Welcome from the Head Teacher
As a practising Roman Catholic, I am extremely proud to be the HeadTeacher at St Ethelbert's Catholic Primary School and Nursery. Since starting in September 2020, I lead an experienced, hardworking, outward looking and committed team who look forward to developing the school further for the children and local community. I have worked in Thanet throughout my whole career so know the area very well.
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25th September 2026
Latest Newsletter from Mr Marshall A Prayer for the Beginning of Autumn Heavenly Father, as Autumn begins at St Ethelbert's Catholic Primary School, we thank you for the beauty of your creation and for the changing colours of the leaves. Help us to be grateful for all the gifts you give us, to care for one another, and to grow in kindness, faith and love. As the leaves fall and the seasons change, remind us that you are always with us, guiding and loving us each day. May our school community be filled with joy, peace and the light of Christ. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Dear St Ethelbert's Community, Young Voices 02 London arena trip Announcement We are delighted to share that, after taking our choir to the O2 Arena to take part in the Young Voices concert over the last few years, we have decided that we want as many children as possible to experience this wonderful event. Following a review, we are therefore excited to announce that all children in Years 4, 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to take part in the Young Voices trip this year! Please read the letter that was sent home this week carefully and make sure you complete the sign-up process. Payments will be made via SchoolMoney. Parents are very welcome to attend the evening concert and can purchase their own tickets directly for the event. The children will be brought back to school at approximately 11:00pm, and we ask parents to collect them from the playground as usual. The children are allowed to arrive at school a little later the next morning. Having attended the event myself last year, I can honestly say that it is such a wonderful and memorable experience, and I am incredibly proud that we are now able to offer this opportunity to all of our children in Years 4, 5 and 6. We cannot wait to see them take part! Visit to St George's Cathedral, London Today, Ms Dowd (deputy headteacher), Mr Coleman (our chair of governors) and I had the privilege of attending the annual start of year Mass at St George's Cathedral, London celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson, alongside staff and pupils from all other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Southwark. It was a beautiful service, and we were proud to represent St Ethelbert's. Please know that everyone in our school community was in our prayers during this special occasion. Holiday Requests and Attendance We would like to remind all families that, in line with government guidelines, any requests for a holiday during term time will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances. Regular attendance is essential for children's learning and development, and absences can significantly impact progress. New Fines: Please be aware that last year the local authority updated its policy, and fines will now be issued for unauthorised holidays. Additionally, persistent lateness may also result in a fine. We strongly encourage all families to ensure children arrive on time and attend school every day unless genuinely unwell. Our overall school attendance is high at the moment and we were above national figures last academic year. We want this to continue as the year progresses. Ask About Games According to UKIE, 4 in 10 parents say that they don't talk to their children about making good decisions online. To make these conversations easier, 'Ask About Games' have published their Power Up Pact, designed to guide conversations about online video games and help families to agree on boundaries around screen time, spending, online interactions and age-appropriate content. To visit the website and download the app please follow the link: www.askaboutgames.com Just as parents would talk with their children about road safety or speaking with strangers, online safety is another life skill children need as they grow up. Small, regular conversations can help children understand what personal information is, how it is used, and how to make safer choices online. Wishing you all a relaxing weekend. God Bless Mr Marshall Headteacher Year 6 parents - Secondary School Places It's time to start thinking about secondary schools! For children starting Year 7 in September 2027, applications opened on Monday 1 September and close on Monday 2 November 2026. You can apply for up to 4 schools: Put the schools in your order of preference. It is in your best interest to list 4 schools. Naming only one school does not guarantee your child a place at that school or give priority for a place over another child. You are not able to name the same school more than once. Details can also be found here: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/secondary-school-places Chocolate in school lunchboxes As we begin the new academic year, we would like to share a gentle reminder regarding our Healthy Eating Policy. To support our children's health and well-being, sweets, chocolate, and chocolate-covered items should not be included in packed lunches. If these items are brought to school, we will gently remind your child and send the treats back home with them at the end of the day. Thank you so much for your continued support in helping us maintain a healthy environment for our pupils. Football – John Curren Cup Last Friday, our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils took part in the John Curran Cup Football Tournament. All the children performed brilliantly, showing great determination, teamwork, and effort throughout the competition. It was fantastic to see the children representing the school so positively and to witness the progress they have made when competing in school tournaments. A special mention goes to Peti, who made some outstanding saves in goal, and to Isaiah, who scored a well-worked and deserved goal. Overall, I am incredibly proud of every child. They worked their socks off, supported one another, and represented the school in a positive and respectful manner throughout the tournament. Well Done to all involved! Help Needed! We are looking for someone to help a local family with school drop-offs and pick-ups for their three children. The family lives in the Nethercourt area. If you live nearby and can help on any day of the week, please get in touch with the School Office. Thank you! HAF Vouchers Vouchers for the October half term break will be sent to all eligible families on 1st October 2026. If you have any problems or queries, please contact Mrs. Knol-Haines, Bursar. Nursery - Virtual Tour Experience our nursery space first-hand with our immersive virtual tour. SEND Please click here for the latest Kent County Council Newsletter for SEND. Here you will find the latest news on Children's mental health, KCC SEND progress to date and further general advice, guidance and support. Kent Adult Education Please see attached information about the September Family Learning online courses, along with community workshops which are happening in Thanet, Canterbury and Dover. All courses are free to eligible learners and cover a range of topics designed to support family life, wellbeing and learning. For full information and to book your free place please visit : www.kentadulteducation.co.uk Scholastic Travelling Book Fair We are delighted and excited to announce that after its success last year, the Scholastic Book Fair will be returning to St Ethelbert's! The Book Fair will be on the KS2 Front playground before and after school on 1st and 2nd October and on Year 1 and 2 playground before and after school on 5th and 6th October. However, you are welcome to visit either playground on the day and time that suits you best. There will be over 200 books to choose from to suit all ages, interests and budgets. For every book that you purchase, you will help us to earn free books for our school. Like last year, we are unable to accept cash payments. If you wish to purchase a book, there will be a QR code to scan with your phone which will take you to the Scholastic website where you can make payment. We can't wait to see you all! Mrs Webb and Mrs Russell Design a Bookmark We are running a 'Design a bookmark' competition to celebrate reading and the arrival of the Scholastic Book Fair! Your child will be coming home with a blank bookmark template which they can decorate with their own design. Bookmarks should then be returned to your child's class teacher by Monday 28th September. Five winners will be chosen and they will each receive a £5.00 prize voucher to be spent at the Book Fair. Good luck everyone! Important Reminder About Parking We ask all parents and visitors to be mindful of parking around the school, particularly on Lilian and Dane Park Road. Please remember that the parking spaces outside the Hereson Centre are designated for their visitors only, and the parking under the arches is private parking reserved for local residents. It is important not to park on double yellow lines and to be considerate to our neighbours and pedestrians at all times. Your cooperation helps us maintain good relationships within our community and ensures safety for everyone. Children showing our school values this week Year Group Class Name/Saint Name Child Value Reason for Value Nursery United Kingdom Saint George Nellie Inclusion Always having lovely manners to everyone! Very polite. Victoria Inclusion Always being the first one to tidy up without being asked! Reception Poland Saint Jadwiga Deion Knowledge Using his growing phonics skills to blend small words Mazie-Lea Thoughtfulness Always wanting to help the adults with jobs around the classroom Year 1 Romania Saint Andrew Brandon Thoughtfulness Helping the staff with little jobs around the classroom Zeynep Inclusion Settling well and enjoying her time in the Year One class Year 2 Hungary Elizabeth of Hungary Chisoma Inclusion Helping to create and manage a football club at lunchtime Ibrahim Knowledge Sharing his understanding of 'mastering number' in class Year 3 Japan Paulo Miki Isabelle Knowledge Her excellent understanding of number lines up to 100 Archie Inclusion Settling into his new environment making some good friends Year 4 Italy Catherine of Siena Ella Thoughtfulness Always showing kindness to others Jacob Knowledge Working hard to publish his newspaper report Year 5 India Saint Mother of Teresa Hadlie Knowledge Showing some fantastic understanding and explanations during maths Rose Knowledge Reading at home to an adult consistently Year 6 France Saint Vincent de Paul & Saint Therese of Lisieux Holly Thoughtfulness Setting a mature example to others and always thinking ahead Ronnie Knowledge Working extremely hard all week and wanting to improve in everything Holly, Sophie, Chika, Erin, Lucy, Amily Thoughtfulness Helping the new Reception children with their lunchtime routine Well done! Class Masses If you would like to join us for a class Mass, then you are very welcome. Children lead the Mass with readings and bidding prayers. Date Year Group attending Mass 1 October Year 3 8 October Year 2 15 October Year 6 22 October Year 5 Half Term 5 November Year 4 12 November Year 3 19 November Year 2 26 November Year 6 3 December Year 5 10 December Year 4 15 December KS2 Carol Service Christmas Holiday Mass will be on Thursday mornings at 9.30am in St Ethelbert's church Attendance this academic year... Our attendance policy states that we aim for a 100% attendance Reception 93.6% Year 1 96.2% Year 2 90% Year 3 97.1% Year 4 96.3% Year 5 99.23% Year 6 95.9% Whole School this week 95.4% Whole School academic year to date 96.2% National Average academic year to date 95.34% PLEASE NOTE – IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT A MEMBER OF THE WRAPAROUND CARE STAFF AFTER 4PM THE NUMBER TO CALL IS 07400 170519 DIARY DATES 2026-27 September 2026 30th Book Fair arrives October 2026 1st Autumn Census 5th World Teacher's Day 5th CAFOD Assembly 7th Book Fair collected 18th Feast of Saint Luke 19th Sharing the Learning - parents invited in from 2.30pm - thrive focus 19th Multiplication Table Check parent's info meeting 3.20pm 20th/21st Parents evening - 3:20 - 6:00pm 22nd END OF TERM 1 23rd INSET DAY (3 of 5)
23rd September 2026
A reminder ... Non-uniform for CAFOD On Friday 25th September we will be having a NON-UNIFORM DAY for CAFOD. Children can wear their own clothes for a £1 cash donation with all the money going directly to the charity. Following this, on Monday 5th October we will have an assembly with John Darby, a representative from the charity, who will share details with the children about how their fundraising makes a life changing difference. Our ongoing target is to raise £750 for a community water supply. Thank you for your continued generosity!
22nd September 2026
22nd September 2026
Last Friday, our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils took part in the John Curran Cup Football Tournament. All the children performed brilliantly, showing great determination, teamwork, and effort throughout the competition. It was fantastic to see the children representing the school so positively and to witness the progress they have made when competing in school tournaments. A special mention goes to Peti, who made some outstanding saves in goal, and to Isaiah, who scored a well-worked and deserved goal. Overall, I am incredibly proud of every child. They worked their socks off, supported one another, and represented the school in a positive and respectful manner throughout the tournament. Well done to all involved.
21st September 2026
Term 1 Curriculum Newsletters https://www.stethelbertsschool.co.uk/page/?title=Curriculum+Newsletters&pid=217
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‘Every child at St Ethelbert’s is to fulfil their academic, social, behavioural and emotional potential in the surroundings of a Catholic community, and in which each individual shares or respects the Catholic Church and Christian way of Life.’