Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
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Weekly News Friday 12 December
Fri 12 Dec 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“For those who love, nothing is too difficult, especially when it is done for the love of Jesus Christ.” St Ignatius of Loyola
Congratulations to Reception Class and our Key Stage 1 children on the performances of their Nativity on Monday and Friday this week. The singing was fantastic and the children looked great in their costumes. Watching the nativity performance helps to remind us about the true story of the first Christmas day. Well done everyone!
Key Stage 2 Carol Service
On Thursday 18th December at 6:00p.m. we are holding our Key Stage 2 Carol Service. This event will really set everyone up for the spirit of Christmas. Can children please be in in their places by 5:45p.m.
Christmas Fair
Next Tuesday 16th December at 2:00p.m we have our Christmas Fair. We need you as parents to support the children in their fundraising. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult to attend the fair. If you have made other arrangements for another adult to take your child to the fair, please make sure the school is fully informed. Children are very welcome to wear their Christmas jumpers on the day of the fair.
Cakes for our Cake Stall
On Monday 15th December the children can wear their Christmas jumpers or non-school uniform in return for bringing in cakes for our cake stall.
Father Christmas Visiting
On Tuesday 16th December Father Christmas will be visiting the children. Please make sure that you have completed a reply slip to enable your child to visit Father Christmas as we do not wish to see any disappointed children. Parents will also need to access their ParentPay accounts to help pay for the upkeep of Father Christmas’ reindeer!
Christmas Dinner
Our School Christmas Dinner Day is Wednesday 17th December. If you haven’t already booked a dinner for your child, please do so as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal however to ensure we have enough food ordered and cooked children still need to be booked for a meal.
Christmas Party Time
On Friday 19th December we are holding our traditional Christmas Party Time in the afternoon for the children.
The children will need to bring in their own “plate” of party food. We will provide the drinks and the entertainment. Please note the party does not replace their normal lunch.
End of Term Mass
Our end of term Mass is on Friday 19th December at 9:30a.m in St Simon Stock Church everyone welcome.
No Internet, No Phones, No Gas in Kitchen
We have had a disrupted week with no internet access from Friday through to Tuesday evening this also meant that we had no telephone lines either as we have completely moved over to digital. Matters have been made worse by the gas safety cut out in the kitchen failing meaning no gas so we could not provide a hot dinner. I can only make my apologies for this as the issues were beyond our control.
All services have now been restored and we should be fully back to normal service next week.
Healthy Snacks
With the celebrations of Christmas upon us, now may not be the best time to remind everyone that if children are bringing in snacks for breaktime these should be healthy snacks such as a piece of fruit or similar.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Week News Friday 5
Sat 06 Dec 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Prepare a path for God so that he can enter your heart.” St John Baptist De La Salle
On Sunday we enter the second week of Advent the season when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christmas. This week members of our pupil Liturgy Committee reminded us of the importance of making Advent Promises as a way of improving and changing our ways. Well done children.
School Internet and Telephone Lines Down
Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond our control the school is temporarily without internet and telephone access at the moment. We hope the issue will be resolved quickly however it is very likely that we will still be without access to these services first thing on Monday morning. This is quite disruptive to the school as we rely quite heavily on reliable internet services for our telephone lines.
This was also a disappointment to the children as we had to postpone the Movie Afternoon this will be rearranged so the children will not miss out.
Children Visit Singleton Care Home
On Thursday some of our children from our Mini Vinnies Group and school choir sang carols to entertain some of the residents at Singleton Care Home. The children did get a little soggy wet on the way back due to the weather but all enjoyed themselves. Many thanks to Mrs Withey-Harrison and Mrs Kirwan for accompanying the children.
Nativity Performances
Today KS1 and our Reception Class presented their Nativity to the rest of the school. The children were fantastic. This was a really enjoyable performance. Parents and Carers have the opportunity to watch the performance on Monday 8th December at 9:30a.m. and on Friday 12th at 2:00p.m.
Our Nativity is usually very popular so be warned we only have a limited number of seats.
Rock Steady Concert
On Tuesday 9th December at 2:15p.m our Rock Steady Bands are performing in a concert to show off their talents and what they have been working on. Parents and Carers are very welcome to join us.
Key Stage 2 Reconciliation
As part of our Advent preparations the Catholic children in Key Stage 2 will have the opportunity to take part in the sacrament of reconciliation. Our non-Catholic children have the opportunity for pastoral support from a priest. Fr Jose is still recovering from a medical procedure so Fr Joe and one of the priests from St Teresa’s will support the children.
School Football
Our school Football Team were in action this week playing against Tenterden Primary School. The final score was 10- 2 to Tenterden. Our team gave their best against a very strong team. Well done boys.
On Friday 12th we have another scheduled game against St Teresa’s however there is a bit of question mark if this game will take place due to the evenings getting so dark.
This week is our last Friday Football session of 2025!
Father Christmas Visiting
Father Christmas is visiting the school on Tuesday 16th December. Please can parents remember to complete the reply slip on Father Christmas’ letter and do the necessary on Parent Pay.
Christmas Fair
Our Christmas Fair is on Tuesday 16th December at 2:00p.m. We could still do with some support leading up to the event and help on the day. Most importantly we need you to turn up and support the children with their fundraising.
Children need to be accompanied by an adult to attend the fair.
Christmas Dinner
School Christmas Dinner is being served up on Wednesday 17th December (Unfortunately no sprouts!). Next week you will be expected to complete a slip to order a dinner for your children. EYFS and KS1 this is free. KS2 will have to pay unless pupils are entitled to free school meals.
Key Stage 2 Carol Service
We are holding our Annual Christmas Carol Service in the Church at 6:00p.m on Thursday 18th December this will lead all into the Spirit of Christmas.
Good Luck Mrs Chittenden
This week we said Goodbye to Mrs Chittenden as she left the school to start a new job. We wish her the very best of luck and will remember her in our thoughts and prayers.
Parking Yet Again!!!
I have received further complaints regarding parents and carers parking carelessly when dropping off and picking children up. Wouldn’t it be good if all parents who are driving to and from the school made an Advent Promise to show care and consideration when parking in the street around the school.
With Best WishesPeter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 28 November 2025
Fri 28 Nov 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Advent is like a springtime, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy.”
St Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)
The season of Advent begins this Sunday 30th November. Advent is the time to start making preparations to celebrate Christ’s birth - God’s momentous arrival into our world in the person of Jesus. Advent is also the season of hope: a time to think deeply about Jesus’ return at the end of time.
On Wednesday 3rd December at 2:30p.m the children’s liturgy committee will lead us in our Advent Liturgy when the children will remind us what the season of Advent means. All our welcome to join us.
Multi-skills
Last week some of our Year 2 children took part in a multi-skills festival the children had a great time competing against other schools this Tuesday 2nd December a team from our Year 4 class will be taking part in a similar festival. I am sure the children will enjoy taking part in the festival and will give their very best.
School Football
The children have been participating in football matches this week. On Wednesday we played against Mersham Primary School a very competitive match and we lost 7-5 it was a really close game. Today we played against Great Chart Primary School and the score was 10- 3 to Great Chart.
Well done to all the children taking part in the games they showed great sportsmanship and a great competitive spirit.
Next Tuesday 2nd December we have another game against Tenterden Primary School.
Well done to Mr Hunt for arranging all these matches.
Children Carol Singing at Singleton Care Home
On Thursday 4th December our Mini Vinnies and some of our choir will be visiting Singleton Care Home to entertain the residents with the singing of Christmas Carols. The children did this last year and all enjoyed the opportunity to sing in front of an audience.
Christmas Fair
Our Christmas Fair is fast approaching on the 16th December. Many thanks to all for the kind donations today for our “Alternative Bottle Stall”. Next Friday the children are invited to bring in a nice bottle (the type of bottles adults like to drink in moderation of course!) for our “Bottle Stall” in return for this they are going to have a “Movie Afternoon”.
Key Dates for Christmas Events
Reception and Key Stage 1 Nativities on Monday 8th December at 9:30a.m and on Friday 12th December at 2:00p.m.
Key Stage 2 Carol Service on Thursday 18th December at 6:00p.m. in St Simon’s Church.
School Christmas Dinner Day is being held on Wednesday 17th December.
Our End of Term Mass on Friday 19th December at 9:30a.m in St Simon’s Church.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 21st November
Fri 21 Nov 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love and the future to His providence.” St Augustine of Hippo
This Sunday the children are invited to join the parish at 10:30 Mass to celebrate the Feast of Christ The King. This sees the closing of the Jubilee Year and the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year as we approach the Season of Advent when the Church prepares for the coming of Christmas.
It would be lovely to see as many children as possible join us for the celebration and add to the singing at Mass. Children are asked to be at church at 10:15a.m in full school uniform.
Year 5 Class Mass
On Wednesday 26th November at 9:30a.m Year 5 will be participating in Mass in their classroom. Unfortunately, Fr Jose isn’t well and can’t celebrate the Mass with us so Fr Joe has kindly stepped in. Let us all pray that Fr Jose has a speedy recovery. Parents and carers are welcome to join us on Wednesday.
School Sporting Events
Today our Year 4 played a football match against St Teresa’s in what can only be described as arctic conditions. I must congratulate both teams on their performances. The score was 4 – 1 to St Simon’s well done our team.
Next week we have two more games planned on Wednesday 26th against Mersham and one on Friday 28th against Great Chart. These are all home games.
On Tuesday 25th November we have a team of Year 2 Children representing us at a multi skills festival at the Stour Centre.
I am sure that at all the sporting events the children will give their very best. Many thanks to Mr Hunt for arranging all these events.
P.E Outside
The children often participate in P.E lessons outside even in winter so we recommend that parents and carers provide a pair of jogging bottoms or similar particularly when it is cold.
Christmas Fair
Our Christmas Fair is fast approaching on Tuesday 16th December. We could do with volunteers to help us out in the run up to the fair and if possible, on the day itself. If you think you can help, please let a member of staff know or contact the school office.
Many thanks to everyone who took part in our non-uniform day dressing in favourite colours in return for an item for our “Colour Raffle” your donations are greatly appreciated.
Next Friday 28th November the children are asked to bring in a donation for “An alternative Bottle Stall” in other words bottles or jars of goodies/prizes that children might like. In return for this the children can take part in “Odd Friday” when they can wear something odd? This could be a bright orange t-shirt over their school sweat shirt or odd shoes etc. Hopefully this should be a bit of fun for the children.
Key Dates for Christmas Events
Reception and Key Stage 1 Nativities on Monday 8th December at 9:30a.m and on Friday 12th December at 2:00p.m.
Key Stage 2 Carol Service on Thursday 18th December at 6:00p.m. in St Simon’s Church.
School Christmas Dinner Day is being held on Wednesday 17th December.
Our End of Term Mass on Friday 19th December at 9:30a.m in St Simon’s Church.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 14th November 2025
Fri 14 Nov 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” St Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)
Children in Need
Well done to everyone who took part in our “Pyjama/Non-School Uniform Day” and made a donation to BBC Children in Need. This is a very worthy charity that supports children who need help across the country.
Our Act of Remembrance
Many thanks to Year 5 who led us in our act of remembrance this week. It was good to see so many parents and carers come along to join us and support the children in the liturgy.
The Children Supporting the Parish at Mass on Sunday
The children are invited to support the parish with their singing at 10:30 a.m Mass on Sunday 23rd November. The children are asked to arrive in full school uniform at 10:15 a.m. It would be good to welcome as many children as possible as their singing and energy will help make the celebration even more special.
Year 6 Class Mass
On Wednesday 19th November at 9:30 a.m our Year 6 children will be participating in Mass in their classroom. Parents and carers are very welcome to join us.
School Photos
On Tuesday 18th November the school photographer will be visiting the school to take individual and family group photographs. With Christmas coming a photo of the children would be a very fitting present to give to their favourite “hard to buy a present for” uncle or aunties!
The photographer will be setting up from 8:30 a.m if you wish to have pre-school children photographed with their siblings you will need to make sure you are at school in good time. School aged children may need to be registered before their picture is taken with pre-school siblings.
Christmas Fair/Diary Dates
This week you should have received a list of Key dairy dates for the rest of this term. This list contains all events leading up to the Christmas Holidays. It is not an exhaustive list for example Mrs Withey-Harrison is trying to organise some carol singing at one of our local care homes so please keep checking the website.
Next Friday 21st November the children are asked to come to school dressed in their favourite colour in return for a donation towards our colour raffle for the Christmas Fair.
This is a very simple concept if they are in the red team (St Matthew’s) they bring in something red e.g a four pack of Coke Cola, a pack of kit kats etc. if they are in the yellow team (St Mark’s) they can bring in something yellow e.g a multi-pack of quavers etc. the green team (St Luke’s) something green e.g. a pack of sour cream and onion pringles and the blue team (St John’s) something blue… I am sure you all get the idea. These items are then grouped together by colour and then raffled at the Christmas Fair. I am sure you can use your imagination with your donations.
Our First Football Match of the Year
On Friday 21st of November a team from our Year 4 will be playing against a team from St Teresa’s Primary School. The match should start at around 3:30 p.m and should be finished by 4:30 p.m. Let's hope for good weather.
Parking Again
This is yet another reminder regarding parking around the school. If you must drive to school to drop off and pick up children, please can you park with care and consideration for others. We wish to avoid any nasty accidents and keep everyone safe.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 7th November 2025
Fri 07 Nov 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!” St Catherine of Siena
Congratulations to the children on their singing performances at our Arts Week concert yesterday the children may not have set the whole world ablaze but they certainly livened up the afternoon with their talents.
Many thanks to all the parents and carers who supported the children with their performance.
Cycle Circle Team
The Cycle Circle team visited the school this week taking Cycle Ready sessions in Years R, 1 and 2. They also held Bikeability courses for Year 4 and Year 6.
For me the best sessions were held for children in Key Stage 2 who aren’t confident in riding a bike or for some not being able to ride at all. The joy on the faces of children as they mastered this skill for the first time is my pick of the week. Many thanks to Spencer and his Cycle Circle Team.
Battle of the Bands T.T Rock Stars
Mrs Warren had set two “Battle of the Bands” on Times Tables Rock Stars. Year 3 vs Year 4 and Year 5 vs Year 6.
Year 6 beat Year 5 and Year 4 beat Year 3. Congratulations to all who took part.
Act of Remembrance
On Tuesday 11th November at 10:45a.m Year 5 will lead the school in our act of remembrance when we will remember all who have died as a result of conflict during and since the First World War. Parents and Carers are very welcome to join us.
Children in Need
On Friday 14th November it is the BBC Children in Need. The school council have decided that the children can wear their pyjamas or non-school uniform in return for a donation to this very worthwhile charity that helps children who are in need across the country.
Christmas Fair
We are planning to hold our Christmas Fair on Tuesday 16th December. This is always a favourite with the children. We could do with support from parents and carers not just by turning up on the day but to help with the preparations. If you think you can help, please speak to a member of staff.
We are holding a number of special days on the run up to the fair to provide items for some of our stalls please see below:
Friday 21st November an item for our Colour Raffle. Children are allowed to come to school wearing clothes in their favourite colour in return for an item for our “Colour Raffle.”
Friday 28th November “Alternative Bottle Stall” children are allowed to come to school for an “Odd Friday” this is when they wear one item of odd clothing- could be a bright orange T-Shirt over their school uniform etc. in return for an item for an alternative “Bottle Stall” in other words bottles or jars of goodies/prizes that children might like.
Friday 5th December a nice bottle (the type of bottles adults like to drink in moderation of course!) for our “Bottle Stall” in return for this they are going to have a “Movie Afternoon”.
Monday 15th Cakes for our Cake Stall and refreshments children will be allowed to wear Christmas jumpers or non-school uniform in return for a donation of cakes.
Our school council are responsible for choosing what the children can do in return for their donations.
Key Dates for Christmas Events
With Christmas being under 50 days away we are planning to hold our Reception and Key Stage 1 Nativities on Monday 8th December at 9:30a.m and on Friday 12th December at 2:00p.m.
We are planning to hold our Key Stage 2 Carol Service on Thursday 18th December at 6:00p.m. in St Simon’s Church.
School Christmas Dinner Day is being held on Wednesday 17th December.
Our End of Term Mass on Friday 19th December at 9:30a.m in St Simon’s Church.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 31st October 2025
Fri 31 Oct 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“We should not only want to be with the saints, we should also hope to possess their happiness.” St Bernard of Clairvaux
Today children across the school received their flu vaccination. If your child missed the vaccination, you can complete a consent form via the nhs website at https://www.kentimmunisations.co.uk/ using the school code: KT141067 please contact the team directly on 0300 123 5205 option 1 for more information about community clinic availability & bookings.
New Intake for Reception Class September 2026
This week I had the pleasure of showing around some prospective parents for our reception class for September 2026. We have set aside a number of dates when potential parents can book a visit and these can be found on our website here: https://www.st-simon.kent.sch.uk/admissions-to-reception-september-2026/ if you know of any parents or carers with reception age children for September 2026 please can you direct them to our website.
Arts Week
Next week we are holding an “Arts Week” when the children will have the opportunity to be creative. On Thursday 6th November at 2:00p.m we are holding a “concert” when each class will perform a “little something”. Parents and Carers are welcome to join us but be warned it will be a little of a “squash and squeeze” to fit everyone in.
Cycle Ready and Bikeability Sessions
Next week the Cycle Circle team will be back to support the children in learning to ride a bike safely. It will be a very busy week see the schedule below:
Monday 3rd November
The children who are not very confident cyclists in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be given lessons to help boost their confidence. Bikes and Cycle helmets will be provided (Parents have already given consent for this)
Tuesday 4th November
Year 4 and Year 6 children who have signed up for Bikeability they will need to bring in their bikes and cycling helmets otherwise they will not be able to take part.
Year R Cycle Ready sessions
Wednesday 5th November
Continue with Year 6 Bikeabilty bikes and cycle helmets will be required.
Year 1 Cycle Ready sessions
Friday 7th November
Year 2 Cycle Ready sessions
Continue with level 1 and 2 bikeability as required.
Please note that these sessions will take place in all weather so the children will need a good coat and suitable footwear.
Remembrance Liturgy
November is the month of remembrance when we remember loved ones who have passed on. On the 11th of November at 10:45a.m Year 5 will lead our “Remembrance Liturgy” when we remember all those who have died in conflict during and since the first world war. Parents and carers are very welcome to join us.
Poppies and other remembrance items will be on sale before school to those who wish to purchase these.
Times Tables Rock Stars
Mrs Warren our Mathematics leader has set up two Battle of The Bands Competitions on Times Tables Rock Stars Year 3 vs Year 4 and Year 5 vs Year 6. The battles are open until 5th of November.
Teaching Assistant Required
We are currently advertising for a Teaching Assistant to work in the school. This is a temporary part time position for 20 hours per week initially for one year. Salary KSA £24513 full time equivalent pro rata £11548 for further details can be found here:
https://www.kent-teach.com/Recruitment/Vacancy/VacancyDetails.aspx?VacancyId=150443
Parking Again
I am constantly reminding parents and carers in my newsletter regarding showing care and consideration when dropping off and collecting children.
This week I received a number of complaints regarding dangerous driving. A black Mazda Car registration number GJ752HP narrowly missed hitting a child while driving on the grass verge outside the school.
If you were the driver of this car, can you please take more care and consideration or use the church car park when dropping children off to the school. I hope everyone will think more carefully when parking for the safety of everyone.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 17th October 2025
Fri 17 Oct 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Prayer brings us not only nearer to God but also nearer to one another.” Pope Benedict XVI
It is very hard to believe that we are now at the end of the first term of the academic year. Our new reception pupils have settled well into St Simon’s and have already attended a number of whole school events.
I am sure that all the children (and all the staff) are looking forward to a well-earned holiday next week.
The children are due to return to school on Monday 27th of October and the clocks will have changed so the evenings will be a lot darker in the run up to Christmas which the children will all be looking forward to.
Year 6 Admissions to Secondary School
The children who participated in the Kent Test will all have received their results by now. This will be for some a cause for celebration as they may have been awarded a “Grammar” grading while for others it may have caused disappointment as they may not have made the “Grammar” grade.
All the children however need to be celebrated for the hard work that they put in to their learning.
The online application for secondary school opened on the 1st of September and closes on the 31st of October 2025. Parents and carers will need to have applied for a secondary school by this date.
A copy of the Secondary School Admissions Leaflet can be found on the Year 6 Class page on our website. A copy has also been sent home with the children today.
If parents or carers need help with the application please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Admissions for Reception Age Children for September
Admissions for reception age children will soon open on the 7th November and will close on Thursday 15th January 2026. We are holding a number of open school events for prospective parents to come along and visit the school in action. The dates for these can be found here on our school website: https://www.st-simon.kent.sch.uk/admissions-to-reception-september-2026/
Parking Again
Unfortunately, I have been receiving complaints regarding inconsiderate and dangerous parking once again at dropping off and pick up times. Please can all make sure that they use care and consideration when arriving and leaving school. Another reminder is that parents are not permitted to park in the school car park unless they have been given permission by the school.
This is for the safety of all children.
Flu Vaccinations
The children will have the opportunity to have an annual Flu Vaccination on Friday 31st October. Parents must submit a consent or decline to the immunisations team. See Below:
School Nursing Team
“This is a reminder to parents to submit a consent or decline for the FLU vaccination via the Immunisation Service’s website https://www.kentimmunisations.co.uk/
Please submit your preference by the cut-off date 28/10/2025.
Your school’s unique code/URN is: KT141067”
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Arts Week
Plans are underway for an Arts week beginning Monday 3rd November. As part of the celebrations, we are holding a music celebration in the school hall at 2:00p.m on Thursday 6th November. All welcome however it may be a bit of a squash and a squeeze to get everyone in.
Mrs Withey Harrison
I would like to congratulate Mrs Withey Harrison on her role of directing the musical “Nativity” which is showing at The Queens Hall Theatre in Cranbook from 30th October until November 1st 2025 (Tickets available https://www.cranbrookods.org.uk/tickets).
Some of the cast will be performing in St Simon’s School Uniform so hopefully this is a good advertisement for our school. Well done Mrs Withey Harrison!
Lost and Found
A green purse/small bag has been handed into the school office if the owner would like to come and collect this after the half term holiday.
Next week is the Half Term holiday can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a restful holiday.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 10 October 2025
Fri 10 Oct 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“In all things recognise the care and wisdom of God, and give God thanks.” St Teresa of Avila
Parent Evenings This Week
The main aim of any school is to support parents in the education of their children. This is a close partnership where school and home work together guiding children in their learning.
It was good to welcome so many parents and carers to both our parent evenings this week. There is already lot of good work to celebrate in the children’s books even though it is still early in the new academic year.
Learning to read is the most important skill that children need to enable them to learn if children read every night this is a vital step in supporting learning.
Harvest Festival
Today we celebrated our Harvest Festival which was led by our Year 3 children. The children reminded us of the need to be thankful for all the gifts we receive. They also gave us the important message that we should work for the Common Good of all and help others who are in need.
Many thanks to all for the kind donations of tinned and dried foods. These will be collected by “The Bright City Church” who look after the needy in the Ashford area.
Many thanks to Year 3 for such a wonderful liturgy.
The Children Supporting the Parish at Mass on Sunday
The children are invited to support the parish with their singing and at 10:30a.m Mass this Sunday 12th October. The children are asked to arrive in full school uniform at 10:15a.m. It would be good to welcome as many children as possible as their singing and energy will help make the celebration even more special.
Admissions for Reception Age Children for September
Admissions for reception age children will soon open on the 7th November and will close on Thursday 15th January 2026. We are holding a number of open school events for prospective parents to come along and visit the school in action. The dates for these can be found here on our school website: https://www.st-simon.kent.sch.uk/admissions-to-reception-september-2026/
Bikeability
This is a reminder for Year 4 and Year 6 parents and carers if they wish their children to take part in learning to ride a bike safely, they will need to sign up for this using the QR code provided in the letter they received last week. There is no charge for this training but pupils will need a roadworthy bike and a cycle helmet. If you need another copy of the letter please ask at the school office.
Year 5 Geography Field Trip
Year 5 will be visiting Victoria Park and the surrounding area on the morning of Tuesday 14th of October. The children will need to be dressed for the weather conditions which may mean a waterproof coat in case of rain. If the weather is very bad the visit will be postponed.
Reminder Flu Vaccinations
School Nursing Team
“This is a reminder to parents to submit a consent or decline for the FLU vaccination via the Immunisation Service’s website https://www.kentimmunisations.co.uk/
Please submit your preference by the cut-off date 28/10/2025.
Your school’s unique code/URN is: KT141067”
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Parent Governor Vacancies
We still have two vacancies for parent governors on our Local Governance Committee. This is a very rewarding position, please contact me or the school office. Further details can be found on our school website: https://www.st-simon.kent.sch.uk/election-of-parent-local-governance-committee/
The closing date for applications is Friday 17th October.
With best wishes
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Weekly Newsletter Friday 3rd October
Fri 03 Oct 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Faith and love are everything, and nothing is more precious than these.” St Ignatius of Antioch
The children have been enjoying the good weather this week which has meant that they have still been able to play on the field at lunchtimes. Year 1 also enjoyed their visit to Victoria Park with their classmates.
Parent Evenings Next Week
On Tuesday the 7th October and Thursday 9th October we are holding our first parent evenings of the new academic year. Appointments are available from 3:30p.m until 6:00p.m. Parents have been able to sign up this week for an appointment before and after school. If you haven’t been able to sign up for an appointment please contact the school office.
Parent Governor Vacancies
We still have two vacancies for parent governors on our Local Governance Committee. This is a very rewarding position, please contact me or the school office. Further details can be found on our school website: https://www.st-simon.kent.sch.uk/election-of-parent-local-governance-committee/
Harvest Festival
On Friday 10th October at 2:30 p.m. Year 3 will be leading us in our Harvest Festival. We are looking for donations of tinned or dried foods to make up a “Harvest Table”. The food donated will then be passed onto Vinnie’s Diner which helps provide food for the needy in the Ashford area.
Choir at Mass on Sunday 12th October
The children are invited to sing at 10:30a.m. Mass on Sunday 12th October. It would be lovely to see as many children as possible join the parish to support with the singing.
Reception Class and P.E.
On Thursday the day when Year R are doing P.E to save time at school we are asking the children to come into school wearing their P.E kit on this day. Please can all parents and carers make sure all school uniform and P.E kits are clearly marked with their child’s name.
Chocolate Spread
Please can all parents make sure that they do not send children in with lunch or snacks that contain chocolate spread or chocolate paste. Many of these products contain nuts and we have children and members of staff with severe nut allergies.
Bikeability
On the week beginning 3rd November the Cycle Circle team will be returning to school to deliver “Cycle Ready” lessons for Years R, 1 and 2.
They will also offer Bikeability to children in Years 4 and Year 6. Please note that Year 4 and 6 must have a road worthy bike and they must wear a cycle helmet to take part.
Year 4 and Year 6 children have been provided letters with a QR code to sign up for these sessions by Friday 17th October.
The cost of these sessions is fully funded through our school Sports Premium Funding to encourage all to have healthier lifestyles.
Nativity Dates
With Christmas being 83 days away we are planning to hold our Reception and Key Stage 1 Nativities on Monday 8th December at 9:30a.m and on Friday 12th December at 2:00p.m.
We are planning to hold our Key Stage 2 Carol Service on Thursday 18th December at 6:00p.m. in St Simon’s Church.
Being Respectful
The children are always encouraged to follow the school’s “Five Caring Cs” Care, Courtesy, Commitment, Cooperation and Consideration the children are very good at upholding these.
Unfortunately, some of our parents don’t always set a very good example to the children and recently we have had a few incidents when parents haven’t been showing care, courtesy or consideration to others.
Please can I remind everyone to treat each other with respect especially on the school site and in front of the children.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe