Welcome to our St Mary's Weekly Newsletter!
Let us Pray- Gweddiwn
Jubilee Year 2025
“For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope.” Pope Francis
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Lent 2025- Palm Sunday
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week, which leads us to the wonderful feast of Easter. On Palm Sunday, we remember how Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey. People were so happy to see Him that they laid palm branches and cloaks on the road, shouting “Hosanna!” – a joyful word that means "praise" or “save us.”
Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus is a King of peace and love, not of power or riches. It is a beautiful opportunity for us to think about how we welcome Jesus into our own lives.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for being our King and friend. Help us to welcome you with joy in our hearts, and to share your love with others each day.
Amen.
Easter Triduum
The Easter Triduum (also called the Sacred Triduum or Paschal Triduum) is the most solemn period of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church. It spans three days, beginning the evening of Holy (Maundy) Thursday (17th April) and ending the evening of Easter Sunday (20th April). As part of our Religious Education, Values and Ethics curriculum and our class and whole school liturgy and prayer, the children have all been learning about this sacred period in the liturgical calendar, and have been encouraged to take part in the services in their parishes during Holy Week, wherever possible. Please see the Diocesan website for times of Masses and services. Link to website
Staff Big Lent Walk- 10 miles Sunday 6th April
Last Sunday Mrs Jones, Mrs Gillett, Mrs Wilkinson, Mrs Worsnip (& Murphy the dog), Miss Edwards, Miss Green, Mrs Hayward and her daughter Evie and I walked 10 miles to support the CAFOD Big Lent Walk. The weather was perfect; the sun was shining and the birds were singing, and we all thoroughly enjoyed taking in the breath-taking views of our local area along the Llangollen canal from Pontcysyllte Aquaduct to the Western Rhyn and back again. It was a wonderful event for all involved, and a great opportunity to show solidarity, faith, and a shared spirit of giving this Lent.
If you haven't done so already, please share this link with your family and friends, and consider sponsoring us to raise money for CAFOD. Thank you for your wonderful support- So far £415 raised (at the time of publishing) AMAZING!!
Stations of the Cross
This morning, our whole school came together to pray the Stations of the Cross. It was a quiet, emotive and thoughtful time for everyone as we reflected on Jesus’ journey to the cross and the great love He showed for us all. The children were amazing. da iawn pawb. A very special reflection at this most sacred time of year.
On Wednesday, Years 5 and 6 invited parents to take part in a special interactive and reflective version of the Stations of the Cross. Through creative displays, prayers, and thoughtful reflections, they helped bring each station to life in a meaningful way. Thank you to our older pupils for helping us all to enter more deeply into this important time of year.
As we continue through Holy Week, we keep the message of Jesus’ love and sacrifice in our hearts.
Cyber Steward Easter Challenge
CLICK ON THE LINK HERE NOT THE POSTER
Eco- 'Swap not Shop'
Yesterday, our Eco team hosted a highly successful Swap Not Shop event, and it was a hit with everyone involved! The children had a fantastic time swapping books, toys, and games, creating a fun and lively atmosphere. Instead of shopping for new items, they embraced the eco-friendly concept by exchanging gently used goods, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. It was a day full of excitement and learning the importance of reusing and recycling. Birthday girl Joanna was especially delighted with her new toy! Overall, it was a wonderful celebration of eco-friendly fun! Thank you so much for providing such high quality items too! Da iawn pawb!
DANCEATHON AND EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA!
What a fantastic time we’ve had this week celebrating Easter as a school community!
Today, we held our whole school Easter Danceathon – and what an amazing day it was! Every class got moving and grooving to their favourite tunes, dancing their socks off to raise money for our school funds. A huge thank you to everyone who donated and supported us – your generosity makes a big difference!
As well as dancing, we had lots of Easter fun throughout the week, including a delicious bake sale, exciting Easter egg hunts, Egg & Spoon races and plenty of smiles and laughter all around.
Thank you to all our staff, families, and pupils who made it such a joyful celebration. Wishing everyone a very happy, Holy, peaceful and restful Easter break! 🌸🌼🐰
Please see Seesaw and our Social Media platforms for photos of the fun-filled day!
PLEASE CLICK THE link TO THE SPONSOR FORM - DIOCH!
Criw Cymraeg- Non- negotiables
We are progressing well towards achieving the next level of the Cymraeg Campus award. However, in order to help us further, the Criw Cymraeg are setting some 'NON NEGOTIABLE' language patterns to use instead of speaking in English. The NON- NEGOTIABLE this week is:-
Wedi gorffen- I'm finished
Parents can also help our efforts at school by using these patterns at home, by the school gate and with your friends and families. Diolch for your continued support!
Friends' news
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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 Parotiaid with 95.2%
Dosbarth Palodau- 87.5% Dosbarth Parotiaid- 95.2%- Dosbarth Pengwiniad-94.3%- Dosbarth Robin Goch- 93.3% Dosbarth Tylluanod- 94.3% Dosbarth Dryw-90.7%
Key Stage 2 winners this week are :-
Dosbarth Alyn & Dyfrdwy with 99%
Dosbarth Clywedog-95.7% Dosbarth Conwy- 95.2% Dosbarth Alyn-99% Dosbarth Gwenfro-93.1% Dosbarth Dyfrdwy- 99% Dosbarth Gwaun- 93.8%
WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE TARGET- 96%
THIS WEEK'S WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE -94% - below our target again this week! Hopefully this will increase after the holidays!
Forthcoming events and dates for your diary
Last day of term today!
Back to School- Monday 28th April
Friday 2nd May- Crowing Mary Assembly
Monday 5th May- Bank Holiday- No School
Thursday 8th May- Shared Reception & Year 4 family Mass
Tuesday 13th May- Years 3 & 4 Sports Day- 10am / Years 5 & 6 Sports day 13:30
Thursday 15th May- Early Years' Sports Day- 10am / Years 1 & 2 Sports day 13:30
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 Dinners- please remember to pre-order meals at home each day
Nursery & Reception-Mila-Grace had a fun party at Park Hall farm with her friends. They loved the pig race and the soft play. Mila Grace is going to swimming lessons for the first time and Valentina goes swimming every Tuesday. Emily has made her Rainbow promise and Elodie made her Rainbow promise, Chloe went to the Fair and Susie went to the park with Nana Marie.
Years 1 & 2-Jacob received a medal in taekwondo tiger Olympics. Isabella to watch the new Minecraft film. Freya lost a tooth at the weekend. Nancy went to the caravan at the weekend. Danny went swimming. Lennon went to watch some motorbikes in Brymbo. Yemi went to a trampoline park and it was so cool! He also bought a water gun and squirted water at his big brother Nathan. Alice is going to Liverpool at the weekend and is going to stay in a hotel. Elliot is going to the dentist. Noah went shopping for his Daddy’s birthday. Oliver went to watch the Minecraft film and saw Isabella. Nelly had an exam in Delta and she received two marshmallows.Tom is going swimming soon.Elliot is going to Greece.Kharis got a new car.Hunter got a trophy for scoring 11 goals.Nikola is going to Gran Canaria.Zera is going to a birthday party.Seth went to the Wrexham football game with his Dad and had a lovely day.Lily Rose made her Brownie Promise on Thursday. Joanna is having a princess party.Ameya went to Banana Bens at the weekend. Anwen is going up Snowdon on the train.Neave is entering a gymnastics competition next week, Olivia is going glamping and Ines went to the beach over the weekend
Years 3 &4-Amelia has passed all the waves in swimming. She is moving onto swim challenges. William is going away for the night and is staying in a hotel. Matti is going on holiday to Morocco, Maria is going to holiday to Poland., Blossom has a new dog called Simba. Melanie has been to the circus. Lily has completed the highest award in Beavers,Nicolas won 2 silvers and a gold in a tae kwando competition.Madison’s mum won a medal in Morris dancing.David learned how to ride a bike.Lilianna is going to AirHop with some Delta friends, Zuzanna saw seals at the beach.Jack and Veronika went to watch Wrexham FC and Ariana is going to family class in Tae Kwando. Benjamin played football against Rene on Sunday. They both received Man of the Match- well done boys. Dylan won three medals for his backstroke, front crawl and breaststroke in swimming. Da iawn, Dylan! Scarlett has a new dog called Simba. Artur, George, Julian, Paulina and Zion went to the cinema to see Minecraft in 3D.Franek went to a wedding, Artur, Abigail and Tony went to the cinema to see Minecraft. Clara went to Wrexham Street Market. Rupert is going to stay with his aunty in Liverpool for a week.Paulina is going to Poland. Szymon is moving house. Florence went to a carboot sale and to the circus. Artur, Benj, Rene and Tony went to Xplore with Cubs. Julian went to the RAC Museum. Andy has signed to Borras Park Albion FC. Thea came second in her gymnastics competition.
Year 5 & 6-Isabella and Pati won trophies in their dance competitions and Daniel went to the cinema with his mum and sister. Joia and Rozalia are going to a fencing competition in Liverpool on the weekend, Olivia celebrated her birthday with Vanessa and Joia in Alton Towers last weekend, Bianca’s Dad and Sabina are getting married, Hanna completed wave 7
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.
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.
Credits:
Created with images by paul - "Christmas concept: Crucifixion Of Jesus Christ Cross At Sunset" • Robert - "dancing kids, happy kids, little bullies, hip-hop kids, breakdance kids" • 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"