Dear Parents and Carers

Another extremely busy, but very calm and quiet week in school.  The children continue to work extremely hard and we are now beginning to see the fruits of the teachers and children’s hard work.  A wonderful week of fine weather has meant that for much of the time the children have been able to be outside in the fresh air and whilst we are fortunate to have such lovely grounds it is important that the teachers and children make good use of them as this has such a positive impact on their happiness and mental well-being.  As we enter the home stretch as far as this unique school year is concerned, class teachers are beginning to populate your children’s end of year reports.  Clearly the uniqueness of this school year will be reflected although I know from talking to the teachers that they are so pleased with the continued progress that the children are making that we would like to thank you for the support you give to your children and particularly our younger children whose phonics skills and early number work are so vital in preparation for their return in September.  We plan to send the reports out to you on Friday 9^th July.

Tuesday evening saw the final boy’s football match in which an extremely hard fought game against Holy Rosary ended in a 1:1 all draw.   I was delighted with the effort of the children and every boy in Year 6 who attended football club and was able to play took a full and active part.  Well done boys. 

Early morning cricket is proving to be popular with our Year 5 and 6 children and I have been delighted with the commitment and effort that the children have put into this extra sports activity.  Early morning cricket club starts at 8.15am weather permitting.  I have told the children that there will be no cricket club this Monday morning as I have a prior appointment that I am unable to re-schedule, so I will see the children on Tuesday morning.

This final half term will see our Year 3 class enjoying swimming each Wednesday and I was most impressed with their behaviour and indeed their swimming skills when I joined them on Wednesday afternoon at the Meadows Swimming Baths. 

This week saw visits from the Head’s of Year 7 from St Bede’s and Maricourt High School and they commented on how well the children listened and were involved with the discussions around their thoughts on transition and moving to high school.  Again fine weather allowed this to take place safely outside in our junior picnic bench area. 

Following a meeting with Buzzy Bee Sports I am so pleased to let you know just how much the children enjoyed the dance and multi-sport club.  Mrs Lintern, Head of Sports of PE at Maricourt who organised the event was extremely pleased with the level of engagement and the lovely comments that were made from the parents about how much their children had enjoyed the activities.  She commented upon our outstanding facilities and said that she had rarely seen a primary school able to offer so much and of such a high quality to their children.  What a lovely thing to say about our school and I shall certainly pass these comments on to our governing board at our next full meeting on Thursday.

And, so to Fr Grant’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations, you will have received a message on Iris Parentmail and the school app asking for a donation to present to Fr Grant as a collective thanks for all that he has done for our children.  I am sure you will all agree that we hit the jackpot when Fr Grant became our Parish Priest and Spiritual Leader.  I know from personal experience that he has helped and supported me through difficult times and I for one would want to show my appreciation of his endless energy and genuine love for our Parish and particularly the children and families within it. 

It is unfortunate that current restrictions will limit the participation of his Celebration Mass on Sunday 4^th July at 4.00pm.  It has been agreed that the current Year 5 children and families from both Parish schools who have taken their First Holy Communion with Fr Grant will be able to attend and indeed take a part in the celebration.  There will be further details sent directly to our Year 5 families when the final arrangements have been made. 

Sadly, we are unable to allow you to share the usual activities that take place around this time of year, but the teachers have arranged a junior sports day and an infant sports day in July which they will share with you via a recording.  The Year 6 children are well into their special production which is both looking and sounding amazing.  This will be fully recorded and families will receive a dvd to enjoy together at their pleasure over and over again.  Can I thank you on behalf of Mrs Bretherton and Mrs Rigby for any props and costumes you are able to help with.  This is much appreciated and will go to make your children’s production a long lasting and happy memory of their final year in primary school.

As we move towards the hopeful easing of restrictions can I thank you and remind you that face coverings are compulsory on school grounds unless there is a medical reason in which case please respect the latest social distancing guidance.

May I remind you that the children’s last day of school will be on Friday 16^th July at 3.15pm.

I remain ever hopeful that with sensible social behaviour and the continued success of the vaccination role out programme as well as the improved weather that we shall finally all enjoy a more normal summer and certainly a return to normal school life when we return on Thursday 2^nd September 2021.

Yours sincerely

Mr D MacAreavy - Headteacher