Jesus lives in us, our families, our school, our Church, our world. Jesus is our guide, let us follow Him

At St Margaret Clitherow School we are committed to Safeguarding Children

ST MARGARET CLITHEROW ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Monkswood Lane (off Monkswood Way) Stevenage Herts SG2 8QJ

Dear Parents What a super busy first half term – time certainly flies when you are having fun!! The final week of half term was named our Feeling Good week. We introduced Action for Happiness’ Great Dream keys to happier living to support our children. Every day classes across the school were given the opportunity to take part in various activities to promote and support their mental health and wellbeing. A variety of activities took place, ranging from zumba to mindfulness activities to paired class sessions. Teachers aim to use the ten keys beyond our Feeling Good Week to support our children.

Sports Updates Our netball and football fixtures have continued this term. We entered the mixed netball league this year and the team have enjoyed success in their fixtures. Our girls’ netball team have remained unbeaten so far this season, they are on course to retain the league shield. You can do it! Youth Leadership Team (YLT) have been busy! Our YLT continue to meet fortnightly and have spent time this half

term completing an equipment audit, meeting with our Governors and giving feedback to the Herts Catering team. They are a dedicated group of children striving to make improvements for our children. Reading Communal Displays – don’t they look fab?!

Headteacher: Carmela Puccio BA (Hons)

Tel: 01438 352863 Website: www.clitherow.herts.sch.uk Email: admin@clitherow.herts.sch.uk

Jesus lives in us, our families, our school, our Church, our world. Jesus is our guide, let us follow Him

At St Margaret Clitherow School we are committed to Safeguarding Children

World Book Day – Thursday 5th March Please note that World Book Day will take place on Thursday 5th March this year. The children are invited to come to school as a book character if they wish. They will be taking part in various activities throughout the week and the day itself. Behaviour Information Evening It was lovely to see a range of parents at our recent behaviour information evening. Time was spent explaining how we use a therapeutic approach to promote positive behaviour in school. Number Day On Friday 7th February we took part in the NSPCC’s Number Day 2020! In total you raised £218 to support such a worthy cause. Thank you for your continued support! No problem is ever too big or too small to be discussed! This is something that we always try to reinforce with the children. It is, however, just as true for all of us. Please do come in to talk to us if you have any concerns. Often an early chat prevents small worries from becoming big worries. Remember, we can’t act if we don’t know! In the first instance, a discussion with the class teacher may help, either via a telephone call after school or simply popping in at the end of the day. Longer appointments can be arranged via the office where necessary. If the problem remains unresolved you may wish to make an appointment (via the school office or email) to come in and see me. Please do not leave things to fester. Reminders Please remember the following guidelines, which aim to keep our school a safe place to be:

• Only park in designated spaces in the car park – not along the hedge or yellow zig zag lines.

• All children must be accompanied by an adult through the car park. • The junior play equipment must not be used by anyone before or after school. • The infant play equipment must only be used by children, with care, under parental

supervision. • Small play equipment (balls etc) must not be taken from the containers before or after school. • Bikes and scooters must be walked through the playground. • Balls are not permitted on the playground before or after school. • There will be occasions when we will need to close the gate promptly after school.

I wish you all a wonderful half term with your families; often not a peaceful time I know but one in which we can all focus on those whom we love most and enjoy some time together. Have a fantastic break – I look forward to welcoming you back to the Lenten journey towards Easter. God’s blessing on you and those most dear to you. Yours sincerely

Miss Puccio Headteacher

Jesus lives in us, our families, our school, our Church, our world. Jesus is our guide, let us follow Him

At St Margaret Clitherow School we are committed to Safeguarding Children

Important dates (dates and times subject to change – please check our website) Fri, 14th February Finish for Half Term (3.30pm)

Mon, 17th – Fri, 21st February

Half Term Mon, 24th February Return to school (8.45am) Wed, 26th February Ash Wednesday Mass (2pm) Thurs, 5th March World Book Day – children can dress up! Thurs, 12th March Whole School Lenten Mass (9.30am) Fri, 13th March PSFA Disco 5:30pm – 6:30pm (Infants) 7:00pm – 8:30pm (Juniors) Fri, 20th March PSFA Mother’s Day gift sale Thurs, 25th March Parent Consultations (1:35pm – 7:45pm) Children to finish at 1:20pm Tues, 31st March Whole School photo (AM) Tues, 31st March Year 3 & 4 Easter Play (2pm) Fri, 3rd April PSFA Easter Egg hunt (AM) Fri, 3rd April Finish for Easter Break (1.45pm)

Mon, 6th – Fri, 17th April Easter Holiday Mon, 20th April Return to school (8.45am) Fri, 1st May PSFA Quiz Night (7:00pm – 10:00pm) Adults only Fr, 8th May BANK HOLIDAY – School closed Mon, 18th May Class photos and Year 6 Leavers’ photos Thurs, 21st May Whole School Ascension Mass (9:30am) Fri, 22nd May Finish for Half Term (3:30pm) Mon, 25th – Fri, 29th May Half Term Mon, 1st June Return to school (8:45am) Thurs, 11th June Corpus Christ Procession (9:30am) School Field Fri, 19th June PSFA Father’s Day gift sale Wed, 1st July Sports Day and Picnic (further details to follow) Thurs, 2nd July First Holy Communicants’ Mass (9:30am) Tues, 7th July Year 6 Leavers’ Play (7pm) Thurs, 16th July Year 6 Leavers’ Mass (9:30am) Thurs, 16th July Finish for Summer Holidays (1:45pm) Thurs, 3rd Sept Return to school (8:45am)