Welcome to the New Term and New Year

Dear Families,

Happy New Year and welcome to the start of a new term and a new calendar year. As we begin this season together, we hope that the Christmas period offered your families time for rest, joy and reflection, and moments to celebrate the light and hope of Christ with those closest to you.

It has been a real pleasure to welcome the children back to school. They have returned calm, settled and eager to learn, and they look extremely smart. Thank you for your continued support with high standards of uniform and presentation; this helps to foster a sense of pride and belonging within our school community.

Although we are only at the beginning of the term, it has already been a busy and positive start, with many successes evident in classrooms and across school life. We are proud of the way our pupils live out our school values each day through kindness, respect and care for one another.

Wellbeing, Hope and Light in the Winter Months

The winter months, with their shorter days and darker mornings, can sometimes be challenging. Research reminds us that many people may experience feelings of tiredness or low mood during this time of year. As a Catholic school, we are called to be a community of hope, compassion and light, ensuring that no one feels alone and that everyone feels supported.

With this in mind, we have planned a series of simple, joyful activities to help lift spirits and remind us that even in darker seasons, there is always light, laughter and togetherness.

Monday Mood Boosters – Our Planned Activities

Blue Monday – Monday 19th January

Monday 19th January is often referred to as Blue Monday. To mark this day positively, children and adults are invited to wear one blue item of their choice, such as blue socks, a jumper, trousers or a small accessory. Normal school uniform should be worn alongside this item.

This activity provides a gentle opportunity to acknowledge emotions, encourage conversation and remind our children that we care for one another.

Zoo Monday – Monday 26th January

On Zoo Monday, children are invited to wear one animal- or zoo-themed item, such as an animal jumper, animal-print socks, a headband or a hat. This is an optional and fun way to bring a sense of joy and creativity into the school day, while still wearing school uniform.

Shoe Monday – Monday 2nd February

For Shoe Monday, children may come to school wearing their favourite pair of shoes or trainers. These should be suitable for safe movement around school. All other aspects of school uniform should be worn as normal.

Kazoo Monday – Monday 9th February

Our final themed Monday before half term will be Kazoo Monday. Children will be challenged to learn a simple kazoo tune, which they will then have the opportunity to play together to the whole school on the last day of term. This shared experience will be a joyful way to celebrate confidence, creativity and community.

Starting Each Week with Positivity

We hope that these small gestures will help to create a positive start to each school week, strengthening relationships and nurturing wellbeing. As a Catholic community, we believe in walking together, supporting one another and sharing joy, particularly during times that may feel more challenging.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. Please keep our school community in your prayers as we journey through this term together.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs O’Rourke

Headteacher