Welcome to our St Mary's Weekly Newsletter!
Let us pray...
Our Prayer Garden Easter Cross
Please continue to keep Mrs Williams and Mrs Myers in your prayers.
Relationships and Sex Education Meeting with Parents and Governors
Thank you to all parents and carers who were able to attend Wednesday evening's consultation session. It was an extremely positive and productive session where everyone participated fully and with open and honest conversation. We very much appreciate your input and ask that you take a few moments to complete the feedback form using the link below. Diolch:-https://forms.gle/rfmXwsPezPmx1T9j9
For those who were unable to attend the session, the new Welsh Government statutory Relationships and Sex Education code and the Diocesan recommended ‘Life to the Full’ R.S.E. teaching and learning programme were shared. Discussions centred on the content that must be taught as part of the statutory code and how as a Catholic school, all content shared with the children must continue to be rooted in the teachings of the Catholic faith in partnership with parents as the primary educators.
Through discussion and sharing of resources, parents were reaffirmed that R.S.E will continue to be delivered in an age-appropriate and highly- supportive manner, equipping our children with the skills, knowledge and confidence to live life to the full whilst helping them to grow in their faith and live out God’s calling in their lives.
Moreover as the Right Reverend Marcus Stock, Bishop of Leeds and Chairman of the Catholic Education Service states: “In today’s digital world and the dangers associated with it, the provision of high quality Relationships, Sex and Health education curriculum is an essential part of our response to keep children safe.”
Using the information gathered during the consultation process with parents, staff, governors and former pupils, we are now in a position to begin to design our own St Mary’s bespoke Relationships and Sex education programme which follows the teachings of the Catholic church and adheres to the statutory R.S.E. code provided by Welsh Government (September 2022).
If you wish to access any further information, please see the R.S.E. section on the school website using the following link:- https://stmarys-wxm.co.uk/about-us/catholic-life-of-the-school/
As soon our St Mary’s R.S.E. programme has been finalised and approved by the school governors, it will be shared with parents and displayed on our school website.
If parents have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
LLONGYFARCHIADAU TIM PEL DROED WRECSAM!
What a great day we all had today celebrating Wrexham football team's victorious promotion back into the English Football League 2 on Saturday. Thank you to Year 5 children Archie, Euan, Charlie and Alfie for suggesting this special day. Da iawn.
St Mary's Coronation Day Celebrations- Friday 5th May
Next week, teachers have planned a mini- topic to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6th May. Lots of fun activities will take place during the week which will culminate in a 'royal dress to impress/ red, white and blue dress up day' on Friday 5th May. We will also be taking part in the 'Royal Run for Fun' on Friday- £1.50 donation on Friday in aid of Nightingale House Hospice and will be having class-based 'street parties' to celebrate in style! We look forward to another wonderful day of fun and celebration at St Mary's school!
KS 2-Half term Poetry Competition
Congratulations to Kasia (Y6) who came 1st and Anna MB (Y5) and Julia M (Y6) whose poems about Wrexham came highly commended . Our winning girls were presented with their prizes at the Wrexham library last Saturday afternoon during one of the interactive 'Carnival of Words' events. Da iawn pawb!
IMPORTANT- Universal Free School Meals Roll out for Years 1 and 2 AFTER EASTER!
Please follow the link to find out about how all years 1 and 2 children will be receiving a free school meal after Easter https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/universal-primary-free-school-meals-scheme-rolls-out-to-years-1-and-2/
Attendance Matters
Please note school starts 08:55 and finishes at 15:15.
From September, please DO NOT book routine appointments or holidays within term-time. The governors of St Mary's will not authorise holidays taken within term-time.
Please support us to ensure all children are in school on time to receive their education as long as they are fit and well to do so.
Following the WCBC policy, arrivals after 09:15 when the registers close, should be marked as an absence.
St Mary's Attendance Race
Our Whole School Attendance target is 96%
Our whole school attendance figure is 94.5% - Let's see if we can reach our target next week!
Foundation Phase- Winners are ...Robins
Puffins-87.5% Parrots-94.4% Penguins-89%
Robins-97.9% Owls-95% Wrens-95%
Key Stage 2- Winners are ...Alyn with 98.3%
Clywedog-95% Conwy-95.8% Alyn-98.3%
Dovey-96.6% Gwenfro-96.8% Dyfrdwy-97.7% Gwaun-83%
Children should only attend school if they are fit and well enough to do so. Routine appointments, holidays during term-time, days off for birthdays however, are not valid reasons to stay off school.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding with this very important matter.
ATTENDANCE RACE LEADER BOARD UPDATE
THE FOUNDATION PHASE WINNERS SO FAR...
Robins
JOINT KEY STAGE 2 WINNERS SO FAR...
Alyn, Gwenfro and Conwy
Dosbarth Gwenfro led a fantastic assembly on celebrating international dance day on Saturday. It was a fun-filled and very interactive assembly celebrating the joy and power of dance. Thank you children for starting our Friday with lots of fun and smiles! You were all amazing!
Parents are invited to watch the assembly in the junior hall. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes! Gates open from 2:15. Diolch.
Next Week- Coronation Celebrations!
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 Reception 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
School Dinner orders
Please ensure that school dinners are pre-ordered at home. Teachers should not be ordering meals in school, as previously advised by WCBC. Thank you
Criw Cymraeg's Brawddeg Yr Wythnos
The Criw Cymraeg’s ‘Patrwm yr Wythnos’ (Phrase of the week) this week is:
See VIDEO LINK
Please remember- SCHOOL IS CLOSED ON MONDAY 1st MAY- BANK HOLIDAY
Makaton Signs of the Week is play
Click on the LINK
Good news!
Early Years-Dorota has had a new baby sister, Joanna has a new puppy, Antoni helped his mum bake yummy cakes, Elliot is going to the ice-cream farm and Fiadh can ride her bike without stabilisers! Daniel went to see Super Mario at the cinema, Jan and Lucja are going to the Safari Park at the weekend, Matthew is going to the cinema and Isabella is going bowling.
Year 1 & 2- Amelia W has a new LOL house, Gabriel passed a Wave in swimming and Nathan has started football club. Scarlett is going to Scotland next week, Liliana's dad is coming home for work, Benjamin scored his first try, was interviewed outside the Racecourse and met all the players and manager before the match. He also moved to Wave 4! Alfie Jay is on Wave 2 and is in the big pool, Sophie moved to Wave 5, Zuzanna's mum has started a new job, Tony broke his arm, Julian is going to Barcelona and Saoirse's nana and grandad have come over from Ireland.
Years 3 and 4-Max and Thomas went to watch the Wxm match and managed to get onto the pitch and Joia's baby brother is going to be born soon. Aiden's grandmother is moving in for 6 months as she's coming over from India. Sophie has tickets to the Eurovision Song contest semi- final, Eleanor has passed Wave 6, Henri and Fabian are going to watch Wrexham AFC on Saturday, Matilda has moved swimming classes, Sabrinah has a new bike, Evie is getting glasses and Fabian has booked a holiday to Turkey. Joseph came 1st place in a mounted games competition.
Year 5- Matthew scored 2 goals on Saturday and has also passed Wave 7 and is going to water polo, Maja's dog has had 5 puppies recently, Mateusz is going go-karting on Saturday and there are lots of happy Year 5 faces when Wxm were promoted on Saturday after their win against Boreham Wood. Issy G has had her singing exam results and she gained a distinction with a super 97%
Year 6-Maja and Victoria have a swimming gala and Zach is moving up to Waterpolo club. Ryan's sister passed her test to go into the Navy, Alfie is doing a sponsored run, Zosia is going to art classes, Nataniel is going to a fencing competition in Sheffield, Phoebe is having a sleepover at Gran and Grandad's and is going to a Girl Guiding coronation event.
Congratulations to Seren for being offered a place at White Lodge Royal Ballet school in London. 14,000 other candidates other candidates auditioned for a place. seren has accepted the offer and plans to join the school when she is 14 years old. Well done, Seren. What a fantastic reward for the hard work, effort and dedication you have put in over the years. you are a true 'seren' who now has the opportunity to shine brightly and fulfil your dreams!
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.
Keeping everyone safe- Covid 19
Local Authority advice remains that all children and staff who are displaying symptoms of illness or testing positive on an LFT or PCR test should not come to school and continue to isolate.
In addition to the 3 classic symptoms of a cough, high temperature and loss of taste or smell, we are noticing that many children who are testing positive are also displaying some of the following symptoms :- vomiting, headaches, runny nose, sore throat (symptoms similar to the common cold)
Thank you for your support and understanding.
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Credits:
Created with images by vegefox.com - "danger risk" • phonlamaiphoto - "Gold star trophy" • Kenishirotie - "Checklist on clipboard" • master1305 - "The kids dance school, ballet, hiphop, street, funky and modern dancers" • WavebreakmediaMicro - "Children having lunch during break time in school cafeteria" • coco - "fleur de jonquille sur fond jardin" • adrian_ilie825 - "Little baby hand playing with colorful toys and cubes" • Maya Kruchancova - "cupcake with sparkler on old wooden background" • Li Ding - "Decoration for the party" • nito - "coffe and news" • Rawpixel.com - "Children Friendship Togetherness Playful Happiness Concept" • Irina Schmidt - "Adoralbe little toddler girl with rainbow and heart painted with colorful window color during pandemic coronavirus quarantine. Child painting rainbows around the world with the words Let's all be well"