Thursday 28th September 2017
Thank You
A big thank you to all the EYs/Yr1 parents who attended this morning’s Speech & Language Coffee Morning – it was lovely to see so many of you there. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s level of speech and language development please speak to their class teacher. If you were unable to attend we’ve upload the presentation slides to the SEN page on our school website.
What do pupils think about our school?
Last week we held our Pupil Voice Day in school, giving the children a chance to say what they felt was good about our school and what they would like to see improved. We have analysed the results and the findings were really positive:
·97% of pupils said that they enjoyed coming to school.
·99% commented that other children in school are friendly.
·98% felt that they were listened to by staff.
·98% said that they were challenged and taught new things in their lessons.
As a result of this questionnaire we plan to do more work on making pupils aware of their targets across areas of the curriculum.
For the full survey results please visit our website:
http://www.st-marys.hillingdon.sch.uk/page/?title=What+Our+Pupils+Say&pid=69
School Closed Tomorrow
Just a reminder that school will be closed tomorrow due to our second teacher training day.
Space Fortnight: Non-Uniform Day
Over the next couple of weeks we will be holding our Space Fortnight in school. To celebrate we have planned lots of exciting activities for the children to enjoy including ‘Virtual Reality Space Workshops’, cross-curricular work and arts and crafts activities.
On Friday 13th October we are inviting all pupils to come to school in clothes associated with science fiction characters/creatures from space stories, films or TV programmes e.g. Star Wars, Dr Who, etc. There will be prizes for the most imaginative costumes worn in each class.
Bikes and Scooters
If your child would like to cycle, or scoot, to school we have bike/scooter racks within our ‘Quiet Area’ (at the back of the Key Stage 2 playground. We recommend that pupils bring in a bicycle chain/lock to ensure that bikes/scooters are kept secure (all items are left at your own risk). We ask that pupils do not cycle or scoot down the alleyway into school or in the area in front of the school entrance. Thank you in advance.
Community Collection to Help the Victims of Hurricane Maria
You will have read about last week’s horrific Hurricane Maria, which caused havoc in the Caribbean, especially Dominica. If you would like to help, please consider donating first aid supplies, nappies, and/or dry tin /packet food either at St Mary’s School on Friday 6th October or at our church at Masses on 7th/8th October. These will be collected and taken to the Dominica High Commission.
Governors Maintenance Fund and Gift Aid – THANK YOU
Our latest Gift Aid Claim from HMRC brought in £1027.35. Thank you very much to all of you who are able to Gift Aid your donations. This additional funding makes a huge difference.
If you are a UK tax payer and would like to consider Gift Aid please collect the information from the rack outside of the Main Entrance. Our Finance Officer, Mrs Law, is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Please let Mrs Law know if your circumstances have changed and you need to cancel your Gift Aid Declaration.
Secondary School Applications
If you have not already done so the closing date for applications is Monday 31 October 2017.
To give your child the best possible chance of being offered their preferred school(s), please ensure your application is received on time. Hillingdon council cannot be held responsible for any problems with internet providers; they are therefore recommending you submit your application online to the Admissions at London Borough of Hillingdon by Friday 20th October.
Pupil Premium – Registering for Free School Meals & Early Years Funding
Please could you contact the school office if your financial circumstances have changed and you are receiving Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance or Child Tax Credit (with no working tax). Not only could you be eligible for Free School Meals but the school also attracts a funding to purchase resources to assist the learning of eligible pupils. If you have any questions please contact Mrs Taberer in the school Office. This information will be kept in the strictest confidence.
Book Bags:
Please ensure that children bring their book bags, reading book and Reading Record Book into school every day. Book bags should be labelled clearly with your child’s name. No more than 1 key-ring on the book bags please.
House Points
This week’s winning house is: St Bernadette with 170 points.
House Point winners in each year group:
|
Class |
Name |
Number of House Points |
|
Year 1 |
Helen |
13 |
|
Year 2 |
Tegan |
18 |
|
Year 3 |
Varish |
9 |
|
Year 4 |
Uriel |
28 |
|
Year 5 |
Valentina |
30 |
|
Year 6 |
Samanta |
18 |
Dates for your diary
SEPTEMBER:
Friday 29th
INSET day – school closed for pupils
OCTOBER:
Monday 2nd
Start of SPACE fortnight
Tuesday 10th
Year 2 and Year 6 SATs meting TBC
Thursday 12th
Rec, Y1, Y2, Y3 & Y4 Nasal Flu Session
Friday 13th
Non-uniform day (Space dress-up)
PTA Bingo Night 8:00 p.m.
Monday 16th
Start of One World Week
Thursday 19th
Curriculum Afternoon 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Monday 23rd – Friday 27th
Half Term Break
Monday 30th
INSET day – school closed for pupils
Tuesday 31st
Pupils back to school 8:40 a.m.
NOVEMBER:
Wednesday 1st
All Saints Mass 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday 14th
Year 1 & 6 Mass at Church 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday 21st
Year 3 & 4 Mass at Church 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Monday 27th
Start of Test Week
At St Mary’s we do not authorise any holiday booked in term time as since September 2013 Government instruction has stated that no holidays in term time can be authorised.
