Dear Parents/Carers,

It has been a difficult start back after half-term for our school community, after the sudden loss of our dear friend and colleague Miss Smith.  We wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the kindness, compassion and support you have all shown to our school community.  At what has been an incredibly difficult time, your thoughtful messages and words of comfort have meant more than we can fully express. The care and empathy demonstrated by our families have been a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of our school community.

Many of you have also taken the time to check in with staff and to support your children at home with sensitivity and understanding. This partnership between home and school has been invaluable in helping us provide reassurance and stability for our pupils as we navigate this loss together. Grief affects everyone differently, and we continue to ensure that support is available for both pupils and staff. On behalf of all the staff, thank you again for standing with us and with one another. It is in moments like these that the true spirit of our community shines through.

It has been a busy start back to the term with lots of exciting events at school. Last week, our Key Stage 2 pupils took part in age-appropriate anti-racism workshops designed to support our school’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, respect and equality. During the sessions, children explored what racism is and how it can affect individuals and communities. It emphasised the importance of kindness, empathy and respect for others and what to do if they see or hear racism, including how to report concerns safely.  The workshops encouraged thoughtful discussion and provided a safe space for pupils to ask questions and reflect on how their words and actions can positively impact others. We believe it is important to work in partnership with families on these topics. If your child would like to talk further about what they learned, we encourage open and supportive conversations at home. More information can be found below this message. 

Our Faith Leaders organised our most recent 'Break the Rules Day' to raise funds for the local church and the purchasing of a new crucifix. It was lovely to see the children come together to try to support our local community.  Together the children raised a total of £660.15. 

We were delighted to celebrate World Book Day this week at school with a range of exciting activities designed to promote a love of reading across all year groups. The day began with children and staff coming to school dressed as their favourite book characters. It was wonderful to see such creativity and enthusiasm, with costumes inspired by a wide range of authors and stories.  Throughout the day, pupils took part in a variety of book-themed activities, including an assembly all about the love of reading with Mrs Bennett and Miss Broom, DEAR - Drop Everything And Read, Class shared reading , 3D junk model competition, KS2 BBC Live Lesson,  Pobble Live writing lesson and a Mystery Reader. 

Teachers also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of reading for pleasure and to explore new authors and genres with the children. Each child received a World Book Day token, which can be exchanged for a special World Book Day book or used towards the cost of a book at participating booksellers. Thank you to parents and carers for supporting the day with costumes and helping us celebrate the joy of reading. We hope the excitement continues at home as children share the stories they are enjoying.

Volunteer Parents Needed – Easter Holiday Painting Project 🎨

We’re looking for a small team of volunteer parents to help our caretaker repaint the dining room during the first week of the Easter holidays. If you’re able to spare a few hours (or more!), your support would make a huge difference and help freshen up the space for the children’s return. No professional decorating experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to help! If you’re available and would like to volunteer, please contact the school office at parents@stbernadette.herts.sch.uk so we can coordinate days and times.

Kind regards,

Mrs Lavelle-Murphy & Mrs Reilly