Headteacher's Half Term Round Up…

It has been another very successful half term at St Philomena’s. The pupils have been busy growing together, learning together, achieving together – and having fun together: Educational visits, specialist sports coaching, sports fixtures, external exams, a Coronation Concert and best of all, the opening of the long-awaited play trail!

The prefect selection process for next year has begun and I am looking forward to listening to the speeches of those who have applied to become Head Boy or Head Girl from September. Delivered to the whole school, including all pupils, staff and the Chair of Governors, each candidate will introduce themselves and set out the reasons why people should vote for them. With everyone entitled to vote for one boy and one girl, our current Head Boy William, and Head Girl Luna, will announce who will take over from them at Speech Day in the last week of term. Thankfully the decision is not mine to make!

The final half term may be short, but with more than twenty events on the calendar it looks set to be action packed. With several events involving parents and relatives, please make sure you check the diary at the end of this newsletter.

Form V enjoyed visiting the Harwich Redoubt Fort as part of their learning in History.

Children in Lower School enjoyed tennis lessons with coach Louis from Frinton Tennis Club. Their handeye coordination skills and has really improved this term.

Half Term Highlights

This

term Forms V and VI have been having specialist cricket coaching at Frinton Cricket Club. We are so fortunate to have this wonderful facility on our doorstep.

Forms V and VI proudly represented our school on Thursday 11th May at a Coronation Concert held at Great Holland Methodist Church.

Under the incredible guidance of Mrs Vincent, the pupils worked hard and put together a wonderful programme of songs and verse We received many notes of thanks from those who attended the concert, all very impressed with the quality of the performance.

Well done to all the parents and pupils from St Philomena's who took part in the pier to pier walk on Sunday 14th May in memory Annabel Brejon Emotions were running high on the day and there were a lot of tired children on Monday morning, but so far an amazing £4415 has been raised for St Helena Hospice and The Royal Marsden. What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful lady

Congratulations to Promise A, Katie B, Harry D and Emily H who all made their First Holy Communion in May.

Coronation Play Trail

Friday 5th May saw our long-awaited play trail officially opened by Head Boy, William and Head Girl, Luna. The Coronation Play Trail has been named to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III.

Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to St Philomena’s over the past three years. Whether you have attended a Quiz Night, signed up to Tuck @ Break, bought a Christmas photo or supported a non-uniform day, every single penny donated has been worth it!

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, academic studies or volunteering.

Congratulations to Emily Hobbs for achieving a Distinction in her Grade 1 Tap exam.

Congratulations to Promise and Precious A for achieving their Stage 4 swimming certificate.

Congratulations to Munachiso O for being awarded his Stage 1 certificate in swimming.

Congratulations to Teddy D for being awarded a green Blue Peter Badge for his environmental work including beach cleans and recycling.

Well done to Jude M for being awarded Cup Scout Leader of the Year and achieving his Promise certificate.

Congratulations to Charlotte B for completing 450 maths challenges and being awarded a Doodle Maths Challenge certificate.

Congratulations to Kit MdB for being awarded an U9 player's trophy from Colchester Rugby Club.