Welcome to our St Mary's Weekly Newsletter!
Lent prayer- 5th Sunday of Lent
Let us pray...
God of light and power, we give thanks to you for the gift of life. Help us to do what we can so all people throughout the world can enjoy this gift. Amen.
Wow! Look at this Super Good News!
HUGE congratulations to Violet (Year 5) who won the prestigious 'Primary School Pupil of the Year' award in a very 'posh' ceremony held in Soughton Hall, Flintshire and hosted by ITV Wales presenter, Andrea Byrne.
Violet was nominated by her mum who like all the staff in St Mary's, is very proud of how Violet has managed to remain so happy, positive and resilient throughout a very difficult time for her family . She is an inspiration to us all and we are delighted that her strength of character has been recognised by achieving this wonderful award. Amazing!
Violet's mum's heartfelt nomination reads as follows:-
"I would like to nominate my daughter Violet, a Year 5 pupil in St Mary's Catholic Primary School. Back in 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 33. At the time, Violet had just turned nine and we were still in the restrictions of the pandemic. Over the past 15 months, the resilience and courage she has shown has been truly remarkable. She has never missed a day of school due to my diagnosis and has conducted herself with dignity and grace beyond her years.
She has never behaved as though she shold hve special treatment in school and has continued to work so hard to succeed making progress in all her subjects. She is truly a friend to everyone and takes pride in making sure she always includes all the children in her class in playground games. She is a nominated 'playmaker' in her class and always tries her best at every subject."
I'm sure that you you will all join me in congratulating Violet on this wonderful and well-deserved award. Da iawn, Violet. We are so very proud of you! Llongyfarchiadau cariad!
WeddingCongratulations to Miss Gillett!
We send our love and very best wishes to Miss Hannah Gillett who is getting married tomorrow! We hope that she and her husband have a very special day and wish them both every happiness for their future together! God bless you both!
'Rock Your Socks'- World Down Syndrome day Tuesday 21st March
Once again, we joined together as a school family to celebrate World Down Syndrome day on Tuesday 21st March by wearing odd socks to school. Gingerbread sock biscuits were on sale for £1 and all proceeds will go to FrienDS support group in Wrexham.
Friday 31st March-Wear a Hat day!
We will be supporting 'Wear A Hat Day' on Friday 31st March to help fund vital research and raise powerful awareness of brain tumours. Please wear a hat and bring in £1 (or more!) We would love to see lots of different hats- please don't buy anything special- homemade hats will be fine!
This charity is very important to us as our gorgeous friend Oskar in the Parrots' class has recovered from a brain tumour and is now a very valued member of our school family. Please see his story provided by his mummy.
'Oskar was 9 months when he was diagnosed with brain tumour (ependymoma). He had his first surgery on 23rd December and then second on 30th December 2019 when the surgeons removed 100% of the tumour. He began chemotherapy on 16th Jan 2020 and finished on 28th January 2021. Despite everything, he is very cheerful child. He loves to play with his sister Natalia. She always makes him smile.'
Please help us show our love and support by wearing a hat and donating £1! Diolch
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/ Please look out for an email from school as well. Diolch.
Urdd First Round information
The first round of the Urdd Dance competitions were held in Ysgol Bryn Coch in Mold on Tuesday evening. Our children competed in both the creative and disco dance categories and were an absolute credit to our school and their parents. They performed with such confidence and showed wonderful team spirit in their support for each other and the other competitors, and we are immensely proud of each and every one of them! Ardderchog!
We are delighted to announce that our creative dancers came second and the disco dancers came third! What superstars! Da iawn pawb!
A HUGE DIOLCH to Miss Edwards for all her hard work and commitment to prepare the children for the dances and to involve our school in the Urdd once again. Da iawn and diolch yn fawr iawn! Thank you also to our amazing parents and staff who came along to support our children! What a super St Mary's team, once again!
Glan Llyn- Year 5
This week, our Year 5 children visited Glan Llyn and had a wonderful time taking part in a range of indoor and outdoor activities whilst having the opportunity to develop their Welsh language skills.
March Parents' evenings- ARE IN SCHOOL (not on-line!!)
Thank you to all parents who attended this week's parents' evenings in school. We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to visit the classes and see your child's work. If you haven't already booked your appointment for next Tuesday 28th March, please contact your child's class teacher. Diolch.
FRIENDS' EASTER BINGO is back!
Thank you for all the wonderful donations received today! Please don't worry if you forget! Donations are still welcome up to Tuesday morning. We appreciate all your very kind support and look forward to seeing you all on Thursday evening!
Thursday 30th March in the school hall
Doors open 5:15 and Eyes down-6 pm
Additional INSET day 2022-23
Welsh Government have approved an additional INSET for this academic year. Our additional staff training day will be MONDAY 5th JUNE 2023
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.
Attendance Letters to Parents
A number of parents have received letters regarding pupil absences and attendance levels recently. In line with the revised WCBC attendance policy, schools are now required to inform parents using template letters when pupil absences hit certain triggers, regardless of whether absences are authorised for illness or not. This is to ensure that parents are kept informed about the current levels of attendance and to ensure that schools have appropriate measures in place to monitor absences and safeguard all children.
As a school, we ask that parents keep us informed about the reasons behind any absences and any underlying health/ medical conditions that could affect attendance.
We do appreciate that there have been a significant amount of 'bugs' going around that have affected many of our children. Please do not hesitate to contact school if you would like any further clarification or information. Diolch.
St Mary's Attendance Race
Our Whole School Attendance target is 96%
Our whole school attendance figure is 94.1%.
Foundation Phase- Winners are ...Robins
Puffins-80.8% Parrots-95.8% Penguins-95.6%
Robins-100% Owls-93.3% Wrens-91%
Key Stage 2- Winners are ...Conwy with 98%
Clywedog-86.3% Conwy-98% Alyn-96.3%
Dovey-94.2% Gwenfro-94.8% Dyfrdwy-96.3% Gwaun-94.3%
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...
CONWY , ALYN AND GWENFRO
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: Beth wyt ti'n 'neud? What are you doing?
See VIDEO LINK
Good news!
Early Years- Willow went to Kung Fu and Michae is having tennis lessons.
Year 1 & 2- Finn passed Wave 2, Blossom got a certificate for her first time in gymnastics, Georgie is going bowling with Rainbows, Amelia W has started swimming lessons and Gabriel passed Wave 4. Julian is going to watch ladies' football- Liverpool vs Everton, Benjamin scored a try in his first rugby match and is also going to watch Wrexham ladies/ team. On Sunday, Saoirse is going on a wellness walk and then going to watch Wrexham ladies' team, Scarlett won star of the day in gymnastics, and Madison won star of the week in Delta. Hanna had a trophy for excellent dancing in her dance class and George D has a new baby cousin.
Years 3 and 4- Rozalia is going to her second fencing competition in London next week.Matilda is having a new second cousin, Evie and Ivy are going to the fair, Rodrigo's sister was 1 last week and Henri is going to watch Wrexham women's team with his football team at the Racecourse. It's nearly Hannah's brother's birthday, it was Ashley's brother's birthday this week, Daniel is going to the park, Bianca and Pati are going to the funfair and Dylan is going to the caravan soon.
Year 5- Year 5 had a great time in Glan Llyn and Violet attended a special awards ceremony! (See start of newsletter!) Issy G went to Build A Bear and made a teddy for her and her niece Esme. Sophia's team finished second in the netball league and they have made the finals,
Year 6-Alice passed Rookie Lifeguard Bronze, Maja, Victoria and Emilia have a swimming gala at the weekend, David is going to Chicago next week, Phoebe and Julia have swimming galas, Morgan got a debit card, Mathew is competing in an Art club and Antonette is going to the Philippeans for 3 weeks.
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 Jenn Miranda - "Cross and palm leaves on purple background. Lent season concept." • nali - "good news label in yellow background" • Pixel-Shot - "Woman making heart with her hands on white background" • Jacob Lund - "Bride and groom exchanging wedding rings" • Sunshine Seeds - "various Hats all piled together on display" • vegefox.com - "danger risk" • phonlamaiphoto - "Gold star trophy" • Kenishirotie - "Checklist on clipboard" • sidneydealmeida - "wooden cross, crown of thorns and purple fabric" • WavebreakmediaMicro - "Children having lunch during break time in school cafeteria" • coco - "fleur de jonquille sur fond jardin" • 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"