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.
Dates for your diaryCalendar
Keep up to date withOur Facebook feed
10th July 2026
Latest Newsletter from Mr Marshall Loving God, Thank you for the gift of this weekend and for the chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with those we love. Help us to slow down, enjoy the simple blessings around us, and find peace in your presence. May our homes be filled with kindness, laughter, and love. Guide us through the days ahead, renew our hearts, and help us return refreshed and ready for the week to come. Amen. Dear St Ethelbert's Community, A Huge Congratulations to Miss Hopgood on Achieving QTS! On behalf of everyone at St Ethelbert's, I would like to extend a huge congratulations to Miss Hopgood, who has successfully completed her teacher training year at St Ethelbert's Catholic Primary School and Nursery. After countless hours of teaching, planning, coursework, presentations, and placements, we are delighted to announce that Miss Hopgood has passed with flying colours and achieved her Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) this week. We are incredibly proud of Miss Hopgood and all that she has achieved as she begins her teaching career. Her hard work, dedication, passion, nurture and commitment have been clear throughout the year, and she has been a valued member of our school community. Miss Hopgood has secured a teaching position for September, and we wish her every success and happiness in this exciting next chapter of her career. Congratulations, Miss Hopgood! Year 6 leavers/transition We would like to confirm that we are doing things slightly differently for our Year 6 leavers' celebrations this year so parents have less trips to school. The Year 6 Leavers' Mass will take place on the school field (weather permitting) and will be led by Father Jonathan at 1.15pm on Thursday. Parents and families of our Year 6 pupils are very welcome to join us for this special occasion. Please enter via the visitor entrance on Dane Park. Following the Mass, we will continue with our Year 6 Graduation celebrations, including the presentation of leavers' hoodies and leavers' books. We will also enjoy a light buffet kindly provided by our wonderful PTFA. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our Year 6 pupils and their families. Congratulations to Year 6 on a Wonderful Final Performance A huge congratulations to our Year 6 pupils on their fantastic production last night. They performed brilliantly for both staff and their families, showcasing their confidence, creativity, and the many talents they have developed during their time at primary school. For many of them, this was their very last performance on the primary school stage, making it an especially memorable occasion. We are incredibly proud of the effort, enthusiasm, and teamwork they demonstrated. Well done, Year 6 you gave us a performance to remember, and we hope you feel very proud of yourselves! End of year reports & Children's workbooks End of year reports will be going home on Wednesday Children's workbooks will be going home on Thursday. Please can you bring in one carrier bag St Ethelbert's Art Gallery Parents are invited to an art gallery straight after school in the junior hall on Monday at 3.20pm. We will be showcasing some of their beautiful work. Please pop in to have a look. 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 Summer Fair 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 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. Nursery - Virtual Tour Experience our nursery space first-hand with our immersive virtual tour. Summer Activities Check out our summer holiday activities page for ideas and to see what's happening. 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. Free Kellogg's breakfast in Morrisons Cafes Between 29th June and 6th September 2026, families can access free Kellogg's breakfasts in all Morrisons Cafes. This is available to both children and adults, who can choose from much-loved favourites Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies, topped with their choice of dairy or non-dairy milk and a free apple or banana. In addition to the Kellogg's Breakfast offer, Morrisons 'Kids Eat Free' offer will continue to run in all its Cafés, allowing families to enjoy a free meal and drink for one child aged 16 or under when they purchase an adult main meal costing over £5 from The Breakfasts and The Classics menu. n 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. The Big Future – online survey for children The Children's Commissioner for England is carrying out a survey so you can have your say on what it's like to be a child or young person in England today. Your views will be taken to the Government, to help them make life better for children. As many children as possible need to complete the survey so please use the link below to take part. Thank you. https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture 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 Charis Inclusion Showing good listening and joining in during phonics and maths independently Joelle Thoughtfulness Being a kind and caring friend to her peers in Nursery Reception Poland Saint Jadwiga Judith Thoughtfulness Looking after a friend who felt poorly by drawing pictures for them and reading them a story Lucia Knowledge Always setting a good example when saying our prayers every day Year 1 Romania Saint Andrew Violet Knowledge Using the cricket bat correctly in the PE lesson Oscar Knowledge Choosing the correct behaviour strategies when dealing with disagreements Year 2 Hungary Elizabeth of Hungary Lacey-Mae Thoughtfulness Always being a good friend to others Maisha Knowledge Her wonderful understanding of time Year 3 Japan Paulo Miki Mia Inclusion Including others in her games on the playground Abby Thoughtfulness Helping others learn how to correctly cross stitch Year 4 Italy Catherine of Siena Fleur Knowledge Writing in role as the main character in our class story Zuzanna Thoughtfulness Showing kindness and consideration to others Year 5 India Saint Mother of Teresa Maisie Knowledge Producing a very informative piece of homework on Shabbat Malcolm Inclusion Volunteering to read the class book aloud Year 6 France Saint Vincent de Paul & Saint Therese of Lisieux All of Year 6 Thoughtfulness Knowledge and Inclusion Proud is an understatement. Thank you all for giving everything in your performance! 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 16th July Year 6 Leavers Mass 1.15pm 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 87.6% Year 1 97% Year 2 97.3% Year 3 93.3% Year 4 94.6% Year 5 95.3% Year 6 96.7% Whole School this week 94.6% Whole School academic year to date 94.9% National Average academic year to date 94.7% 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 July 2026 15th End of Year Reports to parents 15th Year 6 Disco -6.00pm - 7.30pm 16th Year 6 Leavers Mass, Graduation and Afternoon Tea from 1.15pm 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)
8th July 2026
The latest SEND Roadshow is taking place next Thursday (16 July) in Thanet and we would be very grateful if you could share this with your parent/carer community. SEND roadshows give families and professionals the opportunity to come together, hear updates, and ask questions about local SEND services and support. They are a great chance to access face-to-face support, connect with local services, share feedback, and learn more about what is available for children and young people with SEND in Kent. Details of the SEND Roadshow in Thanet next week: Northdown Road Family Hub, Zion Place, Margate, CT9 1RP Thursday 16th July: 10:30am – 12:30pm Also see the attached flyer for more info. Please note that parking at the back of the hub is limited; there is street parking available along the seafront or on the side roads, with the nearest car park being Trinity Square Car Park, CT9 1LZ. Previous roadshows have helped many families connect with a wide range of services, offering valuable one-to-one advice and guidance on areas including education, health, emotional wellbeing and local support. Children are very welcome if you need to bring them along. More SEND roadshows will be taking place across the county, so please encourage families to keep an eye on the SEND Information Hub and the KCC Facebook page for upcoming dates. If you have any questions or accessibility requirements, please email sendroadshows@kent.gov.uk.
8th July 2026
Summer activities at Monkton Nature Reserve
7th July 2026
On Thursday this week there will be a change of menu to a Wimbledon themed menu. Plesse see below. If you would like your child to have a school meal on Thursday there is no need to pre book, just ask your child to let their teacher know in the morning. This will be charged via School Money.
7th July 2026
Craft club made some beautiful flowers for their loved ones with Mrs. Lawrence, using wire, felt and buttons. Don't they look lovely!?
Explore our NURSERY
‘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.’