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
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is based on the life and words of Jesus Christ, who came "to bring glad tidings to the poor...liberty to captives...recovery of sight to the poor" (Luke 4:18-19). It helps us to learn what the Church has to say about social issues and the way in which we can live out our faith within society. These teachings are rooted in Scripture and especially in the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels.
In our assembly time, our School Council children are helping us to learn about how the Catholic Social Teaching principles can guide us in our lives in school, at home and in the wider community. They have already introduced us to Luc the Deer who represents Human Dignity and this week, they introduced us to Chikondi the Giraffe who teaches us to think of everyone and work for the Common Good. Diolch to Mrs Robertson and School Council for a fun-filled and informative assembly today!
This video is a wonderful and very simple way to introduce the Catholic Social Teachings to children. Perhaps you may like to watch it with your children at home. Please click on the LINK here.
January 2025
Thank you to all the parents/carers who took the time to complete the recent Parent Questionnaire. We are delighted to share your very positive feedback below.
We are listening. Here's our response to some parent suggestions raised…
How can I learn about my child’s progress in school?
- Please be aware that there are 3 planned parents’ evenings to share your child’s learning and progress with you. Beyond these meetings, we operate an open-door policy, where parents can speak to class teachers in order to gain an update on your child’s progress or answer any other questions/ queries. Seesaw is also used to provide an insight into your child’s learning on a daily/ weekly basis
How does school communicate with parents in a clear and timely manner?
- The school uses a range of means to communicate clearly and regularly with all parents and carers
- Please ensure you have signed up to your child’s Seesaw account for daily updates/ communication about class activities and school events. Often events will be pinned to your child’s account. It’s a good idea for both parents to join Seesaw, particularly if both parents work
- The Headteacher prepares a comprehensive digital weekly newsletter where school based/ class events and activities are publicised in advance
- The school calendar is displayed on the school website. Please sign up to the calendar via the link on the website. This will help all parents plan for events and activities in advance
How does school seek my views and consider my feedback?
- Feedback forms are often used after events but this is something we need to do more often
- Parent questionnaires are usually sent out annually and we will ensure that this happens at least once a year
- We operate an open-door policy, where parents and carers views and suggestions matter. Please do take up the opportunity to speak to a member of staff if you have an idea or a worry or concern. First of all please speak to your child’s teacher and after that, if you have not received a satisfactory solution, Mrs Robertson (FP), Mrs Gillett (KS 2), Mrs Jones (Assistant Headteacher) and Mrs Acton (Headteacher) will always make time to speak with you. It is so important to us that we listen to what you have to say and work to resolve any issues together. We are here to work in partnership with you all
Children's Mental Health Week
This year's theme-'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself'
3rd -7th February
Criw Cymraeg- 'Patrwm Yr Wythnos'- Pattern of the Week
Friends of St Mary's Newsletter
The Friends of St Mary's work so hard to support our school family by organising fun activities and events for our children, and by raising a tremendous amount of money to supplement the very limited school budget. They have created a wonderful newsletter to celebrate and share there amazing efforts and to encourage more people to help out and join the team!
Please click on the LINK to read the first edition of the Friends' newsletter.
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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 Robin Goch with 98.5%
Dosbarth Palodau- 95.2% Dosbarth Parotiaid- 91.2%- Dosbarth Pengwiniad-92.5%- Dosbarth Robin Goch- 98.5% Dosbarth Tylluanod- 96.1% Dosbarth Dryw-91.1%
Key Stage 2 winners this week are :-
Dosbarth Gwenfro with 97.8%- YAY! Winners again this week!
Dosbarth Clywedog-93.7% Dosbarth Conwy- 89% Dosbarth Alyn-97% Dosbarth Gwenfro-97.8% Dosbarth Dyfrdwy- 97% Dosbarth Gwaun- 95.9%
WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE TARGET- 96%
THIS WEEK'S WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE -94.6% sadly we've not reached our target this week.
Forthcoming events and dates for your diary
3rd- 7th February- Children's Mental Health Week- Dress in your colour mood on Friday 7th February
Thursday 13th February- Shared Family Mass at the cathedral- Years 1, 2 and 5- 10am
Weds 19th February- Primary School Chess Competition
Thursday 20th February- End of Term School Discos/ Own Clothes Day
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-Maja, Cora has made chocolate cup cakes with her mummy, Harrison is looking forward to his birthday party and is very excited
Years 1 & 2-Jacob is learning taekwondo. Owen went to Grandad’s house. Michael went to the cinema to watch Sonic. Lucja had a sleepover at Sasha’s house. Nelly went to the cinema to watch Wicked. Elliot went to Ty Pawb. Hallie went to Nancy’s house. Joanna went to a birthday party. Lennon has a new Fortnite. Yemi went to Nissi’s house. Alice went to Hallie’s birthday party. Hallie went to Nancy’s house and watched Wicked. Kiki’s dad has a new sofa. Isabella went to Hallie’s birthday party too. Noah went to Hallie’s house too. Dewi went to the library and saw Floppy,Zayden won the star of the session in Taekwondo, Harri was man of the match., Alfie has started swimming lessons
Years 3 &4-Clara went to see Neck Deep in Manchester, Andy is going to watch City Vs Bruge., Thea won gymnast of the year, George has moved to Wave 6 in swimming, Mitchell is going to Harry Potter Studios. Tommy is going to learn Oasis on the guitar., Veronika is starting gymnastics., Emilia moved to wave 5., Madison was chosen as leader in Morris dancing., Mateusz’ uncle and cousin are coming over from Poland, Rene is going to watch the Chinese New Year parade in Manchester and Florence went roller-skating.
Year 5 & 6-Hanna celebrated her birthday and received a phone., Rozalia is getting new parrots, Hanna celebrated her birthday and received a phone, Sophie starts rehearsals for her show
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.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @stmaryswxm
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"