Upcoming events in Spring Term 1
Vocations – week beginning 23.1.23
EYFS Stay and Play sessions week beginning 23.1.23 Please see your Arbor app to book
Y5 Class Assembly 25.1.23 9am
Internet Safety week beginning 6.2.23
Y6 girls Netball 10.2.23
Y4 Class Assembly 15.2.23 9am
PTA Valentines Disco 16.2.23 4-5pm/5-6pm
Laudato Si ‘Hear our voices’ day 17.2.23
Break up for half Term 17.2.23
Safer Internet week
On the 14th February, Eric Barratt from Cleveland Police is visiting school to talk to us about online safety. There will be a parents session at2pm. We really hope many of you will be able to attend as this is such an important topic to keep abreast of.
EYFS Stay and Plays We look forward to welcoming parents to enjoy the stay and play in Reception and Nursery. Please Just book in one adult per slot. It is always so lovely to see your child in the setting with their friends.
Wednesday Word
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/community?pid=MTA101634&v=81.4
Governors Thank you to our Governor Helena McGowran for coming into school to lead prayer group with the children.
Attendance and Punctuality
Please note that we regularly review attendance figures and, where attendance has dipped, we will communicate this in writing through official Trust letters. Initial letters are an outline of current attendance and an offer to work together to encourage improved patterns. Where improvement is not evident we will convene more formal meetings to discuss this further. As communicated each week we are so grateful for your high expectations for attendance – we also appreciate at times children will not be in school due to illness / medical appointments etc but on the whole strong attendance must be encouraged both by school and at home. Holidays in term time are rarely permitted but for safeguarding reasons we ask all families taking a holiday in school time to complete our leave of absence form. We appreciate you working hand in hand with us on this.
Please be reminded that all children are expected in school 8.40am- this is when the gates close.
For further information visit our school website -https://npcat.org.uk/attendance/
After school clubs
Please note that all clubs, including drama, will leave school form the side gate and not through the hall.

Dear Parents/carers,
Welcome back
We hope you all enjoyed a happy and peaceful Christmas and wish you every blessing for the new year ahead. As ever, we are here for you as a school family so please do come and see us if you need any support over the coming year.
Upcoming events in Spring Term 1
Cross Country (For selected children) 20.1.23
Vocations – week beginning 23.1.23
EYFS Stay and Play sessions week beginning 23.1.23 Please see your Arbor app to book
Y5 Class Assembly 25.1.23 9am
Internet Safety week beginning 6.2.23
Y6 girls Netball 10.2.23
Y4 Class Assembly 15.2.23 9am
PTA Valentines Disco 16.2.23 4-5pm/5-6pm
Laudato Si ‘Hear our voices’ day 17.2.23
Break up for half Term 17.2.23
Holy Communion Programme
Any children taking part in the Holy Communion programme this year should have received a letter this week outlining the proposed programme. Please see Miss Brady if you have not received this information. The FHC is a parish led programme which is supported by the school.
School lunch
Please find attached this terms lunch menu
Reception places
Applications are closing soon, if you haven’t already, please make sure you apply via your local council website before the deadline of Sunday 15 January 2023.
PTA
Thank you so much for your amazing support with the Autumn Term PTA events. We managed to raise vital funds for the school which will go towards school trips and resources for the children.
This half term the PTA will be hosting a Valentine’s disco. Please let the school know if you are able to help with this. Either helping to purchase snacks or helping on the night. Events like this cannot go ahead without parental support, so we really appreciate your help.

16/12/2022
End of Year 2022 Newsletter
Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

As we approach the end of school term, may we thank you all for your support and encouragement this term.

Christmas Eve

St Bernadette’s parish has a children’s Mass at 5pm on Christmas Eve. Please be aware it will be very busy in church. We look forward to seeing you there.

Christmas performances
It has been a pleasure to witness how the children have embraced the Christmas spirit in recent weeks. We hope you have enjoyed sharing the experiences with us this year and it has brought extra joy at this time for you.

Please can we respectfully remind you, following our Christmas performances, not to upload in-school photos to your own personal social networks.

Parties/donation to Church
As a result of funds raised from the children’s Christmas performances, our children across school have really enjoyed our Christmas parties over the last week – we provided snacks and selection boxes as well as party games and a disco! It was such fun! We have also made a significant donation to the Church for their Christmas charity. Thank you!

P.E – Please be aware of our new PE days from January (Rec-Y6)

Reception – Monday and Tuesday
Year 1 – Monday and Wednesday
Year 2 – Wednesday and Thursday
Year 3 – Thursday and Friday
Year 4 – Tuesday and Thursday
Year 5 – Tuesday and Thursday
Year 5 – Tuesday and Wednesday
Year 6 – Tuesday and Thursday

Please ensure all children wear PE kits (Rec-Y6). PE kit consists of: a t-shirt in your child’s house colour, a purple hoodie and plain blue shorts/navy joggers. We do not permit branded tops/t-shirts/football tops etc so please ensure children come to school in the correct attire on their set days. If you require any PE kit please place your order asap via our school website or order directly from Motiv8 https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html
Please can we remind you of our Uniform policy in relation to jewellery. Small studs are permitted in school however they should be taped or removed on PE days.
E-safety
Some of your children may be receiving new electronic devices over Christmas. If anyone requires support restricting the content your children can access on their personal devices (like our school networks) please contact Mr Bourner or the school office and we will add parental locks to children’s home personal devices if requested.
Recent events

Poppy Appeal
We have just received notification that you raised £432.54 from purchasing the poppy merchandise. Well done and thank you! Without your help The British Royal legion would be unable to continue their vital welfare and benevolent work.

PTA
Thank you for supporting our Christmas Fayre last week. Particular thanks to our many volunteers at the Fayre. What a lovely afternoon it was! Your contributions of bottles, toys, chocolate and the raffle prizes helped raise an amazing £2,795 Wow! Thank you so much everyone! Profits raised will be directed towards PTA funds to pay for additional school resources e.g. reading books; ipads and children’s trips/experiences.

CAUSE hampers
We would like to say a huge thank you for the gifts and provisions you kindly donated for the CAUSE hampers. The hampers looked wonderful and were delivered to the families on Wednesday 7th December.

Panto
All children enjoyed a great in-school panto -Cinderella. It was such a success; we plan to do the same again next year and will look to use some of our fundraising to offset the cost of the performance.

Reindeer Run
The children had an amazing time yesterday completing the ‘Reindeer Run’. Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful parents, families and friends, so far we have raised £1358,60 which will go directly to Teesside Hospice. Wow! You are sooo generous! Thank you!

Governor visits
We have been grateful of 5 Governor visits this month:
Mrs Cutler has met with Miss Brady, to review our safeguarding recruitment process .
Mrs McGowran has met with Miss Brady and a selection of Reception-Y6 children to discuss and review Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal development.
Mr Kane met with Mrs Pennick to discuss EYFS.
Mr Benfield met with Mr Bourner, Miss Cuff and Miss Lumley to discuss teaching and learning.
Mr Willett met with Mrs Smith and Miss Brady regarding PE and Pupil Premium spend.

Please be aware that Mrs Bilous was elected to continue as Chair of Governors in our recent Local Management Board and Mr Kane was voted in as Vice Chair. We are so fortunate to have such caring, committed and passionate Governors who care deeply for your children. https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/governors-responsibilities/

Mr Wren and Mrs Cutler, our Foundation Governors, stepped down in July and December after many years supporting the school. We are so grateful for their support, friendship and guidance.

This means that we are also now looking for 2 new Foundation Governors in the new year. – if there are any practising Catholics who would be interested in being a Governor please contact Mr Conway / Miss Brady for further information. We would be grateful if you could also share this vacancy with parishioners at St Bernadette’s.

Future notices

Calendar events
We have a number of events in the Spring term e.g. assemblies, Lenten liturgies, Sports days etc for the Spring and Summer term. These events are regularly refreshed on our school website calendar.
Please also be aware that we have now finalised our 2023-24 Term dates – these can be accessed via the following link and are on our website for future reference: https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/term-dates/

Extended school clubs
Mrs Smith, our PE lead, has reviewed our extended school timetable for the Spring term. We are so grateful to all teachers for offering clubs in their own time.

Day
Before School
Lunch
Year group
After-school
Year group

Monday

Crafts JW

Y1

Ball skills Y1/2 Josh Mitchell
Drama LC

Y1/2

Y5/6

Tuesday

Recorder LK

Y4
Netball/
Basketball MFC

Y5/6

Thursday

Robot Lego JB

Y6

Tag Rugby MFC

Y3/4

Friday

Table tennis EL
Choir
TT Rock Stars RK
Y2/3
Y5/6
Y4

Spring term routines
Thank you for dropping and collecting children so punctually this term – it makes a huge difference. Please be reminded that all children are expected in school by 8.40am – this is when the gates close. All children are working in class from 8.30am each day!

And finally,

Emergency contact
Should anyone need to contact the school in an emergency over the holiday period please could we ask that you email Mr Conway using his school email address ([email protected] )

May we take this opportunity to wish you all a holy and peaceful Christmas. Please find the link for the Christmas holidays ‘Wednesday Word’ to share with your family. https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/christmas-holiday-special?pid=MTA101634&v=79.2

As we move into a new year may we continue to treat each other with love and kindness. On behalf of the whole staff team, we extend our very best wishes for 2023.

A reminder that school staff have a training day on Tuesday 3rd January. We look forward to seeing you and your children back at school on Wednesday 4th January 2023.

Best wishes,

Mr P Conway Miss S Brady
Head Teacher Head of School

Dear Parents/carers,
Christmas Party
Children can wear own clothes all day on their party day. #sparkleandshine
Upcoming events in December
Monday 12th – EYFS Christmas Nativity 10am/2pm
Tuesday 13th – EYFS/KS1 Christmas party 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 14th – KS2 Christmas party
Thursday 15th – Reindeer run / Christmas lunch day / Christmas jumper day
Christmas Eve Mass
Please could we have a Nativity costume amnesty. If you have any spare costumes that you no longer need (particularly after our school performances) please could you bring them to the office. Parents can collect costumes from Tuesday.
Mass is at 5pm and everyone is welcome! Children taking part in the Nativity Tableau should have received their separate letter. Everyone else will be helping with singing so can just wear Christmas clothes!
Christmas Jumper day
Children can wear christmas jumpers to celebrate Christmas lunch and the Reindeer run on Thursday.
Wednesday Word https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/christ?pid=MTA101634&v=78.10
Flu Vaccine
We have informed some parents that we are holding an influenza drop-in clinic at West Middlesbrough Children’s Centre on 20th December 2022. This has now been cancelled and we are now holding this on 19th December 2022 as below:

Strep A
As you will be aware of coverage on the news, severe group A strep infections are exceptionally rare. Schools follow Public Health England in relation to preventing the spread of infections – hand washing is key to preventing Strep A spread. If there were to be any outbreaks in school we would notify you. For further information on Group A Strep please see below links.
Group A Strep – What you need to know – UK Health Security Agency (blog.gov.uk)
5 ways to protect their children this winter.
Parent Pay
Please can you let the office know by Friday 9th if your child normally has a packed lunch but will be having a school meal on Christmas Dinner day.
Please can all ParentPay outstanding monies be paid by 15/12/2022
Reindeer Run Your child has brought home a sponsor form for Teesside Hospice. Please return to school next week. They will receive reindeer antlers and a nose on Thursday.
Term Dates
Please find attached the Term Dates for academic year 2023-24.

Christmas Fayre Please note the Fayre is on Friday 9th December at 3pm. There will be no schools out on this date. There will also be no after school club.
We will open the school gate at 2:45pm for children to be collected. Please then enter the school Fayre from the main entrance.
Please can cake donations be in school on Friday 9th December. Please can we also have any further Raffle prizes in school by Monday.
There is still time to donate old toys, teddies, chocolates and bottles! We need lots of donations to make the fayre a success!
Wednesday Word
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/preparation?pid=MTA101634&v=77.9
Cause Hampers
Please can we have all Cause Hamper gifts in school for Monday. Thank you so much for your incredibly generous support.
Christmas productions
We will open the hall doors 15 minutes before the performances as we need time to prepare the space. There will not be seat numbers allocated, but please be mindful of each other and try not to leave spaces between chairs. And don’t forget to bring your Christmas cheer!
Christmas Party
Children can wear own clothes all day on their party day. #sparkleandshine
Parents Evening
We would really appreciate if you would complete this feedback form for us. Responses close on Friday 5th Dec https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQBJMAksVfUdn-qstFwapr7H_zOsetgg0f5fkZt9MljRS2Ag/viewform?usp=sf_link
Winter Edition Raring to Go!
Please find an electronic link for this months magazine, packed with useful information regarding local festive fun and activities on offer in the area.
https://magazines.raring2go.co.uk/teesside/winter2022/
Attendance
Your commitment this year to attendance has been really pleasing – thank you however this week our attendance has slipped slightly. We hope children who are currently well make a speedy recovery over the weekend. Thank you for your continued support with ensuring our children are in school for 8.40am.
Upcoming events in November/December
Tuesday 6th – Y3/4 Dress the tree 2pm
Wednesday 7th – Choir visiting Oakwood Care Home / and NPCAT carole service
Thursday 8th – Y1/2 Productions 10am/2pm
Friday 9th – PTA Christmas Fayre 3pm-5pm
Monday 12th – EYFS Christmas Nativity 10am/2pm
Tuesday 13th – EYFS/KS1 Christmas party 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 14th – KS2 Christmas party
Thursday 15th – Reindeer run / Christmas lunch day
Christmas Eve Mass
Please could we have a Nativity costume amnesty. If you have any spare costumes that you no longer need (particularly after our school performances) please could you bring them to the office. We will then redistribute costumes for children at the Christmas Eve Mass. I will send out further information about the Mass next week.

Dear Parents/carers,
Christmas Fayre Please find attached information regarding the Fayre. Please note the Fayre is on Friday 9th
December at 3pm. There will be no schools out on this date.
Wk beginning 28.11.22 We will be collecting toys for the Fayre.
Tickets and raffle tickets are also on sale. Please see Miss Brady if you have any raffle prizes to contribute.
Thank you so much for all of the chocolate and bottle donations, you have been so generous!
Wednesday Word
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/advent?pid=MTA101634&v=76.8
Cause Hampers
Please can all gifts be ins school for Monday 5th December ready to be delivered.
Christmas productions
We will open the hall doors 15 minutes before the performances as we need time to prepare the space.
There will not be seat numbers allocated, but please be mindful of each other and try not to leave spaces
between chairs. And don’t forget to bring your Christmas cheer!
Christmas Party
Children can wear own clothes all day on their party day. #sparkleandshine
Parents Evening
We would really appreciate if you would complete this feedback form for us. Responses close on Friday next
week.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQBJMAksVfUdn-qstFwapr7H_zOsetgg0f5fkZt9MljRS2Ag/viewfor m?usp=sf_link
Choir
Children who attend choir in Y5 and Y6 will be visiting Oakwood Care Home in December to sing Christmas
songs. The residents are so excited! Children will receive a letter with more information next week.
Spare Clothes
We would really appreciate any spare clothes for all ages eg Hoodies, underwear, socks, joggers etc) It is
always useful for us to have spares in each class for those just in case moments.
Attendance
Your commitment this year to attendance has been really pleasing – thank you however this week our
attendance has slipped slightly. We hope children who are currently well make a speedy recovery over the
weekend. Thank you for your continued support with ensuring our children are in school for 8.40am.
Upcoming events in November/December
• Monday 28th – Y5/6 Advent Liturgy at 2pm
• Friday 2nd D – SVP party 1pm-3pm
• Tuesday 6th – Y3/4 Dress the tree 2pm
• Wednesday 7th – Choir visiting Oakwood Care Home
• Thursday 8th – Y1/2 Productions 10am/2pm
• Friday 9th – PTA Christmas Fayre 3pm-5pm
• Monday 12th – EYFS Christmas Nativity 10am/2pm
• Tuesday 13th – EYFS/KS1 Christmas party 1pm-3pm
• Wednesday 14th – KS2 Christmas party
• Thursday 15th – Reindeer run / Christmas lunch day
• Friday 16th – break up for Christmas
Thank you for your support,
Many thanks, Miss Brady and Mr Conway

Dear Parents/carers,
Christmas Fayre Please Find attached information regarding the Fayre. Please note the Fayre is on Friday 9th December at 3pm. There will be no schools out on this date.
Wk beginning 21.11.22 We will be collecting bottles for the tombola.
Tickets and raffle tickets are also on sale. Please see Miss Brady if you have any raffle prizes to contribute.
Thank you so much for all of the chocolate donations, you have been so generous!
Wednesday Word
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/mercy?pid=MTA101634&v=75.7
Advent There will be a family Mass on Sunday 27th November, 9:30am at St Bernadette’s Church. There will also be a family Mass on Christmas Eve at 5pm.
Parents Evening
If you haven’t already, please complete this Google form to give invaluable feedback to the school. Many thanks in advance. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQBJMAksVfUdn-qstFwapr7H_zOsetgg0f5fkZt9MljRS2Ag/viewform?usp=sf_link
Upcoming events in November/December
Friday 25th – School Panto Nursery-Y6 in school
Sunday 27th – School Mass in Church 9:30 am
Monday 28th – Y5/6 Advent Liturgy
Friday 2nd D – SVP party 1pm-3pm
Tuesday 6th – Y3/4 Dress the tree 2pm
Thursday 8th – Y1/2 Productions 10am/2pm
Friday 9th – PTA Christmas Fayre 3pm-5pm
Monday 12th – EYFS Christmas Nativity 10am/2pm
Tuesday 13th – EYFS/KS1 Christmas party 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 14th – KS2 Christmas party
Thursday 15th – Reindeer run / Christmas lunch day
Friday 16th – break up for Christmas
Children in Need
Please find the link to pay your donations directly to Children in Need.
https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Foc/Default.aspx?shopid=9711
Children’s Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy will be restarting on the Feast day of Christ the King, Sunday 20th November , at the 9:30am Mass. it will run every Sunday.

TA Advert for January 2023
Please find attached an advert for a level 2 teaching Assistant position available at school from January. Please see Miss Brady for more information.
Thank you for your support,
Many thanks, Miss Brady and Mr Conway

Dear Parents/carers,
Schools Out Schools out will be closed on Friday 9th December for the Christmas Fayre.
Flu Immunisation This will take place on Wednesday. Please ensure you complete the online consent if you haven’t done so already.
Christmas Fayre Please Find attached information regarding the Fayre. Please note the Fayre is on Friday 9th December at 3pm.
Wk beginning 14.11.22 We will be collecting chocolate for the tombola.
Tickets and raffle tickets are also on sale. Please see Miss Brady if you have any raffle prizes to contribute.
Vocations week Next week children will be learning about vocations. Our theme this term is vocations to the parish and we will be inviting members of St Bernadette’s parish into school to talk about the important jobs they do for the community.
Wednesday Word
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/faithfulness?pid=MTA101634&v=74.6
Pupil Premium Please find the link to find the form to complete for eligibility for PP. If your child is eligible for this, the school receives vital further funding. https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims
Advent There will be a family Mass on Sunday 27th November, 9:30am at St Bernadette’s’ Church. Please let school know if you are able to attend as I need to distribute readings and bidding prayers to children. It would be wonderful to see you there. There will no longer be an Advent Mass in school on the Wednesday.
Thank you to all of the people who responded to the Google form about the Christmas Eve Mass. We have had an overwhelming response. I will be in touch with further information in December.
Parents Evening
We would really appreciate your support in completing this parent response form for us: Many thanks in advance. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQBJMAksVfUdn-qstFwapr7H_zOsetgg0f5fkZt9MljRS2Ag/viewform?usp=sf_link
Upcoming events in November/December
14th Nov – vocations week and anti bullying
Wednesday 16th – Flu Immunisations
Friday 25th – School Panto Nursery-Y6 in school
Sunday 27th – School Mass in Church 9:30 am
Monday 28th – Y5/6 Advent Liturgy
Friday 2nd D – SVP party 1pm-3pm
Tuesday 6th – Y3/4 Dress the tree 2pm
Thursday 8th – Y1/2 Productions 10am/2pm
Friday 9th – PTA Christmas Fayre 3pm-5pm
Monday 12th – EYFS Christmas Nativity 10am/2pm
Tuesday 13th – EYFS/KS1 Christmas party 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 14th – KS2 Christmas party
Thursday 15th – Reindeer run / Christmas lunch day
Friday 16th – break up for Christmas
Children in Need
Friday 18th November is Children in Need. We have set up a direct donations option on parentpay. Children can wear spots when they come to school if they wish.
Children’s Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy will be restarting on the Feast day of Christ the King, Sunday 20th November , at the 9:30am Mass. it will run every Sunday.
If you have not experienced Children’s Liturgy before it takes place in the Upper Room at church, led by volunteers ( all DBS checked) after the welcome in Mass till the Offertory Procession. This is a super way of making Mass more accessible for the younger members of our parish family through activities and simpler prayers. All are welcome .
Thank you for your support,
Many thanks, Miss Brady and Mr Conway

Dear Parents/carers,
PE Days Changed made to Y5/6 PE days as follows (until Christmas)
Y5 Tuesday and Friday
Y6 Tuesday and Thursday
Schools Out Schools out will be closed on Friday 9th December for the Christmas Fayre.
Flu Immunisation We have had a low response rate so far for the flu immunisation on Wednesday 16th. Letters have been resent this week. Please ensure you complete the online consent.
Remembrance Merchandise is available in the school office for the RBL poppy appeal. The children are also making poppies for the local hospital. We will be taking part in a liturgy on 11.11.22 a the school flag pole. We have also been given poppies from the local knitting group in Nunthorpe which is currently displayed outside the school gate.
Parent Consultation Please book your appointment via the arbor app if you haven’t already done so. You will be greeted in the hall and have the opportunity to see your children’s work while you wait for your appointment.
Christmas Fayre Please Find attached information regarding the Fayre. Please note the Fayre is on Friday 9th December at 3pm. Please let Miss Brady know if you are able to volunteer to help with a stall or setting up on the day.
Wednesday Word
https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/heaven?pid=MTA101634&v=73.5
Pupil Premium Please find the link to find the form to complete for eligibility for PP. If your child is eligible for this, the school receives vital further funding. https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims
Christmas Newsletter Please find attached information regarding Christmas Events.
Upcoming events in November:
Wednesday and Thursday 9th/10th – Parent Consultations
Friday 11th – Remembrance day service
14th Nov – vocations week and anti bullying
Wednesday 16th – Flu Immunisations
Friday 25th – School Panto Nursery-Y6 in school
Sunday 27th – School Mass in Church 9:30 am
Monday 28th – Y5/6 Advent Liturgy
Mr Peacock
Please join us in praying for Mr Peacocks family and friends at this very sad time. We will miss him greatly but we were so lucky to have known him and had him in our lives. ‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’ A A Milne.
Many thanks, Miss Brady and Mr Conway