Weekly Newsletter: Friday 15th May

Dear Parents and Carers,

There has been a calm and purposeful atmosphere around the school this week as classes begin to conclude their topics and reflect on all they have learned this term in preparation for the exciting opportunities that Summer 2 will bring. It has been lovely to walk through classrooms and see children working thoughtfully, collaborating positively and taking pride in the progress they have made. From creative 3D projects to thoughtful discussions, there has been a real sense of maturity and focus across the school community.

This week also marked the completion of our Year 6 SATs, and we could not be prouder of the children. Throughout the week, they approached each day with determination, resilience and positivity, truly embodying our school values. While the assessments are an important milestone, they represent only a small part of their journey at St Michael’s. We are equally proud of the kind, thoughtful and unique young people they have become during their time with us. They have shown courage, supported one another and continued to demonstrate the qualities that make them such valued members of our school family. We are excited to see all that lies ahead for them as they continue the next stage of their journey.

Due to the SATs taking place this week, we were unable to hold many of our usual assemblies; however, we were delighted to come together for Celebration Assembly to recognise the many wonderful achievements across the school. It was a joyful opportunity to celebrate the effort, creativity, kindness and perseverance shown by our children this week. Congratulations to all of our Stars of the Week - we are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Your achievements, both big and small, help make St Michael’s such a special place to learn and grow.

This week’s special pupil recognition goes to Edward in Year 5. Edward has been demonstrating our school values beyond the school gates through giving up his own free time to litter pick within the local community. His thoughtfulness and commitment to caring for the environment is a wonderful example of kindness and responsibility in action. Edward, we are so proud of the positive difference you are making and the example you set for others - well done.

We are also incredibly proud of Amy in Year 4, who is currently working towards achieving her charity badge in Brownies. Amy has chosen to support the Guide Dogs charity, a cause that is very special to her, and has shown fantastic initiative in organising two fundraising competitions for the children: Guess the Guide Dog’s Name and Guess How Many Sweets Are in the Jar. Amy, alongside some helpful Year 6 pupils, will be running these during break times on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Children are welcome to bring in money if they would like to take part, with each guess costing £1. We always love coming together to support members of our school community, and when one of our pupils takes on such a thoughtful challenge to help others, we think it deserves to be celebrated and supported wholeheartedly. Her poster is attached.

Chapter 5 of The Mottlesnatch has now been shared, and we encourage all children to continue taking part. Each completed entry earns five house points and contributes towards the House Cup competition.

Dates and Notices
Tuesday 19th May – SEND Coffee Morning
Friday 22nd May – School closed – INSET Day
Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May – Half Term

We are currently advertising for a Mid-Day Assistant to join our wonderful team at St Michael’s. If this is something you, or someone you know, may be interested in, please take a look at the vacancy details here: Essex Schools Jobs – Mid-Day Assistant Vacancy. We would love to hear from enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about supporting children and being part of our caring school community.

A poster for the new martial arts classes taking place at St Michael’s is attached to this newsletter. We are also excited to welcome the team into school next week, where they will be leading an assembly for the children to introduce the programme and share more about the opportunities available.

As we come to the end of another meaningful week, we hope you are able to enjoy time together as a family and make the most of the brighter evenings ahead. Thank you for the encouragement, care and support you continue to show our school community. The partnership between home and school plays such an important role in helping our children flourish, and we are incredibly grateful for it.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."  Peter 4:8

Kind regards,
Mrs Louisa Sillett
Head of School