Weekly News Friday 6th February 2026
Dear Parents and Carers
“How good God is! In His goodness He seeks only our happiness.” St. Alphonsus Liguori
Headteacher recruitment
On Wednesday this week we welcomed Mrs Annemarie Whittle and members from our Trust Board, The Dioceses and our Local Governance Committee as they were carrying out interviews to select a new headteacher for when I leave the school at Easter.
At the moment I have no news to share about if they were successful in appointing my successor or not but I can reassure you that everything will be done to appoint an excellent leader to carry the school forward. Our School Trust will keep you fully informed.
I am able to share how proud I am of the children and staff of the school as they were fully involved with the selection process. The children were highly praised for their behaviour and engagement throughout the day.
Our school council had the opportunity to question the candidates. The interview panel were impressed by their questions and their views on the candidates. I’m very glad that I didn’t have to answer the children’s questions as they certainly put the candidates through their paces! Well, done children.
School Football
Our school football team played against Furley Park Primary School on Wednesday. Unfortunately, we didn’t win but the children worked hard and gave their very best playing in very difficult wet conditions.
Friday football had to be cancelled again this week due to a waterlogged football pitch. Let’s all pray for better weather as we haven’t actually managed to get any Friday Football completed in 2026!
Parking Again
The children have been praised this week for their excellent behaviour and the kindness and respect they show to each other. It is a shame that some of our parents at the school don’t do the same when they are parking, dropping off and picking up children.
I have contacted our local community police officers to see if they can help assist with this.
Mini Vinnies
Our Mini Vinnies group are looking to make up care packages for those who are in need in the Ashford community.
They are looking to collect items such as: wet wipes, shower gel/soap, deodorant, toilet paper, shampoo/dry shampoo, tooth paste/tooth brushes, Vaseline/lip balms. Once the children have made up the care packages “The Bright City” Church will help distribute these on the children’s behalf.
If you can help, please send in your donations with the children.
Staff Training Days
This is another reminder Friday the 13th and Monday 23rd February are staff training days so the children are off school on Friday 13th and return to school on Tuesday 24th February.
Internet Safety Day
Tuesday 10th February is Internet Safety Day. If all our parents and carers could aim to check out our monthly online safety newsletters on our website, set appropriate parental controls on devices and monitor what the children are doing online this would help keep children safe.
Are you interested in becoming a Teacher?
Please see below for various routes in to teaching that are being supported by Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership (KCSP)
Degree offer – Online information evening – 02.03.26 (6:00 – 7:00pm)
KCSP is delighted to be partnering with the University of Buckingham to offer exciting and innovative work-based degrees especially designed for those who would like to take the first step on the pathway to a teaching career.
To find out more about these exciting opportunities, please join KCSP’s online information session, taking place on the evening Monday, 2nd March at 6:00pm. For further details and a link to book – please follow this link.
School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) – Online information evening – 10.03.26 (6:00 – 6:30pm)
Are you thinking of becoming a teacher and already hold a degree?
Join KCSP’s online information evening where you will be able to find out more about our Teacher Training Programme, including fees, funding and how to apply. Register here.
Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme
Through KCSP’s partnership with the Best Practice Network, we would like to share an opportunity to access a fully funded Graduate Entry route into Teacher training to become a qualified Early Years Teacher. The 12-month programme comprises of monthly training days, placements and building an e-Portfolio of evidence for assessment. Please follow this link for further information, including entry requirements.
With best wishes