Summer Term
Welcome to the shortest term in history. 19 teaching days. To say this is a whistle stop tour of the first Summer Term is an understatement. However, there has been much to celebrate.
Y1 & Y2 celebrated the Glorious Easter Assembly with us to remind us that "We are an Easter People & Alleluia is our song!" Saint Pope John Paul II
Miss Bullock & Miss Thomas have began the Transition meetings with Archbishop McGrath RC High School for our Y6 pupils. Transition Day is July 1st. Please be reminded there is a parent meeting at 4pm the same day at ABMcG.
Nursery, Reception & Y1 had a visit from Mrs Morris, who has become a Bee Keeper in her retirement. It was fabulous to have Mrs Morris back with us, and in true Mrs Morris style there was dressing up and a story!
Y3 to Y6 took a walk to the Town Hall to see the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. A great time was had by all!
Some of our Y5 & Y6 boys took part in Apollo's Rugby Tournament, and were great ambassadors for our school.
Y2 to Y6 had a visit from the RLNI, to remind us of the importance of keeping safe whilst at the beach.
Y5 & Y6 were the talk of the town on VE Day, they entertained the people of the valley with a musical treat at the Town Hall. They even signed We'll meet again". We are very proud of you all. Diolch yn fawr Miss Bullock!
We are a Catholic Family learning together
Pope Leo XIV
The Catholic Church has just elected a new Pope — Pope Leo XIV. This is a special time for us and Catholics all around the world, as Pope Leo is the leader of our global Catholic community.
Our new Pope Leo XIV, is 267th in the line of popes that stretch back to Saint Peter. Saint Peter is called the first Pope, as he was chosen by Jesus to guide His followers and to be the rock – the solid foundation – on which the Church would be built.
His mission helps to unite our global Church family. All around the world, in parish communities and parish schools like ours, people continue the work of Jesus by using their talents and doing what they can to help others through service, charity, and prayer.
The Pope’s role is to help millions of Catholics carry out this mission. This isn’t always easy, as the Church is made up of millions of people, from different cultures and with different experiences. That’s why the Pope needs the help of the Holy Spirit, his cardinals, bishops, priests, and us too, through our actions and our prayers.
Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV
Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to your shepherd a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter and vicar of Christ, build your Church into a sacrament of unity, love, and peace for all the world. Amen.
Mass Times on Saturday evening / Sunday
Fr Paul welcomes you all to Mass. He would love to meet you and discuss anything with you. If you would like to have your child Baptised, please speak to Fr Paul. You could call to the Presbytery or the Church Number is 01656 733282.
We know how busy life can be, I always find it handy knowing the time of Masses around our area. Here is a list of Churches near by and the time of Sunday Mass.
Our Lady's & St Patrick's RC Church. Maesteg Sunday 11am & 5pm
St Robert's RC Church. Aberkenfig Sunday 9am
St Mary's RC Church. Bridgend Saturday 6pm Sunday 11am & 6pm
St Joseph's RC Church. Port Talbot Saturday 6pm Sunday 10am
Contact details
Please make sure we have the most up to date contact details for your child, including any allergies, medical issues or anything we need to know to support your child's needs.
Handle with Care
If your children needs a gentle approach any day, please text 'Handle with care' to either the school messaging service or on Class Dojo. You do not have to tell us anymore than 'Handle with care'. We will know that your child will need extra time, patience or help.
If you would like to discuss anything with your child's class teacher, please can I ask you to make an appointment or send them a message on Class Dojo. When you are dropping off or when we are seeing children home at the end of the day, it is not the best time to discuss important information about your child.
School Day
School begins at 8:55 am - Doors open at 8:45am. School day ends at 3pm for Nursery pupils, 3.15pm for rest of the school.
Drop off & Pick up arrangements:
• Breakfast Club – the main gate to the yard is the entry point – Doors are open between 8.15am and 8.30am.
• Staff will be on the doors from 8.45am to ensure the children, unaccompanied, go in safely.
(The hall door must remain closed as it as a Fire Exit)
Bus children are accompanied by staff, and they come in as soon as they arrive.
If you are on the yard with your child, Please, do not send your children in at this time.
Doors are open from 8.45am for children to come in to class, to complete morning activities, ready to begin their day at 8.55am.
Nursery pupils come in to school via the Main Reception Gates, where they are greeted by staff, this is from 8.45am.
If you access the school from the Church steps, Commercial street, the Main Reception gates are open from 8.45am for children to come into classes.
The main gate and the Reception door will be maned by staff to ensure safe entry for children.
This will be the same for pick-up
Nursery - 3pm - Main Reception Gate
Reception to Year 6 – 3.15pm - Yard
If your child/ren are to meet you at the Main Reception gate or at the bottom of the Church steps, a member of staff will always let them out of the door.
If you want your child/ren to walk home or there are any other arrangements at the end of the day, please speak to myself, Mrs James or the Class teacher please.
Please can I ask you to be very mindful of parking and DO NOT park in the Church grounds. We all have the safety of our children at heart.
Dates for the year ahead
- 24th May - 1st June - Half Term
- 2nd June - Return to School - Summer 2
- 4th - 6th June - Y6 Residential PGL
- 17th June - Governors Meeting 5pm
- 19th June - Sports Afternoon - Nursery to Y2
- 20th June - Sports Afternoon - Y3 to Y6
- 1st July - Y6 Transition Day ABMcG - school day / Parents Meeting 4pm at ABMcG
- 18th July - End of Academic Year 24-25
- 21st July - INSET Day
INSET Days;
- 2nd September 24
- 11th Novemeber 24
- 20th December 24
- 13th January 25
- 21st February 25
- 21st July 25
Jesuit Pupil Profile
Compassionate & Loving
Pupils are growing to be;
Compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by their just actions and forgiving words.
At STMP we will help our pupils grow;
By being compassionate and loving in the way pupils are treated, especially when a pupil is in trouble; and by opening pupils’ eyes to those who suffer poverty, injustice or violence.
"The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely. Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, in a mountain trail, in a dewdrop, in a poor person’s face. The ideal is not only to pass from the exterior to the interior to discover the action of God in the soul, but also to discover God in all things."
Pope Francis, Laudato Si' (2015) n.223
School Uniform
Please can I ask that you make every effort to ensure your child wears correct uniform.
NO jewellery should be worn. If earrings must be worn, they must be studs. Only one pair of studs are to be worn. If they can not be taken out on PE days, please can you send in plasters that can cover the earrings for the session.
Please can long hair be tied back.
These rules are in place for the health and safety of all our children. I am sure that you will support us in tightening up on these rules.
At a meeting with Mrs Howells - Headteacher of Archbishop McGrath. We spoke about transition and the issues unique to our school, STMP.
Uniform is a big issue. We have been very relaxed since Covid regarding uniform, however, I would not be helping our pupils to grow if I ignore the concerns of Mr Howells.
After the Easter holidays I will expect All Year 5 & Year 6 pupils to be in full school uniform.
Blue or white polo shirts / Blue jumpers or cardigans.
Black or grey school trousers / Black or grey school skirts.
Black School shoes
I appreciate that we are at the middle of the academic year and you may not be buying school uniform, however, I ask if you having to buy new uniform, please can you ensure that the uniform is correct.
If you have spoken to me regarding uniform, I have made a note of this and will not be sending letters home.
Thank you to the parents whose children are always in full school uniform, across the school.
In July, I will send out an update on school uniform and the expectations for all classes, for the academic year 2025-2026.
Late comers
Late comers - We have many pupils arriving late for school. This is picked up on registers by our Education Welfare Officer and reported to BCBC and Welsh Government.
Please can I ask you to ensure your child is in school before 8.55am. We open the doors at 8.45am for children to come in and settle in before the day begins. Staff set activities and children are ready to begin their day at 8.55am.
If your child would benefit from Breakfast club, please speak to Mrs James and complete a form. Emma, our cook is wonderful and welcomes all our children.
Attendance and punctuality
Please can I remind you of the school times;
8.55am until 3.15pm - Reception to Year 6.
This is a legal requirement of children attending school, above the age of 5.
Our attendance is tracked on a 3 week basis, by BCBC. Letters will be issued if your child is persistently late in the morning or collected early at the end of the day.
The Governors of STMP have permitted 10 days authorised holidays. Please ensure you complete a holiday form.
I thank you for your support in working with us to improve our attendance.
School officially begins at 8.55am. Please inform Mrs James of any absences before 10am in the morning of the first day. This can be done by text or phone call. If you need to collect your child early for any reason, please ring the office to explain.
The Monster Phonics Approach
Monster Phonics is an enhanced systematic synthetic phonics scheme. It teaches phonics in a comprehensive structured progression but provides additional multi-sensory support to make learning more memorable and engaging. It uses colour coding and monster sound cues to support learning when children encounter long vowels, silent letters, and tricky letters. This additional support is used consistently and then cleverly phased out, creating confident independent readers. And, it’s not just about the colours; the monsters themselves each represent a sound which brings phonics to life. This creates engagement, and speeds up the learning process for everyone.
In the Summer Term, we will host Family workshops, so we can share the teaching and ways in which you can support your child.
Credits:
Created with images by Pixel-Shot - "Frame made of beautiful flowers on color background" • ungvar - "Christians symbols Holy communion on wooden table in church wine in the church during the communion" • photosaint - "dandelion flower seeds fly away from the base of the flower" • Bits and Splits - "Astronomical Clock on Prague Old Town Square" • Golib Tolibov - "A bouquet of fresh spring flowers and May monthly calendar. Mothers day marked on the May calendar. View from above. Close-up view of paper calendar on yellow background" • komthong wongsangiam - "inscription on the cubes of the world, 2025 new year concept " • Angelov - "Child girl with book and bag breaking through yellow paper wall. Happy smiling kid go back to school, kindergarten. Success, motivation, winner, genius concept. Little kid dreaming to be superhero" • Odua Images - "School supplies on blackboard background" • matpit73 - "Inspirational life quote with phrase "If you have the power to make someone happy, do it. The world needs more of that." with mountain background retro style. "