17/12/2021

End of Year 2021 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 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 in person this year and it has brought extra joy at this time for you.  We would have loved to have more but we hope you have been able to share your child’s performances via Google Classroom with wider family members. 

There is currently a delay in us adding the Y1/Y2 performance; we will try to resolve soon.

 

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: Children of the Home of Peace in Jerusalem (£250).  Thank you! 

 

Staffing update

Mr Lynn has announced his intention to take early retirement.  We are so grateful for Mr Lynn’s service at St Bernadette’s.  His sense of fun, love and commitment to our school and children will be missed by all.  He is looking forward to new adventures on his canal boat but we are sure he will visit school frequently.  #Once a St Bernadette’s boy….

We are delighted that Miss Kennington will continue as class teacher in Year 4. 

 

Mrs Martin, our school chef of 15 years, is to retire on Friday 17th December; she will be a huge miss to St. Bernadette’s.  Our school food has always had an excellent reputation.  We thank Jan for her commitment and love to our children and wish her a happy and healthy retirement. 

 

Menu

Please be aware of our revised menu from January 2022.  If anyone currently on packed lunches wishes to swap to school lunches please inform the school office. https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/lunch-menu/

 

Reception applications

Nursery parents please remember to apply for your primary school reception place online as soon as possible. (The website is open for applications until 15 January 2022)

Children who are due to start primary school reception class in September 2022 and who were born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018 should apply now!

Parents will be invited to submit their preferences for the three primary schools they’d like their child to attend.  Even if you are currently attending our Nursery, your child won’t automatically be given a school place; you must apply!  Please use the following link to make an online application: https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-admissions/primary-school-admissions-reception-intake

 

Our indications based on Nursery numbers would predict there may be places still available so please spread the word and encourage family members/friends to apply. 

 

Currently we have  15 hour Nursery places available, so again please spread the word and encourage family members/friends to make contact if they have Nursery age children. 

 

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

Reception –  Monday and Friday

Year 1 – Thursday and Friday

Year 2 – Tuesday and Thursday

Year 3 – Thursday and Friday

Year 4 – Monday and Tuesday

Year 5 – Monday and Tuesday

Year 5 – Monday and Tuesday

Year 6 – Monday and Friday

 

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.  The only other accessory allowed in school is a sports watch but this must not cause the children to be distracted from the class work.  

 

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. 

 

Free Christmas Clubs

Lisa McGee Education Ltd is offering free places on a Christmas Club they are delivering for the Department of Education as part of Xplore Christmas #haf2021 (Holiday Activity and Food Programme). This is directly aimed at children in Y1-6 who are in receipt of free school meals. They will have not only hot food daily but also a range of fun and exciting enrichments , including at least one hour with professional coaches delivering fun games and making sure they keep active; a pantomime from the best production teams ; Xmas games, arts and crafts including a session with a renowned artist and party games, cheer lead, First Aid, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and and the Police.  The link to book a place at St Gabriel’s RC Primary in Ormesby is: https://forms.gle/sNJeQy3sK9tFLqvc6

 

‘Musinc’ and Middlesbrough Town Hall are offering a unique musical experience for children aged 7-11 who are eligible for free school meals as part of the government’s Holiday Activities Fund. Children aged 7-11 will be able to take part in a variety of musical games and activities and try a variety of orchestral instruments. A hot meal will be provided each day including Christmas dinner.  The club is running on 20th, 21st and 22nd December 10am – 2pm. Children can attend one, two or all three days. To book a place please register here.

 

Recent events

 

Poppy Appeal

We have just received notification that you raised £309.59 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 morning it was!  Your contributions of bottles, toys, chocolate and the raffle prizes helped raise an amazing £3,123.96.  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 8th December. 

 

Panto

Last week, all children enjoyed a great in-school panto – Jack and the Beanstalk.  It was such a success; we are hoping 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, we have raised over £2400 which will go directly to Teesside Hospice.  Wow! You are sooo generous! Thank you! 

 

Governor visits

We have been grateful; of 2 Governor visits this month:

• Mrs Cutler has met with Mrs Day, our School Business Manager, to review our safeguarding recruitment process .
• Mr Wren has met with Miss Brady and a selection of Reception-Y6 children to discuss and review Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal development.

 

Please be aware that Mrs Bilous was elected to continue as Chair of Governors in our recent Local Management Board meeting and Mike Wren was elected Vice Chair. For more information on our Governors and the roles their perform please visit our website: https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/governors-responsibilities/

 

Please be aware that there is one Foundation Governor vacancy available at our school – if there are any practicing 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

 

Synod

The Synods of Bishops are due to meet in Rome in September 2023. As part of the discussion leading up to their consideration, ‘For a Synodal Church’, Pope Francis has asked for every Catholic throughout the entire world to be given the chance to voice their opinion concerning how we already journey together and how we may grow in future. As with many Dioceses around the country, Middlesbrough shall be conducting several listening meetings on a parish-wide basis.

Here in St Bernadette’s, these will begin during the second week of January 2022. The synthesis of our meetings will be sent to Canon Derek Turnham, Bishop Terry’s Contact Person, who working with a team of lay people and clergy will draft a synthesis of all the feedback from across the Diocese. This will then proceed through Bishop Terry to the Conference of Bishops of England & Wales, in preparation for the eventual Synod of Bishops in Rome.

To help us prepare, the Diocese have provided a link to Fr John Dardis video outlining the method we shall be using https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EDySgbWogU

It is based upon Ignatian Spirituality and is already widely used throughout the Church. In the first week back after Christmas we will host our own listening session with children, staff and parents. The dates for our sessions will be on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th January.

 

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 2022-23 Term dates – these can be accessed via the following link and are on our website for future reference: St Bernadettes Primary School Term Dates 2022 – 23 Yearly Calendar.pdf

 

Extended school clubs

Mrs Smith, our PE lead, is currently reviewing our extended school timetable for the Spring term.  All current clubs have now ended. We will issue information regarding new clubs/year groups in the new year.  

 

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!

 

Please be reminded of the arrows on the paths to help manage social distancing.  Please can families with multiple sibling links collect oldest children first and proceed to younger children’s exit points.

 

School’s Out vacancy (re-advert)

We are re-advertising a School’s Out vacancy.  This is an external advert for 12.5 hours a week – 3pm-5.30pm each evening to join our wraparound care team.  We have removed the requirement for a Level 2 qualification.  We would really welcome interest from any parents/grandparents who have interest in working with our wonderful children and supportive staff.  We would be grateful if you could share the attached link on your own or local group social networks.  The closing date for applications is Monday 17th January.   

See attached link for further details:  https://online.fliphtml5.com/qsqrk/uogn/#p=1

And finally, 

 

Postgate News

Please find a link for our first trust magazine of the academic year – ‘The Postgate News’ featuring all the amazing things that have been happening in our wonderful NPCAT family of schools and the central team during the Autumn term. Happy reading!  https://online.fliphtml5.com/qsqrk/wxzc/

Covid guidance

For the safety of all our school community, please ensure you inform us if you are planning on going abroad over the Christmas holiday and returning after the new year.  New guidance states that children and adults must quarantine on return from abroad and take a PCR test before returning to work/school. 

 

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=47.2

 

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 2022.    

 

 

The Department for Education and the Government will continue to look closely at all the emerging data in relation to the new variant of COVID over the coming weeks.  As things stand there are no alterations to school practice but we will keep you abreast in January before our return if any updated guidance affects our school routines.  

A reminder that school staff have a training day on Tuesday 4th January.  We look forward to seeing you and your children back at school on Wednesday 5th January 2021.

 

Best wishes, 

 

Mr P Conway         Miss S Brady

Head Teacher        Head of School

December 2021 Newsletter

 

Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

 

This Christmas, we are looking forward to welcoming you into school in a careful manner for our joyous and festive events.  

 

General

 

Parents Consultations

We hope you found this month’s parent consultations useful and informative.  We included a summary report on how the children have returned to school as well as specific targets to support your children with at home.  

Last week we issued a parental questionnaire.  Thank you for the 43 responses to date.  We have been overwhelmed by your kindness – thank you!  We usually receive approximately 80 responses so please respond if you have not had time yet.  Please could all responses be received by Friday 10th December.  All feedback will be shared in the new year.

Attendance

Thank you for your commitment to your children’s attendance and punctuality across the school.  Unfortunately attendance is still lower than our expected 97% so please keep supporting us in ensuring children are with us each and every day #everydaycounts

 

Social networks

Please can we remind you, as we approach our Christmas performances not to upload in-school photos/videos to your own personal social networks. We share photos/videos, with your permission, via facebook/Twitter or Google classroom.

 

Homework

Please continue to support us with your children’s homework…it makes such a difference!  It is essential all children can log on and access work via Google Classroom.    

Jewellery

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.  The only other accessory allowed in school is a sports watch but this must not cause the children to be distracted from the class work.  

1st Holy Communion

Please be aware that we will be meeting with Monsignor Hogan to discuss the Y4/5 Parish Holy Communion after Christmas.  We will inform you once Monsignor has decided on how we progress this.  

 

Mrs Martin

Mrs Martin, our school chef of 15 years, is to retire on Friday 17th December, she will be a huge miss to St. Bernadette’s.  Our school food has always had an excellent reputation.  We thank  Jan for her commitment and love to our children and wish her a happy and healthy retirement. 

 

School’s Out vacancy

Please be aware that we have a vacancy in school.  This is an internal and external advert for 12.5 hours a week – 3-5.30pm each evening to join our wraparound care team.  Please see attached link.  We would welcome interest from parents and interested parties.  The closing date for applications is Monday 6th December, 12noon.  https://online.fliphtml5.com/qsqrk/cxic/#p=1

November Events

 

Remembrance Liturgy

Y6 led a poignant whole school  liturgy on Thursday 11th November in the school hall as we reflected on those who had died in service.   Each class also had a special class liturgy around our fantastic display of poppies near the school entrance.

 

Children In Need

Thank you for supporting our ‘be yourself’ own clothes day on Friday 19th November which raised over £272.  This money has been sent directly to Children in Need. Thank you also to everyone who donated online.  

 

Anti-bullying week 

The children received teacher and assembly inputs focusing on kindness w/c 15th November. 

 

Letters to the SVP

EYFS are currently making Christmas cards for our elderly parishioners this month.  These will be shared by parishioners at St Bernadette’s.

 

Governor visit

Nick Kane, parent of 2 children in school, joined our Governing body this term and he has enjoyed 2 visits to school to witness practice and meet with leaders.  He conducted a visit for EYFS and the Wider Curriculum (History, Geography, DT and Art).  Mary Bilous, our chair, visits school each week to support school events, meet with leaders and visit classes.  We are grateful to all our Governing body for their commitment to school.  

Please be aware that there is one Foundation Governor vacancy available at our school – if there are any practicing Catholics who would be interested in being a Governor please contact Mr Conway / Miss Brady for further information.  

 

Safeguarding audit

Each term, NPCAT Safeguarding Leads audit our safeguarding practice and provision and they were once again complementary about our high standards and proactive response to safeguarding.  

 

Sporting events

 

Football

It has been great to have our children partake in football competitions again this year. Schools across NPCAT have competed against each other in recent weeks. Our Y6 boys finished 2nd in their competition; our Y6 girls enjoyed the experience of competitive football; Y3/4 boys came 3rd overall and our Y3/4 girls finished 5th! 

 

Extended sports clubs

We are delighted so many children across school are enjoying our lunch time and after school clubs provided by our school staff and external providers.  Please keep a lookout for more clubs in the new year.  

 

Upcoming events

 

Fayre

We are so grateful to our large PTA contingent who are volunteering their support and have been instrumental in organising our school fayre this year (Saturday 4th December).  We are looking forward to welcoming you to school at either 10am or 11am as per your ticket to enjoy some Christmas festivities.  Thank you to you all for your kind donations which will raise so much needed funds for school. 

Following the Fayre our next meeting is Wednesday 12th January, 7.30pm in the school hall to discuss future fundraising events. 

 

Immunisations

The flu vaccine is being offered to all children (Reception-Year 6).  You must consent via: www.hdft.nhs.uk/electronic-consent   School Code: 142369.  If you do not have internet access please contact them on 0300 003 2554.   Children will not be provided the immunisation without consent.  Flu immunisations will take place at St.Bernadette’s on Friday 10th December..

 

Reception applications

Our indications based on current Nursery numbers would predict there are a limited number of places still available for next year’s Reception class so please spread the word and encourage family members/friends to apply. 

 

You can apply for a primary school reception place online. (The website is now open for applications).  Children who are due to start primary school reception class in September 2022 and who were born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018 must apply now!  Parents will be invited to submit their preferences for the primary school they’d like their child to attend.

Your child won’t automatically be given a school place; you have to apply.  Please use the following link to make an online application:  https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-admissions/primary-school-admissions-reception-intake

 

The main application is made through the council however for Catholic schools you will also need to complete a supplementary form and then return this directly to the school.

 

Please note we also have places in our current Nursery class so please contact school if you are interested or you have a child approaching 3.  

 

And finally,

 

December Dates to Remember

 

• Wednesday 1st December Y3/Y4 Dress the tree (2pm)
• Friday 3rd December School’s Out Closed
• Saturday 4th December Christmas Fayre
• Wednesday 8th December Pantomime (please make £5 contribution via Parentpay asap please)
• Thursday 9th December Y1/Y2 Christmas production (10am / 2pm)
• Friday 10th December KS2 Christmas party (party clothes)
• Monday 13th December EYFS/KS1 Christmas party (party clothes)
• Wednesday 15th December EYFS/KS1 Nativity (10am / 2pm)
• Thursday 16th December Christmas Lunch / Rudolph Run (Christmas Jumper day- children may wear school uniform with their trainers)
• Friday 17th December Last day of term, 3pm

 

*as tickets are limited this year, please ensure you have purchased tickets in advance of attending school productions and fayre. 

 

CAUSE

Thank you for your support with our annual CAUSE hamper appeal however we are still short of a number of CAUSE gifts.   Please can all gifts be in school by 6th December. If you are able we will also be sending food hampers, so any extra food donations would also be gratefully received.

 

Pantomime

This year we decided to host a pantomime in school.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far but if you haven’t yet donated please can you do so via Parentpay.  To cover part of the cost of the company please can we request you provide a £5 donation per child in advance of Wednesday’s performance.  

 

Reindeer run reindeer run

This year on Thursday 16th December to work up an appetite or run off our Christmas lunches we will be running in aid of Teesside Hospice.   We will distribute sponsorship forms next week.  Please could the sponsor form and money (cash) be returned in a sealed / labelled envelope if possible to school on or before Friday 17th December.  Children are encouraged to wear a Christmas jumper with trainers on Thursday 16th December.  The children will receive a Reindeer antler and a red nose as a prize for their participation in the event. 

 

Christmas Gifts

May we take this opportunity to thank you for your support and respectfully ask that you be mindful of our gifts policy in the lead up to the end of term.  The Trust has a policy whereby gifts must be declared. As a staff, we feel very privileged to teach your children and your kind words and messages are more than enough thanks for the work we do. 

 

Buddie Presents

For a number of years we have been discouraging children to purchase presents for their Y6-Reception buddies however it still happens – it is a lovely gesture but not all children receive gifts and particularly younger children can become upset if they do not receive a gift.  Please can we encourage you to write cards to buddies rather than gifts this year.  

 

Best wishes,

 

Mr. P. Conway /     Miss. S. Brady 

Head Teacher /   Head of school

Twitter: stbernadettes.m

Facebook: @stBernadettesCatholicPrimary

Friday 19th November

 

Dates for next week. 

Thursday 25th November – Y5/Y6 Advent Liturgy 

Friday 26th November – School Closed. 

 

Dates for December

Wednesday 1st December Y3/Y4 dresses the tree 

Friday 3rd December – No Schools Out – we are sorry for any inconvenience caused. 

Saturday 4th December Christmas Fayre

Wednesday 8th December  Pantomime 

Thursday 9th December Y1/Y2 Christmas production 

Friday 10th December KS2 Christmas party (party clothes)

Monday 13th December EYFS/KS1 Christmas party (party clothes)

Wednesday 15th December EYFS/KS1 Nativity 

Thursday 16th December Christmas Lunch / Rudolph Run (Christmas Jumper day)

Friday 17th December Last day of term 

 

Wednesday Word

Please find the link for this week’s Wednesday Word to share with your family. 

https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/leader?pid=MTA101634&v=44.8 

 

User Agreement 

If you haven’t already, please ensure you give consent to our user agreement on Arbor to give us permission to share pictures through our social media channels. 

 

PTA

Christmas Fayre Tickets are available from the main office from Monday. Time slots available are 10-11 and 11-12. 

 

This week we will be collecting Uniforms and Christmas jumpers 

Please still bottles and Chocolate if you can! We still need lots more! 

 

Cause Hamper Appeal

Thank you for your support with our annual Cause hamper appeal. Please can all gifts be in school by 7th December. If you are able we will also be sending food hampers, so any extra food donations would also be gratefully received. 

 

Children in Need

Thank you so much for joining in with our fun dressing up day! The children expressed themselves beautifully. Donations can be made directly to the charity through ParentPay. 

 

Schools Out

Schools Out will be shut on Friday 3rd December. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

 

Extended Schools

Please let the teacher know if your child will not be attending the club once consent has been given as this affects our register. 

 

Extended school clubs Autumn Term 2 November/December 2021
Day	Before School	Lunch	Year group	After-school	Year group
Monday		Table Tennis EL	Y3 and Y4	Multi skills Adam Rymer	Year 1 and 2
Tuesday		Recorder LK	Y4	Boot Camp Lisa	Y3 and Y4
		Sign Language Club	Y1 and 2
Wednesday		TT Rockstars LC	various	MFC multiskills Charlie Crane	Y5 and Y6
Thursday		Unicorn Club SB (one week for each year group)	Various	Robot Lego	Y5 and Y6
Friday		Lego Club RK Table Tennis SS	Y2 Y3 and Y4 Y5 and Y6

 

 

We wish you a safe and restful weekend, 

 

Miss Brady and Mr Conway

Thursday 21st October 2021

School is closed tomorrow for all children. We will reopen on Monday 1st November. 

Dates for first week back after half term

Hilda House day – Friday 5th November. Hilda House pupils may wear green / own clothes on this day. 

 

Dates for November

Thursday 11th November – Armistice Liturgy 

Friday 19th November –  Children in Need – own clothes day. Donations can be made via ParentPay. 

Wednesday 17th -Thursday 18th November – Parent Consultations. We will send out separate information about this. 

Thursday 25th November – Y5/Y6 Advent Liturgy 

Friday 26th November – School Closed. 

 

Tempest Photographs

Parents can order photographs through the Tempest photography website. They do not need to come back into school. Please be aware there is a 2 week window for ordering them. 

 

Wednesday Word

Please find the link for this week’s Wednesday Word to share with your family. 

 

PTA

Thank you so much to those who attended our PTA meeting last night and those who have volunteered to help.  The Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday 4th December, with a possible extra event of a Christmas event after school.  We will have another PTA meeting to distribute jobs on Tuesday 2nd November at 7:30pm. A separate letter will be sent out with further information. 

 

Lunch menu

Please find attached the updated Menu for lunch. (Week beginning 18th – Week Three) 

 

 

 

Armistice. 

The children will be taking part in an Armistice liturgy on 11/11. In preparation for this will be selling poppies and wristbands in school. You can purchase the merchandise from the main office. All proceeds go to charity. 

 

PE Days 

 

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Y6 Reception Y4	Y2 Y4  Y5		Y3 Y1  Y2	Reception  Y1  Y3 Y5 Y6

 

Extended Schools

 

Extended school clubs Autumn Term 2 November/December 2021
Day	Before School	Lunch	Year group	After-school	Year group
Monday		Table Tennis EL	Y3 and Y4	Multi skills Adam Rymer	Year 1 and 2
Tuesday		Recorder LK	Y4	Boot Camp Lisa	Y3 and Y4
		Sign Language Club	Y1 and 2
Wednesday		TT Rockstars LC  Football	Various Y5/Y6	MFC multiskills Charlie Crane	Y5 and Y6
Thursday		Unicorn Club SB (one week for each year group)	Various	Robot Lego	Y5 and Y6
Friday		Lego Club RK Table Tennis SS	Y2 Y3 and Y4 Y5 and Y6

 

 

 

 

October news

 

Black History Month

This month through our curriculum, assemblies and online author events we have celebrated and recognised the fundamental part of British history that black people have had.  Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

 

School Trips

We have enjoyed our first external trips since COVID this month. The Y2 children walked to Stewart’s Park to learn more about Captain Cook and our Year 6 children were invited to Trinity to experience the Science laboratory – they dissected a heart! It is great to be out and about enriching our in school curriculum offer.

 

Fire Awareness

As we prepare for Bonfire night our children across school had an assembly delivered by Dave from Cleveland Fire Brigade.  Please discuss fire safety with your children in advance of November 5th.

 

Harvest

Many thanks for your incredibly generous Harvest contributions this year. St Mary’s Primary School  in GrangeTown were so grateful for the donations. 

 

First Holy Communion Communion

The Y6 children enjoyed a wonderful party to celebrate the Holy Communion participants. Many thanks to the parents who contributed towards the food. 

 

Y7 Applications. 

 

Now our Year 6 open evenings are over, make sure you get your applications in on time to secure your child’s place at an NPCAT secondary school for September 2022.  Applications must be made via your local council. The applications window closes on 31 October 2021

 

Thank you 

Thank you so much to all of our wonderful children who have worked hard to be the best they can be this term. Thank you to the staff of St Bernadette’s. They are a dedicated and hard working group of people and we are so lucky to have them. 

Finally, thank you to our parents and grandparents who continually support the school and children in so many vital ways. 

 

We wish you a restful, safe and sunny half term, 

 

Miss Brady and Mr Conway

Friday 15th October 2021

Dates for next week 

Tempest photos Monday

Individual photos of school children/families only. Please can all pupils wear school uniforms,  including those who do PE on a Monday.  No need to pack PE kits to get changed back into – the children can stay in uniforms all day

 

Y6 Holy Communion party on Monday. Please can children come to school in their Holy Communion clothes for the group photo. They will need to bring their school uniform with them in a bag to get changed for individual photos. 

We would welcome any food donations for the party. Mrs Brady is very kindly providing the cake. 

 

EYFS Welcome Liturgy (Nursery and Reception)

9:30 am in school hall on Thursday 21st October. 

 

PD day

For all children on Friday 22nd October. 

 

PTA

We will be hosting a ‘Save our PTA’ meeting on Wednesday 20th October at 7:30pm in school. Please feel free to bring your own snacks or drinks! 

We really hope to see as many people as possible there! 

 

Wednesday Word

Please find the link for this week’s Wednesday Word to share with your family. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nsSXIf4LOCtD6GtA_Ib5OBaS_HINxNZi/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106730187637384392141&rtpof=true&sd=true 

 

October Prayer resource 

Please find attached the prayer resource for October to share with your family. 

 

Lunch menu

Please find attached the updated Menu for lunch. (Week beginning 18th – Week Two) 

Armistice. 

The children will be taking part in an Armistice liturgy on 11/11. In preparation for this will be selling poppies and wristbands in school. You can purchase the merchandise from the main office after half term. All proceeds go to charity. 

 

Harvest Festival 

Thank you so much for your already generous donations to our Harvest food bank. Please can all donations be in school for Monday 18th October to allow for delivery to our local schools in need. 

 

Examples of donations; cereal, soup, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, pasta sauce, lentils, beans and pulses, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, tea or coffee, tinned fruit, biscuits, UHT milk, and fruit juice.

 

Volunteers 

We are once again in a position to welcome back our weekly volunteers to support with our curriculum work, reading and Maths skills. We would really welcome your return! 

If you are once again able to support us, please can you contact the school office, Mr Conway or Miss Brady. Your support really does make a big difference! 

Thank you so much to the parents and grandparents who have already volunteered. 

Also, if we have any chess champions or even chess amateurs who would like to volunteer to help with an extracurricular club we would be so grateful! We have lots of very keen children desperate to learn! Please see Miss Brady for more details.  

 

We wish you a restful, sunny and joyous weekend, 

 

Miss Brady and Mr Conway

October Newsletter 2021

 

 

Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

What a great start to the year it has been!  Thank you for all your support and commitment to your children’s attendance, work and uniform.  

 

General information

 

Attendance

Attendance for September was 96.1%.  We aim for 97% attendance across school.  Last academic year our attendance was 98.2%. We are very proud of our exceptional attendance in school and in such testing times, we thank you for your commitment to your child’s education and welfare.  

 

Punctuality

Please be reminded that our school day starts from 8.30am now and all children are expected in at 8.40am.  There are still a handful of families arriving after 8.40am each day.  Once the school entrance is closed, the parent (or person bringing the child to school) accompanying the child into the school office, is required to record the reason for lateness.  Lateness to school can be a very upsetting and isolating experience for a child and parents are expected to ensure that their child is on time at school every day.

As a little reward for good punctuality and to develop fitness our Y1-6 children can partake in a weekly Friday run of our playground (8.30-8.40am) before entering school as part of the ‘Daily Mile’ initiative. 

 

COVID

As previously communicated under the current guidance only people who have COVID/symptoms need to self isolate.  Currently,  if  there are positive cases in school or at home,there is no need for whole class bubbles, adults or children to isolate, unless they subsequently develop symptoms. Close contacts of positive cases do not need to self isolate if fully vaccinated, are medically exempt from having the vaccination or are under 18.   Close contacts will be advised to get a test and would be advised to continue testing using lateral flow kits regularly whilst other family members are isolating.  Any close contacts who subsequently develop symptoms must self isolate and book a PCR test.  Any children who display COVID symptoms (new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste/smell) must not attend school and book a PCR test, similarly any children displaying these symptoms in school will be required to be collected and book a PCR test before returning to school..

 

School Lunches 

Mrs Martin and her excellent kitchen staff are continuing to trial our new menu and continue to provide fabulous school meals on a 3 week rota. The new menu is available to view on our school website: https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/lunch-menu/

 

The menus are currently being revised and we will inform you of changes in future newsletters.  School will of course still cater for any specific dietary requirements; if you want to discuss this further please contact the school office. Please can we remind you that the school needs 2 weeks notice if your child changes from school dinners to packed lunch.  

 

Parking

The school grounds and roads around school are particularly busy again now that  we have moved away from staggered times.  Please be mindful of local residents and do not not park over drives or the yellow zig-zag lines.  We have reported the issue to our local councillor and are hoping traffic wardens will monitor the area as there have been a few concerns raised in relation to aggressive behaviour.  Please be patient in busy times and ensure you stay close to your children and supervise them crossing roads.

 

On Friday 17th September our children heard about the ‘Beat the Street’ initiative which is a fun, free walking, cycling and rolling game which gets staff, pupils and their families out and about in the local area, having fun and keeping healthy.  Beat the Street is designed to get children and communities moving by helping people to make small changes, such as walking or cycling to school every day, to improve health and help embed physical activity into everyday life.   Please engage in this if you can to help reduce some of the traffic congestion and get fit! ·    

 

Sweet treats

Please could we remind you not to bring in sweet treats/cakes for the children following birthdays.  Several children in school have allergies.  Children occasionally receive small treats from their class teachers as an additional reward. 

 

Contacting staff

To maintain the wellbeing of our staff, please can we politely remind you not to contact staff via their emails beyond working hours.  In the event of an emergency please contact Mr Conway [email protected] or for general enquiries use [email protected]

 

School Nursing team

The Healthy Child Service continues to be available to support parents and families with their health and well-being eg. toilet training, sleep, diet, and behaviour. This can be done face to face at home, virtually or over the phone. (Telephone: 03003031603)

 

RSE

Please be aware that following our consultation last year on our new Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) programme we will be teaching RSE throughout the year each week.  We are legally required to teach RSE. Our programme endeavours to raise pupils’ self-esteem, help them to grow in knowledge and understanding of themselves and others, recognising the value of all persons and developing caring and sensitive attitudes to all.  The programme we use is’ Life to the Full’ which is a fully resourced scheme of work.  Taught with a spiral approach to learning, in which pupils will revisit the similar topics at an age-appropriate stage through their school life, the programme includes teaching about personal health, physical and emotional wellbeing, strong emotions, private parts of the body, personal relationships, family structures, trusted adults, growing bodies, puberty, periods, life cycles, the dangers of social media, where babies come from, an understanding of the Common Good and living in the wider world. 

The entire teaching is underpinned with a religious understanding that our deepest identity is as a child of God – created, chosen and loved by God. If anyone would like to discuss the content of your child’s learning further do not hesitate to contact Miss Brady or for further information please see our policy on our website.  

 

PTA News

Unfortunately we did not have enough parents to plan activities across the year at our virtual meeting this month.  We will communicate plans to relaunch our PTA in the coming weeks so we can organise essential fundraising events.  The incredible fundraising, despite COVID, that the PTA has done in the last 18 months is of such importance to schools like us; we receive only a small amount of additional funds, so use this money wisely.  All the money raised goes directly to your children!  

 

Safeguarding

In recent weeks all school staff have had their updated safeguarding training, including PREVENT (a strategy aimed at preventing radical behaviour).  We have been asked by Middlesbrough Council to raise awareness to parents of PREVENT so we are all aware of how to safeguard our young people from risk of radicalisation .  Please can you watch this short video (1 minute) from Net mums & Counter Terrorism Policing now: https://youtu.be/zMZaMiGudSM

 

If you have concerns and believe a young person or vulnerable adult is at risk of radicalisation please contact your local authority safeguarding team for Middlesbrough please telephone (01642) 726004 or alternatively please contact Cleveland Police on 101. Remember sharing concerns is not criminalising a young person or vulnerable adult, it’s safeguarding them!

 

User agreement

This month we have asked you to sign our updated User agreement which gives permissions for children’s photos to be displayed via our social media and asks for your support in helping our children learn appropriate behaviours online.  Please sign to consent to these agreements via Arbor asap if you haven’t already.  

 

Governance

It is with great appreciation we acknowledge the support as a Governor to John Shiel and Louise Brady whose term of office expired in the Summer.  Their commitment and support to the continual growth of St Bernadette’s has been highly valued.  We wish them well in their future endeavours.  Nick Kane, a parent of 2 children in school, has been formally appointed onto our Local Management Board as a Foundation Governor by the Diocese.  He will assume the responsibility of monitoring EYFS and Foundation subjects.   

 

September Events

 

New Reception starters

We could not be prouder of how our newest full time children are settling into school life!  Miss Brady welcomed our Reception children into our school family in our Collective worship on Monday 13th September.  It has been such a joy to gather together again as one family in the hall and to see our happy Reception children join us, it brought a smile to all our faces!  You and your families are most welcome to our school and we look forward to seeing you grow and thrive over the coming years.

 

Author event

This month our children have been involved in two virtual author events. On Friday 17th September, Chris Smith and Greg James, shared some of their writing with our KS2 children.  The authors launched their fantastic new title The Great Dream Robbery and shared top tips on creating stories and their best secrets for encouraging your pupils to unlock their limitless imaginations to come up with the best stories possible. Our EYFS and KS1 children heard from Gabby Dawnay and Ian Morris on Monday 20th September who have shared The Library Book, a story about dinosaurs, princesses, pirates, football and rocketships! 

 

Cultural passports

This month we launched our Class Passports.  Each class has a passport which offers which activities they will encounter to ensure they receive the best opportunities at St Bernadette’s. Each teacher has tailored the passports to meet the needs of all children in the class. The children will receive their passports at the beginning of the academic year and take part in individual graduations as part of our House meetings once their passport has been completed. Our Y5 children have already had one enriched experience: 1st aid training.  St John Ambulance visited the class on Monday 13th September to deliver basic first aid awareness – what a great and essential experience it was! 

 

First Holy Communions

This month many of our Y6 children whose communion had been delayed as a result of COVID received Jesus for the first time.  We are so proud of their commitment to their faith.  The simple celebration will be a memorable occasion for all.  We are also grateful to Monsignor Hogan, the catechists and families of the children. 

We would encourage communion children to come into school in their communion attire on Monday 18th October so they can have individual professional individual photos at 8.40am.  We would advise they get changed following their photos so they can get their uniform photo also.  On this day we will also have a class celebration in the afternoon with the full Y6 class. 

Monsignor Hogan will communicate plans in the coming months in relation to Sacramental preparation for our current Y4&5 children. 

 

Extended schools Timetable

Our many and varied extended school clubs have now commenced. All clubs are free.  Please find below the wide variety of events we have on offer this term-sign up to these clubs via Arbor or by contacting the school office. Throughout the year all teaching staff volunteer their own time to facilitate the clubs, and we are so grateful.  We are also supported by Mr Peacock and various individuals who we ‘buy in’. Further clubs and year groups will be facilitated after half term.

 

	Before school	Lunch Time	After School
Monday			Street Dance (Y1-2)
Tuesday		Recorder (Y4) Lego (Y1-2)	Tennis (Y5/6)
Wednesday		Unicorn club (Y1-6)
Thursday		TT Rockstars – x tables (Y1-4)	Lego (Y5-6)
Friday	Sports club as part of School’s In (Y3-6) Daily mile (Y1-6)	Swap club (Y1-6)

 

 

Dates for the Diary

 

Y2 Enrichment

Our Y2 children are excited about their visit to Stewart’s Park and Captain Cook Museum on Tuesday 5th October to learn more about the significant exhibitions of ‘one of our own’ … Captain James Cook. 

EYFS (Nursery and Reception) Welcome Liturgy

On Thursday 21st October, 9.30am, our Nursery and Reception staff invite you to a children’s liturgy to ‘stay and pray’ with them and welcome you and your families into our school family.  The invite extends to our afternoon Nursery children and families – any parents whose children attend afternoon sessions are encouraged to come and should drop their children at the side gate at 9am.  Afternoon children can then be taken home following the Liturgy and return at 12.15pm for their normal session. 

Residential meet

Y6 parents will have received this month information regarding our Y6  trip to Robinwood.  We would like to host a parents meeting on Monday 11th October, 2.30pm to discuss the trip in more detail.  We will set up a virtual link for parents unable to attend in person.  If you cannot make this meeting, please contact the school office should you require further details. 

 

Tempest Photographs

Individual and family group photographs will be taken by Tempest Photography on Monday 18th October. Photographs will be taken in the School Hall.  We will only be taking photos of school children this year.  Children will be directed from their classrooms after registration for photographs starting with our Communion children then proceeding up from Nursery to Year 6.  

Trinity Headteacher meet 

As part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, we work in close partnership with our feeder Catholic Secondary School. Mrs Dwyer (Headteacher at Trinity) came in to speak to our Y5/6 children and parents on Friday 17th September and answer their questions on Trinity. Mrs Dwyer is welcoming all Y5/6 parents to visit school for open mornings if you would like the opportunity to witness Trinity in action: 6th-8th October and 13-15th October, 9.45-10.40am.  If anyone would like to book an appointment please call Trinity on 01642298100. 

 

Harvest Festival – SVP Food Banks

Miss Brady will be leading a Harvest Assembly in mid October as we will be collecting donations for the Food Bank in advance of our harvest preparations. Please could we ask for donations of tinned foods, bags of sugar, long life milk, and long life fruit juice.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated. We will start collecting W/C Monday 11th October. Please could all donations be brought into school by Monday 18th October so we can pack and deliver the food hampers.

 

Updated Annual Calendar

Please visit the website to keep abreast of our annual calendar. As much as possible we will stick with these dates/times but if we need to change anything due to unforeseen events we will provide advance notice.  

Please note that we have moved the Y1/2 Christmas performance to Thursday 9th December as we have booked an in-school pantomime! 

Please also note that we have a PD day (Teacher training day) on Friday 22nd October so our final day of the half term is Thursday 21st October.  We return to school after half term on Monday 1st November.  A reminder that we have a day off school on Friday 26th November in lieu of Queen’s Jubilee next year! 

 

 

And finally,

 

Volunteers

We are once again in a position to welcome back our weekly volunteers to support with our curriculum work, reading and Maths skills.  We would really welcome your return! 

If you are once again able to support us, please can you contact the school office, Mr Conway or Miss Brady.  Your support really does make a big difference! 

Later in the year we will look for new volunteers.

 

Homework

 

Thank you in advance for all you do to support your children with homework, reading and times tables.  Reading and Google Classroom are now well established.  We have a school network to be proud of and together we will ensure we do our best to ensure your children are supported to be the best they can be!

 

You will receive curriculum newsletters outlining your children’s learning this week.  If you can support any specific curriculum work please contact your child’s class teacher.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact teachers, the office, Mr Conway or Miss Brady should you wish further clarification on anything in this newsletter or on how to support your children further. 

 

Kind regards,

 

Mr P Conway Miss S Brady

Head Teacher Head of School

 

Dear Parents/Carers, 

 

As we approach the end of our academic year, we would like to thank you all for your love, kindness and commitment to school in what has been another challenging year.  

 

Our children are a credit to you all and have shown such resilience in their learning journey.  We also appreciate the juggling you as parents have faced when we have had enforced periods of home-schooling. Finally, a massive thank you to our staff – your words of support have kept us going this year!  Like many of our families, several staff members have experienced personal tragedies in the last year and despite this they have continued to commit themselves fully to your children and our school. We really are one family at St Bernadette’s and we walk hand in hand though good times and bad.  

 

Goodbye

Goodbye to our wonderfully unique Year 6.  You have ensured a strange last 18 months but have shown such resilience and determination.  We know you are ready academically, spiritually and morally to make a great impact on the world.  Good luck with secondary school and keep in touch! Once a St Bernadette’s child, always a St Bernadette’s child. 

We send our love and very best wishes to Mrs. Davies as she retires today. Mrs. Davies has been a huge part of school life for 21 years. We wish her the very best in her retirement.

 

ParentPay

• Please could all parents check their ParentPay accounts are cleared in full (dinner monies and Schools In/Out).
• Payments for the Summer parties may still be made on ParentPay (if you have not yet contributed).
• PTA contributions for merchandise may also be made via ParentPay.
• From September – all dinner monies must be paid in advance.

 

Teaching staff 21-22

Teaching staff for next year is as follows:     

• Nursery – Mrs Whitfield 
• Reception – Mrs Pennick

*Mrs Andrews will teach in EYFS on her 2 days in school

• Year 1 – Miss Simpson
• Year 2 – Mrs Smith
• Year 3 – Miss Lumley
• Year 4 – Mr Lynn  
• Year 5 – Miss Cuff
• Year 6 – Mr Bourner 

 

Attendance 

 

• It is vital that children are in school each day to maintain strides made in their educational progress, wellbeing and wider development.
• It is the expectation that parents will avoid a holiday in term-time as this will cause further disruption to their child’s education. Holidays in term-time must be in writing to the Headteacher using the appropriate leave of absence form.  
• Term time dates for 2021-22  https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/term-dates/

• The guidance remains that staff and children who are symptomatic must not attend school unless they have a negative PCR test (main symptoms of coronavirus remain a high temperature; a new, continuous cough and/or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste).  Anyone with a positive test must also self-isolate. This remains a legal duty after 19 July. Schools must retain procedures for dealing with suspected cases as they did prior to 19 July, including immediate isolation. School will no longer trace close contacts – close contacts will still be identified via NHS Test and Trace.
• If your child/children cannot attend school for covid related absences, school will provide remote education for your child. 

 

No more staggered start and end times

• From September all children should be dropped off at school between 8.30-8.40am.  Registration and lessons will begin from 8.40am so the gates will be closed at this point and children will be marked as late if arriving after 8.40am.  It is vital children arrive on time so they do not miss out on vital learning from 8.40am.
• Parents should continue to drop off children at the side gate on entry (8.30-8.40am).Staff members will be on the gate to welcome your children and supervise their access into school. 
• On collection – 3pm for ALL pupils, parents will collect from set areas around the perimeter of school.  Please collect the oldest children first and proceed to younger siblings exit points.  Please note Nursery children can be collected from 3-3.15pm. 
• Children must be collected by a designated adult and children are only permitted to walk to/from school alone with permission.  If you are collecting another child you must inform the school office. 
• Lines on our playground/paths will remain as a reminder to distance from each other. 
• Face masks are advisory for parents on drop off and collection but will not be compulsory. 
• Parents/children are encouraged to walk/cycle/scoot to school. 

 

 Organisation of Children in school 

 

• From 19 July, the requirement to keep pupils in bubbles ceases, meaning that the guidance permits pupils to mix freely in schools, and that large gatherings such as assemblies can resume. ‘Bubbling’ may be reintroduced in the case of local outbreaks.
• Children will continue to remain with their class ‘bubbles’ for large parts of the school day but we are really looking forward to sharing whole school / mixed group experiences in person again. 
• Children will return to normal seating arrangements as appropriate to their stage of learning.
• Pupils will continue to use their own toilet areas and regular hand washing will continue.

Break times and lunch times 

 

• Some breaks and lunch times may still be staggered however larger groups will be allowed to be inside the hall and play outside together. 

• Each class will once again eat school meals in the hall.  
• The children can choose daily from the 3 week menu (attached)  
• Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children are entitled to a free school meal under the universal free school meals offer.   Normal charges will apply to all other year groups (£2.20).  Please inform us if your child is having a home packed lunch.  

Please view the link for our new school menu https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/lunch-menu/

 

Homework

• Homework will continue to be provided weekly via Google classroom.  It is essential all children know how to access learning from home if required for homework and in the event of enforced isolation.  

 

Use of Equipment 

• All children will use school stationary with the exception that they may bring in and leave their own glue sticks/ coloured pencils if they want(no felt tips/Sharpies allowed).   
• All materials, surfaces and areas will continue to be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

Uniform and items from Home 

• Our normal standards and expectations will be expected for behaviour and work, therefore all children are asked to wear full school uniform each day, inclusive of school tie and black shoes.  Trainers will only be permitted on PE days.  
• On PE days (Reception to Year 6) children will be expected to wear purple hoodies, house colour tops, plain blue shorts and trainers.  No branded clothing is allowed.  We have been so pleased with how you have embraced this change this year – the children look smart as carrots!   We will inform you of PE days in September.  
• If anyone needs support with uniform orders please contact the school office.

Uniform orders can be placed via the school website https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html

• • Children should bring limited items to school other than reading books, coats, sun hats and water bottles. Sun cream should be applied before arriving.  (still WATER only- no juice allowed / books/ lottos will be changed twice weekly.
  •   Sun cream should be applied before arriving.

• Uniform orders can be placed via the school website https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html

 

Contact with School 

• All contact with school should be via telephone and email. 
• In recent weeks a number of staff have been receiving emails from parents after 6pm. Please can we respectfully ask that from now on any queries beyond working hours be directed to our school enquires email ([email protected] ) or in an the event of emergency then use Mr Conway’s email [email protected] 
• Please ensure that we have your most up to date contact details and that you are able to be contacted throughout the day. 

 

Wraparound care

• Our Schools In and Out service will be open from Thursday 2nd September (7.45am-5.30pm).   
• Schools In children will access school through the main office entrance and be registered on entry. Children in School’s In will be taken from the hall to class from 8.30am.  
• Children remaining in school after 3pm will be taken to School’s Out by their teachers. On collection, parents should ring the bell and wait for their child in the holding bay in the office or outside. 
• Currently charges are applied as follows:
  SCHOOL’S IN:   7.45am-8.40am £4  and   8.20am -8.40am £2  
• SCHOOL’S OUT:  3pm-5.30pm   –    £4 per hour / £2 per half hour 

 

Precautions 

 

We will continue to take precautions in line with DFE guidance such as:

• a thorough and deep clean of the whole school prior to the return of all children
• enhanced cleaning, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces more often
• ensuring everyone at school continues to clean their hands regularly – this will be both hand soap and hand sanitiser (please inform school if you do not want your child to use alcohol based sanitiser) 
• ensuring good respiratory hygiene, by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach
• regular opportunities for outdoor development and good ventilation to minimise risk of spread 
• generally staff will not wear PPE unless necessary for personal or intimate care.   

 

 

And finally,

 

As a school, we will continue to do all we can to minimise risk and operate a safe learning environment but please be prepared for changes as we assess the impact of these changes in September and as guidance changes. We hope this long and detailed letter provides you with the information you need to prepare yourselves and your children for September.  

In the meantime, have a wonderful summer holiday, remember our Reading and Times tables challenge and we look forward to welcoming you back from Thursday 2nd September.  

If you need any further guidance or information please do not hesitate to make contact.  

 

With thanks for your support, 

Mr P Conway (Headteacher) and Miss S Brady (Head of School)

July Newsletter

 

Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

As we approach our final few weeks of the academic year may we take this opportunity to thank you all for all your support and commitment this year. We have experienced an unusual year to say the least but hope is very much in sight as a result of the successful roll out of the vaccine!

 

General

Mr Peacock

Please keep our lovely Mr Peacock in your thoughts as he undergoes some medical treatment.  Mr Peacock teaches PE across Y1-6.  He will continue to come into school as he can and we wish him our love and prayers in the coming months. 

Mrs Davies

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Mrs Davies in July after 21 years in the role.  She is an excellent upper Key Stage 2 teaching assistant and her knowledge and commitment to school life will be missed by all of us.  Mrs Davies is looking forward to spending  time with her growing family and pursuing her sporting interests!  

Suncream

Please ensure you apply sun cream in advance of children coming to school in the summer months.  We are unable to apply suncream.  Children are also encouraged to bring sun hats and bottles of water. 

Birthday cakes

As a healthy school and because of food allergies we try to discourage too many sweet treats, however if you decide to give the class teacher a cake for your child’s birthday please ensure it is ready to give out to the children.  School staff cannot spend time away from children cutting cakes! 

 

June events

Governor visits 

We are fortunate to have a really proactive governing body who do all they can to monitor how our children receive the best education they possibly can:

• Mary Bilous, our Chair of Governors, visits school weekly to change books and lottos in Y1 and meet with Mr Conway/Miss Brady 
• Paul Benfield, a Foundation Governor, met with Miss Cuff this month to discuss developments in our wider curriculum.  They discussed current books and next year’s planned changes – rather than teach a full term in our Y1-6 Topic work (History, Geography, Art, DT), we will teach the units in smaller, interleaved blocks.
• Laura Cutler, a Foundation Governor, met with Miss Brady to look at our RE books and Collective worship practice. 
• Louise Brady, a Foundation Governor, met with Miss Brady to assess the EYFS developments including use of the outdoor area. 

Mrs Brady will be stepping down from her role as Foundation Governor at the end of this academic year.   As a former teacher at St Bernadette’s, she had a deep understanding of our school and her knowledge, support, empathy and challenge made her a great Governor. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Brady for her time and commitment to our school.

Safeguarding review

On Tuesday 22nd July we had a full Trust safeguarding review.  It was a comprehensive overview of all aspects of school safeguarding.  We are pleased to inform you that the audit was very positive and confirmed our vigilant adherence to safeguarding protocols. 

Bede day

This year we have tried to increase our children’s understanding and appreciation of the impact our local Saints had on our area and Christianity. On 11th June, all children across the school learnt more about St Bede. who was an English Benedictine monk at the monastery in the Kingdom of Northumbria.  He is well known as an author, teacher and scholar.

PTA Uniform stall

On Thursday 17th and Friday 18th June we held a uniform stall in school.   Thank you to all who contributed quality items of clothing.  Also a huge thank you to Helen Gilpin (and her mum), a parent of 2 boys in Y1, who gave up her time to prepare the uniform and display the items each day.  We are so grateful for her support.  There are a few items remaining if anyone did not have a chance to see the stall.  The uniform stall raised £57.00 which will all go to PTA funds. 

Sports day

Thank you for your understanding in relation to Sports day.  We were hoping that we would be able to have parents on site to witness this fun, annual event.  The children enjoyed their Sports days and we hope you saw the many pictures shared via Twitter.  We hope from September restrictions will allow your presence on site to join us at joyous events like this. 

Y6 events

Y6 have enjoyed several special end of year activities: as they missed their residential this year they went to Carlton for a day of outward bound adventures and they have had various fitness, transition and sport workshops. 

 

July events

Reading books/Homework

Please note that Reading books will be collected from next week. We would encourage you to access our online materials.  A reminder of how to access the online materials is provided by a video on our school website (Logging in support for our online reading books (Oxford Reading Tree and AcceleratedReader ): https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/curriculum-support-videos/

 If you need any support accessing independent reading books online please contact the school office or your child’s class teacher. 

Please note we will also not be sending homework on Google Classroom from next week. 

Stokesley Open Gardens

On Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July Stokesley Gardens returns.  You can discover the secrets of Stokesley’s best-kept gardens, with the proceeds of the event supporting Teesside Hospice.

New Reception starters 

On Monday 5th July, we will be holding our new Reception starters meeting for parents.  This year we will be having a virtual meet.  The meeting will be from 9-10am.  Video call link: ttps://meet.google.com/nfq-zydp-vfh  

Postgate Day

On Friday 9th July, we will celebrate Postage day in school.  All children (N-Y6) are encouraged to wear their own clothes with a splash of yellow. 

Reports 

End of year reports will be sent home on Friday 9th July. If anyone would like to see a teacher following your child’s report please make an appointment through the school office.   We will also inform you of your child’s new class teacher at this point.

Transition days

At this stage we have decided to shorten our in school transition period this year.  We are hopeful this will still go ahead.  The plan is for all children to move into their new year group to meet their new teachers and get used to new routines on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th July.  This period traditionally really helps the children settle and hit the ground running in September. If anything changes we will let you know.  The children will return to their present class on Wednesday 14th July. 

Secondary schools transition has been altered as a result of the delay to lockdown restrictions – secondary schools are liaising directly with Y6 parents in relation to rearranged plans.  All secondary school partners have been invited into school to meet children also.

 

PTA School merchandise

St Bernadette’s merchandise has now arrived and is available to purchase via Parentpay.  Please order the following items on Parentpay by Tuesday 13th July and we will distribute them to children on Wednesday 14th July / Thursday 15th July.  We have added separate payment options for all 

• St Bernadette’s wristbands: £2.50

• Unicorn keyrings: £2
• Hope Rainbow pin badges: £2
• St Bernadette Mugs:  £5.00
• St Bernadette Pencils:  £1.00
• St Bernadette Coasters: £2.00

We have a limited amount of each product so please be quick in purchasing goods.

Thanks to our parents Sarah Langstaff and Dawn McNamara for the support in purchasing the goods.  A huge thank you to @sweetsmith_designs for our wonderful school design. You are amazing!

All proceeds will directly benefit PTA funds.  PTA funds are solely used to purchase resources for the children and contribute to children activities eg Summer fayre parties; Y6 leavers events; ipads; reading books etc 

 

Nursery to Year 5 Class Parties (Wednesday 14th July) 

On Wednesday 14th July, Nursery to Year 5 children can wear their own clothes for the day and will play some fun games (in class and out of class) in their bubbles in the morning.  In the afternoon they will enjoy some snacks and a film (U/PG).  We are asking for a minimum £3 donation towards the  associated costs for the activities for the day’s events.  

Please note although Year 6’s will have their class party on Thursday 15th July (as detailed below) 

 

Year 6 leavers events:  

• Wednesday 7th July

.Year 6 Drama performance (outside), 6pm (a maximum of one family member per Y6 child) 

• Friday 9th July

.Pizza/McDonalds and movie evening (outdoor cinema) – 6.30-9.30pm (children only)

• Thursday 15th July

.A celebration ‘Leavers Liturgy’ (outside), 9.30am  (a maximum of one family member per Y6 child) 

.Y6 Party afternoon and Silent Disco 1pm (children only).  On this afternoon, children will also enjoy some party food contributed by Y6 parents.  

.Y6 children need to come to school in full school uniform for the ‘Leavers liturgy’ but can bring their own clothes to change into after in preparation for their disco.

 

First Holy Communion

Over the last week, we have had discussions with Monsignor Hogan regarding completing our First Holy Communion programme with our current Y5 cohort.  As you will appreciate, guidance in relation to COVID still compromises celebrating First Holy Communion in full but Monsignor is hopeful that either:

1. The communions will take place one at a time on a weekend Mass
2. Holding the Sacrament over a number of weekends in September. 

Monsignor will clarify these options after the next announcement in mid July.  

Monsignor is happy for you to contact him via the parish number, Church email  ([email protected])  or Parish Facebook for further details/clarification. 

A reminder that Monsignor will communicate information regarding the programme for our current Y3/4 children following completion of the Y5 programme. 

And finally,

 

Gift policy

As a staff, we all feel very privileged to teach your children and your kind words and messages are more than enough thanks for the work we do.  The trust has a policy whereby gifts must be declared.  Therefore we would urge you not to organise leaver’s gifts for school staff.

Uniform

Advance notice:  We expect children to continue wearing PE kits on PE days next year but we will be asking children to return to wearing shoes on non PE days. 

Many thanks for your support in ensuring our children look ‘smart as carrots!’ each day in the way they dress and with their sensible hairstyles. Please order uniform via the website or direct from Motif8  https://www.motif8.co.uk/schools/primary-schools-s-z/st-bernadettes-primary.html

School Meals

A reminder that school meals must be paid for in advance. This may be done weekly, monthly or termly. If your child is absent from school, you will not be charged for any meals that they do not take. Please check ParentPay regularly to ensure that your school meal account remains in credit.

School’s Out closure

Please note there will be no ‘School’s out’ service on Thursday 15th July after school due to a staff retreat evening. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.  school’s Out will be open as normal on Friday 16th July. 

Summer Break 

Friday 16th July is the end of our school term  (No Nursery sessions this day) 

 

We have a PD day on Wednesday 1st September and Nursery and Y1-6 children will return on Thursday 2nd September.  Please note that New Reception children will return either Thursday 2nd September or Tuesday 7th September depending on their agreed starting date. 

We look forward to seeing you over the next few weeks on drop off and collection at school.  If we don’t see you personally, best wishes for the summer break.

 

Yours sincerely, 

Mr P Conway and Miss S Brady

Headteacher  / Head of School 

 

Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

 

Half term is nearly upon us.  We hope you find the following updates useful:

 

May attendance

Attendance for May was 97.1%  A special well done to Year2 who have all achieved really high attendance this month (98.6%).  Thank you for your support with attendance. 

 

Uniform

We are delighted to inform you that we have a new addition to our uniform – tank tops!  We appreciate on warm days children often remove jumpers but other schools have commented on the fact that they are less likely to lose this style of attire.  For future uniform orders please see our school website: https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/school-uniform/

 

Ipad feedback

Thank you so much to the 35 Year 2/3 parents who responded to our questionnaire relating to the possibility of leasing Ipads.  We really appreciate your engagement in our consultation.  We have taken on board the many positive comments you made but also your alternative suggestions or concerns.  As a result of the feedback we have decided not to pursue the option of leasing individual ipads.  We will seek other ways of purchasing ipads to support the children’s learning such as fundraising events.  We will organise events and communicate further information next academic year. 

 

E-safety

A few home related e-safety incidents have been brought to our attention recently.  As the children have had more time independently on electronic devices please be ever vigilant to what apps they are using and monitoring their use.  

We have been asked by Middlesbrough Council safeguarding team to share information regarding the following apps: ‘Coco’ / ‘Up Live.’ Adult grooming activity has been reported on the apps with  requests for explicit images from children. If you need any support applying restrictions to your home devices for children please contact school. 

 

1st Holy Communion

Like schools, guidance for Church events has not significantly altered as a result of easing of COVID restrictions in May.  In this respect, it remains difficult for Monsignor Hogan to plan for the outstanding Year 5 Communions. Monsignor Hogan is keen to progress the current group who have not completed their programme and will issue instructions to relevant Year 5 parents as soon as Government guidance clarifies information on wider gatherings. 

As communicated last month, Monsignor Hogan will contact current Year 3/4 parents about next year’s programme from September. 

 

Islam

As part of our learning in all Catholic schools it is so important we develop a deeper understanding and respect of people of all faiths.  Last week learnt about Islam. These experiences enrich our children’s understanding of life in multicultural Britain.  

 

Relationships and Sex Education 

This week, our healthy relationships programme ‘Life to the full’ has been taught across the whole school according to age and stage. 

 

Volunteers 

We cannot wait until we can once again welcome volunteers into school, but unfortunately due to current guidelines and restrictions we are not able to do this at present. We are hopeful that in September we will be able to do so once again so if you think you would be able to give up your time to support the school in any way please contact the school office. 

COVID updates

 

A reminder that as things stand we will not be making any imminent changes to our risk measures.  Thank you for your support and punctuality with our staggered timings and continuing to wear face coverings on drop off and collection. We will reassess our risk measures as June guidance is issued to school from the Government. 

 

COVID symptoms 

The rules for people with COVID / COVID symptoms are also still in place – if you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, you must get an official PCR test as soon as possible.   If someone in your household develops symptoms, you and anyone you live with, should stay at home until you get the test result – only leave your home to have a test. Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started. Please inform school immediately if you or anyone in your household has COVID symptoms – you must not come to school. A LFT is just for asymptomatic people. If you have a symptom please use the official PCR test. 

 

Self isolation and Google classroom

If you test positive for coronavirus, your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you had the test, if you do not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days.  Any close contacts will also need to self-isolate at the same time  (this includes household/class bubble members).  As this stands, this still means class bubbles may have to isolate from time to time.  Please continue to access homework and additional activities through Google classroom so you remain familiar with this platform in the event of a bubble closure.   If anyone is isolating for more than one day as a result of COVID symptoms they can access live lessons through our lesson link on Google Classroom. Please contact the school office or class teacher if you need support with this. 

 

On weekends or holiday time please inform school of any positive COVID cases via [email protected]  / [email protected]  If you do not receive a response please contact Mr Conway directly via: [email protected]

 

Holiday destinations 

For the safety of our school community, if anyone is going abroad over half term you must inform school so we are aware of your travel arrangements.  Please refer to Government guidance in relation to green/amber/red countries and associated quarantining as appropriate. 

 

Absence due to Illness

A reminder that if a child is absent from school with an illness (non COVID related) lasting more than 2 days, we will require a letter from the parent/carer. Please continue to phone daily also. For information, we may also ask our Trust attendance team to make welfare visits if the absence is more prolonged. 

 

Enrichment 

Enrichment experiences such as day trips can now take place in consistent bubbles so classes may begin external curriculum experiences.  We will inform you where such events are arranged.

 

Collection and walking to school

At present we expect a designated adult to collect children.  This would be our expectation most evenings.  On occasions if children are being collected by another parent, we must be informed prior to collection. 

Older children (Y5/6) may begin to walk home alone but only if consent is given via Arbor.  Children walking home alone in Y5/6 are permitted to bring a mobile phone into school but this must be handed in to the school office or class teacher on arrival into school. Consent for your child to bring a mobile phone to school can also be found on Arbor.

 

 

June/July Extended Schools Clubs Timetable

 

It has been great to witness our many lunchtime and after school bubble extended clubs again this half term.  Our staff are once again freely giving their time next half term to provide clubs and we are supplementing this with some external delivery.  At this stage extended clubs are continuing to take place within bubbles. 

 

Please see below the extended school provision for June/July.  Any new clubs will begin w/b 14th June.  Any clubs that are continuing will start w/b 7th June.  

 

Extended school clubs June/July 2021
Day	Lunch	After-school
Monday		Orienteering (Y5)
		Drama (Y6)
Tuesday	Basketball Teesside Lions (Y1-3)
	Basketball Teesside Lions (Y6 on the green)	Running Club (Y4)
Wednesday	Sign Language (Y1)
	Multi sports on the green mat (Y4-6)
Friday	TT Rock Stars in classroom (Y3)
	Singing/Reading in classroom (Y1)
	Mini Vinnies in classroom (Y2)
	Multi sports on the green mat (Y4-6)

 

PE days (June/July)

There are slight variances to PE days next half term (see below)  Please could children wear kits for the full day on their PE days: purple hoodies, house t-shirt, shorts/joggers. 

 

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

 

Summer events

 

PTA Uniform stall

At our PTA meeting last week, it was suggested that we hold a uniform stall.  Because of COVID school closures many children have outgrown items of uniform and several items are ‘nearly new.’  Please could we ask if you have any unwanted quality items of school uniform that you donate them to school wb 7th June.  We will then display all items for you to peruse on wb 14th June. There is no charge for the uniform, all we would ask is to  leave a small voluntary donation in the tubs next to the stall. If you could support with putting the uniform out at the beginning of the day (8.20am or collecting it back in at 3.15pm) we would be extremely grateful.  

 

PTA School merchandise 

We discussed some possible school merchandise fundraising ideas and in June we will be displaying possible items for you to purchase from school such as St Bernadette’s bracelets, St Bernadette’s placemats and even a few unicorn related merchandise!  Further details will be provided in weekly reminders following half term and orders will be made via Parentpay.  

 

Sports day

Please note we have decided to separate Sports day across 3 days this year because we are hopeful we may be able to invite parents.  At this stage the events will be for children only but if guidance allows we will invite parents so pencil in the dates. We will confirm arrangements nearer the time:

• Y1-3 Sports day: Tuesday 22nd June, 1.15pm-2.30pm
• EYFS Sports day: Wednesday 23rd June, 1.15-2.30pm
• Y4-6 Sports day: Thursday 24th June, 1.15-2.30pm

 

Nursery to Year 5 Class Parties (Wednesday 14th July) 

Unfortunately we cannot plan with any clarity a Summer Fayre this year so we have decided to cancel it.  Instead, it was agreed that we have class parties instead.  On Wednesday 14th July, children can wear their own clothes for the day and will play some fun games (in class and out of class) in their bubbles on the morning.  In the afternoon they will enjoy some snacks and a film (U/PG).  We would ask for a £3 donation towards school funds and any associated costs for the activities for the day’s events. This day will be for children only. 

Please note Year 6’s will have their class party on Thursday 15th July (as detailed below)

 

Year 6 events

Last week we communicated some dates regarding some Year 6 leavers events.  We do hope to invite parents to the leavers liturgy depending on restrictions so you may want to pencil some of the following dates/times:

• Year 6 Drama performance – Wednesday 7th July, 6pm (provisional) 
• Pizza/McDonalds and movie evening (outdoor cinema) – Friday 9th July, 6-9.30pm (Further details to follow- children only)
• Y6 Party day and Silent Disco – Thursday 15th July (children only) 
• A celebration ‘Leavers Liturgy’ – Thursday 15th July, 9.30am 

 

Y5/6 Summer club

NPCAT Sport are holding a Summer club and inviting Y5/6 children to partake in it (July 19th -23rd, 9-3pm).  It is free and is hosted at Trinity.  It is a full week of various activities – to register your interest click the below link and register your child. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdM5nKoFc9Gkg2QGTHYyi0XHCKN2Y9yPY7H-CndIsA5hfoHPg/viewform?entry.263426233=St+Bernadette%27s+Primary+School&entry.2004751180=Year+6

 

 

Please find a letter to parents and carers from our CEO. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/126TZoN3YHSS-j52ggJHBWsVZImrccWCW/view?usp=sharing 

 

 

And finally,

 

Have a wonderful and restful half term.  Now things are beginning to open, we hope you enjoy some lovely days out with close friends and family.  We look forward to seeing you on Monday 7th June from 8.30am. 

 

Yours sincerely, 

Mr.P.Conway and Miss.S.Brady