Dear Families,

It has been a fantastic start to the term, filled with learning, celebration, and a real sense of community. We’ve been delighted to welcome a number of visitors into school, including Fr Richard, representatives from CAFOD, Fairtrade, Wiltshire Local Authority, and our School Governors. Each visit has enriched our pupils’ understanding of the wider world and strengthened the important links between our school, the Church, and our local community. We are blessed with the team who go over and above in their work to ensure every child has opportunities above and beyond the statutory curriculum. I know you will share this view,

We are also thrilled to share some wonderful news! This week we heard that our school has been awarded the National Silver Healthy Schools Award – a recognition of our ongoing commitment to promoting children’s wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, and positive choices. This achievement has been driven by the dedication and leadership of Mrs Warren, and we are incredibly proud of all that we do to be guardians of children’s childhood, wellbeing, and health.

In addition, we are delighted to have achieved the National Music Mark, celebrating the richness and quality of our music curriculum. This success reflects the passion, creativity, and commitment of Miss O’Mahony, whose leadership has inspired our pupils to develop their musical talents and confidence.

As we move through October, we also celebrate this special month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. On the Feast of the Living Rosary, all of our children took part in the Aid in Church Challenge, joining together in a moving and beautiful act of collective prayer. It was a moment of great faith and reflection, as the whole school prayed the Rosary together. Children in Key Stage 2 were gifted their own set of rosary beads to take home, encouraging them to continue praying and reflecting with their families. Moments like this remind us of the deep spiritual life that underpins everything we do as a Catholic school community.

As we celebrate these successes, we also want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of keeping our children safe at the start and end of the school day. Our school is situated on a very busy main road, and it can be extremely dangerous when drivers make U-turns or take short cuts outside the school premises. Please help us to keep all our children safe by driving and parking considerately — a few extra minutes can make a huge difference to everyone’s safety.

Please take note of the dates for your diary including our first ‘Reading Breakfast’ for Year 5 children and their families on Wednesday 15^th October from 8.40am – 9.30am in the school hall. We also look forward to seeing as many families as possible at our first Children’s Mass on Sunday 12^th October at 10.30am at St John the Baptist Catholic Church – everyone is very welcome.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend with your loved ones.

With best wishes

Mrs O’Rourke