Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
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Weekly News Friday 13th March
Fri 13 Mar 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“Prayer is certainly the most wonderful medicine in the world.” St Hyacinth
Lenten Fund Raising
The children enjoyed taking part in our “Sponsored Walk, Jog or Run” today. The weather wasn’t the kindest to us being a little damp and colder than recently but the children kept warm by taking part in the exercise.
If parents and carers could send back the sponsored money as soon as possible this would be greatly appreciated.
We are now seeing donations of Easter Eggs coming into school for our Annual Easter Egg Raffle if parents and carers could keep the donations coming in that would be greatly appreciated.
Next Friday we are holding a “Pyjama Day” to mark Red Nose/Comic Relief children can come into school wearing their pyjamas in return for a donation towards our Lenten Charities.
Mothering Sunday
Sunday 15th March is Mother’s Day or Mothering Sunday. The children are invited to join the Parish for 10:30a.m Mass. If the children could be seated by 10:15a.m in full school uniform. It would be good to see as many children as possible to join in this special day.
The Railway Children
On Monday 16th March the children will be watching a theatre performance of “The Railway Children” adapted from the book by Edith Nesbit. I am sure that all the children will enjoy the performance by M & M Theatrical Productions.
Online Safety Workshops
Our Local School Police officer will be delivering online safety workshops to our Year 5 and Year 6 children on Thursday 19th March. These workshops should prove to be very informative for the children and help them to keep themselves and others safe when using online devices.
Sporting Events
On Tuesday 17th March we have a team of Year 4 children taking part in a Hockey Festival at Ashford Prep School. On Thursday our football team will be in action playing against Kennington Juniors School. I am sure our children will give their very best and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Data Sheets
Many thanks to all who have returned the data sheets providing us with up-to-date email addresses and contact numbers. This will enable us to improve communications with parents and carers in the near future using our new management information system.
Well, done to Mrs Keleher who has done a tremendous job transferring all our information onto the new system.
Work Experience Students
Many thanks to Ela and Kiara who joined us for work experience this week. It was a pleasure to have them back in the school. They both proved to be very helpful and a good support in the classes they were working in. Well, done Ela and Kiara.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 6th March 2026
Fri 06 Mar 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“God’s love is a spring of living water which flows constantly into the hearts of those who pray.” St Louis de Montfort
World Book Day
It was excellent to see so many children joining in with the celebration and appreciation of books yesterday on World Book Day. The children dressed up as their favourite book characters and brought their favourite books into school to share with others. Well done children.
Parent Evenings
This week we held two parent evenings to share with parents how well the children are doing in their learning and what parents can do to support their children to improve.
If you didn’t manage to make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher appointments can still be made through the school office.
Many thanks to all who completed our parent questionnaire. Your views do matter to us as we strive to make our school even better.
Lenten Fundraising
Next Friday we are holding our Sponsored Walk, Run or Jog. Sponsor forms were sent out this week please remember any donations no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated by our three chosen charities: Crisis, Great Ormand Street Children’s Hospital and Red Nose Day/Comic Relief.
In preparation for our Annual Easter Egg Raffle, we are now asking for donations of Easter Eggs to raffle to raise money for our chosen charities.
Work Experience
Next week we are welcoming two new ex-pupils back to school to complete their work experience. Today we bid farewell to Aani and Isabel as they return to their school after being with us all week. Many thanks to them both for joining us.
Children at Mass for Mothering Sunday
The children are invited to join the parish at Mass on Sunday 15th March for 10:30a.m Mass. The children are asked to wear full school uniform and be at the church for 10:15a.m.
It is always a delight for the children to attend and lend their singing voices to the celebration especially on the occasion of Mother’s Day.
Please note that as the Church is being decorated if this isn’t completed the Mass may be held in St Simon’s Hall next to the Church.
Welcome to our new Headteacher
Today our new Headteacher Mrs Bryant joined the school as part of her preparation in taking over the leadership of the school at the end of this term.
The children made Mrs Bryant feel very welcome and were all very excited about meeting her. Mrs Bryant was very impressed with how well the children behaved and she is really looking forward to her new role.
I am sure that she will do a brilliant job in moving the school forward to even greater things.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 27th February 2026
Fri 27 Feb 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“Lent is a time for greater generosity — not just with money, but with love, forgiveness, and mercy.” St. Leo the Great
On Wednesday our Liturgy Committee led us in a beautiful Lenten Liturgy which reminded us about the true meaning of Lent, the season when we prepare for the great celebration of Easter. The children reminded us about how during Lent we should Pray, Fast and Give.
Lenten Fundraising
This Lent the children have decided to raise/give money for three charities:
- Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital
- Crisis Homeless Charity
- Red Nose Day/Comic Relief
Many thanks to all who took part in our non-school uniform day which was our first Lenten fundraising activity.
Our next fundraising event is a sponsored walk, jog or run, on Friday 13th March. Sponsor forms will be available next week and children will be able to collect sponsor money for the number of laps of the school they complete. To make things easier for families only one sponsor form needs to be completed per family.
World Book Day
Today representatives from Stanhope Library visited the school to inform the children about events that the Library are holding leading up to World Book Day and continuing until 14th March.
Today the children will receive a World Book Day Voucher which they can swap at Stanhope Library for their very own book. The library has a wide selection of books which can be “bought” with the World Book Day Voucher.
On Saturday 7th March from 10:30a.m until 11:30a.m Stanhope Library are running a children’s handicraft morning. Places are free but need to be booked in advance by emailing: stanhopelibrary@kent.gov.uk. Children must also be accompanied by an adult for this event.
Assessment Week
Next week we are holding our next assessment week. The children will be taking part in various assessments which will help give us an insight into how well the children are progressing and where there are potential gaps in their learning.
Parents Evenings
Tuesday the 3rd March and Thursday 5th March we our holding our next two parent evenings. Appointments are available from 3:30p.m until 6:00p.m. If you haven’t already managed to book an appointment, please contact the school office to see what appointment times are still available.
Work Experience Placements
Over the next fortnight we are supporting a number of our past pupils on work experience placements. It is always a pleasure to welcome back our past pupils to see how they are getting on and help to support them with their studies.
Kent Police Workshops
Kent police will be visiting the school on Thursday to deliver a workshop on prejudice-based crime or offences. The children will I am sure find this work very informative and interesting. The officers are returning to school later in the term to do further workshops on online safety.
School Sports
We have teams from two Year groups (Yr2 and Yr4) going out on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week to take part in sports hall athletics at the Stour Centre. The children will be taken by minibus to and from the event by Mr Hunt. I am sure the teams will have a great time and will give their best performance.
Mini Vinnies
Our Mini Vinnies group are looking to make up care packages for those who are in need in the Ashford community.
They are looking to collect items such as: wet wipes, shower gel/soap, deodorant, toilet paper, shampoo/dry shampoo, tooth paste/tooth brushes, Vaseline/lip balms. Once the children have made up the care packages “The Bright City” Church will help distribute these on the children’s behalf.
If you can help, please send in your donations with the children.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Thursday 12th February 2026
Thu 12 Feb 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“Lent is a time for greater generosity — not just with money, but with love, forgiveness, and mercy.” St. Leo the Great
New Headteacher Appointed
This week you will have received the news that our Trust have appointed Mrs Helen Bryant as the new headteacher for the school.
Mrs Bryant will take over leading the school after the Easter holiday when I am due to retire.
Mrs Bryant will visit the school over the coming weeks so that we can work together to make sure there is a smooth handover. I am sure that some of you will meet her before she officially starts her new role.
St Simon’s is a very special place and I am sure Mrs Bryant will do an amazing job leading the school forward and that everyone will make her feel very welcome.
French Café
As part of our teaching of Modern Foreign Languages the children were able to take part in a “French Café” which was set up in our school hall. All classes were able to order and sample some typical French Café food. The children had to practice using their French to order their food which was prepared and served by our Year 6 children. The children thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Many thanks to Mrs Mac and her helpers for organising the day. Merci Beaucoup Madame!
Half Term Holiday and Staff Training Days
This is another reminder Friday the 13th and Monday 23rd February are staff training days so the children are off school on Friday 13th and return to school on Tuesday 24th February.
Lent
The season of Lent begins on Wednesday 18th February. This is the time the Church sets aside for us to prepare for Easter the biggest celebration in the Church.
As the children are on holiday at the beginning of Lent the children have planned a Lenten Liturgy for the whole school on Wednesday 25th February at 2:30 in our school hall. All are welcome to join us.
Lenten Fundraising
During Lent we raise money for charity our school council have decided that the money we raise this year will be split equally between the following charities:
Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital
Crisis Homeless Charity
Red Nose Day/Comic Relief
Our first fundraiser is on the 27th February and the children can wear non school uniform in return for a donation to our chosen Lenten charities.
More details of fundraising events will follow.
Parents Evenings
This is advance notice of our next two parent evenings. These will be held on Tuesday 3rd March and on Thursday 5th March appointments will be available from 3:30p.m until 6:00p.m.
Are you interested in becoming a Teacher?
Please see below for various routes in to teaching that are being supported by Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP)
Degree offer – Online information evening – 02.03.26 (6:00 – 7:00pm)
KCSP is delighted to be partnering with the University of Buckingham to offer exciting and innovative work-based degrees especially designed for those who would like to take the first step on the pathway to a teaching career.
To find out more about these exciting opportunities, please join KCSP’s online information session, taking place on the evening Monday, 2nd March at 6:00pm. For further details and a link to book – please follow this link.
School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) – Online information evening – 10.03.26 (6:00 – 6:30pm)
Are you thinking of becoming a teacher and already hold a degree?
Join KCSP’s online information evening where you will be able to find out more about our Teacher Training Programme, including fees, funding and how to apply. Register here.Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme
Through KCSP’s partnership with the Best Practice Network, we would like to share an opportunity to access a fully funded Graduate Entry route into Teacher training to become a qualified Early Years Teacher. The 12-month programme comprises of monthly training days, placements and building an e-Portfolio of evidence for assessment. Please follow this link for further information, including entry requirements.
Wishing Everyone a restful half term holiday
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 6th February 2026
Fri 06 Feb 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“How good God is! In His goodness He seeks only our happiness.” St. Alphonsus Liguori
Headteacher recruitment
On Wednesday this week we welcomed Mrs Annemarie Whittle and members from our Trust Board, The Dioceses and our Local Governance Committee as they were carrying out interviews to select a new headteacher for when I leave the school at Easter.
At the moment I have no news to share about if they were successful in appointing my successor or not but I can reassure you that everything will be done to appoint an excellent leader to carry the school forward. Our School Trust will keep you fully informed.
I am able to share how proud I am of the children and staff of the school as they were fully involved with the selection process. The children were highly praised for their behaviour and engagement throughout the day.
Our school council had the opportunity to question the candidates. The interview panel were impressed by their questions and their views on the candidates. I’m very glad that I didn’t have to answer the children’s questions as they certainly put the candidates through their paces! Well, done children.
School Football
Our school football team played against Furley Park Primary School on Wednesday. Unfortunately, we didn’t win but the children worked hard and gave their very best playing in very difficult wet conditions.
Friday football had to be cancelled again this week due to a waterlogged football pitch. Let’s all pray for better weather as we haven’t actually managed to get any Friday Football completed in 2026!
Parking Again
The children have been praised this week for their excellent behaviour and the kindness and respect they show to each other. It is a shame that some of our parents at the school don’t do the same when they are parking, dropping off and picking up children.
I have contacted our local community police officers to see if they can help assist with this.
Mini Vinnies
Our Mini Vinnies group are looking to make up care packages for those who are in need in the Ashford community.
They are looking to collect items such as: wet wipes, shower gel/soap, deodorant, toilet paper, shampoo/dry shampoo, tooth paste/tooth brushes, Vaseline/lip balms. Once the children have made up the care packages “The Bright City” Church will help distribute these on the children’s behalf.
If you can help, please send in your donations with the children.
Staff Training Days
This is another reminder Friday the 13th and Monday 23rd February are staff training days so the children are off school on Friday 13th and return to school on Tuesday 24th February.
Internet Safety Day
Tuesday 10th February is Internet Safety Day. If all our parents and carers could aim to check out our monthly online safety newsletters on our website, set appropriate parental controls on devices and monitor what the children are doing online this would help keep children safe.
Are you interested in becoming a Teacher?
Please see below for various routes in to teaching that are being supported by Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP)
Degree offer – Online information evening – 02.03.26 (6:00 – 7:00pm)
KCSP is delighted to be partnering with the University of Buckingham to offer exciting and innovative work-based degrees especially designed for those who would like to take the first step on the pathway to a teaching career.
To find out more about these exciting opportunities, please join KCSP’s online information session, taking place on the evening Monday, 2nd March at 6:00pm. For further details and a link to book – please follow this link.
School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) – Online information evening – 10.03.26 (6:00 – 6:30pm)
Are you thinking of becoming a teacher and already hold a degree?
Join KCSP’s online information evening where you will be able to find out more about our Teacher Training Programme, including fees, funding and how to apply. Register here.Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme
Through KCSP’s partnership with the Best Practice Network, we would like to share an opportunity to access a fully funded Graduate Entry route into Teacher training to become a qualified Early Years Teacher. The 12-month programme comprises of monthly training days, placements and building an e-Portfolio of evidence for assessment. Please follow this link for further information, including entry requirements.
With best wishes
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Weekly News Friday 30 January 2026
Fri 30 Jan 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“The goal of our life is to experience God’s own happiness - a gift to every person.”
Another busy week at school. I cannot believe that next week we will enter the month of February and that there will only be two weeks left of this term. Time is certainly flying by.
This is a reminder to parents we have two planned INSET days at the beginning and at the end of half term week.The children are off on Friday 13th and return to school on Tuesday 24th February.
Lent
The season of Lent begins on Wednesday 18th February with Ash Wednesday. This falls during the half term holiday. The children are planning a Lenten Liturgy on Wednesday 25th February at 2:30p.m. Parents and carers are very welcome to attend.
Stranger Danger
I received a report on Wednesday regarding strangers approaching children while they were playing at the park next to the school.This incident was reported to the police and the police were present afterschool on Thursday.
All class teachers were directed to remind the children regarding “Stranger Danger” if all parents could reinforce this at home.
I have also contacted Ashford Oaks so that they can alert their families to this incident.
School Sport
Our team of Year 6 pupils thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Multi skills Festival this week and performed to their best showing good sportsmanship and team work. Well done children.
We have a football match arranged against Furley Park Primary School on Wednesday 4th February. I am sure you will join me in wishing the team the very best of luck. Many thanks to Mr Hunt for arranging these fixtures.
Hopefully weather permitting we will be able to resume Friday Football next week.
Advance Notice Parents Evening
This is advance notice of our next two parent evenings. These will be held on Tuesday 3rd March and on Thursday 5th March appointments will be available from 3:30p.m until 6:00p.m.
With best wishesPeter McCabe
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Weekly News 23 January 2026
Fri 23 Jan 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“Community is the place where love is proven, where we learn to forgive, to begin again, and to serve one another.” St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)
Children at Mass
Many thanks to the children and their parents who attended Mass at 10:30a.m last weekend. The children supported with the readings and the singing at the Mass. It is always a delight to see the children at Sunday Mass it helps to make the celebration. Well done children.
Online Technology and use of Social Media
This week it was brought to my attention that a group of our Year 6 children have been using the app JusTalk to communicate with each other using very inappropriate language and behaviour. It is very important that parents set parental controls on the devices the children are using and also supervise and check on what the children are doing.
At school we do our best to guide the children on how to keep themselves safe. We do not have control over the behaviour of children when they are at home. This is the duty of the parents so please can all parents ensure they check what the children are doing when using mobile phones and online technology.
Football Match
This week we played a match against Aldington Primary School. Unfortunately, we lost 10-1 as we were outclassed by the opposition. I am very proud of how our boys played as their heads never dropped and they gave their very best right up until the end of the game.
A special mention must go to our goal keeper Finley who made some fantastic saves and to our nominated player of the match and only goal scorer Lenny. Well done boys.
Friday Football
We could do with some volunteers to help with Friday Football as it requires a minimum of two adults if either Mr Hunt or I am not available then Friday Football can’t happen.
I have received an offer from two parents who are able to help but it would be good to have a pool of volunteers. If you think you could make a regular commitment to helping at Friday Football, please either speak to me or contact the school office.
Multi-skills Festival
On Tuesday we have a team of Year 6 pupils going to the Stour Centre to take part in a Multi-skills Festival. Mr Hunt will take the children to the festival by mini-bus and they will return in time for lunch. I am sure the children will thoroughly enjoy the event.
Advance Notice Parents Evening
This is advance notice of our next two parent evenings. These will be held on Tuesday 3rd March and on Thursday 5th March appointments will be available from 3:30p.m until 6:00p.m.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe