Newsletter December 2022 by StPhilomenasFrinton

St Philomena’s School December 2022

Headteacher's Half Term Round Up

The final two weeks of term can only be described as a glorious Christmas overload and we certainly did our best to embrace the spirit of Christmas and create school memories that we hope will last a lifetime.

Forms III to VI put on a Christmas concert at St Mary’s Church, we watched Nativity performances from Reception and Forms I and II, enjoyed Christmas parties, hosted an ‘All Things Christmas’ morning for our local community, sat down to Christmas dinner together, visited the Electric Palace in Harwich to watch The Polar Express, celebrated the achievements of the term and had a visit from Father Christmas.

The Forms V and VI choir were exceptionally busy, performing at the Rotary Carol Service and being asked to perform at Parkers Garden Centre. My thanks as always to Mrs Vincent for dedicating so much time to the pupils of St Philomena’s and ensuring every single pupil discovers the joy of singing.

My thanks also to every single parent who has helped us this term: attending Parent Rep meetings; helping with educational visits and sports events; supporting sports fixtures; opening the pre-loved store; baking for the bake sale, serving hot lunches, making the wonderful Christmas mugs, organising mulled wine and mince pies on the last day of term – your support is endless and is very much appreciated.

As we come to the end of another year, I wish you all a Christmas and new year full of peace, hope, love and joy. I look forward to welcoming you all back to school in 2023.

…

HALF

It has been another incredibly busy half term at St Philomena’s. In the seven week half term we have been on some fantastic school trips, hosted class assemblies and welcomed visiting speakers.

TERM

Form VI Assembly Form VI visit to Sutton Hoo Road Safety for Reception and Form V

HIGHLIGHTS

performances, Christmas concerts, Christmas parties, a

school visit to watch The Polar Express, December

month in a

Nativity

whole

really is a magical

primary school!

Nativity performances from Reception and Forms I and II Online safety training for Forms V and VI delivered by Essex Police Forms V and VI sing at Parkers Garden Centre

HALF TERM HIGHLIGHTS Christmas parties

Watching Polar Express at The Electric Palace in Harwich

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

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

Zach R competed in a swimming competition and came 2nd in his age group in the 50m back stroke, setting a new personal best of 43.28 seconds.

Luka A awarded a certificate for progress in piano.

Jude M has been awarded the Chief Scout's Bronze Award. This is the highest award a Beaver Scout can earn.

Macie and Bobbie S were awarded medals for their success in the floor and beam in gymnastics.

Eliot T received his fourth merit badge in Judo after winning three fights and drawing one.

Zach T achieved his green merit badge in Judo and was awarded group winner in his category.

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

Darcie B and Leonora Webb both competed at a gymnastics competition in Peterborough. Leonora W came first overall in her age group and achieved two 2nd places and two 3rd places.

Darcie came first in floor and bars.

Hollie achieved a bronze medal and Hayley a gold medal in a combined gymnastics competition. Hollie has also achieved her Stage 5 swimming award.

Well done to Luca W for reaching his Grade 1 in piano and Wren W for reaching her primary level in piano.

Emma M recently participated in her first Irish Dancing Feis (competition) and performed four dances.

Jimi has achieved his Stage 2 swimming certificate and Lily-Rose has achieved her Stage 5 swimming certificate.

STEM

Service of Remembrance Friday 11 November 2022

Armistice Day is an incredibly important day at St Philomena’s; we pay our respects to those who have lost their lives in conflict and give thanks to all who have served, and are currently serving, our country.

Form V led a beautiful and poignant service of remembrance for the whole school community Through readings, prayers, singing and silence they gave us an understanding of the realities of conflict, taught us about the importance of peace, and made us realise just how lucky we are. We were incredibly proud of every single pupil who showed the utmost respect throughout the service and the two minute silence.

Thank you to all the pupils who came to school wearing the uniform of organisations they belong to, such as Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows and Brownies. It is important for us to recognise the contribution young people in uniformed organisations make to the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Thank you to all those who attended the service in school and to Mr Anthony who led the two minute silence with the playing of The Last Post

Stay and Play Sessions

As the Autumn Term comes to a close it has been a pleasure to welcome our new Philominis who will be starting school next year.

Our 'Stay and Play’ sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for the children and parents to get to know each other, spend time in what will be their classroom, get to know their teacher and make new friends.

Our next Stay and Play Sessions are being held at school from 9am to 10.30am on: Tuesday 7th February

Tuesday 14th March Tuesday 16th May

Please email admin@stphilomenas.com if you would like to attend.

Enrichment at St Philomena's

Our enrichment programme continues to grow, both in the number and variety of options offered and in the number of pupils attending. Enhancing our broad and balanced school curriculum, we now offer 21 activities across 5 days.

The online form to book for the Spring Term is now closed for responses so we can put together the registers for the new term over the Christmas break. Please assume your child has been allocated a place on their chosen activity unless we contact you to say otherwise; if your child has been placed on a waiting list for a particular activity you will be contacted by ClassDojo before the start of the term

Celebrating some of the after school learning at St Philomena’s STEM ICT Girls Football Dance

Get

Creative Basketball

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

This half term we have been celebrating the season of Advent which began on Sunday 27th November.

The four candles of our Advent wreath represent the four Sundays of Advent, and symbolise hope, peace, joy, and love. In assemblies we have discussed how the circular shape of the wreath and the evergreen leaves represent God’s never-ending presence and constancy.

When we return to school in the new year we will celebrate the feast of the Epiphany.

The feast of the Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on the 6th January. Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning 'to reveal', as it is when the baby Jesus was 'revealed' to the world. We will celebrate how a star led the Magi (also known as the Three kings or the Wise Men) to visit the baby Jesus after he had been born.

SCHOOL MESSAGES

Coes Uniform Breakfast Club

After a successful meeting with our uniform suppliers this term we are in the process of having extra 'St Philomena's fabric' made to ensure there will be a good stock of blazers and boys caps in the future.

We also have plenty of school ties, book bags, PE bags, gloves and winter hats in stock and available from the school office.

In our determination to become more environmentally friendly, a new day bag for use on educational visits will be introduced in 2023.

Pre-Loved Uniform

The Pre-Loved store will be open from 3pm to 4pm on the last Friday of each school month. Thank you to our parent volunteers for opening the store.

If your child has grown out of any uniform items and they are in excellent condition please feel free to hand them in to the school office and help raise funds for school.

It has been a fantastic term with all the children who have attended Breakfast Club.

We are open every morning from 7.45am to 8.30am.

There is no need to book and it is just £3 per session.

Uniform and Equipment

Over the Christmas break please check that your child has all correct uniform and equipment ready for the start of the Spring Term.

A reminder that if they are in Forms III to VI they must have a pair of school sports socks for PE lessons and when representing the school in sports fixtures.

Amazon Smile

Please sign up to Amazon Smile and raise money for school funds. Amazon will donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases when you shop. https://smile.amazon.co.uk /ch/298635-0

Poppy Appeal

Thank you for all your generous donations to this year’s Poppy Appeal. We are delighted to say we raised £439.32 and sold the local branch out of snap bands!

Thank you all.

SPORTS NEWS AT ST PHILOMENA’S U11 Football

St Philomena's v Frobisher Primary Wednesday 2nd November

First game of the season saw the boys secure a comfortable win of 9:1. They gave a dominating performance and displayed outstanding team work and sportsmanship.

St Philomena's v Great Bentley Wednesday 8th November St Philomena's got off to a confident start, scoring two goals in quick succession. They continued to battle on showing their strength as a team. The final result was 3:1 to St Philomena’s.

St Philomena's v Rolph Primary School

Friday 25th November

Another confident start with an early 3:0 lead to St Philomena's. Rolph Primary scored from the penalty spot just before half time forcing the team to re-group. Despite a resilient performance from Rolph, the St Philomena's boys continued to control the game resulting in a 6:3 victory. Keep up the winning run for the new year.

SPORTS NEWS AT ST PHILOMENA’S

U11 Netball

St Philomena's v Frinton Primary School

Thursday 24th November

First match of the season for our new netball team against Frinton Primary School. A fantastic performance by all, resulting in a 3:0 win to St Philomena’s.