Dear Parents and Carers,
The week began with so much joy as a result of children, staff and families seeing the results of our “Glow Up Day” last Sunday. It has really brightened up the space, and the children are enjoying looking at and smelling the plants and flowers. Thank you again to the Friends for organising the event and to everyone who came and helped – it was wonderful to come together as a community.
Year 4 visited Sayers Croft on Monday with Mrs. Newman. The children completed a river study as part of their Geography learning - measuring the depth of the river in different places. They also had the chance to build dens.
Cranleigh Library visited school this week to launch their summer reading challenge with the children. It is free to sign up for the challenge and a great activity to keep up with reading over the summer holidays.
Year 2 led a beautiful class collective worship on Tuesday for the rest of the school and their families. They helped us to focus on the fruits of the Holy Spirit and to think about the impact our fruits can have on others and in making our heart gardens grow! Despite some night before and morning nerves, the children spoke clearly and confidently and felt a real sense of pride in leading the worship. A big thank you to Mrs. Woodhams and Ms. Hallahan for helping the children to prepare for this.
We also welcomed our Reception Class of 2026-27 into school on Tuesday for their Teddy Bear’s picnic – the start of the children’s transition into school. Thank you to the current reception parents for the warm welcome and hospitality shown to the new families.
Year 1 went to Sayers Croft on Thursday, I heard lots of excited stories when some of them returned to school to pick up their siblings – apparently some of them caught fish and tarantulas!
Year 5 enjoyed a wonderful art session with cartoonist Harry Venning this week. The children were totally engrossed and produced some excellent creations of their own. Thank you to Cranleigh Arts Society for funding this fantastic event.
Every year, the Diocese holds a Good Shepherd Celebration. This year, it took place at Worth Abbey. Our Head Boy and Girl and 2 Deputies travelled together with friends from two of the other schools in our hub (St. Thomas of Canterbury and St. Joseph’s in Guildford). Every school was asked to decorate an anchor to symbolize the end of the Jubilee year, and these were presented during the celebration. It was a joyful celebration – helped by the weather as we all enjoyed a picnic afterwards.
While I write this, Year 5 are at Wintershall for the Life of Christ. We will share some photos of their day in next week’s newsletter.
Enjoy the sun but keep cool over the weekend!
God Bless,
Mrs. O’Donovan
Collective Worship
In last Sunday’s Gospel, we heard how Jesus looked at the crowds of people and felt great compassion for them. They were “like sheep without a shepherd” – in need of help, guidance and care.
Jesus reminds His followers that there is so much good work to be done:
“The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few.”
He then chose His twelve disciples and sent them out on a special mission. He gave them the power to help others – to heal the sick, bring peace, and share God’s love. Jesus told them to give freely, just as they have freely received.
This Gospel reminds us that:
Even children can be “missionaries” by being kind, helpful and loving to others at home, at school and in the community.
Family Reflection
As a family, you might like to talk about:
Wake Up Wednesday
Summer is here, and with it come the hottest days of the year. While it’s a great idea to get outdoors and enjoy the sun, prolonged exposure to hot weather can come with a few downsides.
This week’s Wake Up Wednesday has gathered ten pieces of expert advice on how to stay safe in hot weather – helping to ensure children and young people can make the most of the summertime without worrying about their wellbeing.
Next week's forecast is great but hot! Please ensure your child has a water bottle with them in school – we will ensure there is plenty of time to hydrate and fill up bottles. We would recommend they also have a sun hat and sun cream on too.
During breaks and lunch, staff on duty ensure that children have opportunity for a break from the sun. The children do not need to wear ties next week.
Gates in the Morning
Just a reminder that the gates close at 8.50am. If you do not arrive in time to come through the gates, you must take you child into the office and provide a reason for the lateness. There are a lot of traffic lights and road works around at the moment that may cause you to be late on one occasion. Once you are aware of this, you do need to think about leaving a little earlier or finding a different route.
If you arrive as the gates are closing please can children come through quickly – this does mean that KS1 will need to come through alone so that staff can secure the site ready for the school day. Thank you for your support with this.
Our term dates for next year, are on the website. Please make sure that you plan holidays during holiday periods. The October half term is slightly different this year (it is not the Surrey 2 week half term), but you may benefit from being able to get away earlier and coming back earlier as it includes Friday 23rd October and Monday 2nd November. Holidays in term time will not be authorised and will incur a fine.
