News - 14th December 2023

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope this newsletter finds you well and in good spirits as we approach the school holidays. There have been many wonderful events and achievements that have taken place at St Mary's over the past couple of weeks.

Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the incredible PTA for their hard work and dedication in organising our triumphant Christmas Fair. The event was a tremendous success, with a wonderful turnout from our school community. Your support and generosity are truly appreciated.

Last week, Drama Club showcased their exceptional talents with a mesmerising performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The pupils acting skills and comedy timing were fabulous, and the audience loved it. Well done to Mr Hanson and his drama crew!
Additionally, the Rocksteady concert was a resounding success. Each band put on a fantastic performance, showcasing their musical prowess. It is lovely to see the growing confidence of each of the performers!

Last week, we held our special REACH assembly.

Congratulations to our worthy winners, from Reception to Year 6: Lillie, Sophia, Cressida, Savannah, Lupe, Minnie, Gabriella, and Zak for being awarded the prestigious REACH award.

On Tuesday, we observed Pause Day, a day dedicated to reflection and contemplation on the true meaning of Christmas. All classes had the opportunity to visit the church and take a moment to pause and reflect. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Rev Rachel for organising this meaningful day.

The Nativity Performances of "Lights, Camel, Action" were a true highlight of the week. The children acted and sang beautifully and it certainly put us all in the festive mood, whilst reminding us of the significant importance of this celebration. Thank you to the Key Stage One team for the time and effort put in to the performance rehearsals.

Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate our Christmas Lunches, which will be enjoyed in house groups on Monday and Tuesday. Children may come to school with Christmas Jumpers, clothing and accessories on their allocated day. Furthermore, we are keeping our fingers crossed and ho! ho! hoping for a special visitor to drop by before we break for the Christmas holidays on Wednesday. (Rumour has it, it may even snow!)

A reminder that school closes at 1.15pm Wednesday, 20th December and re-opens on Monday 8th January at 8.30am. Please remember to take all belongings home.

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to express my gratitude for your continued support. It is through your involvement and commitment that we are able to create a nurturing and enriching environment for all of the children.

On behalf of all the staff at St Marys, I would like to wish you a truly wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this festive season be filled with joy, love, and laughter.

Warm regards,
Mrs Buckley
Headteacher

ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS CONSULTATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2025-2026

Please click on the following link to view our Admission Arrangements Consultation for September 2025-2026.

https://www.stmaryschidd.org/key-information/admissions/admissions-policy-consultation-20252026/

STARTING SCHOOL

Starting School – Reception:
If your child was born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 you will need to apply for a school place. You can apply between 31 October 2023 and 15 January 2024.

If you live in Surrey, you can find out all you need to know about school admissions and apply online at surreycc.gov.uk/admissions or you can call on 0300 200 1004.

SCHOOL LUNCHES

The Good Shepherd Trust recently went out to tender for its catering services for all schools. Twelve 15 (our current lunch provider) were invited to tender. After a strict tender process run by an external provider, we are pleased to announce that we have appointed a new catering company.

Twelve 15 will continue to see out their notice period and we will be in touch in the new year to share exciting news of our new service provider. Their innovation, investment, service and quality was impressive and we look forward to working with them in the New Year. Watch this space for exciting updates on new menus!

PARKING
We have noticed that cars are parking on the corner of School Lane which is causing issues for visibility for both cars and pedestrians. We kindly ask that parents do not park on School Lane for either drop off or collection.

Parking is available at the Catholic Church by the cricket field, Coxcombe Lane and the Petworth Road.

CHRISTMAS REMINDERS

Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th December - Christmas Lunches & Christmas Jumper Monday 18th December - Christmas Lunch for children in Amber House and Emerald House - these children can wear Christmas jumpers.

(Children in Ruby and Sapphire to bring a packed lunch)

Tuesday 19th December -
Christmas Lunch for children in Ruby House and Sapphire House - these children can wear Christmas jumpers.
(Children in Amber and Emerald to bring a packed lunch)

Wednesday 20th December - Last Day of Term Arrangements

School will break up at 1.15pm. As usual please could you make sure that all your child’s belongings are taken home, including lunchbox and medication as many of these will not last the whole holidays! Lost property will be disposed of before the beginning of the new term.

SCO PAY
Please review scopay for any outstanding payments due for school trips for next term. 

Please also ensure that you update school lunch choices for the start of the Spring Term.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
The new after school club timetable will be sent out shortly.

Bookings will go live for these clubs on Thursday 4th January at 6pm until Wednesday 10th at 6pm.

After School Clubs will commence on Monday 15th January (please note external club dates may be different).

PARENT PORTAL
Starting next year we will be launching a parent portal (Abor) which will allow parents to view reports and more! More information will follow in due course.

Following Government guidelines, schools are no longer allowed to authorise requests for children to be taken out of school for a holiday during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you take your child out of school, you may face a penalty notice.

WEEK COMMENCING 4TH DECEMBER- 8TH DECEMBER 2023

RECEPTION –97.1%
Year 1 – 97.1%
Year 2 –94.5%
Year 3 –94%
Year 4 –95%
Year 5 –97.8%
Year 6H –94.9%
Year 6N –92.5%

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL VISION

Wisdom

Wisdom is a core Christian value in our school because we believe through wisdom good choices are made, that it encourages us to learn from our mistakes and encourages us to live our lives wisely for the benefit of all. "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’’ John 8:32

Hope

Hope is a core Christian value in our school because hope gives us energy and supports us through difficult times. "Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.’’ Romans 12:12 To act with hope is to aspire to greater things, to promote positivity and courageous advocacy.

Respect

Respect is a core Christian value in our school because we believe that all life is precious within the image of God and deserves to be valued. "Do to others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31 Our Christian value of respect means living up to the image of God with our school, our community and ourselves.

Community

Community is a core Christian value in our school because we know that together we are stronger and can achieve more. "Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.’’ Romans 12:16
Everyone in our school, local and global community are needed and valued.