Welcome to our St Mary's Weekly Newsletter!
Let us Pray- Gweddiwn
Sunday of the Word of God- 26th January
The Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (this Sunday) is the 'Sunday of the Word of God' - a day, instituted by Pope Francis on the Feast of Saint Jerome in 2019, devoted to the celebration and study of Sacred Scripture.
Jubilee Year 2025
“For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope.” Pope Francis
Our YEAR OF JUBILEE Launch day- Friday 24th January 2025
A big thank you to Mrs Hall's class for leading assembly today and for launching the Jubilee Year at St Mary's. It was great to see the hall awash with the 4 colours representing the 4 corners of the world. We shared lots of ways we can be pilgrims of hope by carrying out small actions and acts of kindness and hope this year. Each class created 'Holy Doors' to decorate of school hall doors, reminding us that as we come in and out of our school hall and sacred space, we are reminded to share love and hope with all we meet.
Please complete a questionnaire if you haven't already done so. We have had 77 responses so far!
At St. Mary's, we are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for every child in our care. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are seeking your feedback to help us evaluate our current provision and identify areas where we can grow and evolve.
Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our school, ensuring we meet the needs of all pupils and maintain high standards in every area. Please click on the link to complete a short questionnaire. This questionnaire should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and help us on our journey of continuous improvement. LINK TO QUESTIONNAIRE
FEEDBACK FROM PARENT QUESTIONNAIRES SO FAR...
Diolch o galon to all families who have already taken the time to complete the parent questionnaire. So far, there has been so much wonderful feedback which we are very grateful to hear. Thank you so much for your unwavering support.
If any parents are unsure of any school events coming up, these are always advertised in the weekly newsletter, via Seesaw, and are highlighted in the school calendar. To subscribe to the calendar please click on the LINK here.
We offer an open-door policy and encourage parents to raise any worries or concerns at the earliest convenience. We will always to our best to offer our support to resolve any questions or issues raised. Please talk to your child's class teacher if you wish to have any additional updates on your child's progress or development, in addition what is provided during the planned parents' evenings. Any questions, please just ask,
Parent Testimonials- final opportunity this week
As part of our continuous cycle of development and improvement, we are looking to update the parent testimonial section of our school website. In this section, we have on display a number of statements provided by our parents. Please click on link to view LINK
Thank you to the parents who have already provided a testimonial. It is very much appreciated. If you have a few moments and are willing to provide a short statement to help us continue to promote and celebrate our school on the website, please email the school at mailbox@stmarys-wxm-pri.wrexham.sch.uk Please state how you would like us to display your name. Many thanks for your continued support.
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Attendance Matters
Please note school starts 08:55 and finishes at 15:15.
St Mary's Attendance Race 2024-25
Please remember that children should not worry about having to stay off school if they are poorly. 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.
Foundation Phase winners this week are:-
Dosbarth Pengwiniaid with 99.2%
Dosbarth Palodau- 98.1% Dosbarth Parotiaid- 95.4%- Dosbarth Pengwiniad-99.2%- Dosbarth Robin Goch- 94.4% Dosbarth Tylluanod- 92.1% Dosbarth Dryw-98.9%
Key Stage 2 winners this week are :-
Dosbarth Gwenfro with 99.7%- YAY! Winners again this week!
Dosbarth Clywedog-97.3% Dosbarth Conwy- 91.3% Dosbarth Alyn-94.7% Dosbarth Gwenfro-99.7% Dosbarth Dyfrdwy- 97.3% Dosbarth Gwaun- 95.3%
WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE TARGET- 96%
THIS WEEK'S WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE -96% AMAZING!!!! WE'VE HIT THE TARGET AGAIN-WELL DONE EVERYONE!
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
Please be aware that there is no cover in the school office between these hours:-
08:30-09:00 (mornings)
11:45-13:15 (lunchtimes)
15:10-15:20 (afternoons)
School Dinner orders
Nursery & Reception-Cora is going to her friend's house for a sleepover.
Years 1 & 2-Elliot went to Ty mawr and saw the pigs, Noah went to Ty Mawr and was throwing stones in the river, Alice lost a tooth, Oliver and Jacob went bowling, Joanna went to a birthday party, Lucja and Jan went to Ty Mawr, Yemi has been to Nissi’s house. Sasha enjoyed his time at Lego Land, Owen bought a lizard toy from the zoo, Hallie went to play at Nancy’s house, Freya’s daddy had a birthday and he was 37, Kiki is excited for her birthday, Nancy is having a sleepover at her Nanny’s house, Lennon is going camping for his dad’s birthday. Loura went to watch Sonic 3 in the cinema, Willow went to Manchester and had a great time in Archie's, Max J's Mum has gone to Poland to see her family. Reid is going on holiday, Harri and Alfie are going on holiday with their cousins, Luka is going to Haven, Sammy is going to Maks’ new house, Zofia has been learning new tricks in gymnastics and got a sticker. Hunter passed wave 6, Elliot went bowling, Elena and Neave have moved up in gymnastics, Nikola is excited to go to the Zoo and Zera is starting art lessons. Anaisha is very excited that her Grandparents are coming to see her from India. Willow has passed her level 4 skiing ready for her holiday to Italy and Zaneta is going to a birthday party.
Years 3 &4-Thea was awarded the Development Squad Gymnast of the Year trophy. Congratulations, Thea. Dylan has moved into Sharks Plus, George went to Lilly and Jacob’s Christening on Sunday, Franek’s brother, John is joining our nursery, Arthur and Paulina went to see Sonic in the cinema, Akain went to Cheshire Oaks with his family, Mitchell went with his dad to see Mufasa. It’s Alfie Jay’s brother’s birthday on the 20th)and they had a family meal to celebrate, Madison had multiple dance awards and Arianna is changing swimming lessons. Alice has a new puppy. Amelia has passed wave 6, Dorian has been to a trampoline park on the weekend, Jaden has been playing football with his friends on the weekend and William is going to the park this weekend with his family. Tommy is starting guitar lessons and George passed Wave 5.
Year 5 & 6-Sophie is finding out what part she has in her show this week, Annabelle is starting horse riding soon, Noah played his first rugby match for a while last weekend, he very much enjoyed it! Daniel’s Great Grandma is turning 98 on Saturday. Lois’ cousin Isla is coming to Open Day and will be starting in our Nursery in September. Dylan scored a hattrick on the weekend at this football match - da iawn.
Please email school/ Seesaw class teachers to share good news for our weekly newsletter. Thank you.
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.
Keeping everyone safe- Covid 19
Local Authority advice remains that all children and staff who are displaying symptoms of illness or testing positive on an LFT or PCR test should not come to school and continue to isolate.
In addition to the 3 classic symptoms of a cough, high temperature and loss of taste or smell, we are noticing that many children who are testing positive are also displaying some of the following symptoms :- vomiting, headaches, runny nose, sore throat (symptoms similar to the common cold)
Thank you for your support and understanding.
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Credits:
Created with images by phonlamaiphoto - "Gold star trophy" • Maya Kruchancova - "cupcake with sparkler on old wooden background" • Irina Schmidt - "Adoralbe little toddler girl with rainbow and heart painted with colorful window color during pandemic coronavirus quarantine. Child painting rainbows around the world with the words Let's all be well"