Newsletter 6th December 2017

Wednesday 6^th December 2017

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,

Advent is here - we are awaiting the coming of the Lord and his promise that he will be ever with us.  During the Christmas season as we celebrate and feast, we must remember those in our community who are less fortunate. We pray for families who are in distress and we support those who are having a hard time.  Our thoughts and prayers go out especially to the Chinedu family whose daddy passed away last week.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, by the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

 
Everything Christmassy

This Friday 8^th December, we have our Infant Christmas Fayre at 2pm.  Please come along to raise as much money as we can for the school.  Father Christmas has taken time out of organising his deliveries on Christmas Eve and will be paying us a visit!  There are lots of raffles going on and some super prizes to win. Give generously if you can.

 
Reception, Yr 1 and 2 have visited the Unicorn Theatre to see ‘Boing’ and ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’. Years 3, 4 and 5 are visiting Theatre Peckham to see ‘Cinderella Shoeshine’.  A selection of children from across all year groups attended the Archbishop’s annual carol service at St George’s Cathedral on 5^th December. All children so far have had a wonderful experience and we anticipate no less for those going next week.

 Don’t forget that on Wednesday 13^th December at 6pm Father Victor is holding a Carol Concert at Sacred Heart which brings together all schools in the diocese. Bishop Pat Lynch will be in attendance.  We have a junior and infant choir singing…letters will be going home soon to tell you more about it.

 The Infant Nativity will take place on Thursday 14^th December at 2pm and Friday 15^th December at 9.30am. This is a wonderful time for the children – the joy on their faces is unmissable. Please join us if you can. 

The Junior School Carol Service will take place on Wednesday 20^th December, 2pm at Sacred Heart.  This is a reflective celebration of God’s word accompanied by traditional carols. Please join us to remember the true meaning of Christ’s birth.

 Children’s Christmas lunch will be on Tuesday 21^st December followed by class parties. Wear own clothes on this day!

In addition to everything Christmassy, we have been working on our Health and Well-Being. You would have heard more recently about the impact of mental health issues on young people and how schools can help. Well the government have set aside extra funding in the budget and hopefully we will see some of this.  We are trying to encourage our pupils to be as fit and healthy as possible. There are lots of sporting activities we take part in across the infants and the juniors. More recently these have included BMX, ice skating, Bikeability, football competitions, athletics, ‘Superstars’, Multi-skills and a Health and Well-being Festival of Sport. 

A reminder: Picking up from School

Please let us know if your child/children are being picked up by someone other than you.  We will not let any child go home with anyone other than the person who usually picks them up without permission.  You have to phone to tell the school. Please do not be offended if we ring you.

Behaviour

Our behaviour policy (can be found on the website) is firm but fair. We have standards to maintain and that we will not let drop. We do expect a standard of behaviour for learning that I know is also expected at home.  There are rules that the children need to follow for their own safety and that reflect the expectation of society in general. There are always a few children, for one reason or another, that find this difficult to follow. Here are some very simple messages that should be reinforced at home:

Infants:

• We are gentle, kind and helpful: we do not hurt others
• We listen: we don’t interrupt
• We work hard: we don’t waste our own or others time
• We are honest: we don’t cover up the truth
• We look after property: We don’t waste or damage things

Juniors:

• Follow in God’s footsteps and be a positive role model
• Have respect for other people and their property
• Walk quietly and sensibly around the building
• Honesty, manners and truthfulness are priceless gifts that we can share with everybody
• Keep your arms, feet and nasty words to yourself
• In dining hall, have good table manners

Attendance

Reflection:

December 6^th - the feast day of St Nicholas, the patron saint of children.

‘A child living with criticism learns to condemn,

A child living with hostility learns to fight

A child living with ridicule learns to be shy

A child living with shame learns to feel guilty BUT

A child living with encouragement learns confidence

A child living with praise learns to appreciate

A child living with fairness learns justice

A child living with security learns faith

A child living with approval learns love of self

A child living with acceptance and friendship learns to find love in the world.’

By: Dorothy Law Holte

Break up for Christmas on Friday 22^nd December at 1pm - please be punctual.  Thank you.

Return to school Monday 8^th January 2018

Anita Gallagher

Executive Headteacher