We are pleased to announce that, in January 2026, we will be collaborating with Ace Centre Nursery, where I will assume the role of Executive Headteacher. This decision comes as the current headteacher embarks on an exciting new headship opportunity. Recognising the statutory importance of leadership, we felt it imperative to support and ensure the continued existence of the nursery school, at this current time, within our community.
In the coming weeks, we will share further information, ensuring that everyone is fully informed and involved. A letter has already been sent via ParentMail to keep you updated on these developments.
We look forward to embarking on this journey together and are excited about the positive impact our collaboration will have for the children and families in Chipping Norton. Thank you for your continued support.
PGL
The children have had an excellent week at PGL. I saw many smiling faces as they took part in some amazing activities. Thank you to Mrs Hornsby, Mrs Jordan and Miss Philpott for supporting the children this week. A well-deserved rest is in order for everyone at the weekend!
Some After-School Clubs in Action
Harvest Festival Donations
Thank you to all the families that donated food for our Harvest Festival next week. I will be taking the food to church tonight so that it can be displayed in the church. Giving a little of what you can and letting your children see the importance of this is a valuable life lesson and we appreciate this so much.
Well, we’ve had a fabulous three days back! A big welcome is extended to all the new families and children we have in reception and nursery. We would also like to welcome all the new families that joined us throughout the school too.
School projects over the summer
The school has been refreshed and lots of people have worked extremely hard over the summer holidays to get the school looking so good. Our new nursery and reception class is coming along brilliantly and we are at the last stages of our journey. Thank you so much to Adam Smith and all of his team who worked long days and at the weekend to produce such a fabulous space. Adam was able to move other commitments around to ensure that our space would be ready for the children and we can’t thank him enough. The hall has received a total revamp. After 38 years, we felt it deserved something better. The new floor and re-paint has transformed the area. It’s been a great hit with the children.
We’ve also had a beautiful mural painted on the side of the Victorian building by Ross Heywood, who was funded by Cotswolds Arts. It shows our values tree and a lovely wise old peering out of the oak tree. We were so impressed with what he had created that we asked him to do some more work in our office area and it is looking really lovely already. I can’t wait to see the area when it is finished.
Chastleton Teas – Sunday 21st September at Chastleton Church in aid of St. Mary’s Primary
The Friends of St. Mary’s are asking for help. If you could bake a cake and/or could volunteer an hour of your time, we would really appreciate it. All cakes should be brought to the school office by the end of the school day on Friday 19th September in preparation for Sunday 21st. Please contact Sonia King if you could bake a cake or spare an hour of your time on the Sunday.
School Lunches
Thank you to all those parents who have signed up to the School Grid. The kitchen staff have worked very hard with a new system and menus and have made some delicious food this week. The feedback has been great. Crunchy baked potatoes and fluffy insides was one comment. The beef pie could easily have been served up in any pub in town. If your child is not signed up, especially if they are entitled to free school meals, please contact the school office or the SchoolGrid for further support. We wouldn’t want your child to miss out.
School Clubs
Thank you to every one who has signed their child up for a school club. There are lots to choose from. There are still some places left, so please complete the google form as soon as possible. Book Club and KS2 Art Club are now full. You will receive a confimation email if your child has been allocated a place today and payment details will be added to your Parentmail account next week.
Early Birds (previously Rise and Shine) runs from 08.00am – 08.25am for £2. Your child can be dropped off in a safe environment and enjoy games or just a quiet space before the start of school.
Night Owls (new to school) runs from 3.00pm – 5.00pm every week, Monday to Friday during term-time. Please contact the school office to be added to the list for Parentmail.
3.00pm – 4.00pm £2
4.00pm – 5.00pm £4
Your child will take part in a variety fo fun activities with Miss Reynolds and Mr Buzzard. Please provide a small snack if your child is staying until 5.00pm. Once it is added to your Parentmail account you can book this up until the night before.
Music lessons
We are very lucky to be able to offer extra musical activities in school time. If your child is interested in any of these then please do jo me or email the school office.
Piano with Mrs Freeman at a cost of £12.85 for a 20 minute lesson
Guitar – The lessons are held in small groups (between 3- 4 children) and cost £9.00 per lesson. If you would like to register your interest, please could you email: info@guitarclubs.co.uk.
Irock – this enables children to become part of a band. No experience needed and all instruments provided for children to use in their session. There is a monthly charge for this but it works out at about £11 a lesson
Diary Dates
In next week’s newsletter, you will receive a list of diary dates for the whole year.
Have a lovely weekend in preparation for a full week next week.
We started off the week by watching Inside Out 2 and discussing our emotions. We talked about the feelings some of us find difficult but discussed the fact that no matter what the feeling, at times, they are perfectly normal feelings to be having and it is how we manage those feelings that matters the most.
As I was walking back to my room at the end of that day, Albert in Year 2 stated that he was feeling jealous of a child because they had been chosen to take something from the special treat box. Jo-Jo then reminded him that he had just received a merit and although a merit wasn’t a thing, it was just as important. Jo-Jo also continued with the fact that the feeling of jealousy was perfectly normal as we had talked about this. Albert’s response to this was so lovely and it made me so proud because sometimes I wonder whether the children are truly listening to me and on this ocassion they were! These are the children of St Mary’s and what great adults they will make in the future.
Mother’s Day Celebration at school – SAVE THE DATE
On Friday 28 March 2025, the children will be inviting mothers, a grandmother, aunty or significant female in their life to join them between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. The school will be split into family groups and you will have the opportunity to complete a craft activity with your child/children and enjoy cake provided by the PTA.
Questionnaire regarding After School Clubs / Holiday Clubs
Further to the Parentmail message sent out yesterday, the google form for this is still open. Thank you to all the parents that have already completed the form. Please see the link below. We need as many of you in our school community to complete the form so we have a better understanding of what is working and what can be improved.
After-school clubs started again this week. Attendance at each club is excellent this term. Our after-school offer is extensive.
This term, we provide five different sports a week, sewing, two art clubs, musical theatre, book club, lego and construction, ballet and dance. Has your child signed up for a club this year? If not, please try for a summer club next term.
Joining a club offers immense benefits such as learning a new skill, perfecting something you love, having fun with friends – the list is endless. Attending after-school activities is also good for your mental health.
As parents, if there is something you would like to suggest for either a group of adults or an idea for children in school, we’d love to hear from you.
