Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been quiet a week in school and only a 4-day week as we have an INSET day on Friday. Whilst you are enjoying family time, the Learning Support Assistants are joining other LSAs from across the Xavier Trust to have training on behaviour, whilst the teachers plan for a new approach to lunchtimes. With support from The Friends and grant applications, we are planning to overhaul how we organise, resource and staff the playground for the summer term – with a zoned approach for different activities rather than age groups. We have carried out research into resources and equipment to make lunch times more engaging, cater for more interests and increase the opportunities for positive play. We have made some minor changes over the past 2 weeks and have already noticed a reduction in the amount of accidents and first aid, engaged, busy children and more positive interactions and play.
Last night Year 5 & 6 played in netball matches against Parkmead. Year 6 had a great win, with the final score 15-2. Year 5 lost 6-3 against a team with great defence.
Next Friday, The Friends have organised a Film Night for Reception and KS1 children. Tickets need to be purchased by 18th March - see the poster below for more details. They are also excited to announce an online Mother’s Day Raffle with some fantastic prizes to be won! Tickets are £1 each, with the draw taking place on Friday, 28th March (just in time for Mother’s Day on the 30th). Please find posters with more details towards the end of the newsletter. Link to Galabid:
https://app.galabid.com/mothersdayraffle2025
Thank you to those of you who have followed the school on Instagram. Do follow us if you use this social media platform!
saint_cuthbert_mayne
God bless,
Mrs. Amy O’Donovan
Head of School
Collective Worship
Last Sunday’s Gospel from Luke was about Jesus’ temptation in the dessert. We thought about the times we have been tempted to make the wrong choice or do something we know isn’t right. Sometimes those moments happen very quickly and we do not always remember to turn to God to help us to stay on the right path. We need to be strong like Jesus and learn from his example of resilience, his strength of character and courage to stand up for what is right. We also learnt a new word: Metanoia – a change of heart and turning back to God – the focus of Lent.
Photography competition
Three children from Year 3 have organised a springtime photo competition for the children in school. If your child would like to take part, they need to take a photo of flowers. This could be a bunch of flowers indoors, flowers in the garden or in nature. Entries need to be in by next Friday 21st March – this can either be with a printed photo or email the photo into the office. We look forward to receiving your entries.
Online Safety
Wearable technology:
More and more children are being given technology that can be worn, e.g. smartwatches and whilst there can be benefits, the risks aren’t always apparent. This article from Internet Matters explores wearable technology for children and gives advice on:
You can find the article HERE.
Please remember that smartwatches should not be worn to school, as detailed in our uniform policy.
For Parents of under 5's
As more and more younger children get access to their own or borrowed tablets, it's important to make sure these devices are set up correctly and children are using age-appropriate apps/games. Internet Matters have a great set of resources for parents of these younger children which you can find HERE.
Wake Up Wednesday
This week’s Wake Up Wednesday focusses on Roblox. This is something that we often hear children in school talking about.
Whilst they can be a great way for friends to socialise, online games like Roblox that allow multiplayer game play with strangers are always fraught with a variety of dangers that can expose children to inappropriate or harmful content. Roblox enables people to play anonymously, which can often be something that attracts people to misuse the game and potentially put young people at risk of harm.
In addition to interacting with random strangers across the world, other factors such as in-game purchases and potential scams can also pose a financial risk. It’s important that parents and educators remain aware of the risks associated with this popular title and how it can be used safely. This free guide offers parents and educators expert advice on what can be done to ensure that young people have a safe and enjoyable experience with Roblox.
Volunteers
We would love to have some parents/grandparents help with reading in school. To volunteer, you will need to be committed to coming into school regularly, undertake a DBS and safeguarding training. Please contact the office if you can offer support with this.
Parking
Points to remember please:
I know that a parent talked to the PCSO about having a walking bus. If anyone would like to volunteer to organise that - please get in contact with Mrs O’Donovan via the School Office. She would love to hear from you!
Sessions for families with children who have additional needs at Sayers Croft
Sayers Croft are offering 3 stay and play sessions for families with children with additional needs. The activities are aimed at children aged 5-13 but younger or older siblings are welcome to come along too. A rough activity outline is:
Tuesday 18th of March 16:30-18:30 - Woodland Ropes Course, Caving and Maze
Sunday 23rd of March 10:00 - 12:00 - Shelter Building and Pond Dipping
Monday 31st March 16:30-18:30 - Rock Climbing, Caving and Bug Hunting
Please note these activities are provisional. Participants can request other activities, and we'll do our best to accommodate children's choices.
The session takes place on their beautiful site and is delivered by 2 experienced instructors. Please book one ticket for each FAMILY attending. There will be a chance to tell Sayers Croft about individuals on the following page. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Kit List: The sessions will be entirely outdoors, so please be prepared for that!
These days are delivered by Sayers Croft and funded by the Surrey Short Breaks Team. By booking you agree to your child taking part in activities run by the Sayers Croft Trust, under the supervision of properly trained staff. Should the need arise, Sayers Croft staff will administer first aid and seek medical advice or emergency treatment for your child.
If you would like to contact Sayers Croft to discuss a day, please call 01483 275541 or email trust@sayers-croft.org.uk. More information can also be found here@ https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/action-stations-send-children-activity-session-surrey-short-breaks-team-tickets-1262812509209?aff=oddtdtcreator
