Newsletter January 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have been back in full swing since the start of 2025, with lots going on as usual. We have had our focus weeks for Citizenship focusing on British Values & Gospel Values. Throughout the newsletter you will see more of what the children have been learning in these lessons.

Arbor App - you will have received a letter and PING about the Arbor App. We will gradually be moving over to this App for all communications, payments and updating data. We will begin to trial this in June & July, and fully move to it in September. Please make sure you have downloaded the App, follow the instructions and set up. We will continue to use PING until the end of the school year - July 2025. Here is a copy of the letter for you -

Arbor Letter

Online Safety - please make sure you are checking and monitoring what your child is viewing online as well as what platforms / social media they are using. Often in WhatsApp Group Chats or on Snap Chat, children are exposed to or sharing indecent images - please make sure your child is only accessing sites/platforms suitable to their age group and monitor at all times. Here are some useful links for you -

https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/parents/jessie-and-friends-videos/

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers

https://www.internetmatters.org/

Punctuality is vitally important, children must be in school by 8:50am for the start of the school day. Arriving late causes children to be distressed and regular lateness means missing learning time throughout the week. Try to arrive between 8:30 and 8:45am so that the children can settle before the day starts.

Parking - can I once again remind you to park safely outside of the school away from the zig-zag lines and double yellow lines, so that we can make sure everyone is kept safe.

With best wishes

Miss Doherty

Reminder notices

We will send you regular updates and reminders of events taking place and they can also be found here -

Website Calendar

Assembly & Mass Rota

Click here to see our planned Workshops for Parents

Click here for the School Events List -Check for changes - More dates will be added throughout the year

Religion

Keep up to date with the themes and lessons being taught in RE this month by reading the Ten:Ten Newsletters.

January Parent Newsletter - Religion

February Parent Newsletter - Religion

Our Daily Prayers

The Angelus (said daily at midday)

Useful Information from Newham

Newham Family Hub Network.pdf

Feb Parentspace Parent Training with the Breve Clinic.pdf

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 Nursery are 8:30-11:30am and 12:20-3:20pm. The Pre-school session is 8:30-11:30am .
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.
Family Hub Website - a useful website for families https://families.newham.gov.uk/kb5/newham/directory/family.page?familychannel=1

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)

EYFS

Key Stage 1

Lower Key Stage 2

Upper Key Stage 2

SEND at St Helen's

We have a new SEND Team at St Helen's this year. Miss Bullock is still in the team and working alongside

Mrs Orwell - SENCo, Mrs Cook & Mrs Tisi - Assistant SENCo

Here is our Padlet for useful information and forms. If you have any questions, please see one of the team.

Click here - Information for Parents - SEND Padlet