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 June
Fri 13 Jun 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“May God the Father bless us, may Christ take care of us and the Holy Spirit enlighten us all the days of our life.” St Ethelwold
Sports Day, Family Picnic and Summer Fair
These are approaching very quickly all three events taking place on the 27th June. (let us all pray for good weather) We plan things this way so that working parents only have to book the one day off work.
Many thanks to all who took part in our non-uniform day and provided a donation to go towards our “Colour Raffle” for our Summer Fair. This is always a favourite stall for the children.
Next week we are holding another non-uniform day in return for a nice bottle for our “Bottle Stall”. Ideally, we like the bottles to be full, unopened and perhaps the type of bottles that adults may like to drink!
The children and their teachers are planning their stalls. We need you as parents to turn up and support the children.
If you are able to help at either Sports Day or the Summer Fair your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Choir at Mass on Sunday 15th June
Sunday is the feast of The Holy Trinity and the children are asked to join the Parish to celebrate this great feast and Father’s Day with their singing. Some of our past pupils will also be making their confirmation so it would be good to have as many children as possible supporting.
On Wednesday this week Fr Jose celebrated Mass with Year 4 in their classroom. Thank you, Fr Jose.
Year 4 Cricket
A team from Year 4 played in a Rapid-Fire Cricket Festival on Wednesday this week. They were playing against some stiff opposition. Mr Hunt and Mrs Shoubridge were very impressed with how well the children played and with their great sportsmanship.
Next Wednesday 18th June we have a team of Year 6 girls playing in a Quik Cricket Festival. The team have been keenly practicing every lunchtime in the run up to this so I am sure that they will give their very best.
Year 3 and 4 Cinema Visit
Year 3 and 4 will be visiting the cinema on Wednesday 18th June this will be followed by a picnic and games in Victoria Park. This trip has been subsidised using funds that the school council have raised.
New Reception Class Parents Meeting
On Wednesday we begin the transition process for our new Reception Class for September.
The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the parents to key staff and outline “Stay and Play” sessions and give key dates for when the children start school in September.
St Simon’s Has Got Talent
Plans are well underway for St Simon’s Has Got Talent competition when the whole school gets to celebrate some of the talents that the children have to offer.
The judges are ready and we are about to embark on the rehearsals throughout the next couple of weeks.
The live Final will then take place on Tuesday 10th July the time to be confirmed as Mr P.C and Year 4 will also be demonstrating all that they have been doing in Ukelele this academic Year.
The Rock Steady Bands will also be performing in a Rock Concert on Tuesday 15th July at 2:00p.m. all will be welcome to attend- perhaps if I invite our neighbours this will cut down on the complaints I receive about the noise!
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 6th June 2025
Fri 06 Jun 2025Dear Parents and carers
“The Holy Spirit helps us to view others with fresh eyes, seeing them as brothers and sisters in Jesus, to be respected and loved.” Pope Francis
Welcome back everyone I hope all managed to get some rest and relaxation over the half-term holiday.
This coming Sunday the Church celebrates Pentecost. This is the feast of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church – a gift which we now receive at Baptism, Confirmation and at Mass. Pentecost is often seen as the birthday of the Church as this is when Jesus’ disciples received the power of the Holy Spirit and went out to spread the Gospel.
STEM Week (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
The children have been enjoying taking part in some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities this week. Each class has been researching about a famous scientist/engineer and have been carrying out their own small-scale investigations e.g. Year 2 have been building “Spaghetti Marshmallow Towers” inspired by the engineer Gustave Eiffel who invented the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Year 6 have been designing “Egg Protectors” inspired by the work of Stephanie Kwolek who invented Kevlar.
A lot of learning has taken place this week and the children have been enjoying the activities undertaken.
Year 4 Multiplication Times Tables Check
Year 4 have completed their Multiplication Times Tables Check this week. While this is a formal assessment of their tables knowledge the children tend to enjoy this as it is completed online and they have been regularly practicing their times tables on Purple Mash and on Times Tables Rock Stars.
Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
Next week the children in Year 1 and the children in Year 2 who didn’t make the check last year will be taking their Phonics Screening. The children shouldn’t be anxious about this as they have been “doing their phonics” since they were in Year R.
Year 6 Trip to the Marlowe Theatre
Year 6 visited the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this Thursday to watch a performance of Pig Heart Boy based on the book by Malorie Blackman. The children enjoyed the performance and the trip on the train to Canterbury.
This trip was subsidised by the funds raised by the children.
Year 4 Class Mass
Fr Jose will be celebrating Mass with Year 4 in their classroom on Wednesday 11th June at 9:30a.m parents and carers are welcome to join the children.
Choir invited to Sing
The Choir are invited to sing at Mass on Sunday 15th of June to celebrate Father’s Day and the Confirmation of some of our past pupils.
St Simon’s Has Got Talent
If your child wishes to take part in this annual school event, they need to have completed their application form and returned this to school by Monday 9th June.
Mini Business Enterprises
We have some of our children run mini-business enterprises to raise money. Items will be on sale from Tuesday 10th June.
Year R coming into school from Monday 9th June
From Monday Year R will be entering the school through the main entrance. This is part of their transition for moving into Year 1 in September. They will also park any bikes and scooters in the school cycle shed. There will be a familiar adult at the main gate to welcome the children.
Sports Day, Family Picnic and Summer Fair
Our annual Sports Day, Family Picnic and Summer Fair are planned for Friday 27th June (Weather Permitting). The children are already getting themselves into training for Sports Day and they are preparing their stalls for the Summer Fair. We are holding a number of non-uniform days to collect items for some of our stalls:
Friday 13th June Items for our Colour Raffle
Friday 20th June Bottles for our Bottle Stall (nice bottles that adults like to drink raise the most money!)
Thursday 26th June Cakes for our Cake Stall
We could also do with donations of prizes for our main raffle so if any parents or carers know of any businesses that would like to donate a prize, we would be very grateful.
We could also do with parent volunteers to help us organise Sports Day and the Summer Fair. If you are willing to volunteer either speak to myself or Mrs Ling or contact the school office.
Most importantly we need you to join us on the day to support the children and of course pray for good weather!
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly Newsletter Friday 23 May 2025
Fri 23 May 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Let’s promote friendship and respect between people of different religious traditions in order to build a world of peace.” Pope Francis
It is very hard to believe that we are at the end of another term and are approaching the final term of the academic year. We ended this term with the great celebration of a Pilgrimage of Hope to Aylesford Priory. The children enjoyed the celebration of Mass, the picnic and games afterwards in the Priory grounds.
Fortunately, the weather was kind to us which meant that the children could enjoy the fun and games and of course their packed lunch without soggy sandwiches!
Many thanks to all who were able to join us in the celebration and helped to make the day even more enjoyable.
Year 6 Geography Fieldwork
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t very kind to our Year 6 for their Geography Field Trip to Victoria Park. No sooner had they left the school when the “heavens opened” so they returned to school like drowned rats, soggy clipboards in hand. Let’s hope that they will be able to go out again when the weather is better.
Year 6 attend Football Festival
Ten of our Year 6 boys and girls took part in a football festival last week. The children were very competitive winning 2 games and lost 3. Most importantly they enjoyed the festival and showed a great team spirit and sportsmanship.
Year 6 Trip to the Marlowe Theatre
On Thursday 5th June Year 6 are going on a Theatre Trip to The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury to see a performance of “Pig Heart Boy” which is a production adapted from the book of the same name by author Malorie Blackman. I am sure that the children will thoroughly enjoy the performance.
Its not all about Year 6!
On Wednesday 18th June Year 3 and 4 will visit Ashford Picture House.
Next term Early Years and Key Stage 1 will all be off on a trip to Folkestone and Year 5 are off to visit the Gallery in Hastings.
Our visit to Aylesford Priory and all the other visits have been subsidized by the funds that the children have raised throughout the year. The decision to use the funds in this way was made by our School Council and has helped reduce the cost on parents.
Assessments Next Term
Next term we have some key assessments taking place across the school. Year 6 have finished their SATS but can’t relax just yet as they will still be working hard so that we can complete our teacher assessment.
Year 4 will complete their Multiplication Times tables test on the week beginning 2nd June so keep practicing those times tables!
Year 1 and the children who are in Year 2 who didn’t pass the Phonics Screening Check last year will begin the check on the week beginning 9th June.
Year 2 will also be continuing to work on their SATS.
All the other classes with the exception of Year 6 will also be carrying out assessments. These assessments will help us to identify how much the children have learnt at the same time enable us to identify any gaps in their learning so we can then target our teaching to address these gaps and move their learning forward.
It’s Not All about Assessment!
Next term we still have our Arts Week, Sports Week, Sports Day and Summer Fair to look forward to more information to follow at a later date.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a restful half-term holiday.
Best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly Newsletter Friday 16 May 2025
Fri 16 May 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do that matters … but how much love we put into it.” St Teresa of Calcutta
Year 6 Complete SATS
Congratulations and well done to Year 6 they have completed their Statutory Assessment Tasks SATS. The children all gave their very best and although it has been quite a tiring week, we are all very proud of the children’s positive attitude throughout.
Year 2 will be resuming their assessments over the next few weeks.
Year 5 Important Information on Kent Test
All year 6 children have been provided with a leaflet which explains the procedure for Kent Test.
If your child is currently in Year 5, and you intend to apply to a Kent Grammar school, you will need to register online at: kent.gov.uk/kenttest. Registration opens on 2 June 2025 and closes at midnight on 1 July 2025.
A copy of the leaflet can be found on the Year 5 Class page on our website. If you need any help or advice, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school.
Year 5 Field Trip to Victoria Park
This week Year 5 visited Victoria Park to complete their geography field study of the River Stour. The children enjoyed their trip out and learnt a great deal about their local environment.
On Tuesday afternoon next week Year 6 will be out on a visit to Victoria Park. Please can parents make sure that the pupils are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions e.g. raincoats if rain has been forecast.
Football Competition
On Tuesday we have a team from Year 6 representing the school in a Football Festival at Ashford Prep School at Great Chart. I am sure that the children will compete with great sportsmanship.
Water Bottles and Sunscreen
We have been very fortunate with the recent hot spell of weather. Please can parents and carers make sure that children all have refillable water bottle for school and if the weather is hot, and apply sunscreen to children before they come in to school.
School Choir Supporting the Singing at Mass
Members of our school choir are invited to join the parish at Sunday Mass on 18th March at 10:30a.m. all are welcome.
Whole School Pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory
Next Friday the whole school as part of our Jubilee year celebration will be going on a pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory which has the shrine of St Simon Stock who is our school’s patron. This will be an enjoyable occasion when we all come together as part of our school mission: “To work, learn, pray and play together…” The children will take part in the celebration of Mass and then have a picnic in the grounds of the priory. Let us all pray for good weather.
Cycle Circle Second Hand Bike Sales
The Cycle Circle team regularly hold second hand affordable bike sales at Goldwyn School. The Cycle Circle team accept donations of bikes which they service repair and then sell on at very affordable rates. They also offer 20% discounts on sales to people who donate a used-bicycle. If your child has outgrown their old bike bring it along and trade it up for one of a larger size.
The next cycle sales are being held on 24th May and 12th July 2025 10:00a.m-1:00p.m.
Home School Agreement
Recently we reissued our Home School Agreement which outlines expectations for School, Family and Children.
As part of that agreement parents and carers are asked to:
To help my child at school, I will do my best to:
- Support the school’s Mission and Vision encouraging my child to follow our school values of: Love, respect, peace, forgiveness, courage and faith.
- Be respectful towards others and follow our school ethos.
Unfortunately, very recently we have had a few parents who haven’t been keeping to the above parts of our agreement. We have had a few recent incidents where parents haven’t been respectful towards others and haven’t been following our school ethos.
Parents are the “first educators” of their children how can we expect the children to behave respectfully towards each other if their first educators (parents and carers) don’t behave respectfully to each other?
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly Newsletter
Fri 09 May 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Life is a gift from God. The voice of Jesus is unmistakable! He guides us along the path of life.” Pope Francis
I am sure everyone is delighted that the Church has elected a new Pope to lead the Church. The election of Pope Leo XIV was announced early yesterday evening. Let us all keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he begins his new role as successor to Pope Francis.
Year 6 and Year 2 SATS
Year 2 began taking their SATS this week and this will continue for them over the course of the next few weeks. The children in Year 2 will probably not really notice much difference to their normal school routine as they are well used to assessment taking place throughout the academic year.
Year 6 did a practice test this week in preparation for their SATS week which will begin on Monday 12th May and finish on Thursday 15th May.
This will be quite a tiring week for the children in Year 6 so could all parents make sure that their children get plenty of rest and restrict the time children spend on games consoles or on their mobile devices.
School Uniform
All children are expected to wear the correct school uniform as outlined on the school website. We have children who are wearing shorts under summer dresses for the purpose of modesty. We as a school do not have any issues with this but could parents and carers make sure that these shorts are black.
Cycling and Scooting
At St Simon’s we like to encourage cycling and scooting as a healthy way of travelling to school. For safety reasons children and adults are not to cycle or scoot on the school grounds. We have had a nasty accident in the past where a pedestrian has been injured by a child cycling at speed.
Cycling or scooting on school ground could result in a ban so please ensure your child does not cycle or scoot on school grounds.
Year 4 Swimming
On Monday 12th May Year 4 will finally begin their swimming lessons. ParentPay will be set up for parents and carers from Monday so children don’t forget your swimming kit and a healthy snack for when you return to school after your lesson.
Multi Sports Event
Today children from across Year 3 and 4 took part in a multi-sports event against Victoria Road Primary School. This event was arranged by Mr Hunt our Sports Coach and he was supported by some of our Year 6 children who helped supervise and umpire the sports.
Well done to all for taking part.
Year 5 Field Study
On Wednesday 14th May Year 5 will be visiting Victoria Park to complete some Geography field work on the River Stour. Let's hope that none of them have to use their skills learnt during their recent swimming lessons.
Sports Day, Family Picnic and Summer Fair
We plan to hold our annual Sports Day, Family Picnic and Summer Fair on Friday 27th June. However, this is subject to the weather, we have had to postpone in the past due to adverse weather conditions it either being too wet or too hot!
Work Experience Placements
Next week we have some secondary school students who will be completing work experience placements at the school. We as a school are always prepared to help the further development and education of young people and I am sure that the students will have lots to offer the children at St Simon’s.
Choir at Mass
Our school choir are invited to join the parish to support the singing at 10:30a.m Mass on Sunday 18th May. The children always make the celebration very special with their singing.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 2 May 2025
Fri 02 May 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
St Teresa of Calcutta
Year R lead the Crowning of Mary liturgy
Mary the Mother of Jesus holds a very special place in the life of the church. It was a very fitting occasion that our Year R children led us in our Crowning of Mary Liturgy. I must congratulate Year R for their hard work and their singing. It is great to see how well the children in Year R have progressed over the course of the Year. Well done Year R.
Food Waste Workshops
Many thanks to Louise from Chartwells our catering company who led our food waste workshops. The children in KS2 have learnt a lot about food waste and the positive effects on the planet of reducing food waste. The pupils had the opportunity to try some delicious noodles and vegetables.
Next Thursday Year 1 and 2 will have their turn.
Basket Ball
On Wednesday 30th April a team of Year 6 children took part in a mini basketball festival. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part. Mr Hunt informed me that they played extremely well. A great big thank you to Mr Hunt for accompanying the children.
Rock Steady
On Tuesday 29th April some of our children took part in their first “Rock Steady” lessons. They all enjoyed their first lesson and are looking forward to their next.
I am looking forward to the promised end of Year Concert (date still to be arranged!) however I am not looking forward to any possible complaints of the noise from our neighbours!
Pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory
On Friday 23rd May the whole school are going on a pilgrimage visit to Aylesford Priory. The children will attend Mass, have a picnic lunch and play games in the beautiful grounds of the priory.
All parents and carers should have received two letters with further information about the trip and about ordering a school packed lunch if this is required.
There is no cost for this trip as our School Council have decided to use some of the money that they have raised to pay for this.
Bank Holiday
Just a little reminder that this weekend is a bank holiday weekend so children are off school on Monday 5th May.
Farewell Safal
This week we said farewell to Safal in Year 5 as he moves to a new home and school up north. We wish Safal and his family the very best of luck and will remember him in our prayers.
School Uniform
This is a reminder that all children are expected to wear the correct school uniform as outlined on our school website which can be found here: https://www.st-simon.kent.sch.uk/school-uniform/
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 25 April 2025
Fri 25 Apr 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“The promise of new life and a world finally set free awaits us; and a new beginning, however impossible it might seem, can take us by surprise, for Christ has triumphed over death," Pope Francis
We have all been saddened by the news of the death of Pope Francis at the beginning of the week but we can take consolation in the great message of hope that Easter brings and that through the resurrection of Jesus we know that death is not the end.
We will remember Pope Francis in our prayers may he rest in peace.
Beginning of Term Mass
Today we celebrated the beginning of term with Mass with the Parish which was followed by a lovely Easter Blessing of all the classrooms by Fr Jose. The children sang beautifully and their behaviour was excellent throughout the celebration of a Mass.
Crowning of Mary
On Friday 2nd May at 2:30p.m Year R will lead the school in our Crowning of Mary Liturgy when we remember and honour Mary as the mother of Jesus. As with all our liturgies parents and carers are very welcome to join us.
Rock Steady
On Thursday 24th April the children were introduced to “Rock Steady” which offer music lessons for children in how to play in a rock band. The children were thrilled and thoroughly entertained by Ros who led the introductory session. A letter explaining how to sign up for the lessons was sent home and I am very sure that the lessons will prove to be very popular.
The first lessons are scheduled for Tuesday 29th April so parents and carers that wish their children to take part in this need to be very prompt when signing up.
Times Tables Rock Stars
The boys were victorious in our latest “Battle of the Bands” times tables competition arranged by Mrs Warren our mathematics leader. Well done to all who took part and better luck next time girls!
Chartwells Food Waste Workshops
With an aim to reduce food waste and encourage the children to eat healthfully our school catering company are holding workshops with the children. The first of these will be held with Key Stage 2 children on Thursday 1st May and then with Key Stage 1 on Thursday 8th May. I am sure that the children will enjoy the workshops and of course eating some of the dishes prepared!
Basketball Tournament
On Wednesday 30th April we have a team of children from Year 6 taking part in a basketball tournament at the North School. I am sure the children will give their very best and make us proud.
Reminders
Just a quick reminder that the school is a nut free environment. Please can parents and carers not send in any nut-based snacks or foodstuffs in packed lunches as we have a number of staff and pupils who have serious nut allergies.
If parents and carers haven’t already returned our Home School Agreements, please can these be returned as soon as possible.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 4th April 2025
Fri 04 Apr 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Happy Easter! May you bring to all the joy and hope of the Risen Christ!” Pope Francis
This week Year 4 led us in a Passion Reflection when Jesus journeyed towards his death on the cross. The children were magnificent with their singing and the delivery of the reflections on scripture that they had written themselves. Well-done all in Year 4.
Many thanks to all the parents and carers who came along to support the children.
The whole school attended our End of Term Mass at St Simon’s Church we are always very proud of how well the children behave during Mass and how well they respond with the prayers and with their singing.
Important dates for services at St Simon’s Church during the Easter Holiday
- Lent Confessions Saturday 12th April
- Palm Sunday 13th April
- Maundy Thursday 17th April
- Good Friday 18th April
- Easter Vigil 19th April
- Easter Sunday 20th April
(Unfortunately, the parish hasn’t publicised the times of services as yet)
Lenten Fund Raising
Today we held our Annual Easter Egg Raffle and due to the great generosity of parents and carers once again this Year every child was able to go home with an Easter Egg and we still had a great number of Easter eggs left to raffle off to the lucky ticket winners.
To date we have managed to raise the following amounts:
Crazy Hair Day (Missio): £147.41
Sponsored walk(CAFOD): £899.45
Dress in Red(Save the Children): £172.95
Year 6 Activity Afternoon(War Child): £116.40
Easter Egg Raffle(CAFOD): £350.10
Total to Date: £1686.31
This is an incredible amount for a small school such as St Simon’s congratulations everyone and a great big thank you to everyone for their generosity.
Looking forward to next term and Rocksteady
On our return after the Easter Holiday on Thursday 24th April the children will be taking part in a “Rocksteady” assembly and workshops.
We already run extra music lessons for children in Ukelele, Violin, Recorder, Piano and Clarinet for parents who have requested this and we are now looking to work with “Rocksteady” who offer lessons in how to play in a rock band.
The lessons are run over Tuesday afternoons for 30 minute sessions for 9 musicians: 2x Guitarists, 2x Drummers, 2x Vocalists, 2x Keyboards and 1x Bass player. There will be a charge for parents who wish their children to take part. More details to follow after the workshops.
(Let’s hope our neighbours on Noakes Meadow don’t object to the noise from the rehearsals!)
Times Tables Rock Stars
Mrs Warren our mathematics leader has set up another “Battle of the Bands” competition on Times Tables Rockstars. It is boys vs girls. The competition started on the 2nd of April and ends on the 17th April. I have been informed that the girls are well in the lead at the moment.
Easter Newsletter from our Trust KCSP
For news and events from around schools in our trust please check the latest Trust Newsletter:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ISsrhvl7QARG62lPsM4FIE5yEHhnlHmv/view?usp=sharing
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy and Holy Easter. The children return to school on Tuesday 22nd April.
Best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 28th March
Fri 28 Mar 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“May each family rediscover family prayer, which helps to bring about forgiveness.” Pope Francis
It is very hard to believe that we only have one week left of this term before we break up for the Easter Holidays. It has been a very short but very busy term. It has been good to see some spring weather and the children have been enjoying playing out on the school field. Let us all hope that the good weather continues.
Just a little reminder the clocks move forward an hour this Saturday so we will all lose an hour this weekend.
Mothering Sunday
This Sunday is Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day so hopefully all mums will be able to put their feet up and be thoroughly spoiled on this day.
The children are asked to support the Parish with their singing at a very special Mother’s Day Mass at 10:30a.m in St Simon’s Church. It would be good to see as many children as possible attending to make this a very special celebration.
Year 6 Activity Afternoon
Today as part of our Lenten Fund-raising Year 6 arranged an Activity Afternoon for all the other classes. They had lots of activities planned from penalty shoot-out, nail bar (always very popular with everyone) name the countries and their flags and many more.
All seemed to have had a great time and our Year 6 were exhausted by the end of the afternoon.
Many thanks to our Year 6 for planning the afternoon and many thanks to all for the kind donations for this week’s charity “War Child”.
Easter Egg Raffle
Tickets are on sale for our annual Easter Egg Raffle next Friday. We have had many kind donations of Easter Eggs for the raffle but can always do with more so if you can donate an Easter Egg for our raffle this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone for their very kind generosity to date.
Year 4 Passion Reflection
Year 4 will lead the school on a Passion Reflection on Thursday 3rd April at 2:00p.m in the school hall. This is usually a very moving liturgy when Year 4 take us through the last part of Jesus’ journey to the cross. As with all our liturgy parents and carers are very welcome to attend.
Key Stage 2 Reconciliation
Catholic children in Key Stage 2 will have the opportunity to take part in the sacrament of reconciliation on Tuesday 1st April. Non-Catholic children will be able to visit the priest for pastoral support. Many thanks to Fr Jose for arranging this for the children.
End of Term Mass
All classes will be attending our End of Term Mass on Friday 4th April at 9:30a.m in St Simon’s Church. Parents and carers are welcome to join us.
Best Wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 21st March
Fri 21 Mar 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” St John Henry Newman
It was good to welcome so many parents to our parent meetings this week and I am sure that all were pleased to hear about the learning that is taking place in the classrooms.
Many thanks to all who completed one of our parental questionnaires as your views about the school are very important to us.
It was very pleasing to see that the questionnaires returned were extremely positive about the school. This is very reaffirming for the school staff as they all work extremely hard to support the children in their learning.
If you haven’t managed to make an appointment to speak to your child’s class teacher an appointment can still be made via the school office.
Dress in Something Red Day
Many thanks once again to all who took part in our “Dress in Something Red Day” to raise funds for Save the Children. This is the third of our charities that the children voted to raise funds for and I thank everyone for their kind generosity. Next week Year 6 will be organising an activity afternoon for the children across the school. This is usually great fun more details to follow early next week.
St Simon’s Easter Egg Raffle
Next week tickets will be on sale for our annual Easter Egg Raffle which will take place on the last day of term. We need more donations of Easter Eggs for the raffle as these have been coming in very slowly so please can we keep the donations coming in.
Stations of the Cross
On Wednesday 26th March Year 1 and Year 2 will have the opportunity to take part in The Stations of the Cross in St Simon’s Church. The children will be able to pause and reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross and looking forward to the great hope that Easter brings.
Year 4 Passion Reflection
Year 4 will lead the school in a Passion Reflection on Thursday 3rd April at 2:00p.m this is usually a very moving liturgy when Year 4 remind us all of the great sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us.
Schools Theatre Production Alice in Wonderland
On Monday children from all classes will be able to watch a production of Alice in Wonderland. Seeing a live performance is always a great experience for the children and I am sure they will all enjoy this. After the performance Year 4 children will have the opportunity to take part in a workshop when the cast will give them tips and hints on how to improve their own acting skills.
Big Walk and Wheel
Next week is the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel fortnight. We would like to see as many pupils and adults either walking or wheeling (biking or scooting) to school. This is to promote healthy life styles. We will count the number of “journeys” to school in each year group. Let’s hope we have a great response to this and this will not only be good for the health it will also take more cars off the road which is better for the environment.
Parking
This week we had a traffic warden patrolling outside the school who was a very welcome sight as I haven’t really seen any improvement in parking outside the school even after many repeated requests.
I spoke to the traffic warden and thanked him for his presence outside the school. He informed me that he was very pleased that so many parents had also thanked him which goes to show that many of our parents are concerned about the actions of the few inconsiderate parents who have been parking unsafely. Hopefully this will help people to stop and think and change their ways.
Home School Agreement
Periodically we review our home school agreement which outlines what we agree to do as a school and the expectations that we have of parents and carers and the pupils.
Next week we will be reissuing our home school agreement as our old agreement is getting a little dated and doesn’t fully reflect our current practice. If parents and carers could please read and sign the agreement and ask your children to sign their part and return this to school by 28th March this would be greatly appreciated.
If you as a parent or carer feel that you can’t sign the agreement, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss this.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe