1st May 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
This Week in School
Although it was a shorter week due to the May Bank Holiday, it was certainly a busy one and there were lots of highlights for the staff and pupils. Thursday in particular was crammed with positives.
Our Year 1 class went to Blackbrook for a sports festival, and Mrs Crocker reported that the behaviour of our St George’s pupils was exemplary, and stood out as being commendable in comparison to that of other schools. Understandably, this made the Year 1 staff very proud and they are to be praised for their high expectations and support of our wonderful pupils.
Also on Thursday, the school gathered together for an assembly to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The children were attentive and respectful, engaging with the assembly and through their responses, showing they understood the significance of the event.
Following this, we celebrated by having a whole school picnic together on the school field. Mr Oaten, one of our generous parent supporters, kindly donated bunting and flags for the day so we could decorate the school grounds to mark the occasion. It was a joy to see the staff and pupils smiling and laughing as they sat together to enjoy their lunches.
The Governors kindly paid for the children to have an ice-lolly as a treat to mark the day, and as you can imagine, this was gratefully received!
Finally on Thursday, Father Tom led a service for our school Chaplaincy Team, to commission our Year 5 Chaplains into their role. Our Year 4 Chaplains attended to get a flavour of what the commissioning service involves (as they will be commissioned next year), and the Year 6 Chaplains looked on, remembering what it felt like to receive their Chaplaincy badges and certificates, signed by our Bishop, Bosco. It was a lovely occasion and we are grateful to Miss Droba and Mrs Earp for their work with our wonderful school Chaplaincy Team.
KS2 SATS
Good luck to our Year 6 pupils, who are starting their SATs tests on Monday. Our Golden Rule is, ‘Work hard and try your best’; they do this every single day, and we are so proud of the children for their effort this year, not just in preparing for these exams, but in how they have developed and grown in mind, body and spirit.
I would say to the children, remember to believe in yourself – you have achieved so much in your time at this school and we see you for the wonderful, creative, caring and enthusiastic people you are. As the parents and teachers who have watched you flourish as learners and grow into the most wonderful humans, we know who you are and what you are capable of. And we do not need a test to tell us that. This weekend, spend time with your families, enjoy the sunshine and do the things that make you happy. Get some fresh air, play games, and have fun. You have already put the hard work and effort in, so you can enjoy the weekend, knowing you have done enough.
Marian Mass at Church – Sunday 18th May
You are all warmly invited to our ‘family Mass’ on Sunday 18th May at St George’s Church, at 9.15am. This will be a Marian themed Mass in celebration of Our Lady, and the choir will lead the hymns. If your child would like to take part, there is a limited number of reading parts available. Volunteers must commit to practicing their part so that they are confident to stand up in front of the congregation and read with confidence. Please do ask your child to let me know as soon as possible if they are interested. I will send letters home with the children who have expressed an interest, for parents to sign and agree that they are available to attend the Mass, arriving just before 9am so we can prepare.
A Message from Somerset Libraries:
‘Celebrating Somerset’ – Watch inspirational short films to connect with nature in Somerset
If you’re looking for ideas for free days out at the weekends or in school holidays, take a look at some new short films that have been produced by Somerset Libraries. These inspirational films have top tips on how to make the most of connecting with nature. The films are presented by local nature partners who are experts in exploring local landscapes – from rock-pooling and fossil hunting to bird watching and bug-spotting. Visit the ‘Celebrating Somerset’ webpage to explore the films: https://glassboxtaunton.co.uk/celebrating-somerset/
Summer Fete and School Disco – PSG Meeting
Thank you for the responses to our PSG interest form included in recent newsletters. The first meeting took place today and reports are positive – watch this space for more information!
It is not too late to register your interest – please click here to access the form.
Your involvement, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in ensuring that enjoyable events for our pupils such as the School Disco and the Summer Fete will continue to be a highlight in our school calendar.
Photographs – Year 6, EYFS and Whole School
It is a tradition at St George’s that our youngest and oldest class have their photo taken to mark the beginning and end of their primary school journey. This year, these photos will be taken on Friday 16th May.
In addition, we will be having our whole school photograph taken on Friday 23rd May. We aim to take a whole school photo roughly every 5 years, and it provides a wonderful snapshot of the staff and pupils at St George’s in a moment in time. As always, please ensure children are dressed smartly in school uniform on photograph days, and every day!
I hope you enjoy the sunshine this weekend with your families.
Best wishes,
Edwina McDonnell
Headteacher
Upcoming Dates:
Week beginning 12th May – KS2 SATs Week
Friday 16th May – Disconnect to Reconnect – a day of no screens/technology in school!
Friday 16th May – EYFS and Year 6 individual photos. Please look smart and wear school uniform.
Sunday 18th May – School/Family Marian Mass at Church – 9.15am
Tuesday 20th May – Meeting for our September intake EYFS parents
Thursday 22nd May – Swimming Gala. Children participating will receive a letter from Mr Chidgey.
Friday 23rd May – Whole School Photograph. Please ensure children look smart in school uniform.
Saturday 24th May – HALF-TERM – SCHOOL CLOSED
Monday 2nd June – SCHOOL RE-OPENS
Monday 9th June – KS2 Sports Day - 1.45pm¬ 3.15pm
Tuesday 10th June - KS1 Sports Day - 1.45pm¬ 3.15pm
Back up dates
KS2 BACK UP SPORTS DAY- Monday 23rd June
KS1 BACK UP SPORTS DAY -Tuesday 24th June
Wednesday 18th June – Year 6 Leaver’s Mass in Clifton Cathedral (staff and pupils only due to limited space)
Friday 20th June – School Summer Fete
Wednesday 25th – Friday 27th June – Year 6 Woodlands Residential Trip
Tuesday 1st – Wednesday 2nd July – Year 6 Transition Days
Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th July – Year 4 Residential Trip
