September 2015
Dear Parents/Carers SEPTEMBER 2015
Welcome back to a new school year. Pope Francis has declared that this year is to be designated as a year of MERCY. This is quite an interesting word and easily misunderstood. The essence of what Pope Francis is getting at is that we should try to be more forgiving and strive for reconciliation and harmony in our families, local communities and indeed international communities. Of course we can only do this with the help of God’s grace. In our work with the children we will certainly focus on the theme of God’s mercy throughout the year.
Diary Dates
Please note the following dates:
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Beginning of year mass |
Thursday 24th September-all parents welcome to attend-10.15am |
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Year 5 assembly |
Thursday 12th November-year 5 parents welcome-10.15am |
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Year 4 Advent assembly |
Thursday 3rd December-year 4 parents welcome-10.15am |
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Junior carol singing |
Tuesday 15th December-all parents welcome-2.45pm |
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Infant nativities |
We will let you know |
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Please note that the feast of All Saints falls on a Sunday this year and will therefore mass will not be celebrated in school. |
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CLUBS
WE aim to have our after school clubs up and running by Monday 14th September. More details to follow.
WEBSITE
Please keep an eye on our website. By the 14th September each class will have a designated page. On this page you will be able to find out what your child is studying in class.
Jammed phone lines.
Each afternoon our phone lines are becoming jammed by parents ringing up to change the arrangements for who will be collecting their child on that particular evening. Some parents might change their arrangements several times each week. This means that a parent with an emergency might not be able to contact the school. Please can you ensure that your child is clear about their home time arrangements before they come to school and that a written note is handed to the office before school begins.
Absences from school for reasons other than sickness.
In line with government policy, of which I am not a great fan, absences from school for reasons other than sickness can only be granted in “exceptional” circumstances. You need to hand a letter to the office requesting the absence before your child is off school. The letter must state that the absence is for “exceptional” circumstances. Parents will usually find me quite understanding. However, I take a very dim view of requests for absences for year 6 children before the end of May and also requests for absences for children whose attendance is not good.
Term Dates 2015/16
Autumn Term 2015
Tuesday 1st September - Staff Day
Wednesday 2nd September – Children back to school
Half term
26th – 30th October
Monday 2nd November – Children back to school
Friday 18th December – Last day of term
Spring Term 2016
Monday 4th January – Staff Day
Tuesday 5th January – Children back to school
Half term
15th – 19th February
Monday 22nd February – Children back to school
Thursday 24th March – Last day of term
Summer Term 2016
Monday 11th April –First day for children
Half term
30th May – 3rd June
Monday 6th June – First day back
Friday 15th July – School ends for children