St Philomena’s School
February 2023
Newsletter
Headteacher's Half Term Round Up…
It seems impossible that we are half way through the academic year. Reports have been sent home which reflect on the progress each pupil has made since September and the parents’ evenings planned for after half term will provide parents with the perfect opportunity to visit their child’s learning environment and see for themselves all the brilliant work they have been doing in class and the progress they have made.
This half term it has been wonderful to celebrate the many successes of pupils at St Philomena’s. Whether making it on to the weekly Roll of Honour, receiving a certificate for an examination or sporting achievement, or receiving a times tables badge, it is important that all pupils have the opportunity to share their achievements with the rest of the school community. Assisted by Head Girl, Luna Tanner, and Head Boy, William Lish, a highlight of my week is presenting such awards in our whole school assemblies.
My thanks to the staff team for all their hard work this half term planning and delivering lessons that stretch and challenge each pupil, preparing class assemblies and offering a wealth of after school enrichment activities to ensure we have a school full of happy children and high achievers My thanks also to Mrs Cains for planning the perfect end to the half term and ensuring our pupils understand the importance of connecting with others.
HALF TERM HIGHLIGHTS
This half term we welcomed visiting speakers from Teen Talk and Walk Through the Bible. Reception and Form II celebrated Chinese New Year, Form II visited our parish church and Forms V and VI took part in a theatre workshops with St Joseph’s College in Ipswich.
TeenTalk
HALF TERM HIGHLIGHTS
The School Council asked for more playground equipment and our Head Boy and Head Girl were asked to choose the equipment and then deliver an assembly focused on playground etiquette. In their role as Prefects, Form VI have been busy working as play leaders, helping the younger pupils learn new skills. Three wonderful class assemblies took place this half term, showcasing their work on Transport, China and the Rainforest.
Form 1 Assembly
Form 2 Assembly
Form 3 Assembly
New Playground Equipment
Walk Through the Bible
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY
We ended the half term celebrating Children's Mental Health Week, coming off timetable to make connections with our environment, our school and with each other. Pupils took part in a mile long run along the beach partnered with their 'buddy' from a different year group and returned to school for a hot chocolate served by our parent helpers. Members of the enrichment activity ‘Thoughtfulness Thursday’ presented an assembly on kindness, empathy and resilience and the day ended with a whole school dance session on the playground.
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.
Millie D was awarded a silver medal in floor and a gold medal in bars at a recent gymnastics competition.
Kit MdB was awarded the ‘Most Improved Player’ certificate for U7 ruby at Colchester Rugby Club.
Scarlett M has achieved her First Steps Award 7 in swimming plus her 25 metre swimming badge and Sienna S has achieved her First Steps Award 6 in swimming.
Jude M has achieved his 500m swimming certificate and Hollie M and Kit MdB have achieved their Level 4 swimming certificate.
Brody O’S was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ at Holland Football Club.
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Jerome M has completed his Swim England Duckling Awards Levels 1 to 4.
William M has achieved his STanley 4 award in swimming.
Zachary R had a wonderful run at the pantomime at the Princes Theatre in Clacton. He was the youngest team member and was praised for his professionalism when he had to go on for another team as understudy and do all the routines on the opposite side.
St Philomena's Enrichment Programme
Thoughtfulness Thursday STEM
This term has seen a record number of after school enrichment activities offered at St Philomena’s. There are currently 21 activities for the children to choose from covering sport, music, drama, creative, scientific and critical thinking. A huge thank you to our volunteers Mr Smith, Mr Dellow and Mrs Buckley who give their time and expertise to support the staff team - without them this extensive programme would not be possible.
A gentle reminder for all parents to notify the class teacher or Mrs Smith if their child no longer wishes to attend an activity they have registered for so their place can be given to someone else.
Lego Club
Jewellery Making
Origami
Origami
SCHOOL MESSAGES
Times Tables Rock Stars World Book Day OPEN DAY
Please continue to encourage your child to visit the times table rock stars app. It is a fantastic resource to support them to become fluent with their times tables and division facts.
Our next school open morning is on Tuesday 25th April from 9am to 11am. Please share this information with any prospective parents who may be interested in joining St Philomena's.
World Book Day is on Thursday 2nd March. All pupils are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character. Please ensure costumes and footwear are appropriate for school.
Pre-loved Uniform
Reporting an absence
The Pre-Loved store will be open on Friday 24th March from 3pm to 4pm. This will be the perfect opportunity to purchase summer uniform ready for after the Easter break.
Thank you to our parent helpers who run the store.
If your child is unable to attend school please notify the school by telephone or classdojo giving a reason for their absence.
If you are planning a holiday or day out during term time please make sure you complete a absence request form.
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SPORTS NEWS AT ST PHILOMENA’S U11 Football
It's been an incredible half term for the St Philomena's U11 boys football team. Under the guidance of Coach Michael they have gone from strength to strength. Their sportsmanship and behaviour on and off the pitch has been a credit to the school. As you can see from the list of results below, they have had an amazing run of winning games. One more game to play after half term before the winning school of the league is announced.
St Philomena's School vs Kirby Primary 5-1
St Philomena's School vs Frinton Primary School 4-0
St Philomena's School vs Tendring Primary 2-1
St Philomena's vs Mistley Norman 3-0
SPORTS NEWS AT ST PHILOMENA’S U11 Netball Basketball
An incredible win for the U11 netball team against newly established team Kirby Primary School on Wednesday 8th February.
The team worked hard together, with fluent passing and a steady stream of goals.
Final score was 23:0.
This is the third basketball tournament St Philomena's have participated in and the team is going from strength to strength.
Pupils from Forms 4 to 6 represented the school and played against other local schools, coming 4th overall.
What’s On… St Philomena’s Diary of Events
February Event
Monday 20th INSET: Non pupil day
First day of term
Tuesday 21st
Individual school photographs
Ash Wednesday: Catholic pupils to mass at 9am
Wednesday 22nd
Reception Class visit from PCSO Willis, including a walk to the local fire station
Parent Representative Meeting 9am
Thursday 23rd
Tuesday 28th
Parents’ Evening for Forms 2, 3, 4 and 5, 4pm to 7.30pm
Dance workshop for Form 3
Parents’ Evening for Reception, Form 1 and Form 6, 4pm to 7.30pm
March Event
Thursday 2nd World Book Day
Friday 3rd Quiz Night, 7pm
Wednesday 8th Form 5 Class Assembly, 9am
U11 football match against Engaines Primary School, 3.30pm
Thursday 9th Forms 4 and 5 trip to the Tower of London
Tuesday 14th Philomini Stay and Play Session, 9am to 10.30am
Wednesday 15th Form 6 Class Assembly, 9am
Thursday 16th
Fish and Chips
Wednesday 22nd Reception Class Assembly, 9am
Cross country competition at Birch Hall: Selected pupils from Forms 3 to 6
What’s On… St Philomena’s Diary of Events
March Event
Monday 27th Form 5 Senior School Information Meeting, 4pm
Wednesday 29th Form 4 Class Assembly, 9am
U11 netball match against Great Bentley 3.30pm
Thursday 30th Reception Class to Colchester Zoo
Friday 31st Easter Egg Hunt in the morning
Head Boy and Head Girl’s Easter Fair in the afternoon
Last day of term
April Event
Monday 24th First day of term
Tuesday 25th Open Morning, 9am to 11am
Please remember to check the school calendar for updates and future events that have been calendared for the rest of the academic year.