Headteacher's Newsletter

Friday 6^th February 2026

Dear Parents,

Headteacher’s Newsletter

Sacramental Programme

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

This week, our Year 3 children welcomed their Sacramental sponsors to a special liturgy. It was a lovely occasion where we took time to thank the sponsors for their continued support, guidance and prayers as the children journey through the sacramental programme.

The liturgy provided a valuable opportunity for reflection and celebration, strengthening the partnership between home, parish and school as the children prepare for the next stage of their sacramental journey.

National Storytelling Week

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

As part of our National Year of Reading, we celebrated National Storytelling Week across the school.

National Storytelling Week was a wonderful opportunity to place stories, imagination and creativity at the heart of learning. Stories help children develop language skills, build empathy and importantly, grow a love of reading and writing.

This year’s theme was “Soundtrack Your Story”, which encouraged children to explore how music, sound and voice could bring stories to life. Throughout the week, classes took part in a range of storytelling activities, including:

• Interactive online workshops led by expert storytellers, using sound and music to inspire creativity
• A writing competition, which gave children the chance to have their work published in a National Storytelling Week anthology

These activities were supported by resources from the National Literacy Trust, a leading charity promoting literacy for children and young people.

Thank you for your continued support in encouraging storytelling and reading at home. It was a fantastic, story-filled week.

Maths Dress Up Rockstars Day

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

Today we marked Times Tables Rock Stars Day with a fun rockstar dress-up day. Children arrived in school wearing their rockstar outfits ready to complete their exciting maths challenges.

We also took part in NSPCC Rocks, an online times tables competition organised by Times Tables Rock Stars in partnership with the NSPCC, the UK’s leading child protection charity. Pupils in Years 2 to 6 joined in, practising their times tables while supporting an important cause.

Throughout the day, classes were given time to use TTRockstars to improve times table fluency, focusing on speed, accuracy and confidence. NSPCC Rocks linked with the NSPCC’s Number Day, and we were pleased to be involved in an event that combined learning with fundraising and awareness.

Thank you for your continued support. The day was a great success and reflected our school values of making a difference, being passionate about learning, being kind and being respectful.

Safer Internet Day 2026

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

Next week on Tuesday 10 February, our school will celebrate Safer Internet Day. This year’s theme is ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online,’ which focuses on teaching children how to identify and avoid scams. We will be inviting guest speakers in to discuss scams with the children, acting out scenarios and learning about the different ways to spot a scam. Additionally, our Digital Leaders will be presenting assemblies to share what they know about the topic. If you would like to learn more about online safety, please visit our school website page https://www.stvincents.trafford.sch.uk/page/online-safety/22408 or visit https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2025/tips-for-parents-and-carers  

Stamford Park Willow Tree Project

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

We are involved in an exciting local project in Stamford Park that reflects our values as a Catholic school and our responsibility to care for God’s earth. Through this project, we aim to bring art, nature and sustainability together for everyone to enjoy, working collaboratively with Willow Goat Crafts, and The Conservation Volunteers.

During the February Half Term, from Monday 16 February to Sunday 22 February, children are invited to take part in a Sponsored Litter Pick and Recycling Challenge. The funds raised will go towards creating a beautiful willow duck sculpture, which the children will help to make. This sculpture will be proudly displayed on the island in Stamford Park as a lasting symbol of care for our shared environment.

This project will promote sustainability and encourage recycling and respect for the world around us. By supporting this project, you will be helping our children to understand the importance of protecting nature while contributing to a unique piece of art that celebrates wildlife and green spaces. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to making this vision a reality. Together, we can help make our local park even more beautiful and inspire future generations to care for our planet.

Please sponsor us today: https://gofund.me/a6f267ab3 From Willow to Wonder - please support our Willow Duck project.

Whole School Dates List

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

The key dates have been set for the academic year. On the list, you will see the date, event and location. The full list can be seen on this link St Vincent's Catholic Primary School Trafford: Key School Events and Dates and spring 1 dates can be seen below:

Spring 1 Dates

Attendance and Punctuality Reminders

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

If you have any concerns or need support with your child’s attendance, please do not hesitate to contact the school office to request a call back from our pastoral team. We are here to help and work in partnership with families.

Please note that holidays in term time are not authorised. Before booking any trips, we ask parents to check our term dates to ensure holidays are arranged within the designated school breaks.

You can view the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 term dates here:

St Vincent's Catholic Primary School Trafford: Term Dates and Times of the School Day

We warmly welcome parents to ask about school life. Your first point of contact is your class teacher. In addition, Mrs Farrell (infant deputy) and Mrs Sutton (junior deputy) and I are available to work in partnership with you to support your child’s learning and wellbeing. We value open communication and welcome all to work together for the benefit of all our pupils.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs A Harrop

Headteacher