Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back! We hope that you all had a blessed Easter and enjoyed time together as families and a chance to relax and slow down the pace over the holidays.
This week began with the sad news of the death of Pope Francis on Monday. As well as exploring the Gospel from Easter Sunday, we reflected upon the Pope’s legacy and how we could continue his work in Collective Worship on Tuesday morning. The children talked about the Pope’s focus on Laudato Si, his preference for the poor and the Jubilee year of Hope. The children have had further opportunities to pray and reflect in their own time with a prayer station in school. The children were very interested in the process of how a new Pope will be chosen over the coming weeks.
The first day of term was an exciting one with the arrival of the guinea pigs and lots of new playground equipment. Thank you again to The Friends for all of their fundraising initiatives that have made this happen for the children. So many members of staff commented on the sense of joy out on the playground on Tuesday and how much laughter there was too! It has been lovely to see different year groups playing together, as well as teamwork, collaboration and problem solving in action! The biggest delight has been the joy and the fun this has brought –especially our first disco Friday!
It was also lovely to see so many children in summer uniform. Unfortunately, there was an error on the school website regarding KS2 uniform (this has now been rectified). Sorry for any confusion this caused. Just to clarify, if children are wearing a cotton collared shirt with buttons, they should still continue to wear a school tie. Children wearing a polo shirt do not need to wear a tie. A reminder that earrings should be small plain, gold or silver studs and children should not be wearing smartwatches to school.
Thank you to those of you who are following the school on Instagram. Do follow us if you use this social media platform!
saint_cuthbert_mayne
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs. Amy O’Donovan
Head of School
Collective Worship
We explored John’s account of Easter in collective worship on Tuesday morning. The children thought about what it must have been like for Mary to discover Jesus’ empty tomb and for Peter and Simon Peter to then hear from Mary that Jesus body was no longer in the tomb. Their responses included “shocked, scared, worried, anxious, curious, full of disbelief.” We thought about how hard it would have been for the disciples to process what happened, even though Jesus had told them all before his death. It is so hard for us as humans to process the power of God.
Online Safety
As technology becomes increasingly embedded in young people’s lives, it’s common for them to form friendships entirely online. These connections can provide companionship and community — but they also bring potential dangers that parents and educators need to be aware of.
From online grooming and privacy breaches to exposure to upsetting content, meeting people on the internet isn’t without risk. This guide explains the possible hazards of online friendships and gives parents and educators essential advice on helping children build safe, positive relationships online.
Mobile Phones
We are in the process of reviewing our policy in relation to children in Year 6 who walk bringing phones into school from September. This is linked to current research including the growing Smartphone Free Childhood Movement, to be in line with our feeder school St. Peter’s and the work Xavier Trust are undertaking as part of our Digital Strategy. We will share this with you as soon as possible.
https://youtu.be/-L58niidJM0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L58niidJM0
https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/take-action
https://www.humanetech.com/youth https://smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk/
https://edexec.co.uk/news-london-schools-ban-smartphones-for-pupils/?cn-reloaded=1
Parking
Points to remember please:
I know that a parent talked to the PCSO about having a walking bus. If anyone would like to volunteer to organise that - please get in contact with Mrs O’Donovan via the School Office. She would love to hear from you!
God bless,
Mrs. Amy O’Donovan
Head of School
