Welcome to our final St Mary's Weekly Newsletter this school year 2022-23!
Let us pray...
Gweddiwn...
Dear Lord, We thank you for all the great things we have done at this school. We have learnt so much; we have had fun; we have grown up. Look after us as we prepare for a future in a new school. Help us stay true to the faith and values that have been so important in this school. Help us aspire to be more. Amen
We are also learning to pray the Hail Mary in Welsh - Click on the link to pray yn Gymraeg
DIOLCH! THANK YOU TO OUR FAMILIES!
We have come to the end of another happy and very successful school year at St Mary's and every year, I am always moved by the unwavering support that we receive from our parents and families. We are so blessed in St Mary's and cannot thank families enough for your involvement and encouragement this year. You are WONDERFUL and we are very blessed to work in partnership with you to ensure that we have the best learning environment and opportunities where all our children can thrive. Thank you in particular for all the very kind words and generous gifts received. We all very much appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. Diolch o galon.
Year 6 Leavers' Mass
Congratulations to all our children and in particular to our Year 6 leavers for their wonderful contribution during the Mass yesterday. It was a beautiful and very memorable occasion marking the end of their time in St Mary's in a very special way. For some families of course, this Mass marks the end of an era; the last generation of the same family who have attended our school. As I said at Mass, once a member of the St Mary's family, always a member of the St Mary's family! We will always remember you and you will always be welcome in our school.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Nicholas, Fr Jasper and Deacon Michael and we thank them all for their on-going support for our school. Thank you for all governors, parents and family members for joining us in our celebrations and to parents in particular, for entrusting your children into our care in St Mary's for the past 8 years. It has been our pleasure to have helped them along their way so that they are now ready for the adventures that will meet them beyond our school gates.
We wish all our leavers a very happy, healthy and fulfilling future and hope that they will keep in touch with us. God bless you all.
Pob lwc Blwyddyn 6- Good luck year 6s! (Patrwm Yr Wythnos)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mswfSYqHZ1vQvifzQglbgYIQlghiDSW7/view
Well done to all our Year 6 leavers for leading our final assembly today too! You were amazing!
Retirement of Chair of Governors-Mrs Liz Davies
It is with sadness and deep gratitude that we bid farewell to a much loved Chair of Governors, a former teacher of St Mary's, parish catechist and a very dear friend of our school.
Mrs. Davies has touched countless lives during her journey with our school. Her passion for Catholic education and her genuine love for our school community has left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of knowing her.
Mrs Davies has been a dedicated servant to our school, and a pillar of strength, wisdom and guidance supporting us on our continuous journey of development and growth, and a committed advocate for our school's mission and values.
As a school family, on behalf of all the staff, children, parents and governors, I would like to express our deepest appreciation and warmest wishes to Mrs Davies on her retirement from her role on the governing body.
Diolch o galon, Mrs. Davies and God bless you.
Farewell, Hwyl, Au Revoir!
On behalf of the staff and children, a fond farewell to Mrs Vickie Jones who has been working as a teacher and teaching assistant in the Robins' class this year, to Mrs Meadows who has been teaching in the Penguins' class and to Miss Megan Conway who has been supporting learners in the Parrots' class. We are very grateful for all your hard work and commitment to our school and for enriching the children in your care with your skills, knowledge and experience. We wish you all well as you move on to new adventures teaching in other schools- Mrs Jones and Mrs Meadows, and for Miss Conway, who will be training to be a teacher in Chester University! Pob lwc and diolch yn fawr iawn to you all!
Year 6 Leavers' Beach Party
Yesterday, our Year 6 children had a great farewell beach party. There was food, drink, music, dancing and LOTS of fun! Thank you to everyone who helped to organise the event and for making it such a wonderful celebration.
Pupils and parents/ carers- we would like your feedback please...
As we approach the end of another happy and successful school year at St Mary's, we invite all children in Years 1-6 and all parents and carers (Nursery to Year 6) to complete the following questionnaires. We always value your feedback and are keen to hear your views. Your responses will help us to evaluate our current provision and will assist us to continue to develop and enhance our school to be the best it can be. Please see below:-
Pupil Questionnaire- Pupils between Years 1 and Year 6- July 2023. https://forms.gle/m68mm5m9LRJKs1EW8
Pupil Voice Questionnaire - July 2023-https://forms.gle/ShkJeWXcTBPZvtDJA
Getting ready for September
Important Reminders- Hairstyles and school shoes (uniform)
I have spoken with a number of parents recently regarding some pupils' extreme hair cuts. Shaven head hairstyles and extreme fade haircuts are NOT permitted in St Mary's. Please do not allow your child to have these haircuts going forwards to comply with our strict uniform and presentation code. Similarly, a number of children have been wearing black trainers to school. Trainers are NOT part of our school uniform therefore, from September, all children must wear black school shoes and not trainers please. Thank you for your understanding.
School Uniform- High Standards
Please read carefully before purchasing new items for September. Diolch
PLEASE NOTE:- PUPILS IN FOUNDATION PHASE DO NOT NEED A PENCIL CASE
PLEASE NOTE:-SCHOOL CLOSES FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS ON THURSDAY 20TH JULY AND REOPENS ON MONDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER
COOL KIDS' CLUB IS OPEN DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
100% annual attendance September 2022- July 2023
It is a very difficult challenge to escape any illness for a whole school year BUT there are 9 children this year who have managed to achieve this!
A special well done to:- Wen Hao, Zi Ying, Isabella G (Nursery), Matilda, Zac J, Kiki, Julia M, Hunter and Brandon! Da iawn pawb! Each child was presented with a certificate and a 100% golden badge in assembly today! Well done!
END OF TERM ICE CREAM VAN TREAT!
Today, all children were treated to an ice-cream from Snoor and Dylan's dad's ice-cream van. Diolch to the Friends for paying for this well-deserved treat! We have had a SUPER year! Da iawn pawb!
THIS YEAR'S FINAL TOCYN ENFYS (Rainbow Ticket) WINNERS ARE:-
VACANCY IN SCHOOL
Free School Meals- Are you eligible?
May I remind all families who are eligible for free school meals to make an application via the link ‘Free school meals | Wrexham County Borough Council. This will not only provide your child with a daily free meal in school but will also allow parents the opportunity to apply for a Pupil Development Grant (PDG) | Wrexham County Borough Council to help with the cost of uniforms, resources, equipment and devices etc. By making your application, school will also receive the correct amount of funding from Welsh Government.
Please note:-
Your child is eligible to receive free school meals if you or your child receive the following...
• Income Support (IS)*
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)*
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Income-related Employment Support Allowance (IR)
• Child Tax Credit - providing you’re not entitled to Working Tax Credit with an annual total income below the HMRC set limit
• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you are working you must be earning less than £7,400 per year (£616.67 per month) to qualify for free school meal
From September 1st, all primary aged children in Wrexham can have a free school meal as part of the WG universal offer. However, if you are in receipt of the above benefits, please remember to make an application via the links above as well to ensure access to the PDG and to enable school to receive the additional funding.
I urge all families to take up this wonderful universal offer. Diolch
Penblwydd Hapus i ti!
Happy birthday wishes to ...
Foundation Phase children- Patrycja, Tom, Enzo, Jacob, Elena, Zera, Zofia, Melvin, Oyintaena, Liliana, Zion, Sophie, Benjamin, Arthur, Finn, Georgie, Maria
Key Stage 2 children-Deja, Nataniel, Janelle, Alec, Szymon, Diyon, Noah, David, Iris, Owen, Sofie, Jewel, Jeremiah, Alicja, Gabriel, Ola, Rosie, Zuzanna, Astrid, Alexander, Harvey, David
Good news!
2 weeks news!
Early Years-Elena was having her party in Banana Ben's and Lena S is going on holiday to Poland. Lennon is going on holiday to Ireland and Liverpool, Mason is going to the park and swimming,Elena is going to the seaside, Fiadh is going on holiday to Anglesey, Zeneta is going on holiday and Elliot's dad has a new car. Nissi is going to Banana Ben's and Antoni is going on holiday and got a medal for being man of the match.
Year 1 & 2- George W has received a certficate from Beavers, Nicholas has moved up to Wave 5, Dylan has been awarded 11 badges from Beavers and will be starting cubs after the holidays, Franek has got his first badge in Badgers, Maya has received her first badge in gymnastics, Araina has received a medal and certificate for listening well in tennis, Melanie's big cousin is coming over from Portugal and Daniels' tooth has fallen out. Alfie Jay is going to a caravan in the holidays, Clara is going to Ireland and is going horse riding, Andy has a futsal tournament in July, it will be Liliana's party soon and Mitchell is going to Turkey. Tony is going to Poland, Julian is having an end of season football fair, Saoirse had a dance show, Emilia is going to Poland and madison is going to Barmouth. Scarlett has moved to Wave 4, Benjamin has earned his U shaped badge in Beavers and Leon is going to Poland. Tommy has achieved his yellow stripe in Tae Kwondo and Artur has received a medal and trophy for shooting goals in football. Leon, Tony, Szymon and Julian had end of season football awards, Vanessa is going camping and Scarlett is going to a wedding. AmeliaW has had a certificate for ballet, Evelyn has achieved OGC award in gymnastics, Franek has a football medal, David is going to Portugal for his parents' wedding, Tiara has passed her gymnastics test and Georgie is starting dancing classes. Florence and Liliana participated in a dance competition and received a certficate and medals.
Years 3 and 4- Lea has completed Tennis, Pati has competed in a gymnastics competition, Jewel's very excited for her upcoming birthday and David and Daniel had their karate finals. Matilda has passed all her Waves in swimming, Theo has moved up to Wave 6, Diego has been awarded a medal for football. Adam is going to Poland, Julia M went to Silverstone and Sandy passed Wave 6. Iris has moved up a new dance group and will start competing in competitions. Julai has passed a tap dance exam and Mark's dad has a new car and Lois has moved up toe Wave 7.
Our 'Year 4 Bracelet girls' have been busy again!
Our super Year 4 girls have raised a further £100 selling their stylish bracelets and have kindly donated the money to Hilbury House Care home. The Leader was there today and took photographs of the girls as they presented their donation to the staff. We look forward to seeing the story in the paper sometime next week! Do keep a look out ! We are very proud of you all ! Da iawn girls!
Year 5-Sophia got player's player at her netball match, Issy G is going to see her family and best friends in the North East, Rosie and her brother Tommy are making loom band bracelets and are raising money for homeless people and Zofia was dancing in a show. Luana has a new kitten called Tommy, Bella-Rose went camping last weekend at Coxwood- it was very wet but lost of fun and Mateusz is going to Poland soon. Matthew is going to Portugal with his family, Bella Rose is going to Prestatyn, Boe is going to Commonwood during the holidays, Euan is going camping, Luana is getting a new dog and is going to Romania and Gabby is going to Spain. Issy G is going to watch Macbeth, Sophia received 2 netball trophies, Zofia received a plaque in swimming and year 5 enjoyed their cinema trip for the best attendance.
Year 6- Ryan sister Paige is passing out to her ship in the Royal Navy, Scarlett is going on holiday and Natalia is going to a marathon tennis competition in the holidays. Phoebe participated in a swimming gala and did very well.
WCBC SCHOOL TERM DATES
Local Support for Families
At this difficult time of austerity, please see some information about local services that are available to provide support to families in need.
Please contact school if you find yourself in a difficult situation and need some help/ support to signpost you to an appropriate service. Your requests will be handled in confidence and with sensitivity. Diolch. Mrs Acton.
If you need help from our foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow. THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO GET A FOODBANK VOUCHER.
In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.
1. GET IN TOUCH WITH US.
If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.
2. ARRANGE A VISIT TO THE REFERRAL AGENCY.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.
If you can’t afford food, you can call 0808 2082138 (freephone) to speak to a trained and independent Citizens Advice agent (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm). Please note this number is for people who do not have enough money for food – if you are a local organisation or charity that works with people who might need the food bank, please contact us directly.
Alternatively, please call 0300 330 1178 to speak to Wrexham’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau, who will be able to issue you with a food bank voucher if necessary.
3. BRING YOUR FOODBANK VOUCHER TO YOUR NEAREST FOODBANK CENTRE.
You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll also discuss any dietary needs you may have and exchange your foodbank voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food. We’ll also help to support you in any other ways that we can. Most of our foodbank centres offer a cafe style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.
If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call.
Yellow and blue (YaB group ltd) is a social enterprise non profit project. Underpinning community projects including positive pathways, food provision and social isolation beating events and activities. With a digital vision within the community - we aim to support vulnerable groups whilst creating a vibrant, supportive and uplifting experience. Creating moments, chances and smiles when people need it most.
Please get in touch by emailing:- info@yellowandblue.org
Pupil Development Grant
The Welsh Government funded Pupil Development Grant is available to help towards the costs of a child’s school uniform and equipment, for those on a low income. Any child eligible for free school meals in the year groups listed below are eligible. However, those receiving free school meals due to transitional protection arrangement would not be eligible.
Depending on the school year your child will be entering in September 2021 you could receive a grant of £125 or £200. Link
Anyone eligible for free school meals and in the following year groups will qualify for the grant: Entering reception class in primary school, Entering school years 1 to 11, In a special school, special needs resource base or pupil referral unit and are aged 4 to 15.For any looked after children of compulsory school age who are not receiving free school meals, please email uniformgrant@wrexham.gov.uk for an application form.
Welsh Courses for Parents
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer in school?
Here at St Mary’s we are very keen to involve parents, grandparents and family members in the life of the school. We are always looking for volunteers to help out a wide range of activities such as school trips and walking the children to sporting events. We are also very happy to invite volunteers to share special skills, interests or experiences to enhance the children’s opportunities or provision e.g. gardening, sewing, sharing job skills/ experiences etc.
If you would like to be involved in any volunteer work for the school, please click on the link and complete and return the forms attached.https://stmarys-wxm.co.uk/about-us/forms/volunteer-form-2/
Please note:- All volunteers will be subject to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance. Thank you
Many thanks.
Welsh Government Announcement
Physical punishment of children is now illegal in Wales. Children have the same protection from assault as adults. This is to protect children and their rights. To find out more visit: http://gov.wales/EndPhysicalPunishment
Support the Friends of St Mary’s
to raise much needed funds for the benefit of all our children Friends of St. Mary’s School are now registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 4,000 shops and sites will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself!
These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to us, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.
Do it today- Sign up by clicking on the link below
Please encourage your family and friends to do the same.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @stmaryswxm
Credits:
Created with images by thekopmylife - "hand and jesus at sunrise nature background" • dizain - "Thank You Love Heart Word Cloud in different languages with marker, concept background" • Sebastian Duda - "Eucharist, sacrament of communion background" • nali - "good luck label in white background" • Towfiqu Barbhuiya - "thank you message on sticky note with tulip flower on tiles background " • LoloStock - "Cute little baby in nature is waving" • Syda Productions - "travel, seascape and nature concept - tropical beach with palm tree and two sunbeds in french polynesia" • Evgeniy Kalinovskiy - "small schoolchildren with colorful school bags and backpacks run to school. Back to school, education, elementary school." • Pixel-Shot - "Composition with frisbee disk and beach accessories on sand" • Rawf8 - "Summer vacations - Bucket on a sandy beach" • Vasyl - "Children having fun" • Africa Studio - "Watercolor rainbow on white paper" • WavebreakmediaMicro - "Children having lunch during break time in school cafeteria" • Maya Kruchancova - "cupcake with sparkler on old wooden background" • Li Ding - "Decoration for the party" • nito - "coffe and news"