St Charles Newsletter

Dear Parent/Carer,

Firstly, I’d like to say a huge thank you for your excellent attendance during this week’s Parent Consultation evenings. It is very important that we work together to help your child reach their full potential in every sense. I was delighted to hear your appreciation for the teachers and staff who work tirelessly to ensure that your child’s needs are met and that they are happy in school. We are fortunate to have a very talented team and it is a privilege to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive school community. Thank you and well done everybody.

Tuesday marked the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and I couldn’t help but remember my trips to Lourdes, in France, during my younger years. In Lourdes, the sick are always at the forefront. As a place of pilgrimage, my visits to the grotto where Our Lady appeared to a local girl called Bernadette, were incredibly special and allowed time and space for prayer, reflection and inner healing, away from the busy town and large crowds. This experience, gave me and the group I travelled with, a renewed sense of joy and hope.

During this Jubilee Year, we are described as Pilgrims of Hope, and wherever we travel, Pope Francis has asked that we spread a sense of hope and joy to everyone that we meet on our journey.

As we approach the half term break, I’d like to wish you and your families a very happy and restful half term break and I look forward to seeing you again on Monday 24th February 2025.

Best Wishes,

Geraldine Hampton

Executive Headteacher

Each week, a child in Nursery will be selected to bring home Polly, our Nursery Prayer Bear.

Polly is helping Nursery to show their love to God through prayer and caring deeds.

Last weekend, Polly spent time with Millie, who really enjoyed praying with Polly Bear.

We look forward to seeing where her adventures take her next!

Gospel: The Beatitudes (Luke 6:17,20-27)

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 do you think Jesus was doing up the mountain?

What did Jesus promise the poor and unhappy people?

What can we do to help people who are poor, hungry or sad?

KS2

These are called the Beatitudes. What is Jesus’ message?

Why did Jesus fix his eyes on his followers before he spoke?

Jesus also said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’, as part of his speech. How can we be peacemakers in School or at home?

Our whole school attendance is currently at 93.7%

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.

This week, our school took part in Safer Internet Day 2025, a global event dedicated to promoting online safety. Celebrated on Tuesday, 11th February, this marked the 22nd year of the initiative, with over 170 countries joining forces to create a safer digital world.

Each year, Safer Internet Day highlights key online challenges, and this year’s theme was: “Too Good to Be True? Protecting Yourself and Others from Online Scams.” Throughout the week, students explored important topics such as cyberbullying, social media risks, and the importance of thinking critically about online information.

Through engaging activities and discussions, our school community reflected on how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly. Let’s continue working together to build a safer and smarter online environment for everyone!

Our student councillors were very busy during Children’s Mental Health Week. They made some positive affirmation cards to hand out to their classmates. The children really loved receiving a positive message from others, it certainly brightened up their day!

At St Charles, we have a very keen visitor! This lovely cat loves to see what is happening!

Please see the attached below from the Royal College Of Music where you can join for FREE family-friendly courses this Spring providing a fun and inspiring introduction to musical learning.

Nursery have been learning all about baptism this week. We have been looking at photos of our own baptisms and role playing with the class dolls.

Year 1 is full of amazing authors!

This week, we have been reading Man on the Moon (a day in the life of Bob) by Simon Bartram.

We worked really hard to sequence and retell the story in our own words.

This half term in Geography, Year Two have been eagerly exploring Australia. They were especially excited to learn about Australian animals and where in Australia they live. Working in small groups, they researched different species and shared their discoveries with the class. 🐨🐊🦘

Congratulations to the following children who were recognised for making good choices during the week beginning 10th February.

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