Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a very busy couple of weeks in school! We hope you enjoy seeing the photographs of our recent activities.

Last week we had our Catholic Schools’ Inspection.  These inspections take place every five years and two inspectors, over two days, observed lessons and liturgies, interviewed children, staff, governors, parish priests and parents, scrutinised children’s work and analysed pupil attainment data. 

We were delighted that the first day of the inspection fell on the same day as our Harvest Mass celebrated by Mgr Bill - a great introduction to our school community.  We were also very thankful for the extremely positive responses to the parent survey. We now look forward to sharing the inspection report with you once we receive it after half-term.

Activities in school

Bayeux Tapestry online workshop

On Wednesday 14^th October our KS2 children took part in a live online workshop on the Bayeux Tapestry.  This workshop marks the Bayeux Tapestry’s temporary relocation to London and took place 940 years to the day, that the Battle of Hastings started.  The children were fascinated to learn about the events of the battle and learnt how the tapestry was created. 

Y5 Visit to Marks and Spencer, Richmond

On Tuesday last week, our Y5 children visited Marks and Spencer in Richmond to see the construction works which are currently taking place.  The children got an insight into the different roles that people play in the construction process and they learnt how the shop space is designed to appeal to customers.  The children loved wearing hard hats and having a sneak preview of the new store!

Y5 Mass for the Year of St Francis at St Mary’s University

On Tuesday this week, Y5 joined with other Y5 classes from our local Catholic primary schools for a Mass to celebrate the Year of St Francis.  Fr Peter Newby, pictured below, celebrated the Mass for us in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Chapel.

Harvest Foodbank Donations

Thank you very much for your Harvest donations.  The Foodbank was very grateful for the food and for the Mini Vinnie’s help in loading the van.

Sports Update

Last week, Netball Club hosted Sheen Mount Primary School for some friendly fixtures. All our Y5 and Y6 netballers took part, had a great learning experience and enjoyed the opportunity to play against another school. Well done to all for a great start to our netball season!

On Thursday, pupils from Y5 and Y6 represented the school at the Borough Tag Rugby Tournament. In beautiful autumn sunshine, the team played 8 games during the morning and afternoon group stages, scored some excellent tries and defended bravely.

Their strong results saw them eventually finish joint 3rd in the plate competition and 2nd out of all the small schools in the borough. We are very proud of the children for their teamwork and sportsmanship!

Infant Choir sing for Greville House Care Home

Our Infant Choir entertained the residents of Greville House yesterday who were delighted with their singing.

Christ the Redeemer Trust Maths Activity Day

Last week, a group of Y5 and Y6 children went to Corpus Christi, New Malden, one of our partner schools in the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Education Trust, for a fun-filled morning of maths, teamwork, problem-solving and friendly competition.

The children were excellent ambassadors for St Elizabeth's, answering quick-fire calculations and tackling problems as a group with great success. Many thanks to Corpus Christi for organising this event and to the Y9 mentors from Richard Challoner for supporting the children.

Poetry Recital

On Wednesday this week, we held our first ever Choral Poetry Recital with each class performing a poem that they had learnt in front of a large audience of parents.  The children thoroughly enjoyed performing their poems and we look forward to this becoming an annual event.

Y3 Visit to Holly Lodge

Y3 were blessed with fine weather for their visit to Holly Lodge in Richmond Park this week where they learnt about animal habitats and even had a go at pond dipping!

Reception making bread for Harvest

Our Reception children have been developing their baking skills, making their own bread rolls to present during our Harvest Mass last week.

Information for Parents

Black History Month

October is Black History Month when schools and organisations across the country take the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.  Following our assembly about Baroness Floella Benjamin this morning, children in all classes have been invited to research the life of an inspirational Black figure over the half–term break.  The children can present their research in a poster or a piece of artwork and they can share these in assembly on Friday 6^th November if they wish.  For more information about Black History Month visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/curations/black-history-month

Y6 Secondary School Applications

A reminder for parents of children in Y6, the secondary school application deadline is Saturday 31^st October.  Please make sure you have submitted your online application by this date.

The Wednesday Word          

Please follow the link to this week’s Wednesday Word for information and activities about this Sunday’s Gospel. https://www.paperturn-view.com/wednesday-word/good-news?pid=MTA101634&v=163.4

Upcoming Dates

NOVEMBER

Wed 4^th   All day   Y6 WW2 day, Museum of Richmond & Dance workshop

Thu 5^th   a.m.   Swimming lessons begin for Y5 and Y3

Fri 6^th   a.m.   Y1 Visit to Holly Lodge

Mon 9^th   All day   Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying week

Tues 10^th   3:30 - 6:30 p.m.   Parent / teacher meetings

Wed 11^th   9:10 – 9:30 a.m.   Y6 Assembly: Remembrance Day – parents invited

Thurs 12^th   3:30 - 6:30 p.m.   Parent / teacher meetings

Tue 17^th   All day   Reception to Y6: Nasal Flu Immunisation

Thurs 19^th   6:00 p.m.   Vocal Concert

Fri 20th   All day   PTA Mufti Day – hamper food donations

Fri 20^th   p.m.   Last Clarinet session for Y4 Class

Thu 26^th   a.m.   KS2 Advent Reconciliation Service led by Y3 – children only

Thu 26^th   p.m.   Confessions for Y6 & Y5 – children only

Fri 27^th   a.m.   PTA Christmas Market with carol singing by each class

Mon 30^th   All day   Last full week of clubs

Awards this week

Half-term Reading Cup

Congratulations to Y4 for winning the Reading Cup this half-term for the most books read.

Values Award

Congratulations to the following children for receiving a Values Award for living our School Values this week: 

Ollie, Emanuel, Georgia, Jimmy, Harry, Oriya, Noah and Victoria.

Attendance and Punctuality

Congratulations to Y1 for having the best attendance this week at 98.1%.

And well done to Y6 for having the best punctuality again this week with 0 lates!  As the majority of our Y6 pupils come to school on their own, this is a really great achievement!

Wishing you a lovely half-term.

Mrs Hines and the school staff

Safeguarding concern?

If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child at St Elizabeth’s please contact the Safeguarding team, Mrs Hines and Mrs Compton, by email at safeguarding@st-elizabeths.richmond.sch.uk or by telephone on 02089403015.

If you think a child is in immediate danger you should call 999.