Dear Families,

I very much hope you all managed to enjoy some quality family time together during the October break. The children have returned to school life looking very smart in their winter uniform and have settled well into the school routines. We are looking forward to a busy term full of new opportunities and challenges inside and outside the classroom. This term is always full of excitement and anticipation with the knowledge of the days towards Advent and Christmas not far away!  

At the end of Term 1 we celebrated our whole school Harvest Service - celebrating God’s gift to us of our beautiful world. It was the first time that children in EYFS were able to join a school service and they were fantastic – listening and joining in with the singing. It was a beautiful celebration led by the Year 5 & 6 children who showed reverence and were great role models to their peers. At the end of the day we gathered together on the outside playground to complete our ‘Harvest Cereal Dominoes Challenge’ which was such fun! The Year 6 children counted over 165 boxes of cereals which have now been delivered to the Trowbridge Foodbank. Thank you again to all the families who generously contributed cereals to this wonderful cause.

The week ahead provides an exciting opportunity for many of our Year 6 children who will be going on the residential trip from Monday to Friday to Skern, North Devon. We wish the children and staff  a safe and exciting week away from their family homes but adventure and new opportunities with their school family. We look forward to hearing all about their successes.

This week I was delighted to meet with the Parent Representatives from each year group. Each group of parents brought valid ideas and suggestions including how we can further develop the school community. Further information will be shared across the term.   

On Monday 11^th November we will be marking Armistice Day with a short service at 11.00am in the school hall. We are delighted that one of our talented musical parents will be leading us in playing the last post. I am sure this will be a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising the sacrifice of those that have gone before us over the generations.   

The coming week is nationally celebrated as ‘Anti Bullying Week’ in schools across the country, please see attachments included with the newsletter. On Tuesday we will be marking this important theme by inviting children and adults to wear ‘odd socks’ reminding us that we are all unique and we need to respect and celebrate the dignity of the human person. This is an important message we are always reflecting on through our Catholic Social Teaching themes.   

Finally details of Mr Smith’s funeral have now been shared by the Smith family. The funeral will be held on Saturday 23^rd November at 2.15pm at West Wiltshire Crematorium. Families are invited to follow the live stream. Family flowers only but donations are welcome to Dorothy House and Albion In The Community. Of course we keep the Smith family in our prayers during this time. In the future months ahead we will gather together as a school family to celebrate the life, talents and gifts of Mr Smith.

Wishing you all a peaceful, safe and enjoyable weekend together.

Best wishes,

Mrs O’Rourke