School News
We have seen a wonderful idea from another school and we think it is something really special that we will be introducing as St Mary's.
As a result of the current Covid restrictions many children are missing out on celebrating their birthday with family and friends as they usually would. Parties that would usually be planned are not allowed during this difficult time. We understand our children have already had so many changes and had to adapt to new rules and regulations both at home and school, and their emotional wellbeing is something that is very important to us.
Therefore, we will be giving them the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays in school with their friends! We have decided we will hold a birthday party within each ‘Bubble’ on the last Friday afternoon of each month, this will be to celebrate all children who have had their birthday that month.
During the afternoon (the last Friday of every month) we will provide fun games, activities and a party atmosphere. There will also be a little cake for each birthday child! All of the party costs will be covered by school and birthday children should not bring in any treats to share – we will take care of that!
Children who have celebrated a birthday that month are allowed to wear non uniform for the day if they wish to do so. Everyone else must still wear their normal school uniform.
If your child has already had their birthday during September and October they will be included in the first birthday celebration on November 27th. We look forward to giving every child the opportunity to celebrate with their friends and mark their special day!
Raising funds for St Mary’s in 2020
On behalf of our Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) and our Governors we would like to say a big hello and welcome back to St Mary’s!
COVID-19 has meant that we are unable to host our popular PTFA events, which in the past have raised thousands of pounds for our school. This means we need your support more than ever!
Why is fundraising so important to St Mary’s?
Our PTFA and Governors together raise around £10,000 a year from PTFA events and £10,000 from other sources; 100% of which is spent on our children and the School’s learning environment. We pay for a wide range of essential resources and enriching experiences ranging from Class iPads to reading books, welly sheds to Christmas pantos. Together, we also contribute towards capital projects for school buildings, playgrounds and ICT infrastructure (in addition to Diocesan funding).
Simply put, our children’s experience at St Mary’s would not be as rich without this essential fundraising and that’s where you come in.
How can parents help?
We ask you to consider making a voluntary donation to the school. Either as a one-off or, if possible, as a regular monthly donation.
How much should I give?
Only what you can afford. We know everyone has a lot going on right now, especially in light of COVID-19 and we completely understand that. All contributions are very gratefully received.
What is the best way to donate?
Visit our PTFA crowdfunding page. Here you can control how much to give and whether you set it up as a single or monthly donation.
Will the PTFA continue to run other fundraising events?
YES! We will keep an eye on Government guidelines in case we are able to run any of our usual events later this year. In the meantime, we will do what we can to organise fun activities for our school community to share ‘virtually’. Look out for our Christmas Card fundraiser coming soon…
Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more:
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook @wearestmarys
Thank you for reading and please continue to stay safe.
With Best Wishes,
Suzie Drye
Chair of St Mary’s PTFA
&
Clair Hodgson
Governor, Chair of Resources
A huge thank you to the PTFA for their donation this term of £1000 to support our Accelerated Reader initiative.
This has enabled us to purchase over 300 new reading books which the children are thoroughly enjoying.
We have reached the end of the second full week of the term already. The staff are continuing to report back on how brilliant all the children have been at sticking to the new rules and how well they have settled back into life at school.
We are all very excited about welcoming our children back to school on Thursday 3rd September. We hope everyone has had a good summer break and managed to keep well and have fun despite restrictions.
This letter, the leaflet and the diagram of the school gives the information needed for starting back at school next week.
Here's a short video of the Year 6 end of school water fight. Good luck and best wishes to our Year 6 children as they move on to their secondary school adventures.
This is a link to a lovely video explaining social distancing to young children.
We have shared it with our children in Reception and Year 1.
We are really looking forward to welcoming Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children back to school on 1st June and have been working hard to make the environment as safe, and normal as possible.
In the meantime our home learning provision will continue for Years 2, 3, 4 and 5.
We ask that parents follow the social distancing guidelines at all times whilst on the school site.
Pleaes read our detailed plan for re-opening and the risk assessment.
Dear Parents, Carers and Children,
A message to you all from everyone at St Mary's
(password - stmarys)
Stay safe and see you all soon.
St Mary’s Primary School is now closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
If you have a safeguarding emergency please call 07759 043054
If there is a premises or security problem please call 07788 508562
All other enquiries please email the school office on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To contact social care directly if you are worried or concerned about anyone under 18 who you think is being abused or neglected, or that a child and their family need help and support, please contact the Gloucestershire Children and Families Front Door which is open from 9am to 5pm:
Telephone: 01452 426565
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Outside of office hours, you should contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) Telephone: 01452 61 4194 or, if you have concerns about the immediate safety of the child or you believe a serious criminal offence has been committed please contact the Police at any time on 101.
Alternatively you can call ChildLine for advice on 0800 1111 or email them by visiting www.childline.org.uk.
