Headteacher's Newsletter

Friday 15^th May 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of SATs week, I would like to take this opportunity to say how incredibly proud we are of our Year 6 children. They have approached the week with maturity, resilience and determination and have represented the school beautifully.

We would also like to thank our Year 6 staff team for the care, encouragement and support they have given the children throughout the year and especially this week. Their calm approach and dedication helped the children to feel confident and reassured each day.

I would also like to thank the wider staff team for their flexibility and support during the week. SATs week always requires a great deal of teamwork behind the scenes and we are very grateful for the way staff came together to ensure the week ran smoothly for all children across the school.

Most importantly, thank you to all of our parents and carers for your continued support throughout your children’s schooling. The partnership between home and school plays such an important role in preparing children for every stage, challenge and opportunity they face. From reading at home and encouraging good routines, to offering reassurance during important moments like SATs week, your support makes a tremendous difference. We truly could not do this without the strength of our school community and we are deeply grateful for the trust, encouragement and partnership you continue to show us.

Thank you to the parents and carers of our Year 3 and 4 children who were able to attend our Hymn Practice sing-along this week. It was such a lovely occasion and wonderful to see so many families joining us in song and worship. The children sang beautifully and represented the school brilliantly (and I must say, the adults sang beautifully too!). Moments like these are a wonderful reminder of the strong sense of community we share as a school family. We now look forward to welcoming our Year 5 and 6 parents and carers to their Hymn Practice on Tuesday 19th.

On Thursday afternoon, it was wonderful to come together as a school community for our Ascension Day liturgy and celebrations. Thank you to Mr Chappell for leading and organising such a thoughtful and prayerful occasion. It was a lovely opportunity for us to pause together in faith during a very busy week.

This links beautifully with this Sunday’s Gospel from John 17:1–11, where Jesus prays for His followers before returning to the Father. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about unity, love and caring for one another which are values we have seen so clearly reflected in our school community this week. Whether through supporting our Year 6 children, helping one another behind the scenes, or gathering together in prayer, we have been reminded that we are strongest when we work together with kindness, encouragement and faith at the centre of all we do.

We now look forward to our final week before the half-term break, including our St Mary’s Feast Day celebrations for the children next Friday. It will be a joyful way to end the term together as a community.

Dates for your Diary:

Tuesday 19th May at 9:15am – Hymn Practise for parents of Year 5 and Year 6

Monday 18^th May – Last day to drop off donations for the Happy Bag Collection

Friday 22nd May - Last Day of Half Term

Monday 1^st June – Return to school

Mobile Phone Use During Drop-Off and Collection Times

We would like to remind all parents and carers of the importance of not using mobile phones while on the school site during drop-off and collection times. Mobile phones should not be used within the playground at any time due to safeguarding and privacy reasons. This includes taking calls, scrolling on phones or using cameras whilst other children are present.

However, beyond safeguarding, there is a much bigger reason why this matters. The beginning and end of the school day are important moments for children. They look up first to see a familiar face, a smile, eye contact and a sense of connection. After a long day at school, children want to share news, achievements, worries and stories — sometimes all at once and at great volume like an overexcited sports commentator. Those moments matter more than we often realise.

As adults, we also model relationships with technology every single day. Children notice when phones take priority over conversations, greetings and interactions with others. Schools spend a great deal of time teaching children about healthy relationships, communication, wellbeing and online safety and it is important that they also see positive examples from the adults around them. A child who sees an adult put a phone away to listen properly learns something valuable about respect, attention and relationships.

We also ask that parents remain approachable and available at the school gate should staff need to pass on a quick message or discuss something important regarding your child. Clear communication between home and school is vital and collection time is often one of the few opportunities for brief but meaningful conversations.

Our playground should feel calm, safe, welcoming and community-focused for all children and families. We therefore ask for everyone’s support in ensuring phones remain put away whilst on site. Thank you for helping us to create a positive environment where children feel seen, valued and prioritised.

Achievement Certificates

The achievement certificates this week are awarded to:

James in 3A
Aaron in 3E
Anthony in 4D
Sofia in 4T
Mirah in 5B
Alan in 5C
The whole of Year 6

The Headteacher’s award goes to Hansel in 3A

The Kindness Award goes to Zara in 3E

The Swimming Award goes to Antionia in 5B

Yours faithfully,

Sarah Fizul

Headteacher