Newsletter 18 13/01/23

This week at Sacred Heart…

It has been lovely to see all of the children settle back into the new term and we look forward to what is to come across the spring term. The beginning of the term has seen the pupils begin their new topics for the term. I have had the privilege of seeing some of the outcomes of children’s learning – having had the pleasure of seeing some super writing from Year 2 pupils. Since the beginning of the term, we have also seen a resumption of swimming lessons with Year 5 participating in this important aspect of the PE curriculum. A new range of early-morning and after-school clubs have also begun. A busy start to the term!

We look forward to resuming our Class Assemblies this half term – with Year 5 St Michael Class pupils preparing to lead our collective worship on Thursday 26th January. Parents/carers are welcome to join us. Unfortunately, we have had to postpone our Class Assembly for Year 5 St Gabriel Class, which was scheduled for 19th January, due to unforeseen circumstances. St Gabriel Class Assembly will be rescheduled for later this term and details will be shared with parents/carers in due course.

As you will be well aware, all public services are experiencing higher than usual rates of staff absence, and this is having some impact at Sacred Heart like all other schools. As a result, there will be times when classes have to be taught by different teachers and although this is not desirable, it is unavoidable. I would like to thank you for your understanding and support with this. Our aim will continue to be to operate as best we can and maintain familiarity and consistency in every Year Group to maximise the children’s learning. Your support in following governmental guidance relating to keeping children at home if they feel unwell and have a fever, amid high levels of flu, COVID-19 and scarlet fever, will help in this respect also. Thank you for your on-going support.

God bless,

Mrs Mullally

• 15th Jan - Closing date for applications to be submitted for Reception Class places

• 18th Jan - Local Governing Body Meeting at 6.00pm

• 19th Jan - POSTPONED - St Gabriel Class Share a Prayer Assembly – NEW DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

• 22th Jan - Reception Class (start Sept 2023) closing date for additional paperwork to school (SIFs and Baptism Certificates)

• 26th Jan - St Michael Class Share a Prayer Assembly – 9.00am in school hall – parents/carers welcome

• 2nd Feb - St Clare Class Share a Prayer Assembly – 9.00am in school hall – parents/carers welcome

• 8th Feb - Final swimming lesson for Year 5 St Gabriel

• 9th Feb - St Francis Class Share a Prayer Assembly – 9.00am in school hall – parents/carers welcome

• 10th Feb - Nursery Application closing date for Easter start pupils

• 13th Feb - 17th Feb - HALF TERM

• 20th Feb - INSET Day – Non-Pupil Day - NO CHILDREN IN SCHOOL

• 21st Feb - Children return to school

Please find some important information below for parents/carers about Scarlet Fever and Group A Strep

https://livewellsouthend.com/kb5/southendonsea/directory/advice.page?id=RpoMs020AgA

The application period for our next Reception Classes for September 2023 (for children born between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019) is open. Applications must be submitted to Southend Borough Council online at www.southend.gov.uk/admissions by 15th January 2023. You must also complete our Supplementary Information Form (SIF). The SIF form can be obtained from the school website, under ‘Admissions’. The Supplementary Information Form, along with a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate (if applicable) is to be returned to the school office by 22nd January 2023.

Regular attendance at school is vital for children to thrive. Missing school can have a significant effect on education with children missing key learning and having gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Wherever possible, please ensure your child is attending school every day! We like to reward positive attendance and currently have weekly and termly attendance rewards.