Autumn Term 2009
During the Autumn term at St Mary’s, we had many events and occasions.
In September we welcomed Mrs Raynor as our Acting Headteacher.
In October we had our annual Harvest celebrations, culminating with Harvest Mass at St Mary’s church. Parcels were sent out to our senior parishioners for which they were very grateful.
November was a very busy month. First during anti-bullying week, the children learnt about staying safe in cyberspace. A useful website for parents on the subject is www.thinkuknow.co.uk. We recommend that all parents check this site out so that they can ensure their child’s safety on the internet. E-safety training, including internet safety will be available for parents in the new year. Details will follow shortly.
Then there was the sponsored sport event, when past Olympian, triple jumper, Larry Achike, visited St Mary’s. Part of the event included a chosen pupil signing a giant Union Jack on behalf of the school. All money raised was split between school funds and the Team Superschool’s charity.
This was quickly followed by a Christmas craft coffee afternoon. Children from each class prepared a variety of crafts on a Christmas theme to sell on the day. This was a huge success!
We ended our term in December with our annual Christmas shows. Here you can see some of the cast from KS1 production of “Donkey for sale”.
On the last day there was a carol concert featuring singing in Latin by Year 5 and a four part version of “The Magnificat” by Year 6. To finish off, the school’s brass group played a selection of Christmas tunes.
Summer Term 2009
Goodbye to Mrs Dolan
At the end of the Summer Term we said goodbye to our Headteacher, Mrs Dolan. Mrs Dolan had been the headteacher at St Mary’s for the last sixteen years.
During the final weeks of term, there were several events celebrating Mrs Dolan’s time at St Mary’s and lots of chances to thank her for her hard work and dedication over the years, as well as opportunities to wish her well in her retirement.
As part of the celebrations, the school staff had rehearsed and performed a special version of the Abba song, Mamma Mia. This went down a storm with both parents and pupils, so much so that they were asked to perform it again!
St Mary’s got talent
At our annual talent show, children from key stage 2 performed for the rest of the school, delighting us with their many and varied talents. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and it gave pupils the chance to shine. Here are a selection of this year’s competitors:
A Visit form the Local Fire-fighters
Throughout the year pupils of all ages from St Mary’s have enjoyed visits by the local fire-fighters. Fire-fighter Duncan brought his crew and engine to school to talk to the children about fire safety and to let them see a fire engine close-up.
The children learnt about the special clothing fire-fighters wear when attending the scene of a fire and Mrs Raynor even got to try it on!
Pupils also enjoyed looking in detail at the fire engine and were especially pleased to be allowed to have a turn at squirting the hose.
Have you got green fingers?
Mr Sabatino, our site manager, really has got green fingers. With the help of children throughout the school, he has transformed the flowerbeds around school into vegetable plots. A whole range of vegetables were planted during the year and are now almost ready for harvesting.
Children from various classes have helped with the project and really enjoyed getting back to nature and seeing how their plants have grown.
As part of the project, various sunflowers were also planted and during the summer they have really flourished. Some are taller than the staff!
Fencing – not the one around your garden!
One of the afterschool activities available this year was fencing. KS2 children were invited to stay after school for a series of lessons in the art of fencing. The well trained coaches guided the pupils through the basics and all were very keen to have a go.
Creative Arts Partnership
Year 5 pupils were given the opportunity to work with a resident artist to produce a mural for the school’s newly refurbished library.
Taking their inspiration from local architecture, the children created pieces of 3D artwork in groups that was then put together to form one large masterpiece.
The end result was spectacular and got a lot of praise from visitors to the school.
Assembly Time at St. Mary's
Musicians play in assembly. The school's violinists and pianists performed a variety of pieces in front of the whole school and parents.
Preparing for our Christmas Show
The reception children were all very excited to perform their nativity show.
Operation Christmas Child
Once again this year the school took part in the Operation Christmas Child appeal. Last year the school sent over 100 shoe boxes to the appeal, containing gifts for children less fortunate than ourselves.
All of the boxes were sent in late November and this is one way in which we can all focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Harvest Festival
During the last week before the half term holiday we celebrated our Harvest Festival. On Tuesday 23rd October Key Stage 1 and Foundation Stage pupils performed their Harvest assembly in front of parents and grandparents as well as the Key Stage 2 children. It was a packed house but as always and the children brought up many harvest gifts. The next day it was Key Stage 2’s turn to remind us all about the Harvest and once again it was standing room only. It too was an enjoyable occasion including a Harvest rap from Year 6.
Our harvest festival ended with the Harvest mass on the Thursday morning, after which volunteers stayed behind to make up the parcels to send to the elderly in the parish and surplus tinned goods were sent to the Salvation Army.
Science Show
Early this term we had a visit from the travelling Science Show. Key Stage 1 and Reception class learnt about pushing and Pulling and Key Stage 2 learnt about electricity. Everyone found the activities most enjoyable and learnt a lot of new things. Below you can see some of the experiments that the children took part in.
Author Visit
We were very lucky this term to have a visit from a real author. Peter J Murray, the author of the Mokee Joe books gave a talk to the Key Stage 2 children about his work and how he finds his ideas for story writing, especially the characters. The children found it very inspirational and drew their ideas of what they thought the Guardian Angel would look like.
Farewell to Mrs Lea
This summer we said a fond farewell to Mrs Lea as she begun her retirement. Mrs Lea had taught at St Mary’s for over 28 years and she had long been involved with St Mary’s before that joining the PTA when it was first formed over 30 years ago. The children and staff prepared a special goodbye assembly for her and her family. I’m sure its not the last we will see of her, she has promised to come in and see us from time to time. Good luck Mrs Lea in your retirement!
Nursery
Reception
Year 1
Year 2 
Year 3 
Year 4 
Year 5 
Year 6