St Charles Newsletter

Dear Parent/Carer,

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well.

We’ve had a busy week launching the Jubilee year with a special School assembly, displays, singing and praying on the theme of Pilgrims of Hope. There are various things planned for the year and we will give you more information nearer the time.

We are currently looking for volunteers to join the PFA and support the School by organising fund raising events throughout the year. If you are interested, please join us for a coffee/tea after School on Friday 7th February at 3.20pm. We will arrange child care during the meeting. If you cannot make the meeting but you would like to help, please contact Sophie in the Office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents who currently give up their time to ensure we have an active PFA.

Another date for your diary; the PFA will be holding a pre-loved uniform sale after School next Friday, 31st January. If you have any pieces of uniform your child is no longer using and it is in good condition, please donate it to the office next week. Thank you.

I hope you all have a safe, happy weekend.

Regards,

Tony Lynch (Head of School)

The children in Year 3 and some in year 4 began their First Holy Communion Programme last week. They meet once a month on a Monday evening for a lesson in the School and then they celebrate the following Sunday with a liturgy at 11am in St Pius X. They will make this important Rite in May. Please pray for these children and join us for the liturgies, if you are able. The dates are on the website.

As you will be aware, Pope Francis has decreed that 2025 will be a year of Jubilee, a holy year which happens every 25 years in the Catholic Church. The theme is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. In this Jubilee year, Pope Francis invites us all to be signs of hope in our world and this holy year will be a significant and memorable moment for our children. We will be reflecting on Jesus’ message of the good news of justice, freedom and love. There will be a number of events and activities taking place during the year and we will inform you nearer the time how you can support us.

We officially launched the Jubilee Year today with a special, whole School assembly. We will also gather together in St Pius X on Wednesday 29th January, at 10am, for a special liturgy. Please feel free to join us.

Gospel: Jesus declares He is the Son of God (Luke 1:14, 4:14-21)

Using the Wednesday Word link below, read this Sunday’s Gospel

and reflect on the questions below with your family.

You will have an opportunity to discuss them again next week in School during the Gospel/Well done Assembly.

https://www.paperturn-view.com/uk/wednesday-word/messenger?pid=MTA101634&v=5.5

KS1

• What gave Jesus the strength to say these words?
• What was Jesus saying to the people gathered there?
• How do you think the people felt when he said this?
• 
  

KS2

• Why do you think Jesus chose this moment to reveal this message?
• How do you think Jesus felt when he said this?
• How would you feel if you were hearing these words for the first time? Explain your answer

The children look lovely in their school uniform. Sadly, some children are not wearing their ties.

The St Charles school tie gives the school its unique identity and this is something we want to preserve and promote throughout the local area. Staff will be checking to ensure that all school uniform criteria is followed. Thank you for your support.

Our whole school attendance is currently at 93.5%

We are working towards achieving 96% attendance this academic year. Please help us to achieve this by ensuring that your child attends school each day and by not booking any holiday during term time. Please be aware that holiday leave in term time cannot be authorised.

In line with the Department for Education guidelines, where pupils miss school without a good reason (including a holiday), the Local Authority and schools can intervene, and you may be issued a fine.

There is strong correlation between good attendance and good progress. So together, let’s give our children the best possible chance of reaching their potential.

There are a few spaces available for the Triborough Music Hub's Junior Voices Choir

Junior Voices (years 3-6) is a non-auditioned ensemble where students learn and perform music from a range of musical styles and through various teaching styles, including notation. The students develop key musicianship and performance skills, whilst engaging in regular performance opportunities throughout the year.

Thursdays 4.30pm–5.30pm

Ages 7-11 who are in school years 3-6

Venue: Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith

Number of sessions: 30

Cost: £60 per term*

*50% remissions for eligible families (pupil premium) or 25% sibling discount

You can find out more information using the link Junior Voices and apply via this link - Registration - Tri-borough Music Hub (speedadmin.dk)

3H have been learning about the miracles of Jesus and spent time acting out the story of Jesus and the Roman soldier.

3/4H have been working hard to learn their times tables. We set ourselves challenges whilst working on TTRockstars and are getting faster and faster each time!

4H enjoyed learning all about the climate and weather in rainforests in our Geography lesson. They had great fun working in groups to present their own weather forecast! 🌡️

In preparation for their trip to watch a production of Ballet Shoes, Year 5 and 6 took part in a workshop led by the National Theatre. They explored the storyline of Ballet Shoes as well as aspects of theatre including staging, prop design and costume design. We can't wait to watch the live performance!

In music, 6G have been learning to play the Ukulele. This week, they learned to play the chords of a Pop song and are working towards performing an ensemble piece.

Congratulations to the following children who were recognised for making good choices during the week beginning 20th January.

Spring Term - 2025

First Half Term

Staff Training – Monday 6th January – School Closed

First Day of School – Tuesday 7th January

Last Day of School – Friday 14th February

Half Term – Monday 17th – Friday 21st February

Second Half Term

First Day of School – Monday 24th February

Last Day of School – Friday 4th April - School Closes at 1.45pm

Easter Holiday – Monday 7th April – Monday 21st April

Summer Term – 2025

First Half Term

Staff Training – Tuesday 22nd April ­– School Closed

First Day of School – Wednesday 23rd April

Bank Holiday – Monday 5th May

Last Day of School – Friday 23rd May

Half Term – Monday 26th – Friday 30th May

Second Half Term

First Day of School – Monday 2nd June

Staff Training – Monday 30th June – School Closed

Last Day of School – Tuesday 22nd July - School Closes at 1.45pm

Email: info@st-charles.rbkc.sch.uk
Website: www.st-charles.rbkc.sch.uk
Location: St Charles Square, London W10 6EB, UK
Phone: 020 8969 5566