During our Celebration Assembly this Friday, we took a moment to consider the sacrifices made by veterans of so many wars over the years and also prayed for those who have lost their lives in the conflicts which dominate the headlines in Ukraine and the Middle East. Since Armistice day falls on a Saturday this year, we chose to take a minute’s silence during our Assembly. This Sunday our Head Girl and Head Boy will lay a posie at the Cranleigh cenotaph in a Remembrance Service which is preceded by a procession from St Nicolas Church. Other pupils are warmly encouraged to attend and watch the procession and join in with the service at the Cenotaph. I know that many children will be representing Cubs, Brownies and other organisations at the service too.

Having welcomed some newcomers last week, we have another to add to the fold: welcome to Reilly in Year 6!

This Monday saw our first rehearsal for the new School Choir. Mr Ellson lead the children as they practised three carols in preparation for a concert in December at the Baptist church.

Please see the leaflet which came home with your children on Friday regarding the Ukraine Shoebox appeal. More information contained in this newsletter. The deadline is Friday, 17 November.

Next week is Anti-Bullying week - to mark the ocassion children will be encouraged to wear odd socks to school next Friday. More information contained in this newsletter.

There is something of a party atmosphere here as this week’s newsletter goes to print. The children have worn mufti to school today and there have been not one, but two discos to kickstart the weekend in style. Thank you to all The Friends who volunteered to run these fun events which the children so enjoy and raise much appreciated funds for our school. It was going to take more than a power cut to put a stop to the dancing; Bluetooth speaker to the rescue and the show was able to go on! 

God bless,

Thomas Hall, Head of School

I felt unusually self-conscious at the start of this week’s Liturgy. I stood there with my shirt hanging out, looking incredibly scruffy yet boldly asking any children entering the Hall to tuck their shirts in. A few noticed the hypocritical request, the point being that in last week’s Gospel Jesus asks us to be wary of those who do not practice what they preach! He goes on to recommend humility and asks us to follow his example by being servants to all.

God of truth, help us not to be too distracted by what is not important. Help us always to listen to Jesus and to follow him. Amen.

Shoebox Appeal - Please Help Us!

Let us come together and bring joy to the hearts of children in Ukraine who are still facing hardship. The Ukraine Christmas Shoebox Appeal is our opportunity to make a real difference, by filling a shoebox with love, care, and essentials that the children desperately need. In the spirit of giving, we invite you to be a part of this heartwarming initiative. The children of Ukraine have endured more than their fair share of challenges, and your generosity can brighten their holidays. Please grab a show box and get filling with presents, sweets, clothes, games and school supplies – anything that will put a smile back on a face. 

Here’s why you should get involved:

 Spread Joy: Your shoebox can bring smiles and laughter to a child who needs it most.

 Provide Necessities: Warm clothes, school supplies, and basic toiletries can make a world of difference.

 Foster Hope: Show the children of Ukraine that they are not forgotten, and that there is kindness in the world.

A leaflet will be in your child's book bag today.

Every November, schools throughout the United Kingdom take part in Anti-Bullying Week. This is an opportunity to spotlight bullying and consider the steps we can take together to stop it. This week is Anti-Bullying Week 2023 and we will be marking the event with an assembly and our annual Odd Socks Day.

This year, the theme of the Anti-Bullying Week is ‘Make a Noise About Bullying’. We will be discussing what bullying means to us, how banter can turn into something more hurtful and what we can do to stop bullying.

On Friday (17^th November), we will be celebrating Odd Sock day. Odd Socks Day is designed to be fun! It’s an opportunity to encourage children and staff to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes them all unique! All the children have to do, to take part, is wear odd socks to school - it couldn’t be simpler!

As a parent or carer, you are a vital piece of the puzzle in tackling bullying. You have a unique role to play in guiding and supporting your child through their school years and there are many positive steps you can take to help keep your child safe from bullying and harm. One of the steps is knowing when to ask for support and you can access information about this and Anti-Bullying Week using this link.

Positive Parking

We continue to be very grateful to all our parents that park and stride/cycle/walk to school, and to those that park safely and respectfully around the neighbouring roads.

We are aware that some people continue to park on the yellow zig-zag lines outside the school and the church car park. Rule 243 of the Highway Code states that road users must not park near a school entrance; for the safety of all the children at St Cuthbert Mayne, we would ask that all members of our community adhere to this rule and do not park on the yellow zig-zag lines.

We must also ensure that we are polite and respectful to local residents at all times.

Please show your children, by your actions, that positive and respectful parking is a way to show that you care about other pedestrians, neighbours and road users. Be a good role model!

For helpful information about road safety please visit: https://www.think.gov.uk/

SPORTS SHOUT-OUTS

Each week our Sports Captains will be out and about looking for pupils who are excelling during breaktimes and getting active or when representing the school in sports fixtures. Stand-out performers will be the recipients of two house points and their efforts will be recognised in Celebration Assembly.

Classlist

Classlist is the most effective way of staying touch with other parents. Please click this link in order to sign up.

READY - RESPECTFUL - SAFE

This year children have been introduced to three important principles that we follow at St Cuthbert Mayne. Why not start to use the same language at home - we want all our children to be...

This academic year we would like to introduce loose parts play in school for all children to access. 'Loose parts' are things like cardboard boxes, tyres, crates, tarpaulins, wooden planks and plastic guttering. Loose parts give children the opportunity to play in many different ways - anything from making a pirate ship to an assault course or den.? This approach to play will allow children to play freely with friends, investigate, discover, explore and create.  

In order to kick-start this in school, we are politely requesting any donations of the items below. If you have anything that you can spare please leave them in/beside the box labelled ‘Loose parts play’ outside the green gate. 

Mary’s Meals would like to invite you to collect all your foreign currency* no matter how old or obscure.  Clear out your drawers and have a look under the sofa.  Currently, the charity feeds over 2.4 million young children one good meal every day in their place of education – by giving Mary’s Meals your foreign coins and notes, you can help feed the next hungry child.

Mary’s Meals feeds in over 18 countries.  Because of our low costs, we can do this for as little as £19.15 per child per year!  *We will also take UK coins/notes that aren’t legal tender

Donations can be left in the Cranleigh Parish Office, which is outside the SCM green school gates - double white patio doors - on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday mornings.   With thanks from Tracy in the parish office.

Our calendar for the term can be found here. We are beginning to populate this - a slow process initially as we learn to navigate our new website!