Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
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Weekly News Thursday 10 July 2025
Thu 10 Jul 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Anyone who needs me, and whom I can help, is my neighbour.” Pope Benedict XVI
This week the children had the opportunity to visit their new classes and teachers as part of preparing them for moving on next year.
On Friday everyone should have received their child’s final report of the school year. Remember that this is just a snapshot of how well your child has progressed over the course of the academic year.
If you would like to view their work and the work on display around the school, we are holding an open afternoon from 3:30p.m. until 4:30p.m. on Tuesday 15th July. It is also an opportunity to pop in and say hello to your child’s next teacher. Unfortunately, Ms Dos Santos our new Year 6 teacher won’t be available on this day.
Recreate Day
Well done to Year 4 who worked with the Royal Opera House on a Re-Create Day looking at the rights of children through song and dance. This was an excellent opportunity for the children to work with other schools across the nation. Thank you to the parents and carers who came along to support the children.
Year 4 Ukulele
Year 4 also showcased their talents on the Ukulele by performing what they have learnt with Mr P.C. Well done Year 4 and Mr P.C.
St Simon’s has got Talent
On Thursday we held the finals of our annual St Simon’s Has Got Talent competition when children from across the school performed in front of the whole school. Our Grand Finalists are… the children will decide on the overall winner early next week.
Congratulations to everyone who has taken part in the competition. It is great to see so much talent on display. Well done to our Year 6 judges for all their hard work.
Year Performance "School of Pop"
Year 6 performed their end of year play for the whole school and their parents and carers this week. The show was magnificent the children sang beautifully and the gags and puns throughout kept us all chuckling. Well done children.
Next Week
RockSteady Concert
On Tuesday 15th the children who are in the different bands are performing in a mini rock concert for the whole school. Parents and carers are welcome to attend.
Celebration Street Party
On Wednesday 16th July to celebrate the end of the school academic year we are going to hold a “Street Party” on the school field (let’s all pray for good weather).
The children will be able to:
- Wear non-school uniform
- Bring in a plate of food or some snacks to enjoy- we will provide the drinks.
- We hope to have a music area
- Games area- swing ball, Jenga etc.
- Area for running around/sports
- Chill out Zone for those who just wish to relax
This all sounds like great fun and was suggested by our school council as something they would like to see happen. Well done school council.
End of Term Mass
Friday 18th July we will be celebrating our end of term with Mass at 9:30a.m in St Simon’s Church. All are welcome to join us.
Leavers Assembly
On Friday 18th July at 2:00p.m we are holding our Leavers Assembly for our Year 6
Welcome Back Mrs Morrison
On Monday we welcome back Mrs Morrison as she returns from her maternity leave. I am sure everyone will be delighted to see her once again. She will be joining Mrs Macdonald in our Year 1 class in September.
Good Luck Mr Hunt
We wish Mr Hunt and his basketball team the very best of luck as they leave to take part in an international basketball competition in America during the summer break. I hope they enjoy their time and have great success.
Summer Fair
We raised £1322 in our Summer Fair so well done everyone a great effort. A small flowery purse was handed in after the event so if the owner would like to collect this from the school office.
Lastly Ms Freeman, Mrs Hyczko and myself are off for the weekend with Year 6 on their trip to PGL so if you all say a prayer that we have a safe trip and that Year 6 children let the adults get some sleep while we are away.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 4th July
Fri 04 Jul 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
This week we received a visit from OFSTED who carried out a Section 5 graded inspection. Many thanks to all who completed the questionnaire or spoke to the inspectors on Tuesday your views do count and are taken into consideration when the inspectors make their judgements.
I must congratulate the children and all the staff for their huge effort in showing the inspectors what a great school community we have. The hard work displayed by all in extremely hot conditions needs to be congratulated.
Unfortunately, the report will not be published until early next academic year but I am sure we will be pleased with the judgement once it has been published.
KCSP Sports Day
Well done to the team we sent out to the Julie Rose Stadium for the KCSP Primary Sports Day. The children enjoyed taking part and I am pleased to inform you that the team came back with three gold medals. Well done children and Mr Hunt and Mrs Dorman for accompanying the team.
Today we invited children from Victoria Road to join us in a friendly Rounders Competition. A good time was had by all the children.
Transition Day 1
Today we held our first transition morning when all the children moved up to meet their new teachers. We welcomed Ms dos Santos to the school who will be teaching Year 6 next year as Miss Freeman will be teaching Year 4.
Our next transition morning will be on Wednesday 9th July unfortunately Ms dos Santos will not be able to join us on this morning as she has to work in her existing school.
New intake Stay and Play
It was good to welcome some of our new reception children for Stay and Play sessions this week. We have two more sessions planned for Tuesday and Thursday next week.
Year 4 Create Day
On Tuesday 8th July year 4 will be joining an online Create Day with the Royal Opera House. The day will finish with an online performance with schools all over the country. Parents and carers are invited to join the children at 2:15p.m in the school hall.
Year 6 Performance
On Wednesday 9th July at 6:00p.m Year 6 will be performing their play “School of Pop” for their parents and carers at 6:00p.m in the school hall. I am sure all will be thoroughly entertained.
Year 4 Ukelele Concert
On Thursday 10th July at 9:20a.m Year 4 and Mr PC our ukelele teacher will be showcasing what they have learnt this year on the ukelele. Everyone is welcome.
St Simon’s has got Talent
Also, on Thursday 10th July at 10:45a.m we will be holding our finals of the St Simon’s has got Talent competition. Everyone is welcome to join us.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 27th June 2025
Fri 27 Jun 2025Quite a long Newsletter this week as it contains quite a bit of information.
Dear Parents and Carers
This week the children have been enjoying Sports Week. They have been competing in many different activities throughout the week. Many thanks to Mr Hunt for putting our Sports Week programme together.
Today we held our annual Sports Day, Family Picnic and Summer Fair.
Many thanks to all who turned up to cheer the children on, share in the picnic and help the children to raise funds for those “extras” that we can’t fund out of our main school budget.
Sports day and our Summer Fair would not be possible if it wasn’t for all the hard work from people in the run up to the events and from those who gave their time on the day.
Many thanks to all our volunteers and the staff who helped make today a huge success.
Year 6 Tag Rugby Festival
Well done to our Year 6 Tag Rugby Team who attended the Tag Rugby Festival at Ashford Rugby Club. I am very proud and pleased to inform you that the children won every game. Well done boys and girls and well done to Mr Hunt and Mrs Kirwan for accompanying the children.
KCSP Sports Day
We have a team attending the KCSP Sports Day at the Julie Rose Stadium on Monday 30th June. The children will be competing against all the other primary schools in our trust. I am sure that the children will thoroughly enjoy the day. The weather is expected to be very hot so please remember lots of drinks, a sun hat and the sun screen.
Gold Sports Mark
Mr Hunt has informed me that the school has just gained a Gold Sports Mark for all the sporting activities that we have taken part in over the course of this academic year. Well done to all the children and to Mr Hunt and our other support staff who have worked hard to make sure the children can take part in different sports.
School Trips this week.
Reception and Key Stage 1 all came back from their trip to Folkestone buzzing with excitement. All enjoyed their little adventure as for some of our children this was the first time some of them had visited the beach.
Year 6 travelled to Hastings via train on Thursday to visit Hastings Art Museum and the historic town of Hastings.
All our staff accompanying the children on both trips praised the children for their excellent behaviour.
Year 3 Class Mass
On Wednesday I had the pleasure of joining our Year 3 as Fr Jose celebrated Mass for the children in their classroom. The children were in excellent voice singing the hymns and taking full participation in the service.
New Reception for September
We are holding a number of “Stay and Play” sessions for our new intake children. All have been provided with the dates and times. Brief Summary below:
Group A Tuesday 1st July – 1:30-2:15pm and Thursday 10th July – 1:30-2:15pm
Group B Thursday 3rd July – 1:30-2:15pm and Tuesday 8th July – 1:30-2:15pm
YEAR 5 IMPORTANT NOTICE
The deadline for registering Year 5 pupils for Kent Test is midnight on 1st July. If you wish your child to take part in the Kent Test they can be registered by clicking on this link: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/kent-test
If any parents needs help with the process please do not hesitate to contact me.
Staff Changes
We have a few changes to staffing for September.
Last week we said farewell to Mrs Shoubridge who has moved onto another exciting role within a new sector.
Mrs Shoubridge will be greatly missed by us all and I am sure you will join me in wishing her the very best of luck in her new position and thank her for all that she has done for the school.
Mrs Ebenebe and Mrs Ling have both decided to retire at the end of this term.
Words can’t really express how much they have both done for the school. They will be missed and will leave a big gap in our school family. I am sure you will join me in wishing them the very best in what they do next and wish them both a very happy retirement.
We have appointed a new teacher Ms dos Santos who will be joining the school in September. I am sure everyone will do their best to welcome Ms dos Santos to the school.
Mrs Morrison will be returning from her maternity leave at the end of this term.
Class Teachers for September
Year R Miss Cole
Year 1 Mrs Macdonald and Mrs Morrison
Year 2 Mrs Hyczko
Year 3 Ms Adam
Year 4 Miss Freeman
Year 5 Mrs Warren and Mrs Williams
Year 6 Ms dos Santos
SENCO Mrs Chambers
Sports Coach Mr Hunt
Music Mrs Withey Harrison
Transition Mornings
We have planned two transition mornings for the children on Friday 4th July and Wednesday 9th July when the children will move up to their new classes.
Unfortunately, Ms dos Santos can only join us on the 4th July as she doesn’t reside in the Ashford area at present.
The children in Year 5 have however already met Ms dos Santos as she taught them mathematics earlier this term.
Dates for the diary
Monday 7th July Year 6 Dress Rehearsal to the whole school
Tuesday 8th July Year 4 Create Day Online with the Royal Opera House (performance to parents at 2:15p.m)
Wednesday 9th July Year 6 performance to parents and carers 6:00p.m
Thursday 10th July Year 4 Ukelele Concert 9:20a.m all welcome
Thursday 10th July Grand Final St Simon’s has Got Talent 10:45a.m. all welcome
Friday 11th- Monday 14th July Year 6 School Journey to PGL Marchants Hill
Tuesday 15th July Rocksteady Rock Concert 2:00p.m all welcome
Tuesday 15th July Open Evening 3:30-4:30p.m.
Friday 18th July Leavers Mass 9:30a.m St Simon’s Church all welcome
Friday 18th July Leavers Assembly 2:00p.m Farewell Year 6 all welcome
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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Weekly News Friday 20 June 2025
Fri 20 Jun 2025Dear Parents and Carers
“The Mass is the centre of the Christian life and the nourishment of the soul.” Pope Saint Pius X
This week the Church celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi which means Body of Christ. On or around this feast day children will often make their First Holy Communion.
On Sunday 21st June at St Simon’s Church: Lena, Leon, Ify, Isabella and Granvil will be making their First Holy Communion.
Dominic will be making his First Holy Communion at St Teresa’s Church on the 21st also.
Liliana, Fabian, Gabriella have already made theirs on the 14th June at St Teresa’s.
I am sure that you will join me in congratulating all the children and remember to pray for them as they journey forward in faith.
Year 3 Class Mass
Fr Jose will celebrate Mass with Year 3 in their classroom on Wednesday 25th June at 9:30a.m. Parents and carers are very welcome to join the class.
Sports Week
This week the children will be taking part in Sports week which will end with our annual Sports Day, Family Picnic and Summer Fair. Let’s all pray for good weather perhaps a little cooler than the last few days.
We hope to start Sports Day at 9:30a.m with the whole school performing a Sports day dance on the field. Our Family Picnic will start around 12:00 noon and our Summer Fair at 2:00p.m.
We could still do with volunteers to help with Sports Day and the Summer Fair. If you think you can help, please contact me or the school office.
Many thanks to all who provided a donation for our Bottle Stall next week on Thursday 26th June we are looking for donations of cakes for our cake stall.
Tag Rugby Festival
We have a team of Year 6 children attending a Tag Rugby Festival on Tuesday 24th June at Ashford Rugby Club. We may have to pay particular attention to the weather as temperatures are predicted to be quite high early in the week and there is a chance the event may be postponed.
Well done to our Year 6 girls cricketers who took part in a cricket festival last week. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were a great credit to the school displaying great sportsmanship.
Reception and Key Stage 1 Classes Folkestone Trip
On Wednesday 25th June Reception and Key Stage 1 classes are off on a trip to Folkestone. The children are already very excited by the trip and I am sure that they will enjoy and learn a lot from the activities planned for them. Let us hope once again that the weather is kind to all of them.
Parents, please remember sun hats, sun screen and drinks bottles.
Year 5 Visit Hastings Museum
On Thursday Year 5 are visiting Hastings Museum to view the art works in the gallery. The children will be travelling by train. I am sure the children will have a great time.
All these trips this year have been subsidised by funds raised over the year. Our school council made the decision that they wished to take part in more school trips. A good decision children and a good use of funds that have benefited all year groups.
New Reception Intake for September
On Wednesday evening we invited parents and carers for our new reception class to the school to share key information for the children’s transition to the school.
It was good to welcome lots of new faces as well as some familiar faces of those who already have children at the school.
We still have some places left in our reception class so if anyone is aware of any parents and carers seeking a reception place for September ask them to contact the school office.
With best wishes
Peter McCabe
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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