School News
We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the Coventry Building Society for their recent donation of £1,990.80.
Each year the Coventry Building Society in Tetbury donates 1% of the total balances held in their Supporters Accounts (School PTA), this is separate to the interest given to the account holders.
This year this resulted in a donation to the school of £1,990.80 which will help us to provide pupil laptops this academic year.
Details of the Supporter Account which is offered by The Coventry Building Society can be found on their website www.thecoventry.co.uk or by phoning their Tetbury branch on 01666 502692.
In turn, this week, we donated some pupil tables, chairs and filing cabinets that we no longer need to a school and hospital in Gambia. It will take them about 3 months to arrive at their destinations but we know they will be much appreciated by the children and staff when they do.
Thank you and well done to all those children who took part in the bonfire art competition organised by Upton Mill Care Home.
There were an amazing amount of entries and Upton Mill Care Home said...
“Wow!! What amazing pictures, our residents really had their work cut out for them, they were all so brilliant. They really enjoyed their afternoon judging and had to have a little tea break in between as they were exhausted bless them. After a few hours they came to a decision who were the winners but we really think they were all winners. Thank you to all the children who entered, it really made them smile, which is priceless.”
Thank you also to all local businesses who donated the prizes.
All children who took part received a certificate today and prizes were given to the winners.
KS1
1st Prize - Darcy S - Hobby Craft Voucher
2nd Prize - Archie B - Milkshakes at Cafe 53
3rd Prize - Sophie P - Yellow Lighted Book Voucher KS2
1st Prize – Emily C - Make Your Own Pizzas at The Priory
2nd Prize - Lilleigh S - Cinema tickets at the Goodshed
3rd Prize - Martha FM - Yellow Lighted Book Voucher
Please join us on a virtual open day which takes you around our school and introduces you to some of our pupils and staff.
We would also like to offer all prospective parents to St. Mary's Primary School the chance to join a new parent's meeting with our Headteacher, Mrs Woolley and Mrs Pike (Assistant Head and Reception teacher).
These meetings will take place online and will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the school and ask any questions.
If you are interested in having a chat with us, please contact the school office by telephone (01666 502275) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will be happy to book your appointment at time convenient to you.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Mrs J Woolley
Headteacher
We have seen a wonderful idea from another school and we think it is something really special that we will be introducing as St Mary's.
As a result of the current Covid restrictions many children are missing out on celebrating their birthday with family and friends as they usually would. Parties that would usually be planned are not allowed during this difficult time. We understand our children have already had so many changes and had to adapt to new rules and regulations both at home and school, and their emotional wellbeing is something that is very important to us.
Therefore, we will be giving them the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays in school with their friends! We have decided we will hold a birthday party within each ‘Bubble’ on the last Friday afternoon of each month, this will be to celebrate all children who have had their birthday that month.
During the afternoon (the last Friday of every month) we will provide fun games, activities and a party atmosphere. There will also be a little cake for each birthday child! All of the party costs will be covered by school and birthday children should not bring in any treats to share – we will take care of that!
Children who have celebrated a birthday that month are allowed to wear non uniform for the day if they wish to do so. Everyone else must still wear their normal school uniform.
If your child has already had their birthday during September and October they will be included in the first birthday celebration on November 27th. We look forward to giving every child the opportunity to celebrate with their friends and mark their special day!
Raising funds for St Mary’s in 2020
On behalf of our Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) and our Governors we would like to say a big hello and welcome back to St Mary’s!
COVID-19 has meant that we are unable to host our popular PTFA events, which in the past have raised thousands of pounds for our school. This means we need your support more than ever!
Why is fundraising so important to St Mary’s?
Our PTFA and Governors together raise around £10,000 a year from PTFA events and £10,000 from other sources; 100% of which is spent on our children and the School’s learning environment. We pay for a wide range of essential resources and enriching experiences ranging from Class iPads to reading books, welly sheds to Christmas pantos. Together, we also contribute towards capital projects for school buildings, playgrounds and ICT infrastructure (in addition to Diocesan funding).
Simply put, our children’s experience at St Mary’s would not be as rich without this essential fundraising and that’s where you come in.
How can parents help?
We ask you to consider making a voluntary donation to the school. Either as a one-off or, if possible, as a regular monthly donation.
How much should I give?
Only what you can afford. We know everyone has a lot going on right now, especially in light of COVID-19 and we completely understand that. All contributions are very gratefully received.
What is the best way to donate?
Visit our PTFA crowdfunding page. Here you can control how much to give and whether you set it up as a single or monthly donation.
Will the PTFA continue to run other fundraising events?
YES! We will keep an eye on Government guidelines in case we are able to run any of our usual events later this year. In the meantime, we will do what we can to organise fun activities for our school community to share ‘virtually’. Look out for our Christmas Card fundraiser coming soon…
Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more:
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook @wearestmarys
Thank you for reading and please continue to stay safe.
With Best Wishes,
Suzie Drye
Chair of St Mary’s PTFA
&
Clair Hodgson
Governor, Chair of Resources
A huge thank you to the PTFA for their donation this term of £1000 to support our Accelerated Reader initiative.
This has enabled us to purchase over 300 new reading books which the children are thoroughly enjoying.
We have reached the end of the second full week of the term already. The staff are continuing to report back on how brilliant all the children have been at sticking to the new rules and how well they have settled back into life at school.
We are all very excited about welcoming our children back to school on Thursday 3rd September. We hope everyone has had a good summer break and managed to keep well and have fun despite restrictions.
This letter, the leaflet and the diagram of the school gives the information needed for starting back at school next week.
Here's a short video of the Year 6 end of school water fight. Good luck and best wishes to our Year 6 children as they move on to their secondary school adventures.
This is a link to a lovely video explaining social distancing to young children.
We have shared it with our children in Reception and Year 1.
