographs and video - @stmarysschooln8 or on our website here St Paul'sThe Start Of The School DayA reminder for all parents at Rectory Gardens that the main gate opens at 8.35am for a soft school start, allowing parents 10 minutes to visit their child’s classroom if they wish. The main gate closes at 8.45am and children are expected to be in their classroom ready to learn at this time. At Church Lane the gate opens at 8.45am for a soft start and closes at 9am when the children are expected to be in their classrooms ready to learn.SMART Phone Free MovementFollowing my last newsletter, some parents have asked about the SMART phone free movement and whether I could share some information. If you are interested in finding out more, you may wish to look at a grassroots organisation called SMART phone free childhood. Many parents are choosing not to give their children a SMART phone because of the challenges and dangers associated with them. Take a look and see what you think. As a headteacher and a parent, I recognise the multiple challenges for our young people and would certainly recommend that you take a look, especially as so many of you are raising concerns around children’s social media and internet use.  Some schools are recommending phones like these from Argos: Basic PhoneHave a lovely weekend and we will see you on Monday,Best wishesJane O’BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1738341256933{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Friday 31st January - Y4 to Natural History Museum
• Wednesday 5th February - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - please bake, bring and buy - PSA Cake Sale Feb 2025
• Thursday 6th February - Y3 Emerald & Y3 Jade Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 6th February - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - please bake, bring and buy PSA Cake Sale Feb 2025
• Monday 10th February - Animal Encounters - Nursery & Reception
• Tuesday 11th February - Y5 to Kew Gardens
• Tuesday 11th February - Y1 to London Zoo
• Thursday 13th February - Y1 Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Thursday 13th February - Y3 to Muswell Hill Synagogue
• Thursday 6th March - Science Day
• Friday 7th March - World Book Day
• Friday 7th March - Reading Stay & Share - after drop off CL & RG
• Friday 7th March - Adult Bingo Night @ RG 7-9pm
• Friday 21st March - PSA Disco at Rectory Gardens
• Monday 24th March to Friday 4th April - Big Walk & Wheel Fortnight
• Tuesday 25th March - Year 1 Monuments of London Walk trip
• Thursday 27th March - Y2 Marigold Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Thursday 3rd April - Y2 Buttercup Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Saturday 5th April - PSA Easter Hunt & Craft Fair @ CL 12.30-2.30pm
• Tuesday 29th April - Y6 to Natural History Museum
• Thursday 1st May - Y4 Crimson Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 8th May - Y4 Scarlet Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 15th May - Reception Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Wednesday 21st May - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - 3.15pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 22nd May - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - 3.30pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 26th June - Y5 Topaz & Turquoise Class Assembly - 2.40pm
• Saturday 28th June - Summer Fair @ CL - 12.30-2.30pm
• Friday 11th July - End of Year BBQ @ RG - 6.30-8.30pm

For Your Information

• Coash Joel who runs the Boxing Club at Rectory Gardens is running a half term boxing camp - please see here for details Jab First Boxing Half Term February Boxing Club
• Request from After School Club - After School Club would very much like a Monopoly set, if anyone has one that is going spare. Please email swalker@stmarysn8.co.uk if you do! Thank you.
• Mthr Clem is holding a special Teaching Eucharist at Hornsey Parish Church on Sunday 9th February at 10.30am. "On Sunday 9th February, we are having a teaching Eucharist as our 10:30am parish service. This is an All-Age service in which the we shall explain the main parts of the Eucharistic as we pray and worship together. All are welcome to come and learn more about our worship life" Teaching Eucharist 09 02 25
• 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
• CLUBS - Spring 2025 It's time to book your activity clubs for the Spring Term - click here to have a look at what's available HERE CL All Clubs List Spring 2025 RG All Clubs Spring 2025

17 Jan Newsletter – Edition 55 – 17th January 2025

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1737130572108{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,We have been back in school for two weeks already and the Christmas break seems a distant memory. I hope that you all had a great holiday and that the new year brings you all that you wish for.Sporting EventsIt’s been a busy start to the Spring term and already groups of children have been Roller Racing, to indoor athletics and worked with the Middlesex Cricket Club. It’s great to see a range of different things taking place that go above and beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum offer. We are so fortunate to have Mr Oakley to not only deliver amazing lessons but to also organise the additional activities and events.Smart Phones and Social MediaIn previous newsletters I have written about the challenges and concerns that arise from primary aged children having smart phones and devices like tablets. Disappointingly, we have already had to deal with two incidents that have happened outside of school on social media, that have been brought into school. These incidents are all taking place on apps such as WhatsApp, Discord, SnapChat and the like, however these all have a minimum age restriction of 13+ years and so the children should not be on them anyway.If your child already has a Smart phone or device please monitor the content of communications and the apps that are being used. Keep track of what apps your child is engaging with, use parental controls to limit access and regularly review their digital activity.If you are thinking about giving your child a smart phone, you may wish to consider an alternative. If your child needs a telephone to contact you as they walk to and from school, many parents are now purchasing basic phones that can be used for calls, messages and simple games. If required, use a home PC, laptop or device for using apps. You can control this so much better, putting it in a central place at home and checking what your child is using it for.If you haven’t seen this already, I would urge you to watch the following documentary that aired on Channel 4 over the holidays, Swiped: The School That Banned Smart Phones. This three-week experiment studied the horrifying effects of the content that children can access 24/7 on their smart phones. As a parent, the realisation that I gave my children smart phones and potentially access to absolutely everything on the World Wide Web was both frightening and concerning. This is an education for parents! Let me know your thoughts if you manage to watch it.Please note that with the advances in technology, we now consider a smartwatch to have the same capabilities as a phone, and any brought in to school should be handed over to the class staff for the day, in the same way as a mobile phone.Leave During Term TimeSchools are committed to improving attendance in line with Local Authority and Government priorities. There has been a decline in attendance since Covid and there is clear evidence of the detrimental impact that absences can have on children’s education and well-being.Please be reminded that you should not be taking your child out of school during term time. In exceptional circumstances some time may be granted but these are usually unavoidable and one-off events. Examples may include close family members bereavements or religious observance for a ceremony. We will look at individual circumstances including looking at attendance and any previous leave when making a decision and may seek guidance from the Educational Welfare Service. Any request for exceptional leave must be made in advance to the school. We will then respond to let you know whether any exceptional leave has been granted. Holidays and the cost of travel are not exceptional circumstances and will not be authorised. Coming Up..We have many more sporting activities coming up as well as a wide range of trips which include the local synagogue, Kew Gardens, London Zoo, Natural History Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral and Pizza Express so watch out for communication about the trips that your child will be attending this term.Have a lovely weekend and we will see you on Monday,Best wishesJane O’BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1737644497103{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Friday 31st January - Y4 to Natural History Museum
• Wednesday 5th February - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - please bake, bring and buy
• Thursday 6th February - Y3 Emerald & Y3 Jade Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 6th February - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - please bake, bring and buy
• Monday 10th February - Animal Encounters - Nursery & Reception
• Tuesday 11th February - Y5 to Kew Gardens
• Tuesday 11th February - Y1 to London Zoo
• Thursday 13th February - Y1 Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Thursday 13th February - Y3 to Muswell Hill Synagogue
• Thursday 6th March - World Book Day
• Thursday 6th March - Reading Stay & Share - after drop off CL & RG
• Friday 7th March - Adult Bingo Night @ RG 7-9pm
• Friday 21st March - PSA Disco at Rectory Gardens
• Thursday 27th March - Y2 Marigold Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Thursday 3rd April - Y2 Buttercup Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Saturday 5th April - PSA Easter Hunt & Craft Fair @ CL 12.30-2.30pm
• Tuesday 29th April - Y6 to Natural History Museum
• Thursday 1st May - Y4 Crimson Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 8th May - Y4 Scarlet Class Assembly - 9.00am
• Thursday 15th May - Reception Class Assembly - 9.15am
• Wednesday 21st May - PSA Cake Sale @ RG - 3.15pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 22nd May - PSA Cake Sale @ CL - 3.30pm - please bring, bake & buy
• Thursday 26th June - Y5 Topaz & Turquoise Class Assembly - 2.40pm
• Saturday 28th June - Summer Fair @ CL - 12.30-2.30pm
• Friday 11th July - End of Year BBQ @ RG - 6.30-8.30pm

For Your Information

• During this cold weather, Haringey Council are sharing details of Warm Spaces on offer for residents who may be at risk, or in fuel poverty - have a look at the link and pass to any people you think may be vulnerable Warm Welcome
• SEND Power in Haringey - SEND Power is a forum for parents and carers of children with SEN or SEND, offering support and information on local and national service - see here for more details SEND Power
• Are you the parent or carer of an SEND child? If so, you might be interested in the January Haringey SEND newsletter January SEND Newsletter
• We have been given the opportunity to offer families highly discounted tickets to the Super League Basketball Playoff Finals at a cost of £10 each, which is a discount of over 60%!The Playoff Finals take place on Sunday 18th May 2025 at The O2, London and will have two top teams from the Men’s and Women’s Super League Basketball battle it out to become the last team standing in the 2024/2025 season. You can find out more about Play-off Finals Day by visiting www.superleaguebasketballm.co.uk/2025playoffs/If you wish to apply for tickets, please use this booking link LINK FOR TICKETS
• CLUBS - Spring 2025 It's time to book your activity clubs for the Spring Term - click here to have a look at what's available HERE CL All Clubs List Spring 2025 RG All Clubs Spring 2025

20 Dec Newsletter – Edition 54 – 20th December 2024

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1734699257632{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,Here we are, four days before Christmas and bringing the Autumn term to a close. This term has gone so quickly, however we have achieved so much, including our spectacular Christmas show!Christmas Around The World – A Nativity ShowI am super proud of all of the children who sang and performed with such joy and enthusiasm at the St Mary’s Christmas show. When we started to plan this, we were unsure how it would work, as the two sites had not come together before for such a production. It was a resounding success, with all the children performing together as they fed off each other’s energy and happiness, delivering an amazing festive event. If you were not in the Christmas mood before the show you would have been after! It was fantastic to see so many of you in the audience supporting the children, we hope that you enjoyed it. For a round-up of all our Christmas festivities, including the Nativity please click here Christmas at St Mary's 2024At the end of both shows we asked for donations, with all money collected going towards books for the class book areas. I am pleased to say that we collected a massive £231.70, so thank you very much.A Special VisitorSanta Claus visited Church Lane and Rectory Gardens yesterday delivering gifts to each of the classes. We were so surprised that Santa Claus found the time to visit us at what is an extremely busy time for him and his elves. Ask your children about his visit and the gift their class received. I managed to find time to share my Christmas wish list with him! The Joy of Giving – Santa Fun RunThe children at St Mary’s participated in their own Santa Fun Run last Friday. They raised £106 for the charity set up by her parents in memory of Esme Orike, an ex-pupil who sadly died this year. Well done everyone.On behalf of the whole staff team, thank you all for your kind words and gifts this Christmas, we feel very much loved and appreciated.Christmas is a time to come together with friends and family. I hope that during this festive season you have the opportunity to be with loved ones and to love and be loved.Sending you best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday and I hope that 2025 brings all you wish for.See you in the new year.Jane O'BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1734689813690{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Friday 20th December - last day of term (usual times but please note earlier closing of After School Clubs - see email sent with details)
• Monday 6th January - children back to school

For Your Information

• We have had such a wonderful Christmas build-up so we wanted to share it - see here for our piece in the Ham & High Christmas Traditions at St Mary's
• CLUBS - Spring 2025 It's time to book your activity clubs for the Spring Term - click here to have a look at what's available HERE CL All Clubs List Spring 2025RG All Clubs Spring 2025
• Interested in cricket? Middlesex in the Community are offering an indoor session on Friday 3rd January at their indoor cricket school - see poster below or click here Middlesex Cricket Winter Drop-In Sessions
• Make a note of our Revised Term Dates 2024-2025 Term Dates 2024-25 revised September 2024

06 Dec Newsletter – Edition 53 – 6th December 2024

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1734003814564{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,With only 2 weeks left of school this term, we are in the midst of the Christmas season, making us all feel festive. We still have so much planned for the next two weeks so please ensure you have the diary dates at hand so you don’t miss anything.Christmassy ThingsThe Naughty Elves have again made an appearance at both Rectory Gardens and Church Lane. They are up to mischief and entertaining the children with their antics so ask your children if they have seen them.EYFS went to a Christingle making workshop last week, we have had our Advent Assembly, the choir sang at Alexandra Palace, we have displayed the Christmas hoops (made by each class) and switched on the St Mary’s Christmas lights. Hopefully you will be attending the Christmas Fair this evening between 5.30pm and 7.30pm and we are looking forward to the whole school Christmas nativity on Wednesday 18^th December. Please see the Christmas Programme for all events Christmas Dates 2024The Joy of Giving – Santa Fun Run and Hornsey FoodbankThe children will again be participating in our own Santa Fun Run and this year are raising money in memory of an ex-pupil, Esme Orike, who sadly died of a rare form of cancer in September aged just 13. Her mum was the school’s Chair of Governors for a while, only stepping down when Esme became ill. The children are asked to bring in a donation on the day of the Fun Run for the charity or, even better, make a donation via their JustGiving page Santa Run for EsmeDuring such difficult times with a cost-of-living crisis, we know that many families will struggle this Christmas. If you are in a position to do so, please could you donate food items to the Hornsey Foodbank, details can be found here  Christmas Food Bank Appeal.Maths Stay and Play & Baby & Toddler Drop InIt was great to see everyone who came to the maths Stay and Play this week. I was at Church Lane and we had so many parents and carers attend that we were running out of chairs!! The children thoroughly enjoyed having fun completing maths activities and games.Did you know St Mary’s are now running a Baby and Toddler drop-in on Monday mornings from 9.30am to 10.30am? If you have a young child who is not at school, come along for a play, tea or coffee and a chat.It’s important to call into school if your child is absentEvery school has a statutory duty to account for children who are not at school in accordance with Government guidance on Children Missing Education. What does this mean for you?

• Parents need to contact school and tell us why their child is absent from school on day 1, so that can be recorded
• If parents do not contact school, we will try to make contact using all details that are on the school system
• If by day 2 we have been unable to make contact with parents, school is required to do a home visit and seek advice from Children’s Social Care
• If on day 3, after these steps we have still not had contact, the last resort is calling the police

These systems are important to help safeguard children and we ask for your cooperation in reporting absences.Important Information for Whole School NativityOn Wednesday 18^th December, we will have our whole school Nativity and all children will be based at Rectory Gardens for the day. Please look out for a separate letter with details of how this will work.After School Club (ASC) Updates – Last Day of Term & Nativity DayIf your child/ren attend After School Club please look out for communication coming your way. One letter shares some information about ASC on the last day of term and the others will share information about ASC on the day of the whole school Nativity.It looks like it’s going to be a wet and very windy weekend so please stay safe,Jane O'BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1733494973621{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Friday 6th December - please come along to our wonderful Christmas Fair - 5.30pm-7.30pm at Rectory Gardens - click HERE  to volunteer
• Tuesday 10th December - Violins concert @ RG 11am
• Wednesday 11th December - Christmas Dinner Day + Christmas jumper (let the office know if your packed lunch child would like a Christmas dinner)
• Thursday 12th December - Trumpets & Trombones concert @ RG 10am
• Thursday 12th December - Rectory Gardens to Horrible Christmas Histories at Ally Pally - due back 3.45pm
• Thursday 12th December - Trumpets & Trombones concert @ RG 10am
• Monday 16th December - collection for Hornsey Food Bank Hornsey Food Bank Christmas Appeal 2024
• Wednesday 18th December - Nativity performance for KS2 (Y3, Y4, Y5 & Y6) at Rectory Gardens 10.00am
• Wednesday 18th December - Nativity performance for EYFS & KS1 (Nursery, Reception, Y1 & Y2) at Rectory Gardens 2.00pm
• Thursday 19th December - whole school to Hornsey Parish Church
• Friday 20th December - last day of term (usual times but please note earlier closing of After School Clubs - see email sent with details)
• Monday 6th January - children back to school

Or click here for a full stick-on-the-fridge round-up of Christmas at St Mary's Christmas Dates 2024

For Your Information

• It's time to book your activity clubs for the Spring Term - click here to have a look at what's available HERE RG All Clubs Spring 2025
• It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! We have a full programme of events, starting right now up until the end of term - have a look and make a note of the dates or print it out for your fridge Christmas Dates 2024
• Help for Hornsey Food Bank this Christmas - please help make someone's Christmas a little brighter by donating to the Hornsey Food Bank (collections from 16/12) - see here Hornsey Food Bank Christmas Appeal 2024
• Year 1 and Year 2 Parents - please help us by completing this Sport England survey, which will raise money for sporting equipment in school - link SPORT ENGLAND SURVEY
• Interested in free rugby for your 8+ daughter? Please see here for details of Saracens Sonic Club Free Rugby for Girls 8+

• Make a note of our Revised Term Dates 2024-2025 Term Dates 2024-25 revised September 2024

22 Nov Newsletter – Edition 52 – 22nd November 2024

[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern" css=".vc_custom_1645189557802{background-color: #ffffff !important;}" z_index="" el_class="newsletter-intro"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1732296494396{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]Dear Parents and Carers,The weather has certainly turned colder this week and it looks like we are set for a very wet weekend. It is definitely time to dig out the woolly hat, gloves, scarf and waterproof coat. Keep warm and dry everyone!Return of Ms GordonWe are pleased to let you know that Ms Gordon will be returning from maternity leave on Monday 9^th December, working with Ms Fernandes in Topaz Class. We are very grateful to Ms Vidic, our EAL teacher, who stepped in as a familiar adult for the children to cover Ms Gordon. We thank her for all of her hard work in the class this term.Parent ConsultationsThanks to all of the parents who attended Parents Evening last week. I hope that you found it useful meeting with your child’s class teacher, looking at strengths and areas that need working on. We had 75% of parents attending meetings, which is good, however we would like to see all parents meeting with class teachers because we know that when we work together, we have the best impact on your children’s development. We hope to see more people in the Spring Term.Book FairYou purchased an amazing £866.00 worth of books, at the Book Fair last week, which means the school gets 40% off all book purchases we make to buy new books for the classrooms. Thank you!WrapUp LondonThank you for all your donations of coats. You brought over 100 coats which Mr Jenkins has dropped off, to help make the winter a little warmer for some people.Communication and Contact DetailsI wanted to remind everyone of the many ways in which St Mary’s shares information so that you are always fully informed. Please note it is your responsibility to update the school office should you have a change of contact details, and is very important.We provide information through:

• The school website
• Texts
• Emails
• Newsletters
• Instagram

If you are unsure about an upcoming event or want to see what the children have been doing, please take a look!If You Have A ConcernWe work extremely hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly in school, however, as with life, sometimes things happen that we need to be aware of, or may need to address. If you have a concern or a complaint, you must follow the schools Complaints Policy. This clearly identifies the steps that you should take to resolve an issue.The Build Up To ChristmasIf, like me, you are yet to concede that Christmas is only just around the corner, the following will certainly be the wake-up call that you need!Christmas Dates 2024We look forward to seeing you at our Christmas events and enjoying the festivities!Wrap up warm and enjoy your weekend,Jane O'BrienHeadteacher[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1733220429736{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}"]

Important Dates - please make a note

• Tuesday 26th November - Y5 & Y6 Eucharist at Hornsey Parish Church 1.45pm
• Saturday 30th November - Hornsey Parish Church Christmas Market 1-4pm
• Monday 2nd December - Church Lane to Wizard of Oz on Ice @ Ally Pally
• Tuesday 3rd December - Maths Stay & Play - come along after drop-off to play some maths games with your child
• Tuesday 3rd December - Non Uniform Day for Tombola Donation
• Friday 6th December - our wonderful Christmas Fair - 5.30pm-7.30pm at Rectory Gardens - 4 weeks to go! See here for details  CHRISTMAS FAIR - 2 weeks to go
• Click here to book your ticket for Santa's Grotto at the Christmas Fair Santa's Grotto Tickets
• Tuesday 10th December - Violins concert @ RG 11am + choir, band and ukulele - PARENTS WELCOME
• Wednesday 11th December - Christmas Dinner Day + Christmas jumper (let the office know if your packed lunch child would like a Christmas dinner)
• Thursday 12th December - Trumpets & Trombones concert @ RG 10am PARENTS WELCOME
• Thursday 12th December - Rectory Gardens to Horrible Christmas Histories at Ally Pally
• Thursday 12th December - Trumpets & Trombones concert @ RG 11am
• Monday 16th December - collection for Hornsey Food Bank Hornsey Food Bank Christmas Appeal 2024
• Wednesday 18th December - Nativity performance for KS2 (Y3, Y4, Y5 & Y6) at Rectory Gardens 10.00am
• Wednesday 18th December - Nativity performance for EYFS & KS1 (Nursery, Reception, Y1 & Y2) at Rectory Gardens 2.00pm
• Thursday 19th December - whole school to Hornsey Parish Church

Or click here for a full stick-on-the-fridge round-up of Christmas at St Mary's Christmas Dates 2024

For Your Information

• Did you see our article in the Ham & High recently? We're so grateful to our parents/carers for putting their trust into us and allowing us to give opportunities to ALL our children Ham & High article
• Prince, one of our former pupils recently wrote us a letter, with some help from his mum - you can read it here Letter from Prince 15 11 24
• It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! We have a full programme of events, starting right now up until the end of term - have a look and make a note of the dates or print it out for your fridge Christmas Dates 2024
• We need your help for the Jolly Jars at the Christmas Fair - see here for details Jolly Jars November 2024
• Help for Hornsey Food Bank this Christmas - please help make someone's Christmas a little brighter by donating to the Hornsey Food Bank (collections from 16/12) - see here Hornsey Food Bank Christmas Appeal 2024
• Year 1 and Year 2 Parents - please help us by completing this Sport England survey, which will raise money for sporting equipment in school - link SPORT ENGLAND SURVEY
• Three Compasses Christmas Craft Market- are you a local crafter or maker who would like a table at the Three Compasses Christmas Market? Or would you just like to go along? It's on 29/11/24 - details here 3C Christmas Craft Market 29 11 24
• Interested in free rugby for your 8+ daughter? Please see here for details of Saracens Sonic Club Free Rugby for Girls 8+
• Are you the parent of a child with SEND? Please see the Haringey November SEND Newsletter here Haringey SEND Newsletter - November
• Make a note of our Revised Term Dates 2024-2025 Term Dates 2024-25 revised September 2024