Welcome to our St Mary's Weekly Newsletter!
Let us pray...
Gweddiwn...
We are learning to pray the Hail Mary in Welsh - Click on the link to pray yn Gymraeg
Year 6 Retreat- Friday 14th July
Next Friday, we will be taking our Year 6 children to the cathedral hall for a day of retreat and reflection. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us all to reflect on the time we have shared in St Mary's, discuss our hopes, dreams and concerns and to look forward to the new path ahead. Fr Nicholas will join us for some of the time to lead us in prayer. Children may wear their own clothes to school on this day and will not need to bring any lunch. A pizza lunch will be provided by school as a special treat! (Please remember to cancel any school meals that may have been ordered.)
Getting ready for September
Important Reminders- Hairstyles and school shoes (uniform)
I have spoken with a number of parents recently regarding some pupils' extreme hair cuts. Shaven head hairstyles and extreme fade haircuts are NOT permitted in St Mary's. Please do not allow your child to have these haircuts going forwards to comply with our strict uniform and presentation code. Similarly, a number of children have been wearing black trainers to school. Trainers are NOT part of our school uniform therefore, from September, all children must wear black school shoes and not trainers please. Thank you for your understanding.
School Uniform- High Standards
Please read carefully before purchasing new items for September. Diolch
PLEASE NOTE:- PUPILS IN FOUNDATION PHASE DO NOT NEED A PENCIL CASE
Annual Progress Reports to Parents
On Friday 14th July, all children will be receiving their annual progress report from their class teacher, together with their attendance record for the year and any national assessment results (Years 2-6). A link will be sent to parents to comment on your child's report. Please do take this opportunity, wherever possible.
On Monday 17th July, between 3:30 and 5 pm, teachers will be available in school should you wish to discuss any aspect of your child's report.
FANTASTIC NEWS! WE'VE ACHIEVED THE BRONZE RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOL AWARD!
The School Council and Super Ambassadors have worked hard over the year working towards achieving the bronze: rights committed award. We completed questionnaires and held some rights days and activities throughout the year. We have also completed an action plan to help us move towards achieving silver. We have lots of exciting ideas ready for next September! Diolch to Mrs Robertson for all her hard work!
Pupil Voice- Friday Tuck Shop
Well done to our Pupil Voice groups for organising a weekly tuck shop to continue to raise funds to buy new PE and outdoor benches and tables.
Please see items below that we are raising funds for. PE benches cost £220 each (we need 4-6 new benches), picnic tables cost £475 each (we would like 3 more) and outdoor benches cost £ 316 each (we would like 3 more.)
Please note school starts 08:55 and finishes at 15:15.
From September, please DO NOT book routine appointments or holidays within term-time. The governors of St Mary's will not authorise holidays taken within term-time.
Please support us to ensure all children are in school on time to receive their education as long as they are fit and well to do so.
Following the WCBC policy, arrivals after 09:15 when the registers close, should be marked as an absence.
St Mary's Attendance Race
Our Whole School Attendance target is 96%
Our whole school attendance figure is 95.8% Brilliant!!
Foundation Phase- Winners are ...Penguins with 99%
Puffins-89.2% Parrots-94% Penguins-99%
Robins-94% Owls-96.1% Wrens-93.3%
Key Stage 2- Winners are ...Dyfrdwy with 99.6%
Clywedog-90.6% Conwy-96.3% Alyn-96.9%
Dovey-94.6% Gwenfro-99.3% Dyfrdwy-99.6% Gwaun-99.3%
Children should only attend school if they are fit and well enough to do so. Routine appointments, holidays during term-time, days off for birthdays however, are not valid reasons to stay off school.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding with this very important matter.
ATTENDANCE RACE LEADER BOARD UPDATE
THE FOUNDATION PHASE WINNERS SO FAR...
Penguins
KEY STAGE 2 WINNERS SO FAR...
Conwy & Gwenfro
Today, our Owls led an amazing whole school assembly where they shared their learning about Wrexham and their ambitions for the future. It was so lovely to see how much they had learned throughout the year! Their singing even brought a tear to our eyes- gorgeous!
Parents are welcome to join us to watch the assembly in the Junior hall at 2:30. We look forward to seeing you all!
Free School Meals- Are you eligible?
May I remind all families who are eligible for free school meals to make an application via the link ‘Free school meals | Wrexham County Borough Council. This will not only provide your child with a daily free meal in school but will also allow parents the opportunity to apply for a Pupil Development Grant (PDG) | Wrexham County Borough Council to help with the cost of uniforms, resources, equipment and devices etc. By making your application, school will also receive the correct amount of funding from Welsh Government.
Please note:-
Your child is eligible to receive free school meals if you or your child receive the following...
• Income Support (IS)*
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)*
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Income-related Employment Support Allowance (IR)
• Child Tax Credit - providing you’re not entitled to Working Tax Credit with an annual total income below the HMRC set limit
• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you are working you must be earning less than £7,400 per year (£616.67 per month) to qualify for free school meal
From September 1st, all Reception children in Wrexham can have a free school meal as part of the WG universal offer. However, if you are in receipt of the above benefits, please remember to make an application via the links above as well to ensure access to the PDG and to enable school to receive the additional funding.
I urge all families to take up this wonderful universal offer. Diolch
School Dinner orders
Please ensure that school dinners are pre-ordered at home. Teachers should not be ordering meals in school, as previously advised by WCBC. Thank you
Criw Cymraeg's Brawddeg Yr Wythnos
The Criw Cymraeg’s ‘Patrwm yr Wythnos’ (Phrase of the week) this week is: Ga i help os gwelwch yn dda? Can I have help please?
See VIDEO LINK
Makaton Signs of the Week is classroom
Click on the LINK
Good news!
2 weeks
Early Years-Noah made his squirrel scout promise last night. He got a certificate and some badges and he is going to have a hoodie for Granny to sew his badges on to it.
Year 1 & 2-Abigail has her silver award in Rainbows, Vanessa is going camping, Florence is going camping, Florence and Bella Rose and Boe & Madison had a surprise play date, Mitchell enjoyed performing in Annie, it's been Akain's mum's birthday, Kordian is going to Poland, Melvin is going back to Chester on holiday and Benjamin has earned his bronze chief scout award. George D has achieved his yellow stripe belt in Tae Kwondo, Franek and Mitchell performed in a play with Annie Jnr with Wrexham TheatreTrainin Theatr Clwyd. Julian was player of the match, Abigail had 4 badges this week but is leaving Rainbows next week, Paulina is going to Polans soon, Andy won lots of challenges in Spain, Alfie-Jay earned yellow belt in Tae Kwondo and Scarlett earned an award in Gymnastics. Nazif was start of the week in Tae Kwondo and has just received his yellow strip belt and Amelia W had a certificate in gymnastics. Evelyn passed her test in gymnastics, Daniel is strating karate, Nazif had another certificate in TaeKwondo, David is going to Portugal for his parents' wedding and Zoja has a new bed.
Years 3 and 4- Ivy is going camping, Henri's football team has sponsored by Olly Palmer Wxm AFC player, Sophie and Alexandra performed in We will Rock you in the Stiwt last week, Fabian S has been Go-Karting, Zuzanna has a new tablet, Sabrinah performed in Annie last week and Theo has raised £10 to buy school benches making elastic band balls. Julia M moved up to a higher level dance class and is going to see F1 at Silverstone, Niamh passed her diving test at swimming and Martha moved up to Wave 2. Sabrinah is going camping, Ella is getting a hamster, Theo has moved to Wave 6 and Noah is going to the Dominican Republic. Aiden celebrated his brother's birthday this week, Olivia is starting horse riding, Owen is exited for his birthday and is on countdown- only 1 month and 22 days to go! Max is excited for his upcoming holiday to Florida.
Year 5-Violet is getting rabbits very soon, Kourtney's mum has had her birthday, Rhema's brother has had his birthday and Maya and Nicole had a sleepover. Zoe went to a fantastic concert at the Wiliam aston Hall and Mateusz's brother passed his driving test.
Year 6-Jaslen has passed Grade 1 piano, Natalia is having a birthday party, Astrid is in Bugsy Malone next week, Phoebe has moved up to silver in swimming club, Noah's aunt is coming over Spain, Ella is going to Indonesia to see her family and Mathew has an art competition in London
Year 6s had a wonderful time in Cardiff last weekend. They were very well-behaved, polite and lots of fun to be with! We all had a thoroughly enjoyable time! Thank you to Mr O'Toole, Mrs Sinclair, Mrs Hall and Mrs Gillett for giving up their weekend to take part in this memorable trip! Diolch o galon
WCBC SCHOOL TERM DATES
Local Support for Families
At this difficult time of austerity, please see some information about local services that are available to provide support to families in need.
Please contact school if you find yourself in a difficult situation and need some help/ support to signpost you to an appropriate service. Your requests will be handled in confidence and with sensitivity. Diolch. Mrs Acton.
If you need help from our foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow. THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO GET A FOODBANK VOUCHER.
In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.
1. GET IN TOUCH WITH US.
If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.
2. ARRANGE A VISIT TO THE REFERRAL AGENCY.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.
If you can’t afford food, you can call 0808 2082138 (freephone) to speak to a trained and independent Citizens Advice agent (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm). Please note this number is for people who do not have enough money for food – if you are a local organisation or charity that works with people who might need the food bank, please contact us directly.
Alternatively, please call 0300 330 1178 to speak to Wrexham’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau, who will be able to issue you with a food bank voucher if necessary.
3. BRING YOUR FOODBANK VOUCHER TO YOUR NEAREST FOODBANK CENTRE.
You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll also discuss any dietary needs you may have and exchange your foodbank voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food. We’ll also help to support you in any other ways that we can. Most of our foodbank centres offer a cafe style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.
If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call.
Yellow and blue (YaB group ltd) is a social enterprise non profit project. Underpinning community projects including positive pathways, food provision and social isolation beating events and activities. With a digital vision within the community - we aim to support vulnerable groups whilst creating a vibrant, supportive and uplifting experience. Creating moments, chances and smiles when people need it most.
Please get in touch by emailing:- info@yellowandblue.org
Pupil Development Grant
The Welsh Government funded Pupil Development Grant is available to help towards the costs of a child’s school uniform and equipment, for those on a low income. Any child eligible for free school meals in the year groups listed below are eligible. However, those receiving free school meals due to transitional protection arrangement would not be eligible.
Depending on the school year your child will be entering in September 2021 you could receive a grant of £125 or £200. Link
Anyone eligible for free school meals and in the following year groups will qualify for the grant: Entering reception class in primary school, Entering school years 1 to 11, In a special school, special needs resource base or pupil referral unit and are aged 4 to 15.For any looked after children of compulsory school age who are not receiving free school meals, please email uniformgrant@wrexham.gov.uk for an application form.
Welsh Courses for Parents
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer in school?
Here at St Mary’s we are very keen to involve parents, grandparents and family members in the life of the school. We are always looking for volunteers to help out a wide range of activities such as school trips and walking the children to sporting events. We are also very happy to invite volunteers to share special skills, interests or experiences to enhance the children’s opportunities or provision e.g. gardening, sewing, sharing job skills/ experiences etc.
If you would like to be involved in any volunteer work for the school, please click on the link and complete and return the forms attached.https://stmarys-wxm.co.uk/about-us/forms/volunteer-form-2/
Please note:- All volunteers will be subject to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance. Thank you
Many thanks.
Welsh Government Announcement
Physical punishment of children is now illegal in Wales. Children have the same protection from assault as adults. This is to protect children and their rights. To find out more visit: http://gov.wales/EndPhysicalPunishment
Support the Friends of St Mary’s
to raise much needed funds for the benefit of all our children Friends of St. Mary’s School are now registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 4,000 shops and sites will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself!
These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to us, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.
Do it today- Sign up by clicking on the link below
Please encourage your family and friends to do the same.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @stmaryswxm
Credits:
Created with images by YesPhotographers - "Bare feet footprints on sand. Walking on beach" • Evgeniy Kalinovskiy - "small schoolchildren with colorful school bags and backpacks run to school. Back to school, education, elementary school." • Artur - "Handwriting text Do Not Forget Motivational Call. Concept meaning Remember Keep in mind Reminder Schedule" • phonlamaiphoto - "Gold star trophy" • Kenishirotie - "Checklist on clipboard" • WavebreakmediaMicro - "Children having lunch during break time in school cafeteria" • coco - "fleur de jonquille sur fond jardin" • gpointstudio - "Teacher during the lesson with the kids" • Maya Kruchancova - "cupcake with sparkler on old wooden background" • Li Ding - "Decoration for the party" • nito - "coffe and news" • Rawpixel.com - "Children Friendship Togetherness Playful Happiness Concept"