The Advent season truly got underway this week as our youngest children in Nursery and Reception recounted the Christmas story with an array of charming songs. With all the usual unpredictability that comes with the combination of  performances and young children, they sang beautifully and looked delightful. I am sure that parents and families were given a warm glow when seeing one of their child's first  public performances of the Nativity.

Next week, we look forward to Years 1 and 2 performing their own version of the most famous story, whilst Juniors prepare for our church services in the last week. At this time next week, we will be gearing up for our Christmas Fayre that will be taking place after school, from 5pm to 8pm, and we hope that you can join us.

All of these preparations reinforce the message of Advent being a time of getting ready for Jesus with the constant reminder to be more like Him, showing love, care and understanding for others. It was lovely to hear in Celebration Assembly this morning of the kindness shown by some 'Star' children towards others and, in particular, of the extra steps that Emily (Year 6) and family have been doing outside of school to raise money for those in greater need. 

In a related way, our SVP Hungry Cupboard is doing the rounds, stopping at a different classroom each week. This week, St Brigid in Year 3, the class most populated with our Mini Vinnies group, have done an excellent job of bringing in a range of food items for the SVP charity.

Looking ahead, I received some information about City Day this week, an anniversary celebration of  Southend receiving city status. On Saturday March 1st, we could, if we wish, hold a celebratory community event and receive some funding towards its organisation. Follow this link for more information and please let me know of any ideas you have of how we might mark the day.

Wishing you a safe weekend in the stormy weather.

Mr Beazeley

• 09/12/24 – KS1 Nativity in the school hall at 2.00pm

• 10/12/24 – KS1 Nativity in the school hall at 9.30am

• 10/12/24 – Chocolate Workshop – Year 4 9.00am to 1.00pm

• 13/12/24 – Christmas Fayre – from 5.00pm to 8.00pm

• 17/12/24 – Christmas Dinner Day

• 18/12/24 – KS2 Christmas Service – 1.45pm

• 18/12/24 – KS2 Christmas Service – 6.30pm

• 20/12/24 – Last day of term

• 23/12/24 to 3/1/25 – CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

• 6/1/25 – INSET DAY

• 7/1/25 – CHILDREN RETURN TO SCHOOL

• 07/01/25 – New Nursery children first day

• 09/01/25 – Sports Hall Athletics at Garons – Years 5&6 selected team

• 10/01/25 – Sports Hall Athletics at Garons – Years 3&4 selected team 

Here is our new dinner menu. starting this half-term.  Please note that Soya has recently been added as an allergen to some of our dishes.

Our Amazon Wishlist is live!! The idea is that friends and family of the school can donate directly to the school library. We’ll still accept preloved copies from home that you may also wish to donate. The selection of books are chosen by the staff as texts that may benefit the pupil's reading comprehension, engagement with the curriculum and foster an interest in reading. The current list is reflective of this and will update as and when donations come through.  The link to our Wishlist is here.

A big thank you to those that have bought books for the school, we truly appreciate it.

The Christmas season has started with our EYFS Nativity, with lots of wonderful songs and actions. Well done to the children and adults who prepared them for this wonderful nativity.

Year 2 cooking - Trying different flavours on crumpets and hot chocolate...

...and making carrot cakes

Year 3 have been learning about arrays this week and how they show multiplications. Use this link to learn more about arrays at home.

Year 1 enjoyed a sunny trip to the beach, with a hot chocolate treat...

...and last week our Eco-councillors went to the beach today to litter pick in our local community.

Here are our stars of the week who have represented our core values well through their actions of responsibility, achievement, compassion, equality, faith and respect. 

LOST PROPERTY

Please can all parents check their child’s clothes -  All items should be clearly labelled and your child needs to ensure they can identify their own property.  Staff are wasting too much time searching for children’s clothing and dealing with frustrated parents.

Thank you for your co-operation.

We would like to remind all our families using breakfast club of the importance of booking in advance.  We have noticed an increase of children not booking in advance and this effects our staffing ratio.

Breakfast club bookings also includes the tea club (£9 per session) - again all bookings must be booked and paid for in advance.  Failure to pay will result in the child not being able to attend future sessions.

All bookings must be made at the beginning of each week so we can ensure we have enough staff available.  Priority will be given to children who have booked in advance and those who have not booked may not be able to stay.

If you need assistance making a booking please email annemariedriscoll@sacredheart.southend.sch.uk

We would like to remind all our families that we are a nut free school to protect some of our pupils/staff and therefore request that no items of food containing nuts are brought in.  We have noticed an increasing number of children bringing in snacks and spreads containing nuts ie cereal bars, chocolate spread etc.  We hope you all understand the importance that some of our community have epi pens for their allergies and we need to ensure their safety at all times.  Thank you for your co-operation.

Please follow the link to the Ten Ten collective Worship Newsletter this month www.tentenresources.co.uk/prayers-for-home/parent-newsletter/