Headteacher's Half Term Round Up…

This edition of the newsletter will be published exactly four years to the day since I joined St Philomena's School on 23rd April 2019. Who would have thought that two terms into my leadership a pandemic would strike and alter the day-to-day running of the school for over 18 months!

With a focus on learning combined with an abundance of fun, this half term has literally flown by. The Easter Egg Hunts on the last day of term were a huge success. It was lovely to hear and see the excitement of each class as they searched for clues and worked as a team to complete the challenges.

My thanks to all the parents who continue to support the school community by joining us for assemblies, accompanying school trips, helping with the hot lunches, organising events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Quiz Night; the school simply wouldn’t be the same without you. We have plenty planned for the Summer Term and much to look forward to. Please make sure you keep your eye on the ‘Diary of Events’ section at the end of the newsletter, and remember you can also access the school calendar via the school website http://stphilomenas.com/calendar/.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday 24 April. With all pupils returning to school in their summer uniform I very much hope warm weather is on the way!

Half Term Highlights

What a whirlwind this half term has been! Four exceptional class assemblies showcasing learning about the Anglo Saxons, Space, World War II and The Tower of London, with parents staying on afterwards to look at their child's work.

Reception class had a wonderful day at Colchester Zoo and Forms IV and V visited the historic Tower of London.

Half Term Highlights

Reception Class were fortunate enough to visit Frinton Fire Station as part of their topic 'People who Help Us'. Each child were given the opportunity to use the fire hose, try on the uniform and sit in the fire engine. Later on that week PSCO Willis staged a crime scene at the school and taught the children how to look for evidence and fill out reports.

Form III participated in a street dance work shop hosted by the Christina Marks School of Dance. The dance teacher was impressed with the children's skills and how quickly they learnt the routine.

On 3rd March we held a Quiz Night in school to raise funds for the outside play trail. The evening was a fantastic success, with an abundance of food, drink and laughter. Congratulations to 'The Simple Minds' who were the overall winners of the evening. Thank you to our Quiz Master Mr Battersby and his family who organised and ran the event. A tremendous £500 was raised on the night which the school has doubled as part of the play trail initiative.

World Book Day 2023

Thank you to everyone who made so much effort to dress up on World Book Day this year. Form I and II visited Caxton Book Shop to redeem their vouchers and looked a wonderful sight as they walked down Connaught Avenue.

End Of Term Easter Fun

Although we had to change our plans due to the poor weather, we ended the half term with a whole school Easter Egg Hunt organised by the Parent Reps and an Easter raffle which raised an amazing £429.

Pupil Achievements

In assembly each week we celebrate the achievements of our pupils both in and out of school. We are always proud to celebrate their hard work, whether it be for sport, music, reading or volunteering.

Congratulations to Wren W for achieving a Distinction in both Primary Tap and Modern Theatre Dance.

Congratulations to Emily H who passed her Royal Academy of Dance Primary Ballet with distinction.

Congratulations to Yeabu G for achieving a distinction in Dance for her Grade 2 Tap exam.

Great success at a recent gymnastics competition:

Willamina W was awarded 4 medals: 1st place in the floor, 2nd in the beam and bar and 3rd on the vault.

Rose B was awarded a bronze medal for coming 3rd in the beam.

Bobbie S was awarded 2 silver medals for coming 2nd in both the bar and floor.

Macie S was awarded 2 bronze medals for coming 3rd in the floor and beam.