Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to the new school year. It was great to see so many smiling faces this week as we greeted children and parents back to school.
We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead and to working with you all.
Please do remember we are always here to listen and help; if you have any questions, would like support and advice, or just a chat, come and find us on the playground or call into the front office.
You are always welcome to join us on a Friday morning for our school masses - these take place in the chapel each week at 9:00am.
Class assemblies take place on either a Wednesday morning (KS2) or Thursday morning (Rec & KS1) starting at 9:00am. Click here for Mass & Assembly Dates
We will send you regular updates and reminders of events taking place and they can also be found here -
Click here to see our planned Workshops for Parents
Click here for the School Events List More dates will be added throughout the year
With blessing and prayers
Miss Doherty xx
Click here to read the Religion Newsletter from Ten:Ten
Click Blue buttons below to see highlights from each year group.
Our Parish - St Margaret's and All Saints
Here is a link to St Margaret's and All Saints Parish Website where you will find the latest copies of the Parish Newsletter and other information such as Mass times and events. There is a Live Stream for all Masses at the Main Church, and if you would like to watch School Masses at the Convent Chapel they are also Live Streamed. Here are the links -
St Margaret's Church Live Stream Convent Chapel Live Stream (School Masses - Friday am)
Reminders
Timings - please remember that school starts at 8:50am each day. Gates will close at 8:55am. The school day finishes at 3:20pm each day. Session times for Pre-school and Nursery are 8:30-11:30am and 12:20-3:20pm.
Uniform - children are able to wear light blue polo shirts that do not have the school logo. We encourage pupils to have a jumper with the school logo. We have a stock of jumpers that are in very good condition that have been donated from past pupils. If you would like a recycled school jumper, please see the office staff. Pupils can wear any brand of grey trousers, shorts or skirts. Girls can also wear trousers if they prefer. Any brand of Summer dress can also be worn in the warmer weather -these need to be blue & white. Black shoes must be worn each day.
PE Kits - children can wear any dark shorts or bottoms for PE. They can wear a plain white top or a t-shirt with the school logo. Any brand of plimsolls or trainers can be worn for PE. Football kits are not allowed for PE lessons.
Online Safety - it is essential that you monitor your child's use of the internet including apps on their phones. There are times when children are on platforms such as Snapchat, WhatsApp and others, when children can be exposed to inappropriate language and behaviour. You should ensure that your child knows who they are talking to/communicating with. Our advice would be to not use apps that are not age appropriate.
Click here to access some useful information about online safety.
Smart Watches are not permitted in school. Some watches have the facility to take photos and videos. We are unable to check all watches, but we need to ensure that all pupils and staff are kept safe. The easiest way to ensure the safety of all, is to not allow any smart watches in school so that inappropriate recording can't take place. This includes Fitbits and other devices.
Road Safety - Please do not park on the zig-zag lines at the zebra crossings, or on the double yellow lines around the entrances to the school. These parking restrictions are in place to keep everyone safe. Please also be mindful or parking on the curbs/pavements. The pavement is very narrow and these need to be kept clear for those who are walking.
Wrap Around Care - If you would like details of our Breakfast Club (7:45am until start of school day) or 6 O'Clock Club (3:20-6pm) please contact the school office between 8am and 4pm for prices and information.
SchoolPing
Please remember to download the SchoolPing app. This will be the main form of communication from the school. If you don't use the app, all messages will be sent directly to your email address. So please make sure we have your up to date details. If you need any help with setting up, please come and see the office staff.
Blessed Sacrament Procession
A new school year is upon us and with that comes our annual Mission Week.
We welcome the Blessed Sacrament to St Helen's for 2 weeks in which all children, parents and staff can adore. It is an excellent opportunity to seek God's guidance through the presence of Jesus. Fr John explained during our whole school mass that it is our job to use this time to make our hearts strong. Everyone has a responsibility to make the world a better place and we can start this here through seeking help through prayer.
Positive Behaviour Management
As part of our ongoing reflection and strive for excellence we continue to follow a Positive Behaviour Policy. We are developing children's independence and encouraging them to take ownership of their behaviour. We take all forms of negative behaviours seriously, including bullying and any form of discrimination. If you wish to talk about any issues, please do see your child's class teacher or a member of SLT, to talk through your concerns. We work with parents to ensure all pupils feel happy and safe at school.
Behaviour blueprint 2023.pdfZones of Regulation
We use Zones of Regulation across the school, to help pupils identify their feelings and find strategies to help them regulate their emotions.
Copy of 1. zones-of-regulation-powerpoint.pdf