4th March 2024
Dear Parents and Carers of St Cuthbert’s,
PTFA
The PTFA have raised £5,000 for St Cuthbert’s this year which is completely amazing. We are so lucky to have such an active and effective PTFA at St Cuthbert’s who work so closely with the school. Thank you to each and every member of our PTFA for their hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and creativity – you do a wonderful job for St Cuthbert’s, and you have added so much to what our school can provide for the children in our care.
Thank you to all of our families who have supported and so willingly attended our PTFA events to help raise much needed funds for our school – we could not achieve any of this without you.
Our Student Council, under the guidance of Mrs Haighton, will be coming up with some ideas and suggestions as to how we can best use the money raised. They’ve asked for a swimming pool to be installed at St Cuthbert's every year since I became headteacher, but we just don’t have quite the funds we need for that! One day, maybe…
School to School Partnership Update – St Cuthbert’s and St George’s
As you know, I was asked to take on St George’s in Autumn 2022 as Executive Headteacher, meaning I could retain my headship at St Cuthbert’s and work across both schools. This opportunity has been an incredible experience for us all. All staff have worked in partnership between the schools, and this has meant that both schools have grown and developed this last year. We can draw on a huge range of expertise and a wide skillset which is mutually beneficial, and which has impacted positively on the provision and environment at both schools.
An added bonus has been the opportunity to develop our leadership team at all levels. I am delighted to announce that Mrs Clarke, as well as continuing as Deputy Headteacher at St Cuthbert’s, has been appointed Acting DHT of St George’s Catholic Primary School whilst the DHT at St George's, Mrs Catriona Powell, is on secondment elsewhere. This is a great opportunity for Mrs Clarke to work as DHT across both schools where I know she will continue to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of the children in both schools. I know you will join me in congratulating her on her success.
Attendance and Punctuality
Please continue to support your child with their attendance and prompt arrival at school before the main gates close.
Good attendance provides every child with the best chance of success at primary school and helps ensure they are ready for the challenges of high school. Every day at school counts and no child should be put at a disadvantage by missing school days where they can learn, spend time with their friends and teachers and get the very best out of their primary school days.
We know, through experiences during Covid, the hugely negative impact non-attendance at school can have on children’s lives, not only in terms of their academic achievements but also, and more importantly, the impact this can have on their ability to socialise with others and their mental health and well-being.
We fully understand and support school absences when children are too poorly to attend and we know that this type of absence is completely unavoidable, but we please ask that you make appointments, whenever possible, outside of the school day and that you do not take holidays during term time.
If your child is too poorly to attend school, please follow our school procedures and ring school on the first day of absence no later than 9.30am and by 9.30am on each subsequent day of absence.
Polite Reminder re: the school day
Our school day begins at 8.45am prompt. We have a number of children who are consistently late and who are missing the first 10-15minutes of their learning in school. Please ensure you arrive at school in time for your child to start their school day properly and alongside their classmates.
Parking and Driving Around School
Please drive and park safely around our school gates and the streets adjacent to the school. Parents and carers should not be parking on any ‘Keep Clear’ signs around school.
The Highway Code states:
Rule 243
DO NOT stop or park:
- near a school entrance
If any parents or carers witness any unsafe driving or parking, please report a parking problem where restrictions are in place on 0191 278 7799 (all days between 8.00am and 10.00pm).
Thank you for your continued support.
Best wishes,
Mrs Bullerwell
Headteacher
