Dear Parents and Carers,
Our Advent preparations are now in full flow in school! I have enjoyed hearing singing from classrooms and the hall to prepare for Advent and Nativity performances, costumes and props are being gathered and signs of Christmas are appearing around the school. I can’t quite believe we will be welcoming you into the church for the KS1 Nativity performances next week!
We started our week on Tuesday as a whole school for collective worship. Fr. Alistair joined us and blessed our Advent wreath. The children were able to explain that the wreath is a circle and made of evergreen plants to symbolize God’s never-ending love for us. Fr. Alistair used a wooden wheel to help explain our Advent journey to the children – with the spokes representing our journey towards Jesus at the centre. Thank you to my Mum for helping me make the wreath and forage for greenery in her garden!
Mrs. Armstrong has made the most amazing Jesse tree to help us all learn about the people and events from the Old Testament that lead to the birth of Jesus and God’s plan for salvation. We are adding to our Jesse tree each day and exploring the related pieces of scripture. If you look up Advent with the Almighty on YouTube, there are great 1 minute daily reflections linked to the Jesse Tree.
A gentle reminder, children should not bring toys or other items into school. Children only need their book bags or rucksacks, a coat, water bottle and lunch box if they have packed lunch. Other items should be kept at home please. If a child needs a concentration item in the classroom, the class teacher or Mrs. Chalstrey will provide this for them.
The Friends have been very busy helping all of us have some Advent fun and raise money for the school at the same time! Last week EYFS and KS1 enjoyed watching The Grinch and having movie snacks! This week, KS2 will be watching The Nativity on Friday after school. Then on Sunday, we look forward to seeing you all at the Christmas Fair – do pop along and show your support.
Do follow us on Instagram if you haven’t already https://www.instagram.com/saint_cuthbert_mayne/
God Bless,
Mrs. Amy O’Donovan
Headteacher
Collective Worship
This week was the first week of Advent! We learn about the Advent wreath and its symbolism in collective worship and thought about the start of our Advent journey and ensuring we are ready! We talked about how we prepare for Jesus’ birth during Advent and also for his second coming. The children thought about how they would feel if Jesus did come back to Earth. Their responses ranged from being shocked, to nervous, to excited and overjoyed!
New Parish Mass
On Saturday, Bishop Richard said Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Guildford for the Inauguration of the Guildford Parish, along with the priests from each parish. Fr. Alistair and the other priests were entrusted with the new parish and Fr. Jonathan How was inducted as the Parish moderator. It was lovely to see everyone come together for this celebration.
Christmas Jumper and Christmas lunch day
We are looking forward to celebrating our Christmas lunch and wearing Christmas jumpers on Thursday 18th December. Children should wear their normal school uniform on this day, with just a Christmas or Winter jumper instead of their cardigan or school sweatshirt. They may also wear a winter hat or headband, but we will leave these at school when we go to Mass.
Learning in Year 3
In science year 3 have been learning about forces. This week we investigated magnets and their uses. Year 3 really enjoyed the practical element of the lesson and improving their use of scientific language.
Learning in Year 4
Last week our school community came together to celebrate the feast day of our patron saint, St Cuthbert Mayne. The children enjoyed stepping away from their usual timetable to immerse themselves in learning more about his life and witness to the faith. Throughout the day, Year 4 explored how St Cuthbert Mayne lived out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, showing courage, perseverance, and a deep commitment to God’s work. His example inspired thoughtful discussions about what it means to live faithfully and serve others. Year 4 took a deeper dive into the principle of The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers. We reflected on how St Cuthbert Mayne spread the Gospel and carried out God’s work, even at great personal cost. Linking this to our own lives, we considered how we are all called to use our gifts responsibly, to work with integrity, and to stand up for what is right. The day was filled with joy, curiosity, and reverence as we celebrated not only the life of St Cuthbert Mayne but also the values that continue to guide our school community.
Christmas Decoration Competition
The standard of the children’s Christmas decorations was amazing! It made it very hard to choose the winners from each class. Mrs. Scarisbrick, our Art Lead, helped with the judging! Well done to everyone who took part and especially to our winners.
Reception – Alma
Year 1 – Jeremiah
Year 2 - Beatrice
Year 3 – Olive
Year 4 – Poppy
Year 5 James
Year 6 Acen
Reporting Absences
When you report your child’s absence to the office, please could we ask you to be specific about the reason for their absence. For example, rather than just saying “they are really ill”. Please say the symptoms/illness e.g. chicken pox, a high temperature, etc. This helps us to see if there are particular illnesses spreading and consider if there is more we can do in school, e.g. increased handwashing.
Attendance
Our current average attendance is 94.4% and today’s attendance was 95.7%. Can we improve this before the end of the term?
Recruitment of Staff
We are always looking to appoint high-quality staff, would you be interested in finding out more about roles available in school now or in the future? If you would, please contact the school office to book an appointment to see Mrs. O’Donovan to discuss opportunities.
Online Safety
Everyday devices make life easier, but they can also pose hidden risks if not used safely. This week’s Wake up Wednesday guide shares simple steps to prevent overheating, fires and other hazards, helping parents and educators spot warning signs and model safer habits for young people.
Important dates
Wednesday 10th December - 9.30am EYFS and KS1 Nativity in Church
Thursday 11th December - 2pm EYFS and KS1 Nativity in Church
Friday 12th December - Whole school pantomime in hall
Tuesday 16th December - CYE Christmas Assembly 9.30am
Tuesday 16th December - 2pm KS2 Christmas Advent Service
Wednesday 17th December - 6pm KS2 Christmas Advent Service
Thursday 18th December - 10am End of Term Mass
Thursday 18th December - Christmas lunch and jumper day
Friday 19th December - School finishes at 12pm
Friends of St. Cuthbert Mayne – Dates for your diaries
Interested in teaching?
Are you or someone you know interested in a change of career or have a passion for teaching? If the answer is yes, The Xavier Teach South East Hub have several events coming up with opportunities to find out more about teacher training. You can find out more on their website: www.teachsoutheast.co.uk or if you feel you just want to apply, there is a fast track application here.
