Headteacher's Newsletter

9 May 2025

Dear Parents,

We Welcome Pope Leo XIV

As a school community, we join Catholics around the world in prayer and reflection following the passing of Pope Francis. We now welcome and pray for the newly elected Pope, Robert Prevost, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. We hope that the Holy Spirit guides him with wisdom, compassion and strength as he leads the Church. Let us keep him in our prayers as he begins this important mission of faith and service.

Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Lord God,
We thank you for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
Fill him with Your Spirit of truth and love.
Guide him in leading the Church with courage, humility and grace.
May his heart remain close to Jesus and open to the needs of the world.
Amen.

Commemorating VE Day

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

This week, we took some time to mark VE Day, a moment of great historical significance that marks the end of World War II in Europe on 8th May 1945. The children learned about the importance of peace, remembrance, and gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who served.

Across the school, children took part in age-appropriate activities to deepen their understanding of VE Day. From storytelling, to learning about wartime Britain and holding moments of reflection, pupils showed great respect and curiosity throughout the discussions.

VE Day gave us a chance not only to look back but also to talk about the importance of unity, kindness and working together for a better world. The values of courage and community were at the heart of our reflections, and we are proud of how our children engaged so respectfully.

Supporting Our Pupils During Exam Season

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

As we journey through test season, particularly with our Year 6 pupils taking their SATs, we hold them in our prayers and celebrate their dedication and resilience. At St Vincent’s, we believe that each child is wonderfully made by God, with gifts and talents far beyond what any test can measure. We remind them that their worth is found not in scores, but in their character, kindness, and the love they share with others. We are proud of them all and ask God to bless them with calm, confidence, and peace during this time.

SATs Prayer for Year 6

Dear God,
As our Year 6 pupils begin their SATs,
we ask for calm minds, steady hands, and peaceful hearts.
May they remember all they have learned,
and feel confident in their own hard work and abilities.

Help them not to worry or be afraid,
but to trust in themselves and know that they are so much more
than any test score.

Bless their teachers, families, and friends,
who have supported them along the way.
And may they know that, whatever happens,
they are loved, valued, and full of potential.

Amen

Please see some useful advice for supporting children during their tests:

Navigating exam season resources - Place2Be

School Lunches

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

Is your child currently eating a packed lunch? Consider the benefits of switching to one of our specially prepared school meals:

• Nutritionally Balanced – Our meals are designed to meet government nutritional standards, ensuring your child receives the right balance of protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Healthier Choices – Packed lunches can vary in quality and often contain more processed or sugary items, whereas our meals are planned with health in mind.
• Variety and New Tastes – School dinners offer a wider variety of foods, helping children try new things and become less fussy eaters.
• Convenience for Parents – Preparing packed lunches every day can be time-consuming. Choosing school meals saves you time and simplifies your morning routine.
• Social Benefits – Eating the same meals as their peers can help children feel more included, making lunchtime a more enjoyable and social part of the school day.

If you’d like more information or wish to request school lunches for your child, please contact the school office. Here is what the children say about school meals:

“We have a huge variety of food, there are options for vegetarians and if you don’t like certain foods there is always something that you will find that you like.”

“If everyone ate packed lunches then there could be a lot of plastic. School dinners are kinder to the environment.”

“On Friday I like that we have fish. It’s good that we have different things on different days like Meat Free Monday, Roast Dinner Day and Fish Friday.”

“They are healthy. I really like the colourful foods like vegetables and fruits for dessert.” 

 School Photo Reminder            

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

A very special event recently took place at St Vincent’s, our whole school photograph. This rare occasion happens only once every seven years. The entire St Vincent’s family of pupils and staff came together to be part of the photograph, and it was a magical moment to see the whole school come together as our St Vincent family.

The children looked wonderful in their full school uniforms. We are delighted to have created this lasting memory, which will be treasured for years to come.

Details about how to purchase a copy of the photograph are below.

Whole School Group - https://htmp.st/551503-14

Please include your child’s full name to assist with distribution at the school.

Order within two weeks to avoid P&P charges (Delivery to school).

For assistance, please call 01736 752411

Option 3 - Place an order (P&P applies)

Option 5 - Customer services

Please be aware that orders placed after Tuesday 13th May will be subject to postage and packaging charges.

Please see the summer term dates below:

SUMMER 1

SUMMER 2

We offer an open door to parents. If you have any questions about school life, please liaise with your class teacher.  Mrs Farrell (infant deputy, Mrs Sutton (junior deputy, and I are also available to work in partnership with you.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs A Harrop

Headteacher