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Tag: The Orchard

Headteacher’s Newsletter – 24th October 2025

Written by Mrs McQueen on . Posted in Headteacher Newsletter.

Dear Parents/Carers,

Drumming Spectacular

The pupils in Year 3 and Year 4 have been fortunate enough to take part in African drumming and dancing workshops for the past term. The children have thoroughly enjoyed their sessions each week. Next term, they will take part in some hip-hop and I can’t wait to see what brilliant things they produce.

The Orchard

The Orchard is a pathway for children specially developed to meet the needs of children in our school. Like adults, there are times in our lives when we need some extra support and this is where it all happens. From Emotional Literacy Sessions; one to one support and gardening sessions that feed the soul, The Orchard provides this. The children experience outdoor learning sessions, led by Miss Southeard and Mrs Dunn, and this week it was all about the sounds you could hear round the campfire.

Amazing Attendance!

Well done to everyone who has had amazing attendance this term. Whole school attendance was 98.23%, this week! We have many classes achieving 100% or extremely close to this, every week. Imagine, when I first arrived it was only just over 90% so what an achievement. Making sure your child is at school everyday (unless they are genuinely ill) and on time is so important. It is a skill for life and one worth learning at an early age so thank you.

Whole school attendance this week98.23%
Class with the highest attendance this weekYear 4 – 100%
Whole school termly attendance97.19%

Chocolate Tombola Contributions

Wow, that chocolate tombola is going to be something special. Thank you for all the contributions. The PTA will be very pleased.

Enjoy your half term holiday and we’ll see you rested for another busy term on Monday 3rd November.

Kind regards,

Mrs McQueen

Headteacher’s Newsletter – 11th July 2025

Written by Mrs McQueen on . Posted in Headteacher Newsletter.

Dear Parents/carers,

St. Mary’s Summer makeover

We are pleased to announce that St. Mary’s will be getting an uplift as part of our ongoing maintenance programme. The hall will be getting painted and after nearly 40 years the hall floor will be replaced. Many of you will remember the hall from your own primary school days so it now deserves a refresh.

All of the work to transform the nursery will also take place during the summer holidays too.

We will have our usual Open Morning on Friday 26th September and would like you to join us to see all of the refurbishments.

St. Mary’s Unplugged

Wow, you all did so well at raising £1,130 for school. We are going to use this money to put towards our official den building area over the summer.

Summer reading challenge

Our children recently had the opportunity to visit the library and learn about the Summer Reading Challenge. They explored a fantastic range of books and many have eagerly signed up for the challenge.

Running from 21 June to 30 September, there are two ways to participate. Join in at your local library to receive a special sticker poster and incentives while discovering new books. Alternatively, sign up online, set a reading goal, and log your books to unlock a limited-edition badge and certificate. Happy reading!
https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

Super sewing

The children in sewing and knitting club produced some great tooth monsters. There’s nothing worse than the tooth fairy landing and can’t find the tooth you put under your pillow but with the tooth monster, she will know exactly where to get it from.

The Orchard

The Orchard is a special place in school, where a variety of our children and families use the facilities at different times during the week. Next year, some of our children will utilise this space more frequently so that their needs are met more readily. The team will be led by Miss Southeard and eagerly supported by Mrs Dunn and Mr Buzzard.

In addition to this, Mrs Townsend, who has been our SENCo for the past two years, will now step back into the classroom full-time. We would like to thank her for the time she has spent supporting children and their families. I will take on the role of SENCo for now, having been a SENCo previously. I work with many families already and look forward to working with even more of you. If you have any SEN queries please feel free to get in touch with Miss Southeard or myself.

Second Hand Uniform Sale

If you have any good quality, used school uniform you would be happy to donate, please bring to the Orchard (entrance opposite lower gates) at morning drop off on Monday or Tuesday morning next week or leave at the office for Miss Southeard. We will be holding a second hand uniform sale before the end of term. Many thanks.

Attendance

Class with overall best attendance100% EYFS Acorn Class & Year 2 Chestnut Class
School overall attendance96.70%
Unauthorised attendance1.32%

Dates for your Diary

School Calendar

Have a lovely weekend and we look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Kind regards,

Mrs McQueen

st mary's school credentials