Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
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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
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Weekly News Friday 16th January
Fri 16 Jan 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“Example makes a much greater impression on the mind and heart than just words.”
St John Baptist de la Salle
Multicultural Fortnight
The children have completed their work on studying other world faiths as part of our multi-cultural fortnight. They have learnt a great deal over the last two weeks and have created some beautiful display work in our school hall. Well done children.
Changing Internet Providers
We changed over internet providers this week meaning that we had two engineers with us for a full day. This didn’t cause too much disruption for the school and to our phone lines but unfortunately it does mean that all our school laptops need some reconfiguration before they can reconnect to our school server. This will be sorted quickly but has meant we had to postpone the work Year 6 were going to do with the school nursing team on “The Lancaster Model” we will complete this next week.
Friday Football
Unfortunately, we have had to postpone the start of Friday Football this term until Friday 30th January.
This week we had to cancel due to a waterlogged field and next week Mr Hunt isn’t available as he is off to Bucharest in Romania for a basketball competition. We wish Mr Hunt and his team the very best of luck.
We could do with some volunteers to help with Friday Football as it requires a minimum of two adults if Mr Hunt or I am not available then Friday Football can’t happen. If you think you could make a regular commitment to helping at Friday Football, please either speak to me or contact the school office.
Football Match against Aldington
On Tuesday 20th January we have an away football match arranged against Aldington Primary School. I am sure that despite the lack of recent practice due to the Christmas Break and the weather the children will still give their very best. I hope that the weather doesn’t affect this fixture.
Parking Again
The bad weather seems to bring out disappointing behaviour in adults dropping off and picking up the children. This week we had car horns blaring, raised voices and some very bad behaviour which is setting a poor example to the children.
We have our 5 Caring Cs at school: Care, Courtesy, Commitment, Consideration and Cooperation wouldn’t the school be a better place if everyone followed these, especially the adults when driving and parking cars!
Children joining the Parish at Mass this Sunday
The children are invited to join the Parish at 10:30a.m Mass this Sunday 18th January. The children are asked to wear full school uniform and be seated at 10:15a.m.
It would be lovely to see as many children attend as possible.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 9th September
Fri 09 Jan 2026Dear Parents and Carers
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Welcome back to the new term may I wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope everyone managed to get some time to relax and enjoy the festive season spending time friends and family.
The children are beginning the new term with Multi-cultural Fortnight. Each class will study a different world religion and culture. This helps the children learn to appreciate diversity and show respect for the beliefs and traditions of others which is extremely important in our very divided world.
Beginning of Term Mass
On Tuesday 6th January the children attended Mass for the celebration of the Feast of Epiphany when the Three Wise Men or Magi visited the baby Jesus. This was the first time our Year R children have attended Mass with the school and they must be congratulated on their excellent behaviour.
Choir at Mass on Sunday 18th January
The children are invited to attend Sunday Mass on the 18th January at 10:30a.m to support with the singing and the readings. It would be lovely to have as many children as possible join us for the celebration. The children are expected to be seated by 10:15a.m in full school uniform.
Switching School Internet Providers
On Tuesday 13th January the school will be doing a digital switch over of our internet providers. This is a complicated process which involves engineers being in school for the full day. The engineers have informed us that our internet will be disrupted for a “short” period of time.
Unfortunately, this means that we will also lose our telephone lines for the same “short” period of time. Please can parents bear this in mind if you need to contact the school on Tuesday 13th you may need to be a little patient if you can’t get through to us.
Year 6 taking part in The Lancaster Model
Our Year 6 will be taking part in an online survey “The Lancaster Model” arranged by the school nursing team. The Lancaster Model deals with issues such as transition to secondary school, body image, health and hygiene among other issues that the children may be anxious about.
Following the survey the school nursing team will work with individual children who have asked for additional support. This work has proved to be very successful in the past and children have found it very useful. Parents and carers received information on this piece of work last term.
Swimming Starts for Year 5
Swimming lessons start on Monday 12th for Year 5 children so please don’t forget your kit Year 5.
Pizza the Action
On Thursday 15th January the children can choose from a selection of pizza for their school lunch: Big Foot Vegan Supreme, Cheese and Tomato or BBQ Chicken with sides of Potato Wedges and salad. For dessert there is Vanilla or chocolate ice cream MMMMM! Sounds delicious!
Admissions for Reception Class September 2026
The deadline for applying for a reception place for September 2026 is Thursday 15th January 2026.
If you are seeking a place in our reception class in September or you know of anyone who is reception age, they need to apply online at Kent Admissions and complete one of our supplementary applications forms and return this to the school office.
Mental Elf Collection
I am very pleased to inform you that the school raised £140 in our Mental Elf collection in the last week of term. Well done everyone and well done to Father Christmas’ elves who took up the collection!
With best wishes for the New Year
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 19th December 2025
Fri 19 Dec 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
This term has been very busy as we prepare for the great celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The children’s excitement has continued to grow throughout this term.
We have had our Nativity performances from Reception and Key Stage 1 and we all must have noticed the enjoyment the children got from performing in front of their parents, carers and wider family members.
We have celebrated the Christmas and Advent season with our Carol service where the children reminded us all of the real Christmas story and that Christmas should really be a celebration in our lives not just on Christmas Day but every day.
The children have had a visit from Father Christmas who took time out of his very busy schedule to give each child that went to see him a present. I have expressed my sincere thanks to Father Christmas for sharing his time with the children.
The children enjoyed their school Christmas dinner and the time spent at the Christmas Parties this week with their friends.
Many thanks to Mrs Kirk and her team in the kitchen for all the additional work they had to do to prepare the children’s Christmas Dinner.
Many thanks to everyone who helped support the children with their fund raising at our Christmas Fair. This was a great success we managed to raise £1624.11 which is an excellent amount of money that the children will be able to use towards those extras that we can’t pay for out of our main school budget.
Lastly at the end of this busy term on behalf of everyone at the school I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Peaceful and Holy Christmas.
“May the light of Christ shine brightly in your heart and home this Christmas.”
Best wishes
Peter McCabe
Reminder School reopens on Monday 5th January 2025
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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