A message from our new Principal

First of all, please let me say Happy New Year and a very warm welcome back to school.

Secondly, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paul Berridge and It is my great pleasure to be taking on the role as Principal at Knutton St Mary’s Academy.

As you can imagine it has been quite a hectic week; starting a new job, getting to grips with all the new systems in school and dealing with the daily challenges brought about by Covid 19. At the end of my first week I would like to thank all of the staff, children and parents who have taken the time this week to introduce themselves and make me feel welcome. (Even middle-aged teachers get nervous about moving into a new job!). I would also like to thank you all for your patience as I get to grips with my new role, it is very much appreciated.

In my first week I have been able to spend some time meeting the children and families on the gate as they arrive at school. It has been an absolute pleasure and I am really looking forward working with you all in the future.

Effort of the week

We have been really pleased to see all of our children return refreshed and ready to jump straight back into school life following the Christmas break. Effort of the Week will return next week and will reflect our new Skills Builder focus of 'Aiming High'.

Well done everyone, you are demonstrating our school motto ' Together we succeed and shine…" and exemplify our vision, “We shine like bright stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15). You are all role models for the rest of the school and community.

Star reader

Please remember to log your child's reading on the GoRead app for them to earn their raffle tickets. Remember; more home reading = more raffle tickets = more chance of winning!

Thank you for your continued support with home reading.

Don't forget that the library is open on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.20pm to 4.30pm to enable families to access the library straight after school.

Covid-19

As you are now doubt aware, Covid cases across the country and in our area are extremely high. It is important that we all play our part in helping to keep each other safe. Please remember that if your child shows any symptoms of Covid-19, they should not come to school and should take a PCR test at the earliest opportunity.

Diary Dates

Tuesday 18th January - Key Stage 2 children will be visiting the New Vic Theatre to see their production of Beauty and the Beast. Spare letters are being sent out tonight and payments need to be made as soon as possible please.

Children may take a drink and a snack to the theatre but please do not send cans, bottles or fizzy drinks.

A list of diary dates for Spring term will be sent out next week.

If you have any outgrown uniform, especially for older children, please consider donating to school for our used uniform shop. Open on Tuesday and Thursday morning. Items from 50p to £2 donation, including shirts / ties / trousers / skirts / jumpers/ cardigans etc.

Adverse Weather

In the event of adverse weather conditions preventing the opening of the academy. A text message and email will be sent to all staff and parents and the Staffordshire snow closure service will be informed. This may be found by clicking the button below.

Collective worship

This week's collective worship has focused on welcoming children back to school and looking forward to the new year ahead.

Admission to Reception for September 2022

Applications for places in Reception can be made from 1st November 2021. You will need to make your application by 15 January 2022 and your child will receive an offer of a reception place on national offer day 18 April 2022.

All the information you need about the admissions process within Staffordshire is available by clicking the button below. If you need help with the application, please ask the office or drop in to our coffee and chat session on Thursday morning. We will have a computer available to complete applications.

School meals

Next week is week 2. Please see the website for our menus.

KSM Care Club

Our KSM care club is growing rapidly as more children are joining each week. If you require child care, from one session per week to daily, please register using the link below or contact the academy office for more information.