24th November 2023 - Newsletter

News

24th November 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

This Week in School

This week, the Nativity rehearsals have been in full swing. It has been lovely to hear the joyful sounds of our youngest pupils singing their enthusiatic little hearts out. The staff put so much time, effort and care into bringing these events together and I feel very lucky to walk through the hall and see the delight on the children’s faces as they rehearse. We look forward to inviting you to join us in a few weeks time to see the final product!

 

We had another lovely Mass at Church this week – on this occasion led by the children in Year 5. They did a wonderful job and showed themselves to be confident readers and speakers. Several members of the Church community commented on how impressed they were, and it is lovely to see how warmly the childern are welcomed by both Fr Tom and the congregation. We look forward to continuing these Masses, strengthening our links with the Parish. Thank you to all who attended.

 

A Message Regarding Sweet Treats on Children’s Birthdays

We would like to reassure parents that there is no obligation to bring in sweet treats for the whole class on your child’s birthday. We wouldn’t like families to feel under any pressure to do so, as we know that the cost of living has risen dramatically and not everyone is in a position to do this. Therefore, we would ask that if you do choose to send something in, to follow these guidelines:

  • Small individually wrapped items, like haribo mini packs, may be provided. These will be sent home in bookbags as an afterschool treat.
  • Please do not send in a cake. As you will understand, our staff are very busy ensuring the children receive the support they need in their learning, and therefore are unable to cut up and hand out cake.  
  • Please do not send party bags. For reasons mentioned above, we do not want parents or children to feel under pressure to ‘keep up’, as we know that being unable to can make children feel very sad.

We know you will understand that we want St George’s to be as inclusive a place as possible, and we are so grateful for your support in this.

 

Charity Christmas Market

Queens College have asked us to make you aware that they are hosting a Charity Christmas Market on Sunday 3rd December 11-3pm. On the day, there will be festive food, arts and crafts and Christmas gift ideas. Entry to the event is free and proceeds will raise funds for underprivileged Cambodian families. The organisers would like to thank you for your consideration.

 

Christmas Hamper Raffle 2023

Our fantastic Parent Support Group are organising the Christmas Hamper Raffle again this year. We will hold a Mufti Day on Friday 1st December when the children can come to school in their own clothes for the day in exchange for a donation which will be used to create the wonderful Christmas Hampers.

 

Suggested items are listed below for each year group:

 

Reception Class    Gifts for a Female              

Class 1                    Gifts for a Male                                  

Class 2                    Gifts for Girls

Class 3                    Gifts for Boys

Class 4                    Food (food items suitable for a hamper; no perishable items, please)

Class 5                    Drink (including alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

Class 6                    Anything goes - a suitable item of your choice, or something from the list above

 

Your support with donations is much appreciated.

 

 

Amenities/Swimming Contributions

Please can I remind all parents and carers that each year, we ask for a voluntary contribution of

£10 per term per child for swimming, and £10 per term for each family for School Amenities.

The school has always traditionally asked parents and carers for an amenity contribution. The Amenities Fund allows the school to give children extra opportunities and experiences such as visiting artists, performers and sport companies. We feel it is crucial that the children continue to have these WOW moments and with the rising costs of funding school everts and maintaining and running the swimming pool, we would really appreciate your contribution to allow this to continue.

 

Payments for Swimming and Amenities can be paid online, details are as follows:

 

Bank Account Number: 02887152 Sort-Code: 30-98-45

Please quote reference S for Swimming and A for Amenities

 

Best wishes,

Edwina McDonnell

 

Upcoming Dates:  

Wednesday 29th November – Year 6 will attend the Parish Mass – 9.30am at Church (parents welcome)

Friday 1st December – Mufti Day – bring an item for the Prize Hampers – see information above

Tuesday 5th December – Reception Class (EYFS) Nativity Play – 2.30pm

Wednesday 6th December – Key Stage 1 Nativity Play matinee performance – 2.00pm

Thursday 7th December – Key Stage 1 Nativity Play evening performance – 6pm

Wednesday 13th December – Carol Concert in Church - 2pm

Thursday 14th December – Christmas Dinner Day/Christmas Jumper Day

Thursday 14th December – Last day for returning Christmas Raffle tickets.

Friday 15th December – Christmas Hampers Raffle Draw

Tuesday 19th December – End of Term Mass in Church - 9.30am

Wednesday 3rd January – INSET DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED

Thursday 4th January – SCHOOL OPEN

Wednesday 10th January – Start of Term Mass in Church – 9.30am