St Mary's News
Aspiring, nurturing, flourishing;
together shining a light
Embedded Files
Welcome Back
Welcome Back
Last half term, our school community spent time exploring the value of Trust – what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes the way we live and learn together. Through worship, stories and reflection, children considered how trust is built and strengthened: by being honest, keeping promises and showing that we can be relied upon. They explored how trust helps relationships to grow, supports cooperation and helps our school community feel safe and secure.
We began by asking, “What is trust?” and used Psalm 18:2, “My God is my strength, in whom I trust,” as a starting point for reflection. Children also explored Bible stories that show trust in action – trusting guidance in uncertain situations, being trustworthy, and supporting others. These stories helped children make links between Christian teaching and everyday life, including friendships, family life and learning at school.
Across the half term, children learned that trust is not just a feeling but a choice shown through actions. We ended the half term by beginning to look ahead to Lent, a time for reflection and positive change, encouraging children to think about how trust – in themselves, in others and in God – can guide their choices as we continue to grow together.
Key Dates
Key Dates
There are lots more dates to add to the calendar but we wanted to get these to you as soon as possible to put into your dairies...
Spring Term...
Week 7
Monday 23rd February - Year 2 - Healthy Heroes Workshop
Tuesday 24th February to Thursday 25th February - Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday 25th February - morning - Years 4 & 6 - visiting Neasden Temple
Friday 27th February - whole school watching the M&M Productions - Wizard of Oz
Week 8 - Themed Week - Book Week
Monday 2nd March - 8:45 - 9:15 - Year 1 - Reading with Your Child Week
Monday 2nd March - 2:45 - 3:15 - Reception - Reading with Your Child Week
Monday 2nd March - Three Rivers Council - Student Forum - two children to attend
Tuesday 3rd March - 8:45 - 9:15 - Year 2 - Reading with Your Child Week
Tuesday 3rd March - afterschool - Year 6 Multi Sports Event
Wednesday 4th March - 8:45 - 9:15 - Year 3 - Reading with Your Child Week
Wednesday 4th March - 2:45 - 3:15 - Year 4 - Reading with Your Child Week
Thursday 5th March - World Book Day - dress up as a book character
Thursday 5th March - 8:45 - 9:15 - Year 5 - Reading with Your Child Week
Thursday 5th March - afterschool - Book Sale
Friday 6th March - 8:45 - 9:15 - Year 6 - Reading with Your Child Week
Friday 6th March - afterschool - Big Booky Bake Sale
Week 9
Monday 9th March - afternoon - Year 5 - Mini Police - Parent assembly
Tuesday 10th March - 9:00 - 10:30 - Parent workshop - PINS Project
Sunday 15th March - 9:00 - 12:00 - Years 3 to 6 - Oliver production - Dress rehearsal
Week 10 - Assessment Week
Monday 16th March - afternoon - Years 5 & 6 - K'Nex Challenge in school
Wednesday 18th March - afternoon and evening - Oliver production
Thursday 19th March - afternoon - Oliver production
Thursday 19th March - afterschool - Gymnastics Competition at Rickmansworth School
Friday 20th March - afternoon - KS2 Football Tournament
Friday 20th March - evening - Oliver production
Week 11
Monday 23rd March - Parent Target reports to parents
Monday 23rd March - 12:45 - 13:15 - House singing competition
Monday 23rd March - Year 3 - Healthy Heroes Workshop
Monday 23rd March - afterschool - Easter Eggs and Cakes Sale
Tuesday 24th March - Years 2, 5 & 6 - NSPCC Workshops
Tuesday 24th March - afterschool - Parent Consultations
Wednesday 25th March - afterschool - Parent Consultations
Thursday 26th March - 14:00 - 15:00 - Parent Rep Meeting
Thrusday 26th March - afternoon - rehearsal for the Easter service
Thursday 26th March - 18:00 - Easter service in Church for Years 1 to 6
Friday 27th March - Last day of term - Easter bonnet parade and coffee morning for parents
Friday 27th March - Diversity at Easter family group activities
Summer Term...
Week 1 - Breakfast & afterschool Clubs starts back
Wednesday 15th April - children back in school
Week 2 - Enrichment Clubs start back
Year 1 - Statutory Phonics Screening week
Year 4 - Statutory Multiplication Check week
22nd April - Class Photos (smart uniform)
Week 3
Week 4
Monday 4th May - Bank Holiday - no school
Week 5 - SATS Week
Week 6 - Themed Week - STEM week
Tuesday 19th May - 3:00 - 3:45 - Parent Book Look
HALF TERM
Week 7
Tuesday 2nd June - children back in school
Week 8 - Year 1 Phonics Screening; Year 4 Multiplication Check
Week 9 - Year 6 residential
Week 10 - Themed Week - Diversity Week
Saturday 27th June - Summer Fair
Week 11
Week 12 - Themed week - Sports Week
Monday 6th July - afternoon - Charity Mini-Marathon at the Aquadrome
Thursday 9th July - Secondary Transition day
Friday 10th July - Sports Day
Friday 10th July - afterschool - Year 6 Leavers party
Week 13
Monday 13th July - Reports to parents
Wednesday 15th July - evening - Year 6 performance to parents
Thursday 16th July - afternoon - Year 6 performance to parents
Week 14
Monday 20th July - Year 6 Leavers assembly for parents
Tuesday 21st July - Leavers Service at St Mary's Church
Personal Development Blog
Personal Development Blog
Reading: A Foundation for Learning and Life
Reading plays a vital role in a child’s development, supporting not only academic success but also wellbeing, confidence and essential life skills. As a school, we see every day how strong reading habits help children to flourish — in the classroom and beyond.
This blog is divided into two key sections.
The first explores why reading is so important for children, highlighting how regular reading strengthens learning, language and thinking skills.
The second focuses on why parents reading with their children matters, and how shared reading time helps to develop communication, emotional wellbeing and lifelong habits.
Together, these two elements show how reading at home and school works hand in hand to support children as they grow into confident, curious and thoughtful learners.
Why Reading Matters So Much for Children
Reading is one of the most powerful tools we can give our children — not just for success in school, but for life. When children read regularly, they are not simply learning to decode words; they are building the foundations for thinking, communicating, understanding others and making sense of the world around them.
Even just 20 minutes of reading a day has a remarkable impact. Over time, children who read daily are exposed to millions of words, helping them to develop a broad vocabulary and strong general knowledge. This supports learning across every subject, from maths and science to history and geography.
Reading also strengthens:
Concentration and focus, as children learn to sustain attention
Memory, as they track characters, events and ideas
Critical thinking, as they predict, question and make connections
Writing skills, because strong readers naturally become stronger writers
Perhaps most importantly, reading opens up a world of imagination. Through stories, children explore different lives, cultures and experiences, helping them to develop empathy, curiosity and a genuine love of learning.
Why Parents Reading With Their Children Is So Important
While independent reading is vital, nothing replaces the impact of an adult reading with a child. When parents read aloud, share stories, or talk about books together, children gain far more than literacy skills.
Reading together:
Builds strong emotional connections and shared routines
Gives children the confidence to ask questions and express ideas
Models fluent reading, expression and enjoyment
Creates positive associations with books and learning
Children who are read to regularly learn that reading is not just something done for school, but something done for pleasure, comfort and connection. These shared moments help children to feel safe, valued and listened to — key foundations for wellbeing and resilience.
Reading together also supports essential life skills:
Communication – talking about characters, choices and feelings
Empathy – understanding different perspectives
Self-regulation – calming, focused time in a busy day
Confidence – knowing their voice and thoughts matter
Even when children can read independently, continuing to read with them sends a powerful message: your learning matters, and I care about it.
A Small Habit with a Big Impact
Reading does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. A short, consistent daily routine, even just 20 minutes, can transform a child’s learning journey and their relationship with books.
By reading every day, and by reading together whenever possible, we are helping children to grow not only as readers, but as thoughtful, confident and compassionate individuals.
Information
Information
Attendance Matters
Over the last couple of years, we have placed a strong focus on attendance and why being in school every day really matters. Please remember that whether your child is absent due to illness or for another reason, they are not in school and therefore not learning. Every lesson builds on previous learning, and when children are absent, gaps can quickly develop that are difficult to close.
Regular attendance also plays a vital role in children’s social development. Being in school supports friendships, confidence, routines, and a strong sense of belonging within our school community. When children miss school, they also miss valuable opportunities to practise social skills, work collaboratively, and feel secure and connected.
At St Mary’s, we have a clear expectation that children attend school on time every day. Our minimum attendance expectation is 96%, and this includes any time taken off due to illness.
Please note that only the Headteacher has the authority to decide whether an absence is authorised or unauthorised. This decision is made in line with national guidance and always with the child’s education and wellbeing at the centre.
We are thrilled to present our current production of Oliver Jr. at St Mary’s!
This much-loved musical, with Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart, based on Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist and tells the story of young Oliver as he navigates life in Victorian London in search of kindness, friendship, and a place to belong. Filled with memorable songs, lively characters, and moments of humour and heart, the show explores themes of resilience and standing up for what is right.
Join us as our talented Key Stage Two pupils bring this timeless story to life on stage in what promises to be a wonderful and memorable experience for our school community.
Scholastic Book Fair – This Week!
We’re excited to have the Scholastic Book Fair in school this week, helping us get ready for Book Week next week.
The Book Fair will be open Tuesday to Thursday, before school, after school, and during lunchtime. Parents are very welcome to come along with their child(ren) before and after school.
Children will need to bring cash in a purse or wallet if they wish to buy a book. Please note there will be limited change available, so this is best suited to children who regularly attend Breakfast Club or After School Club.
Each class will visit the Book Fair during the school day tomorrow to have a quick look at the books, so children can decide which ones they might like.
Thank you for supporting our love of reading
DSPL9 February Newsletter
Shining a light on...
Shining a light on...
House points so far...
Trust – Half-Termly Values Award
Congratulations to the children below for achieving the half-termly Values Award for Trust. These children have consistently demonstrated trust through their actions, choices, and relationships with others.
Year One - Sidney & Sid
Year Two - Matthew & Angelo
Year Three - Giana & Alina
Year Four - Mariam & Henry
Year Five - Lilly D & Fletcher
Year Six - Heidi & Jules
St Mary’s Highlights: Don’t Miss a Moment!
Stay connected and dive into the excitement at St Mary’s! Our social media pages are buzzing with all the amazing activities our children have been involved in over the past couple of weeks. From vibrant class projects and special assemblies to heartwarming community events, there’s so much to see and celebrate!
Click on our social media links to catch up on all the fun, unforgettable moments, and proud achievements. Don’t miss out—follow us and be part of the joy that makes our school community shine!
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