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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7th July 2026
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made our Summer Fair such a success! We're incredibly grateful to all who volunteered their time, donated cakes, teddies, sweets, bottles and tombola items. And of course to everyone who came along to join the fun. We are thrilled to announce that we raised £963.37 - a fantastic total. All funds will go directly towards enhancing the school experience for our children. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please email us at ptfa@stethelbertsschool.co.uk. Thank you again for your continued support. St. Ethelbert's PTFA
3rd July 2026
Latest Newsletter from Mr Marshall Loving God, Thank you for blessing our School Transition Day yesterday. We are grateful for the joy, kindness, and new beginnings shared throughout our school community. Guide and bless all our children and staff as they prepare for the new school year. May we continue to grow in faith, learning, and love, always following the example of Jesus. Amen. Dear St Ethelbert's Community, Yesterday was a lovely transition day. Myself and Ms Dowd kept walking around the classrooms to hear all the children happy and settled in their new classrooms. We could also hear the children at dismissal, very excited to tell their adults all about the day. Well Done everyone for a smooth transition. I very much welcome our new families and children to the St Ethelbert's family and look forward to seeing them again in September. I hope our current Year 6 children had a successful transition day to their new secondary school as well. Year 6 leavers/transition Here are the events for your diary: 'Mystery at Magpie Manor' Year 6 End of school production to Year 6 parents/grandparents – Thursday 9th July 7.00pm, church hall (entrance on Hereson Road next to the church), no restriction with audience numbers but please note it will be potentially busy and stuffy - Limited seats available. Children will have their dress rehearsal on Thursday 9th July at 1.15pm for Years 3-5 Year 6 Leavers' Disco (open to Years 3-6) – Wednesday 15th July 6.00pm - 7.30pm at £2.50 a ticket (all children must be picked up by an adult please). As it was such a success last year, the disco will be outside if weather permits. There will be sweets and drinks to buy at the disco. Our recommendation is a cap of £5. Year 6 Graduation and Afternoon Tea – Thursday, 16th July, 1:15pm – 3.00pm, speech from Mr Marshall, graduation to include handing out of leaver books and hoodies, followed by afternoon tea and book signing. No restriction in audience numbers so grandparents are welcome. Leavers' Mass for Year 6 children, Thursday, 16th July 1.15pm outside (weather permitting). All welcome. End of Term – Clubs and Wraparound care Please note children break up for the summer on Friday 17th July at normal time. The last day for clubs and wraparound care will be Thursday 16th July. There will be no clubs or wraparound care on Friday 17th July. God Bless Mr Marshall Headteacher Water Safety during hot weather periods During periods of hot weather, the risk of drowning can increase in children and young people. Even shallow water can be dangerous for eager young swimmers. Please always watch your children closely near paddlers, pools, and beaches. Click on the links for water safety videos to watch together at home in relation to water safety and the water safety code to raise awareness and educate children in water safety and lifesaving skills. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FdfTeJoF2w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoEZQxSvH9g PTFA AGM Tuesday 14th July 3:30pm The PTFA plays a vital part in the school community, and all the parents and carers are warmly invited to attend the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). This is your chance to hear how the funds you have helped raise have been used for the benefit of the children at the school. The AGM is also an opportunity for you to elect the PTFA Committee, to represent the association throughout the forthcoming academic year. Nominations should be sent in advance of the AGM for existing committee members willing to stand for re-election and for anyone wishing to stand as an Officer or Ordinary Committee Member for the first time. Please complete the form if you wish to be nominated and return by 3 pm on Friday 10th July to the PTFA at ptfa@stethelbertsschool.co.uk. If anyone would like to discuss the roles in the PTFA or would consider volunteering with support initially, please feel free to email us. PTFA Leavers Disco: Wednesday, 15th July 6-7.30pm We are delighted to invite our Junior children to join us for a special Outdoor Leavers' Disco as we celebrate our Year 6 leavers. The evening will feature music, games, and a variety of fun stalls, making it a wonderful opportunity for children to celebrate together. Please book a space via 'School money', £2.50 entry. There will be Hot dogs, Doughnuts, Candy floss, Sweets, Drinks, Games, and Crafts, so please bring some change. Year 3 Swimming – Term 6 The Year 3 swimming will start on Friday, 5th June at Ramsgate Swimming Pool. The children will start their lesson at 1.10pm and finish at 1.55pm. The children will be back at school and ready to be dismissed as normal. The programme will take place every Friday up to and including the 17th of July 2026. Your child will need to bring swimwear, goggles and a towel on these days. No spray deodorants are allowed, only roll-on. They must wear a coat as they may be cold walking to and from the pool. Congratulations Congratulations to two of our pupils Bailey and Betty, who were baptised by Fr Jonathon on Saturday. Water bottles and fresh fruit/veg snacks To help keep our children healthy and ready to learn, please ensure your child brings a filled water bottle to school each day which they can then refill throughout the day. The bottle should be filled with water only and not juice. We also ask that any healthy snacks sent in from home are cut into bite size pieces to minimise choking hazards and support safe eating habits. Children will be encouraged to sit and eat before playing, helping them enjoy their snacks calmly and safely. Diary Dates 2026-27 Please find attached diary dates for 2026-27. While we aim to keep to this, please keep an eye on weekly updates as some dates or times may need to change. We will notify you immediately if any changes are made. The Archbishops School – Summer Camp Taking place at The Archbishop's School, Canterbury, this exciting programme is designed to provide children with a fun, engaging, and developmental football experience throughout the summer holidays. Over the three weeks, players will benefit from: Skill development and technical training Fun games and competitions Small-sided matches A positive and inclusive environment for all abilities Coaching aligned with the values and standards of Millwall Community Trust Whether your child is looking to improve their football skills, stay active during the holidays, or simply enjoy playing with friends, our summer camp offers the perfect opportunity. Camp Details: Venue: The Archbishop's School, Canterbury Delivered in partnership with Millwall Community Trust 3-Week Summer Football Camp Book your place today: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/plus1sportscoaching/2280448 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to welcoming your child for an unforgettable summer of football. Thanet Family Hubs Below are details of some upcoming courses taking place at Thanet Family Hubs Autism Awareness - 3-week course Explore, recognise and celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of autistic individuals in this empowering course. Newington Family Hub, Thursdays 11th June - 2nd July: 10am - 12pm Northdown Road Family Hub, Fridays 3rd July - 17th July: 10am-12pm First Aid for Babies Join in our practical and supportive workshop to learn vital first aid techniques to confidently care for your baby in an emergency. Cliftonville Family Hub - Monday 8th June: 9.30am-11.30am Priory Family Hub - Tuesday 21st July: 12.30pm - 2.30pm Please note that these sessions are delivered by Kent Adult Education (KAE) and are not run by the Family Hubs, however they are being held within our premises. These courses provide valuable information and support for families and professionals, and we encourage you to share them with anyone who may benefit. Further details, including dates, times, and booking information, can be found in the attached leaflets. 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. Please click here for the SEND Newsletter Special Edition Children showing our school values this week Year Group Class Name/Saint Name Child Value Reason for Value Nursery United Kingdom Saint George Olueze Knowledge Really engaging with learning activities as well as during phonic and maths sessions! Nellie Thoughtfulness Always having amazing manners and being kind to everyone! Reception Poland Saint Jadwiga All of Reception Inclusion Being supportive to each other when moving up for transition day! Year 1 Romania Saint Andrew Beatrise Thoughtfulness Consistently making kind, sensible choices and always trying your best Archie Knowledge Your brilliant focus and contributions during our geography lesson. Year 2 Hungary Elizabeth of Hungary Ehvehlyn-Marie Knowledge Her excellent construction of a 3-D pyramid using spaghetti and marshmallows Rose Inclusion Ensuring that our new student felt welcome on her transition day Year 3 Japan Paulo Miki Jacob Inclusion Willingly seeking out adults and children to help any way he can Archie Knowledge Working on his presentation and showing us his amazing handwriting. Year 4 Italy Catherine of Siena Nabilah Inclusion Always treating others with respect and kindness Carter Knowledge Being a super science technician/helper during an experiment where we explored the viscosity of liquids. Year 5 India Saint Mother of Teresa Holly Inclusion Always taking time to check in on others and make sure they are ok Erin Knowledge Putting so much effort into improving her writing Year 6 France Saint Vincent de Paul & Saint Therese of Lisieux Phoebe Thoughtfulness Thinking ahead – Phoebe has been excellent at designing and painting props Elliot Inclusion Working so well with a group to perfect his dance skills; smiling and enthusiastic. 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 9th July Year 3 16th July Year 6 Leavers Mass 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 94.2% Year 1 95.6% Year 2 97.3% Year 3 89.3% Year 4 97.5% Year 5 93.5% Year 6 66.4% Whole School this week 90.6% Whole School academic year to date 94.6% National Average academic year to date 94.8% 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 2025/26 June 2026 26th/29th/30th Bikeability July 2026 9th Year 6 dress rehearsal to school - 1:00pm 9th Year 6 Production to parents - 7:00pm 15th End of Year Reports to parents 15th Year 6 Disco -6.00pm - 7.30pm 16th Year 6 Leavers Mass, Graduation and Afternoon Tea - 1.00pm 17th Benediction 1.15pm 17th Nursery Graduation 2.30pm 17th End of Term 6 for children 20th INSET day (4 of 5) 21st INSET day (5 of 5) 21st END OF TERM 6 PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS OR WRAPAROUND CARE ON FRIDAY 17TH JULY 2026-27 September 2026 1st/2nd INSET DAYS (1&2 of 5) 3rd TERM 1 STARTS FOR CHILDREN 3rd/4th Reception in part time 4th Whole School Mass 7th Reception in full time 10th September Kent Test 14th September – Individual and Sibling photos 21st Feast of Saint Matthew 25th Non-uniform for CAFOD - cash donation 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)
3rd July 2026
Just a reminder ...
1st July 2026
Taking place at The Archbishop's School, Canterbury, this exciting programme is designed to provide children with a fun, engaging, and developmental football experience throughout the summer holidays. Over the three weeks, players will benefit from: Skill development and technical training Fun games and competitions Small-sided matches A positive and inclusive environment for all abilities Coaching aligned with the values and standards of Millwall Community Trust Whether your child is looking to improve their football skills, stay active during the holidays, or simply enjoy playing with friends, our summer camp offers the perfect opportunity. Camp Details: Venue: The Archbishop's School, Canterbury Delivered in partnership with Millwall Community Trust 3-Week Summer Football Camp Book your place today: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/plus1sportscoaching/2280448 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to welcoming your child for an unforgettable summer of football.
29th June 2026
A big THANK YOU from the PTFA! Thank you so much for bringing in items for our Summer Fair – your support makes a huge difference! We're really looking forward to seeing you all at the Fair for a fantastic day of fun, games, and community spirit. Also, if you could help at the fair please email us at ptfa@stethelbertsschool.co.uk. Thanks again for your continued support!
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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.’