Embedded Files
Aspiring, nurturing, flourishing;
together shining a light
'God blesses those people who make peace. They will becalled his children.'(Matthew 5:9)
Compassion
Compassion
What an eventful week it has been for our children! In our ongoing exploration of this half term's theme, 'Compassion,' we've been delving into what makes a good neighbour.
We have been considering not just who sits next to us in class but also our neighbours within school, our local community, and the wider community - our world.
As we continue to nurture these values, we're excited about the positive impact our children can make in their immediate surroundings and beyond!
Over the last couple of weeks, our incredible Ethos Council presented two wonderful charities to their classmates - 'Save the Children' and 'Children in Need'. It was heartening to witness our young leaders sharing the importance of supporting our neighbours.
To involve the entire school community in this meaningful decision, each class had the opportunity to cast their vote on which charity they'd like to support for the remainder of this term. The engagement was fantastic, and the votes have been counted!
We are thrilled to announce that 'Save the Children' emerged as the chosen charity for this term. This means that, together, we will embark on a journey to deepen our understanding of the organisation's incredible work and, more importantly, become active agents of positive change.
This week in class-based Collective Worship we spent time exploring the key aims of 'Save the Children' and praying for their work.
Thank you for encouraging our children to be compassionate and socially responsible individuals. We look forward to the collective impact we can make in supporting 'Save the Children.' Further information on how we will support this charity will be presented over the coming weeks. In the meantime, please rewatch this clip with your children.
Save the Children.mp4Remembrance
This week we joined together to commemorate Remembrance. Miss Paxton orchestrated a moving Collective Worship, guiding our students through an exploration of the reasons behind the act of remembrance and the symbolic significance of wearing a poppy.
During Friday's Collective Worship, we took time to emphasise the importance of the upcoming weekend, reminding the children of the solemnity it holds. This was marked by a respectful two-minute silence, providing our students with an opportunity to reflect. As a tangible symbol of remembrance, each child was presented with a poppy with a touching poem written inside,
'I have a little poppy,
As red as red can be,
To show that I remember,
Those who fought to make me free.'
This aimed to instill the significance of honouring the memory of those who served with courage and dedication. In addition to the collective observances, classes provided a nurturing environment for our pupils to engage in thoughtful discussions at an age-appropriate level.
On Armistice Day, Lilly and Oscar, in Year 6, demonstrated tremendous poise and reverence as they took on the responsibility of reading names recorded on the War Memorial. Their participation truly exemplified the values of our school community. They were joined by James, Lucy, and William.
On Remembrance Sunday, lots of our children actively participated in the parade, joining their fellow scouting groups walking from the RC Church of Our Lady to St. Mary's Church. Following the procession, a meaningful Remembrance Service was held in the Churchyard near the war memorial.
Together, we stood united in acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who have paved the way for the freedoms we hold dear.
Shining a light on...
Shining a light on...
House Points for this week
House Points so far this term
Effort & Progress in Learning Certificates
Congratulations to the children below who received a special certificate on Friday for 'Effort and Progress in Learning'.
Reception - Reggie
Year 1 - Orla
Year 2 - Harry B
Year 3 - Lilly G
Year 4 - Johnnie
Year 5 - Kalina
Year 6 - Oscar
All the children that received certificates will be celebrating with Mrs Maxwell over a hot chocolate and marshmallows on Monday this week.
Above & Beyond
The children below attended Above and Beyond time on Friday. Children are awarded these special stickers for consistently following our school rules (Respect, Ready, Reflect) and our school values.
This week's children that attended Above and Beyond time -
Aavani, Louis, Isabella, Lucy, Harper, Kaiden, Harry B, Dillon, Cian, Iris, Jeremy, Suri, Florence, Anabelle, Tom, Marly, Dolly, Amelie, Issy, Gianna, Sebastian, Saskia, Lottie, Kezia, Emaan, Henning, Sam, Jamie G and Liam.
Reception
Over the last couple of weeks, the Reception class has been bustling with activity. Completing their engaging topic, 'Marvellous Me,' our little ones embarked on a creative journey, constructing a 3D map encompassing our local areas, including Rickmansworth and Harefield. The children meticulously drew maps and pictures of their homes, which were then added to our expansive 3D map. We were thrilled to extend a warm invitation to parents, encouraging them to partake in this celebration of our collective work.
This week, the Reception class embarked on an exciting adventure to Odds Farm, immersing themselves in a day of exploration and discovery. They also delved into the significance of Remembrance, collectively creating a picture adorned with poppies, a symbol of respect and gratitude.
These experiences not only foster creativity and curiosity but also reinforce the sense of community within our school.
Diwali
This week, we were honoured to have Aaryan's mum join us for a special talk about Diwali, the festival of light, where we had the opportunity to learn more about the significance of this radiant celebration and its cultural and spiritual importance. Aaryan's mum also helped our children understand why there will be fireworks over the next five days as part of Diwali celebrations.
These moments of shared understanding and cultural exchange are truly enriching for our school community. We appreciate the active involvement of our parents in contributing to the diverse tapestry of experiences that make our school so unique.
Thank you, Mrs Nair for shining a light on the beauty of Diwali with us.
If you would like to spend some time discussing Diwali with your children, Newsround offers a comprehensive resource with engaging text and video clips - https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/15451833.amp
Freya
We are thrilled to share a heartwarming story of kindness from our very own Freya. After dedicating considerable time to growing her hair, she has made the selfless decision to have it cut and donate it to the Little Princess Trust.
The Little Princess Trust is a remarkable organization that provides free real hair wigs to children and young people, up to 24 years old, who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other conditions. Freya's act of compassion will undoubtedly make a significant impact on someone's life.
If you would like to support Freya in her charitable endeavour, you can visit her JustGiving page by clicking here.
Your contributions will go a long way in making a positive difference. Let's rally behind Freya as she embodies the spirit of giving and compassion in our school community.
James
James is a member of Rockwatch junior Geologist club. He went on a field trip to Dorset in the summer and won first prize for his detailed Field note book. He then entered their Rockwatch competition, writing about the fossils and erosion he observed on his family holiday to Budleigh Salterton along the Jurassic coast. He didn’t win but his work has been showcased in their video. Being a part of Rockwatch is an incredible opportunity for any child fascinated by the Earth, fossils, and all things geological. James's journey is a testament to the enriching experiences this club offers, fostering a love for learning and exploration.
Congratulations, James, on your well-deserved recognition, and thank you for inspiring us with your geological adventures!
Information
Information
Anti-Bullying Week
Our annual Anti-Bullying Week begins on Monday 13th November and our theme is ‘One Kind Word’. This is an opportunity to spotlight bullying and consider the steps we can take together to stop it. At St Mary’s we will consider the ways we can all stand together to ensure everyone is welcome in St Mary’s. Throughout the week children will take part in a variety of activities linked to anti-bullying and friendship including being in their 'Family Group' on Thursday afternoon.
Children will gather in their groups to listen to 'A wrinkled Heart' by Tracy Hoexter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwxlnHesAtQ. They will create paper hearts with kind words that we would like to hear at St Mary’s.
As a parent or carer, you are a vital piece of the puzzle in tackling bullying. You have a unique role to play in guiding and supporting your child through their school years and there are many positive steps you can take to help keep your child safe from bullying and harm. One of the steps is knowing when to ask for support. The Anti-Bullying Alliance have produced many fantastic resources which can be found here.
We look forward to a fantastic week.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs Crilly
(PSHE Lead)
Reception Admissions - 2024
The primary application process for 2024/25 opens on 1st November 2023 and closes on 15th January 2024. Hertfordshire County Council’s Admissions & Transport Team will be accepting all applications for children born between 01/04/2019 and 31/08/2019.
You must apply online at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions.
Key Dates
Key Dates
There have been some additions and slight changes to the Key Dates eg Years 1 to 3 Disco and Years 4 to 6 Disco. Please take a good look.
Monday 13th to Friday 17th November - children will be involved in a variety of activities for our annual Anti-Bullying Week. Please see information above.
Monday 13th November at 7:30pm - FoSMS meeting at The White Bear
Wednesday 15th November - Year 6 Holocaust workshop in school
Tuesday 21st & Wednesday 22nd November (3.30-6.30pm) - Key Stage Two parent consultations
Tuesday 21st November - Year 3 Ancient Egyptian Day at St Mary's
Thursday 23rd November at 2:15pm - Parent rep meeting
Wednesday 29th November - FoSMS Wreath Night
Thursday 30th November at 9:00am - Parent workshop on the School Development Plan with Mrs Maxwell
Thursday 30th November at 7:30pm - Parent workshop on the School Development Plan with Mrs Maxwell
Friday 1st December - 3:10 - 4:00pm - Year 1 to 3 Disco. NO JD.
Saturday 2nd December - 12noon - 2.00pm - FoSMS Christmas Market
Monday 4th December - Year 2 trip to Maritime Museum
Monday 4th December - afternoon - Reception Nativity Dress Rehearsal (in school event)
Tuesday 5th December - 9:15am - Reception Nativity Performance
Wednesday 6th December - Christmas Jumper Day - raising money for Save the Children
Wednesday 6th December - Christmas Dinner
Wednesday 6th December - morning - KS1 Nativity Dress Rehearsal (in school event)
Thursday 7th December - 2:00pm - KS1 Nativity Performance
Friday 8th December - 9:15am - KS1 Nativity Performance
Friday 8th December - 3:10 - 4:00pm - Years 4 to 6 Disco. No JD
Wednesday 13th December - 2:00 - 4:30pm - Sleeping Beauty Panto at Watersmeet. No JD.
Thursday 14th December - afternoon - Years 3 to 6 dress rehearsal for Christmas Service at St Mary's Church
Thursday 14th December - evening - All children from Years 3 to 6 performing at our Christmas service at St Mary's Church
Tuesday 19th December - 1:10pm - End of Term
Community
Community
Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's Church
2 December – 3 January, 9.30am – 4.30pm
St Mary's Church are delighted to be holding our Christmas Tree Festival again this winter.
They are inviting local groups and companies to come together in these celebrations by participating in their Community Christmas Tree Festival and they hope that we will join them.
'Participants are invited to decorate a tree in whatever style they wish to represent and reflect their organisation and the part it plays in our community. Trees may be real or artificial, large or small and will be displayed in the church and churchyard throughout the festival.
We very much hope you will want to take part and bring goodwill and cheer, not to mention hope and smiles, to our town.
In order to assist us with planning, please confirm your participation by completing the information sheet and returning it to the organisers by Sunday 19 November.'
Sue Hillier & Fran Willett (Christmas Tree Festival Coordinators)
07714 706146 or 07834 385543
https://www.stmarysrickmansworth.org.uk/christmas-tree-festival/
A message from Rickmansworth Fire Station
CRMP Letter 2023.docWe have such an amazing school and are looking at ways to promote ourselves in the wider community. To do this, we will be developing our use of social media. Please like our new Facebook page and any posts that you enjoy.
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