Headteacher's Newsletter

5^th December 2025

Dear Parents, 

Advent

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

It was lovely to welcome Canon Jonathan and Father Matthew into school to celebrate our Advent Mass with us this week. It was also good to see so many parents join us for Mass.

During the second week of Advent, we will focus on peace as we continue preparing for the coming of Jesus. In school, we will explore what peace really means and how each of us can help create it. We will think about being patient with one another, listening carefully, and speaking kindly, even when things feel challenging. We will look for chances to include others, to share, and to notice when someone might need a bit of extra care or support. On the playground and in the classroom, we talk about peaceful choices like taking turns, sorting out disagreements fairly, and encouraging our friends. As we light the second Advent candle, we will remind the children that peace begins with small actions, and that every day gives us an opportunity to make our school a calmer, kinder, and more welcoming place for everyone.

Reception Nativity and Year 4 Christmas Performance

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

We are very much looking forward to the Reception Nativities and the Year 4 Christmas performance taking place next week. The children have been working hard in their rehearsals, and they look and sound fantastic! We are very proud of their enthusiasm and effort. All performances will be recorded and made available to purchase as a download, allowing family and friends to enjoy these special moments too.

Christmas Service Years 3 - 6 Attendance on Monday 15^th December

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 Christmas Service 

When: Monday 15^th December

Where: St Vincent’s Church Altrincham

Time to arrive: 6:00pm

Time service starts: 6:30pm

What to wear: School uniform

Children in years 3, 4, 5, and 6 have been practising for the Christmas Service. Year 6 will be leading the prayers, while years 3 to 5 will support with the singing, helping to create a joyful and prayerful atmosphere. The service will be a beautiful celebration of the Christmas story, filled with music, prayers, and moments to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

As usual, at the end of the service, we will have a Christmas collection for local hospices, as a way of remembering and supporting others during this special time of year. We look forward to welcoming families to join us in this Advent celebration.

Poet Laureate Competition Winners

We are delighted to announce the winners of our Poet Laureate competition: 

• Sophia M in Miss Slater’s year 2 class
• Danielle B in Mrs Bullock and Mrs Black’s year 6 class

Thank you to everyone who shared an Advent poem—your creativity was inspiring, and a silver note is on its way to you! Please enjoy reading our winning poems below.

Advent By Sophia M in Year 2

Advent is the time of the year,

When families gather in Christmas cheer.

They patiently wait, counting down to the day,

When Jesus is born surrounded by hay.

As every week passes, a candle we light,

There’s purple and pink and finally, white.

They all have a meaning as they stand in the wreath,

There’s hope and there’s joy,

There’s love and there’s peace.

Jesus our Saviour, the one who brings joy,

And we remember the birth of this very special Boy.

Advent By Danielle B in Year 6

Beneath the silver sky alone,

Blurry echoes far from home.

Some books tell a tale,

Of broken wings that still prevail,

The river hums a quiet song,

Guiding hearts where they belong.

Through the night the stars ignite,

A King will be born with endless light.

In the path that owns this lore,

Holds a Saviour, never seen before.

Twenty and a quarter century we celebrate out and indoors,

Gifts and sweets and so much more.

The annunciation of a Child in a manger born,

Starts Advent on this Sunday morn.

The wind whispers in the wild,

As the shepherds travel miles and miles.

We wait, walking through each door,

To roam, wander and explore.

Gold, frankincense and myrrh given by the Kings of three,

Presents sit below each tree.

Advent is about spiritual and physical preparation and light in the darkness,

We wait for what we all call Christmas!

PTA Christmas Fair

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

Thank you to our PTA who organised a fantastic Christmas fair. It was wonderful to see everyone getting in the Christmas spirit and having a great time. We raised over £4000! This year we are focusing the PTA funds on developing an outdoor prayer room. This will be a lovely addition for the children and classes to use.

Christmas Holiday Club: It’s Back — for One Day Only! Monday 22 December

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

We are very excited to announce that our Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Club is returning for one magical day on Monday 22^nd December! Get ready for a day bursting with festive fun, games, crafts and Christmas magic, the perfect way to kick off the holidays in merry style! From sparkling activities to joyful laughter, it’s going to be a day to remember! The children have so much to look forward to lots of activities listed on our activity planner.  Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Please email us on sunshine@stvincentsnursery.com - book your spot now and let the Christmas countdown begin!

Geography Gold Award

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

*** We are delighted to share that earlier this week, our school was awarded the prestigious Gold Hub Award by the Geographical Association. ***

Following our achievement of the Gold Award in September, we have now been awarded the Gold Hub Geography Award. This is the Geography Associations highest primary accolade. It recognises not only the exceptional quality of geography teaching and learning within our school, but also the work we do to champion geography across local primary schools and the wider community.

This award highlights the strong partnerships we have with other schools and organisations as we work together to bring Geography and Sustainability to the forefront of education. With a continued focus on global citizenship and stewardship, values echoed in Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home in Laudato Si’ we are incredibly proud of the direction our geography provision is taking.

A huge well done to all our teachers, pupils and Eco Leaders for their enthusiasm, commitment, and outstanding work in Geography.

Reception School Places- September 2026 Applications

School Values: Make a Difference Be Passionate about Learning Be Kind Be Respectful

As the local birth rate is currently very low, we have a higher number of Reception places available for September 2026. For this reason, we are actively welcoming applications from all families to St Vincent’s.

Places are available both within and outside our usual catchment area, and we also warmly welcome children who may not be Catholic but who support and appreciate our school’s values. If you, friends or family are applying for a reception class place for September 2026, please ensure the following is completed by the deadline date of 15^th January 2026:

• State your school preference via Primary School Admissions on the Trafford website (trafford.gov.uk) or your local authority where you reside
• Bring or send the completed supplementary application form along with a copy of the baptismal certificate, if appropriate, to the infant office, admissions@stvincent.trafford.sch.uk

Further information can be found on the admissions page of the school website or please contact our admin team on 0161 911 8040 (infant department) or email admissions@stvincents.trafford.sch.uk if you have any questions about the admissions process.

Whole School Dates List

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The key dates have been set for the academic year. On the list, you will see the date, event and location. The full list can be seen on this link St Vincent's Catholic Primary School Trafford: Key School Events and Dates and autumn 2 dates can be seen below:

AUTUMN 2

Attendance and Punctuality

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Please note that holidays in term time are not authorised. Before booking any trips, we ask parents to check our term dates to ensure holidays are arranged within the designated school breaks.

You can view the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 term dates here:

St Vincent's Catholic Primary School Trafford: Term Dates and Times of the School Day

We warmly welcome parents to ask about school life. Your first point of contact is your class teacher. In addition, Mrs Farrell (infant deputy) and Mrs Sutton (junior deputy) and I are available to work in partnership with you to support your child’s learning and wellbeing. We value open communication and welcome all to work together for the benefit of all our pupils.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs A Harrop

Headteacher