Dear Parents, Carers & Parishoners,

‘Thank you’ doesn’t seem enough to express how much we appreciate everything you do for our school

community. It has been a very busy term in school for staff and pupils but we do recognise how busy it

has been for families too with parents evenings, key stage liturgies, nativities and many other events held

in school. Your support makes everything so much more special for the children and the staff really appre-

ciate your support. Your on-going contributions, comments and generosity of time and donations have

been overwhelming – thank you! So, on behalf of the Governors and all of the staff, I would like to wish

you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Ofsted

As you will all be aware, St. Mary’s had our Ofsted inspection on Tuesday 18th

December. We would like to thank you all for your incredibly kind words of

support and encouragement. Thank you to all parents who took the time to

complete the online parent survey, speak to the inspector personally, send the

school emails or catch us in person to pass on your best wishes. They were all

gratefully received.

The children were an absolute credit to our school and their families. Their behaviour was, as always, ex-

emplary and they spoke with confidence and passion to the inspectors about our wonderful school. Sever-

al children were interviewed or heard read in a small group situation by the inspector and have been

praised for their articulate conversations and honest answers.

The inspector gathered a wealth of evidence to support their judgements on the day as he was on the

premises from 8am to 6pm looking at paperwork, completing lesson observations, studying work in chil-

dren’s books, talking to staff, parents, pupils, Governors and representatives from the Local Authority who

work in partnership with our school.

The final report will not be available until mid January as all of the evidence gathered is being Quality As-

sured by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate. Therefore we are unable to report the outcome until this has taken

place. As soon as the school and Governors receive the final report, we will ensure that it is shared with all

parents and is available for you to read.

Many thanks again for your support during this process.

St Mary’s RC Primary School

Newsletter - Issue 15 - December 2018

Headteacher: Mr D Miller

Deputy Headteacher: Mrs M Ross

Chair of Governors: Mrs M Harris

Telephone: 01207 502657 First Day Response No: 07845788957

E-mail: blackhillstmary@durhamlearning.net

Website: www.blackhill-st-marys-rc.durham.sch.uk

Attendance

Our whole school attendance is currently running at: 96.5%

Gospel Reflection

Gospel: Taken from the Gospel for 23rd December 2018 (Luke 1:39-44): The Visitation

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah.

She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard

Mary’s greeting, the child Ieapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spir-

it. She gave a loud cry and said, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is

the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my

Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is

she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Think of someone to whom a visit, a card or a phone call would bring special joy during Christmas?

Thank you

All the staff wish to thank parents and children for the many

gifts, cards and kind wishes received. We wish everyone a

Happy and Holy Christmas.

Hats and Coats

Can I please remind all parents and carers that all children need a warm coat whilst playing out-

side during the winter period. This is especially important for those children who go swimming

and are going outside with wet hair. We don’t want any children to catch a chill at school.

Our attendance target for the year is to be above 97%

Year

Autumn

Term

Attendance

so far:

% of Pupils

above 97%

R 96.5% 63.3%

1 97.4% 73.3%

2 97% 67.7%

3 95.3% 40%

4 95.8% 66.6%

5 97.3% 66.6.%

6 96.2% 60%

It makes such a difference

to your children’s academic

and personal development

by coming to school as

often as possible. Thank

you for your support in

helping us to achieve our

97%

Lets all work together

to achieve our target

of being above 97%

Star of the Week

E-Safety - NSPCC: Guide to staying safe online

The internet is amazing! Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening

up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all

the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe?

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-

safety/

ParentPay

Please settle all school meals and trips etc. outstanding by the end of term so that we

can balance the accounts for the end of term. If there are any problems or queries

please contact the school office and together we can find a solution. Many thanks.

God, our loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the songs of

the angels, the gladness of the shepherds and the wisdom of the wise men. May the stars that

shine at Christmas shine on throughout the year. Amen

Jacob S Year R You have worked hard this week using your sounds to spell tricky words.

Lucy R Year R Great work finding good sharing numbers for Santa.

Everyone Year 1 For all your amazing work this term!

Keelie Year 2 You have listened well and concentrated hard all week!

Max Year 2 Trying very hard and listening very well - a fab week!

Jacobe L Year 3 You have worked your socks off! Outstanding reasoning and problem solving

Ella MC Year 3 What a superstar! You have given 100% in everything and your writing is much improved.

Jack Mc Year 4 Excellent maths work; especially your 9 times table

William T Year 4 Being an amazing friend - you have been so kind and caring to others

Everyone Year 5 All of Year 5 for being wonderfully thoughtful, kind children all week

Natalia C Year 6 Excellent scientific knowledge - amazing knowledge of adaptations of animals

Max R Year 6 Excellent scientific knowledge - amazing knowledge of adaptations of animals

Golden Ticket Winners

School re-opens to pupils on Monday 7th January 2019. Please circle this date on your diary!

An Amazing Autumn

Here is a reminder of some of the amazing things which have happened in school during this first term.

Reception

Eden_olivia, Isaac, Lily, Archie-James, Phoebe,

Miles, Samuel, Charlie, Victor, Ava, Harriett, Lucy,

Ella, Lilly-Mae, Jacob, Peter, Hope, Freddie, Harry,

Jacob, Philip, Callum, Theo, Joanna, Jack, Autumn,

Imogen, Laine

Year 1

Oliver, Tiaamii, Gabby, Rosie, Alfie, Georgina, Leah

Clarke, Ella, John-George, MollyBeth, Josie, Noah,

Millie, Antonia, Eliza, Jacob, Maya, Joshua, Florence,

Evan, John, Hunter

Year 2

Max, Adam, Hermione, Jan, Emilia, Shay,

Ryan,Harry, Jack, Ruby, Isaac, Eva, James, Kellie,

Holly, Samuel, Abigail, William, Will, Lacey-Mai,

Ichiro, Evie, Lillie, Riley

Year 3

Freddie, Jacobe, Toby, Eva, Ella, Olivia, Josh

Year 4

Annabel, Jake, Kai, Charlie, Isla, Josh, Harry, Maisie,

Scareltt, Scarlett, Hayden, Ethan, Joshua, Maison,

Nathan, Casper, Roan, Halle, Jack, Joseph, Ollie, Ri-

ley, Ethan, Kuba, Alfie, Eve, Callum, William

Year 5

Everyone - 100% - Well Done Year 5

Year 6

Everyone - 100% - Well Done Year 6 Well Done to all those children who have received

individual Golden Tickets.

Christmas Party fun. The children

enjoyed party games, dancing to

music, meeting Santa, eating party

food and much more. A wonder-

ful end to a wonderful term!

Check out

Mr Richardson’s moves!

There were no comments or suggestions this week. We want to hear what you have to say and we

promise to answer all suggestions. Included below is a suggestion slip - please write down anything

you want answered here and send it into school. Somethings we can respond to immediately and will

do. Some things unfortunately remain ‘dreams’ as they are beyond the powers of the school.

Christmas Eve Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for sending us you son, Jesus, who gives us light and hope in the days ahead. We ask that

you guide our family and help them to reflect the Holy Family in all we say and do, each and every day.

Amen.

‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’

Luke 2:14

What a wonderful gift God gave us!

For over 200 years, Christians have celebrated the birth of God’s son in a lowly stable in Bethlehem.

St Mary’s RC Primary School

SUGGESTION SLIP

Name: …………………………………………………………………….. Telephone No: ………………………………………………….

If you prefer to remain anonymous, that is fine. It is your views that we really want.

Please detail below how we can improve the school further, state any areas where you think we excel,

or ask any questions you would like answered:

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