Dear Families,

As we reach the end of another busy and vibrant two weeks in Term 2, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful learning experiences and community events that have taken place across our school. It has been a period overflowing with creativity, curiosity, and togetherness—hallmarks of our Catholic school family.

We began with an inspiring visit from the RISE Theatre Company, whose engaging performance encouraged our children to think deeply about faith, kindness, and the positive impact they can make in the world. Their message resonated beautifully with our school values, catholic social teaching and the children have continued to talk about it with great enthusiasm.

Our Upper Key Stage 2 pupils were fortunate to take part in workshops led by Trowbridge Museum, exploring the history of World War II in Trowbridge. These sessions brought history to life in a meaningful and locally relevant way, enriching the pupils’ understanding of the past.

We were equally pleased to welcome representatives from the English Hub, supported by the Department for Education, who visited to observe and support our ongoing work in early reading and phonics. Their positive feedback reflects the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our children as they grow into confident readers.

This fortnight also saw valuable parent workshops with the School Nurse, alongside our warmly received Reading Breakfasts, where parents and children enjoyed sharing stories and celebrating the joy of reading together. Across the school, excitement continues to build as our EYFS pupils prepare for their Nativity, and as the older children practise their carols for our much-anticipated Carol Concert. The sound of joyful singing has filled our corridors and reminds us of the hope and light of this Advent season.

Last Friday the whole of the staff team gathered together for our annual day of RE reflection and spiritual development. We were blessed to be joined by Sr Judith Russi who lead us with an inspirational morning of professional development and spiritual growth – there is much for us to do and we are excited about the opportunities ahead of us. It was also a timely opportunity for the team to reflect and celebrate the outcomes of the Section 48 inspection.

Strengthening Home–School Partnerships

Having listened carefully to feedback from our Summer Term Parent Survey, particularly the request for more guidance on supporting learning at home, we are taking steps to enhance the way we share information with families. Parents are key partners in their child’s education, and we want to ensure you feel confident and well-informed about the curriculum and how best to support your child’s progress.

As part of this work, we are trialling a new approach with our Upper Key Stage 2 children. Before the end of Term 2, parents will receive information about their child’s reading age and decoding skills. This will be accompanied by clear, practical suggestions for supporting reading fluency, decoding strategies, and comprehension skills at home. This trial will help us determine how we can most effectively share meaningful information with families moving forward.

With so much happening across the school, it has been a joy to see the children embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm, resilience, and kindness. They continue to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually, and we remain immensely proud of each and every one of them. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we journey through Advent together.

Warmest wishes,

Mrs O’Rourke

Headteacher