Headteacher's Newsletter

4^th April 2025

Dear Parents,

Lent

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As we approach the Easter season, we reflect on the significance of this time for both our school community and our faith. Our children have been preparing in many ways to embrace the spirit of Easter, through Mass, liturgies, special services, and retelling the Easter story. This has been a lovely opportunity for our children to deepen their understanding of the Easter story and its message of hope, renewal, and faith.

There are many additional Masses over Easter, please see the Mass times for St Vincent’s and Holy Angels below:

Mass Times St Vincent’s

Mass Times at Holy Angels

Lenten Charities

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This year each class raised money for a charity of their choice. At the last count the classes have raised an amazing £3,317! 

Thank you for your support and generosity. The funds will make a difference to so many charities.

We have also been fundraising in memory of Natasha Gee, and the incredible work of St Ann’s Hospice. The current total is at £4,290. Mrs Gee and her family would like to thank you all for your generous donations.

Mini Vinnies

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Well done to all the Mini Vinnies who worked so hard selling Easter chicks this year. The chicks were incredibly popular, and thanks to everyone’s support, we raised a fantastic £1,300 for Francis House Children's Hospice. Your generosity will make a huge difference in the lives of many children and families, and we are very grateful for your support.

In addition, the Mini Vinnies organised an activity for Woodend Residential Home which involved all the children making Easter cards for the residents. We are delighted to be able to bring joy to the residents and very proud of the intergenerational work the children are able to engage in.

Travel Tracker

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Congratulations to all the winning classes above for being the most active this term. It is great to see so many children travelling to school in different ways that benefit our local community as well as ourselves and the environment. The children received their badges from our Wellbeing Champions this week for their efforts.

We Are Adventurers Competition

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Take Part in the We Are Adventurers Easter Eco-Egg Competition!

Looking for something fun, free, and creative to do this Easter? We Are Adventurers is inviting families to take part in their Easter Eco-Egg Competition, a nature-based challenge for children of all ages.

Here’s how it works:

• Download the egg template here or head to their website.
• Head outdoors and collect natural materials like leaves, twigs, petals, or feathers
• Decorate your egg using your nature finds
• Send in a photo of your creation to adventure@weareadventurers.co.uk for a chance to win a We Are Adventurers merchandise bundle.

It’s a great way to encourage children to be outside, be creative, and enjoy a mindful Easter break.

Full competition details and template download are available at https://weareadventurers.co.uk/eco-egg-competition/ 

Entries close on 18^th April 2025 and the winner will be announced on 21^st April 2025.

SEND What’s On Newsletter

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Please see the SEND link newsletter. It has new clubs and services to support your child and wider family.

SEND Link Newsletter - March 2025

• News on our upcoming SEND Better Together event
• Meet your new SEND Participation and Engagement Officer and SEND Navigator
• All about services from Starling, Grip Adventure, Stockdales, Kooth and Qwell
• Activities and events on your SEND What’s On

Family Support

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Attached is an information booklet filled with free courses and tips for parenting. The booklet includes help and guidance on a range of topics including:

• Solihull Approach Course
• Parenting Smart
• Triple P Anxiety Advice
• Empowering Parents Support
• Trafford Sleep Services
• One Plus One Support
• Trafford Community Collective
• Separating Better and Coparenting
• Cost of Living Support
• Housing Benefit Support
• Council Tax Support

Please remember that you can also speak with one of our pastoral staff. Just email into the office to request a call back: admin@stvincents.trafford.sch.uk

Entrance Examination Support

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Year 3 Entrance Exam Taster Sessions: 19^th and 20^th May 2025 with Learn North West

Learn North West Education is thrilled to once again partner with St. Vincent’s Catholic Primary School for the upcoming academic year to deliver after-school examination preparation classes for Year 4 and Year 5 children preparing for local Grammar School Entrance Exams.The team at Learn North West have loved getting to know all the children, their families and as always, tailoring their approach to support children's individual needs.

What to Expect from the Taster Sessions

Learn North West have confirmed the taster sessions offer a no-obligation opportunity for children to experience the classes, meet the dedicated team and engage with some of the curriculum content covered during the course. Parents will also have the chance to learn more about their approach, understand the exam preparation process and ask any questions they may have.

Joining Classes

Following the taster sessions, children will have the option to join after-school classes starting in September 2025. This opportunity will be open to all current Year 3 and Year 4 children, regardless of whether they have previously attended one of the classes or the taster session. If children are unable to attend the taster session but are interested in joining in September, please email Learn North West who will send you further information and arrange a call to discuss any questions.

Session Details

The taster sessions are offered at a discounted rate of £10 (regular session price is £12). Sessions will be held on:

• Monday, 19th May:3:25 pm – 4:35 pm
• Tuesday, 20th May:3:25 pm – 4:35 pm

Please note that Learn North West cannot accept childcare vouchers for these taster sessions due to the administrative requirements of processing occasional invoices which is why they have reduced the sessional cost as above. However, for termly sessions, parents can benefit from using childcare or tax-free vouchers as payment for the sessions.

How to Book

To secure a place, please complete the form at the following link: https://forms.gle/UGVyTyuo38zAMR4C9. The team will be in touch shortly after receiving your submission.

To learn a little more about the team, please consult the following links:

Details about the 11+ Partner team can be found here: https://www.learnnorthwest.com/post/our-11-team.

Details about the Entrance Examination Preparation course and approach can be viewed via this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=bSI0RZjK64k

Please note Taster Sessions will be aimed at Year 3 students only, should Year 4 students wish to join one of the Year 4 classes for a one off week as a taster for September, please email info@learnnorthwest.com and they will make this arrangement for you in the Summer Term.

Year 6 Revision Classes for the September Entrance Exams

Loreto Grammar School and St. Ambrose College have scheduled their entrance exam for Friday, 19th September, while the date for the Trafford Consortium exam is yet to be announced.

To provide continuity of support in the critical weeks leading up to these exams we are offering Year 6 children the opportunity to attend revision classes. These sessions will provide guidance, final preparation and reassurance to help settle nerves in a familiar and supportive environment by one of our teachers who know the children well.

Revision Class Schedule

• Thursday, 4th September
• Friday, 5th September
• Tuesday, 9th September
• Tuesday, 16th September
• Wednesday, 17th September

Pricing and booking:

Each class is priced at £12, and children can choose to attend as many sessions as they wish to do so.

To book these sessions, please complete the form here: https://forms.gle/azDE2xt1z427jEuF9

Attendance

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We offer an open door to parents. If you have any questions about school life, please liaise with your class teacher.  Mrs Farrell (infant deputy), Mrs Sutton (junior deputy), and I are also available to work in partnership with you.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs A Harrop

Headteacher