Headteacher's Newsletter

Friday 13^th March 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a wonderful week it has been in school. With the sunshine finally making a welcome appearance, the days have felt brighter and full of energy and enthusiasm. It has been a joy to see the children so engaged in their learning and taking part in such a wide range of experiences both in and beyond the classroom.

We began the week by marking International Women's Day in a whole school assembly. The children learned about the importance of this day and why it is celebrated around the world. We reflected on the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and discussed the importance of fairness, respect and opportunity for everyone. It was a valuable moment for our pupils to think about how they can support and encourage one another to reach their potential.

Our celebrations around World Book Day have continued this week, with more classes visiting Waterstones in the Whitgift Centre. The children had the opportunity to meet visiting authors, explore the bookshop and choose books using their World Book Day vouchers. Experiences like this are invaluable in nurturing a lifelong love of reading, and it was wonderful to see the excitement as children discovered new stories and authors.

We were also delighted that a group of children from across the school enjoyed a cultural trip to the National Gallery, where they explored some of the world’s most famous works of art. Visits like these bring learning to life and help children see how the subjects they study in school connect with the wider world.

Another highlight of the week was the Quiz Club Science Competition, where two teams from Years 5 and 6 represented our school alongside 14 other teams from Croydon Catholic schools. The children showed fantastic teamwork, curiosity and scientific thinking, and we were incredibly proud of the way they represented the school with confidence and enthusiasm.

This Sunday’s Gospel from the Gospel of John (John 9) tells the story of Jesus healing a man who had been blind since birth. After meeting Jesus, the man is able to see for the first time. This Gospel reminds us that Jesus brings light into our lives and helps us to see the world in a new way — noticing goodness, truth and the needs of others. In many ways, the experiences our children have had this week, from discovering books and meeting authors to exploring great works of art and engaging in scientific thinking, are all moments that help to open their eyes to the richness and wonder of the world around them.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. It is a privilege to see the children grow in confidence, curiosity and faith each day.

Wishing you all a peaceful and restful weekend.

Dates for your Diary:

Thursday 19^th March - Class Photos

Friday 27^th March – Last Day of Term – Dress up in own clothes to raise money for Lent - 2pm Finish

Monday 13^th April – Return to school

Own Clothes Day for CAFOD – Friday 27 March

As part of our Lenten journey, we will be holding an Own Clothes Day on the last day of term, Friday 27 March, to raise money for CAFOD.

Children are invited to come to school wearing their own clothes in exchange for a £2 donation (or whatever families are able to give). All money raised will go towards supporting CAFOD’s Lent Appeal, helping communities around the world access vital resources such as food, clean water and opportunities to build a better future.

If you would like to find out more about how CAFOD supports communities across the world this Lent, you can visit: https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/lent-appeal

Thank you, as always, for your generosity and for helping our school live out the values of compassion and solidarity with those in need.

Mother's Day

As we approach Mother's Day, we take a moment to reflect on the love, care and guidance that mothers and mother figures bring to our lives.

For many, this weekend will be a happy time to celebrate with mums, grandmothers and those special women who nurture and support us each day. For others, mothers may be far away, and the day becomes a chance to call, message or simply hold them close in our thoughts. And for some, it can be a more reflective day as we remember with love the mothers who are no longer with us, giving thanks for the memories and the lasting love they have left in our hearts.

The Bible reminds us of the deep, faithful love that mirrors a mother’s care. In Book of Isaiah we read these beautiful words:

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you." (Isaiah 49:15)

These words remind us that the love we experience through our mothers reflects the constant and faithful love that God has for each one of us.

On behalf of everyone at the school, we wish all mothers, grandmothers and mother figures in our community a very happy and peaceful Mothering Sunday. Thank you for the love, care and encouragement you give to your children each and every day.

St Mary’s Catholic High School – Invitation for New to Year 7 Families joining in September 2026

Families whose children have been offered a place at St Mary's Catholic High School Croydon for September are warmly invited to attend an Afternoon Tea on Tuesday 10th March at 4:00pm.

This will be a lovely opportunity for families to visit the school, meet staff and pupils, and experience the welcoming community at St Mary’s. It will also give parents and children the chance to look around the school again and see first-hand the positive learning environment and the progress that pupils make during their time there.

The school would especially like to encourage families who may have been allocated a place but did not initially list St Mary’s as a preference to attend. This visit will provide a helpful opportunity to learn more about the school and see what makes the student experience there so positive before making any final decisions.

Happy Bag Collection on Monday 18 May 2026

If you are having a spring clean or sorting through your wardrobes, we are holding a Happy Bag Collection on Monday 18 May.

We welcome donations of unwanted clothing, shoes, sheets, duvets and covers and jewellery. Items can be brought into school at any time from now until the collection date.

The more donations we receive, the more funds the school will raise, helping us to purchase new resources for our children. At the same time, all donated items go on to support people in need across the world.

This collection reflects our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, encouraging us to think of others, act generously and support those less fortunate than ourselves, while also benefiting our own school community.

Thank you, as always, for your continued generosity and support.

Achievement Certificates

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to:

Lisa in 3A
Lula in 3E
Keifer in 4D
Eren in 4T
Anushik in 5B
Everyone in 5C
Chizuba in 6G
Somto in 6P

The Headteacher’s award goes to The Science Quiz Team

The Kindness Award goes to Naeva in 5B

The Swimming Award goes to Emmanuella in 3E

Yours faithfully,

Sarah Fizul

Headteacher