Weekly News Thursday 12th February 2026
Dear Parents and Carers
“Lent is a time for greater generosity — not just with money, but with love, forgiveness, and mercy.” St. Leo the Great
New Headteacher Appointed
This week you will have received the news that our Trust have appointed Mrs Helen Bryant as the new headteacher for the school.
Mrs Bryant will take over leading the school after the Easter holiday when I am due to retire.
Mrs Bryant will visit the school over the coming weeks so that we can work together to make sure there is a smooth handover. I am sure that some of you will meet her before she officially starts her new role.
St Simon’s is a very special place and I am sure Mrs Bryant will do an amazing job leading the school forward and that everyone will make her feel very welcome.
French Café
As part of our teaching of Modern Foreign Languages the children were able to take part in a “French Café” which was set up in our school hall. All classes were able to order and sample some typical French Café food. The children had to practice using their French to order their food which was prepared and served by our Year 6 children. The children thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Many thanks to Mrs Mac and her helpers for organising the day. Merci Beaucoup Madame!
Half Term Holiday and 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.
Lent
The season of Lent begins on Wednesday 18th February. This is the time the Church sets aside for us to prepare for Easter the biggest celebration in the Church.
As the children are on holiday at the beginning of Lent the children have planned a Lenten Liturgy for the whole school on Wednesday 25th February at 2:30 in our school hall. All are welcome to join us.
Lenten Fundraising
During Lent we raise money for charity our school council have decided that the money we raise this year will be split equally between the following charities:
Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital
Crisis Homeless Charity
Red Nose Day/Comic Relief
Our first fundraiser is on the 27th February and the children can wear non school uniform in return for a donation to our chosen Lenten charities.
More details of fundraising events will follow.
Parents Evenings
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.
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.
Wishing Everyone a restful half term holiday
Peter McCabe