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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13th October 2026
Last Friday Year 5 spent the afternoon as scientists investigating what makes a solution. They experimented with substances to determine which were soluble and which were insoluble.
12th October 2026
On Saturday, our Year 5 and 6 pupils took part in the annual Super Saturday Football Festival. St Ethelbert's was one of 25 primary schools participating in the event. In the first round of matches, the children made a steady start, drawing two games and losing two. This left them with two points and placed them in Tier 5 for the next stage of the competition. The team was then grouped with schools of a similar ability, including St Peter's, Garlinge and St Gregory's. The children performed exceptionally well, winning two matches, drawing one and losing one. This gave them a total of seven points. It was a fantastic effort from the team, who demonstrated excellent defensive skills and scored some outstanding goals. The children won both of their victories convincingly, with score lines of 3-0 and 4-0. Overall, the team finished as runners-up and proudly returned with silver medals, coming so close to bringing home the trophy. All of the children represented the school brilliantly, showing great determination, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. From a coach's perspective, I am incredibly proud of the children's development and the progress they continue to make. Their hard work and commitment to improving their skills each day are clearly paying off in competitive fixtures. Well done to everyone involved!
9th October 2026
Heavenly Father, Bless us this October with faith, peace, and love. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary, draw us closer to Jesus. Guide our families, protect those we love, and help us follow your will each day. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Dear St Ethelbert's Community, Harvest Food and CAFOD We would like to say a huge thank you to all our families for your incredibly generous donations of food for our Harvest Festival. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference, with all of the food being donated to our local food bank to support individuals and families in our community who are in need. On Monday, we were also delighted to welcome John Darby, a representative from CAFOD, who spoke to our pupils about the charity's important work around the world. John also received the money raised from our recent non-uniform day. We are delighted that the funds raised will help to provide two toilets for communities in need in other countries, making a positive and lasting difference to people's lives. Thank you once again to all our parents and carers for your continued generosity and support. It is wonderful to see our school community coming together to help others, both locally and around the world. St Ethelbert's WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT yesterday! Yesterday, the National Literacy Trust and British Council were aiming to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the most people reading online in 12 hours and St Ethelbert's school took part throughout the day with other schools across the world such as in Pakistan, India and Perth, Australia. Thank you to Mrs Russell and Mrs Webb for signing the school up for the event. As part of the National Year of Reading, the call is simple: whatever you're into, take 10 to read into it. Whether it's a book, comic, magazine, or a match report, reading for just 10 minutes supports wellbeing and can open new worlds. This year, in partnership with the British Council, Take 10 is becoming a global initiative. By drawing from the British Council's global network of education and cultural partners in 85 countries and territories, this record attempt connected children, teachers, families and communities. The record event included four exciting sessions with world-renowned authors and influencers, each designed to engage and inspire different age groups: 5-8 years, 8-12 years, 12-16 years and adults (aged 16+). Each session included a slot where participants will take 10 minutes to stop and read, creating a global shared reading moment. Each session repeated during the day at different times to make the event as accessible as possible to a global audience. We will let you know if we have helped to achieve a new World Record! We should be told in a few weeks once it has all been validated. 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 or street corners and to be considerate to our neighbours and pedestrians at all times. Dane Park Road is already a nightmare with cars cutting through to miss the traffic lights so let's not make it worse by poor parking. Your cooperation helps us maintain good relationships within our community and ensures safety for everyone. Now we can use our staff car park again, I am hoping this will take some pressure off the local roads. Parents' Evening Reminder The first Parents' Evening of the year will take place a week on Tuesday and Wednesday after school. You should have received a form to sign up for your appointment slot. If you encounter any issues booking your time, please don't hesitate to contact the school office for assistance. All parents are kindly asked to enter the school through the Dane Park Road entrance. Data Collection In order to keep all information accurate and up to date we will be asking parents to complete a data collection form on parents evening. Blank forms will be available outside the classrooms and we would ask all parents to complete a form and hand it to the class teacher at the start of your appointment. This information will be kept strictly confidential and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. A Special Nativity Display On Tuesday, I met with our PTFA to discuss some exciting ideas for the school year ahead. This Christmas, I would love to create a life-size Nativity scene using the shelter on Dane Park Road as you enter through the visitor gate. The display will include a real Christmas tree, life-size wooden silhouettes of the Nativity characters, Christmas lights, hay and lots of festive touches to help bring the Christmas story to life for our children and families. To make this happen, we would love your help! If you are able to lend a hand with setting up the display towards the end of November, are a bit of a DIY whizz, or have any materials or items that you could donate, please let us know. Whether you can offer your time, skills or resources, every little bit of support would be greatly appreciated. We are really looking forward to creating something special for our school community to enjoy this Christmas! 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 Year 5 Scientists Year 5 spent the afternoon as scientists investigating what makes a solution. They experimented with substances to determine which were soluble and which were insoluble. Well Done Year 5! Year 1/2 Football On Thursday, our Year 1/2 pupils took part in a football event at Margate FC. The children played a total of six matches, winning three and losing three. It was wonderful to see all the children playing with smiles on their faces and enjoying being part of a team. There were lots of goals scored by Alexander, Freddie, Jessica and Ibrahim, while Hirihaan impressed everyone with some brilliant tackles and excellent defending. Overall, the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience of representing the school. They showed great enthusiasm, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the event, making us all very proud of their efforts. Well done to everyone who took part! 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, email bursar@stethelbertsschool.co.uk Nursery and Reception - Virtual Tours Experience our nursery space first-hand with our immersive virtual tour. Sharing the Learning Monday 19th October at 2.30pm will be our first 'Sharing the Learning' of this academic year. All parents from Nursery to Year 6 will be invited into class to share the learning of this term. Children will be dismissed at normal time. Parents can go between classes if they have more than one child. Please come to normal gates for entry. Gates will only be open for five minutes so please arrive on time. Thank you. Parents Evening Parents' evening is due to take place Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st October from 3.20pm – 6.00pm. You will receive a link to sign up. Appointments last 10 minutes. This will be a chance to speak to the teacher about how your child has settled into the new year, progress made, targets and view books. Data Collection In order to keep all information accurate and up to date we will be asking parents to complete a data collection form on parents evening. Blank forms will be available outside the classrooms and we would ask all parents to complete a form and hand it to the class teacher at the start of your appointment. This information will be kept strictly confidential and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Multiplication Tables Check On Monday 19th October there will be a Year 4 parent information meeting about the multiplication tables check. The meeting will be at 3.20pm after Sharing the Learning. Multiplication tables check: information for parents 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 to announce that £565.85 worth of books were bought this year from our Travelling Book Fair. This means that we have raised £226.34 to spend on books for our school. Thank you to all our families. A big Thank You also goes to our Erin, Holden, Luiza, Holly and Adriana for their help with the Book Fair before and after school. There was also a bookmark competition and the winners are: Year 1 – Chester Year 2 – Zach and Ivy Year 3 – Evelyn Year 6 – Adriana The winners each received a book of their choice. Congratulations to the winners and Well Done! to all the children who took part. Raring2go! Raring2go! helps parents and families find local activities, events, clubs, and classes for children aged 0 to 12. For more information and to read the Autumn Magazine, please follow the link: https://magazines.raring2go.co.uk/canterbury/autumn2026/ 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. Kent Family Hub Kent Family Hub offers a range of FREE Family Learning courses and activities taking place across Thanet Family Hubs over the coming months. These sessions offer practical advice, support, and fun learning opportunities for families with children aged 2 years and over. Please see poster for details. This information can also be found on our website Children showing our school values this week Year Group Class Name/Saint Name Child Value Reason for Value Nursery United Kingdom Saint George Florence Inclusion Being more willing to raise her hand and have a go on the carpet! Donny Knowledge Showing great improvements in his phonics and rhyming words Reception Poland Saint Jadwiga Finlay Knowledge Showing fantastic knowledge about autumn and hibernation Jeremiah Knowledge Showing huge improvement with his phonic skills, including blending and segmenting Year 1 Romania Saint Andrew Sahr Knowledge Writing complete sentences in his English book Thea Knowledge Her participation in science lessons on the topic of animals Year 2 Hungary Elizabeth of Hungary Adem Inclusion His continued effort to help his classmates The whole of Year 2 Thoughtfulness How respectful and well behaved they were in church (they had lots of comments) Year 3 Japan Paulo Miki Gracie-Marie Knowledge Participating in class discussions during maths and working out answers correctly Isabella Inclusion Always trying to make others feel better if they are sad Year 4 Italy Catherine of Siena Connie Inclusion Always being considerate of other people's feelings Syna Thoughtfulness Always trying her hardest to succeed Year 5 India Saint Mother of Teresa Gabriel Inclusion Always working as a team! Keep it up Gabriel Zuzanna Thoughtfulness Always thinking of and checking on others Year 6 France Saint Vincent de Paul & Saint Therese of Lisieux Kaiden Knowledge Trying extremely hard throughout SATS mock week and not giving up Liam Knowledge Working exceptionally carefully in all his mock SATS papers- it pays off! 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 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 91.6% Year 1 93.1% Year 2 93% Year 3 97.7% Year 4 91.2% Year 5 98.08% Year 6 91.1% Whole School this week 93.6% Whole School academic year to date 95.7% National Average academic year to date 94.6% 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 October 2026 16th Year 6 'Come Dine with Me' from 12pm 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) November 2026 2ND TERM 2 STARTS FOR CHILDREN Poppy sale 2nd Flu Vaccinations 9th Reception parent information evening for EY Profile 3.30-4pm 11th Remembrance – 2 minutes silence 16th - 20th Anti-bullying week 17th Times Table Rockstars Day - dress up 18th SEN Parents Evening 20th Children in Need – Non-uniform 23rd UK Parliament Week 30th St Andrew's Day December 2026 1st Christmas Tree and hoops up 2nd PTFA Gift Wrap 2nd PTFA Disco and infant Party (3.10-4.35pm) 9th Panto –Marlowe Canterbury Years 3-6 - Peter Pan 11th PTFA Christmas Fair (outside) 14th Nursery Christmas Concert 11:00am 14th Nativity Play (Reception) 2.15pm 15th Carol Concert (Juniors) 2.15pm & 6.30pm 15th Stay and Play - Spring Starters - Nursery 3.30-4.30pm 16th Christmas Dinner Day & Christmas Jumpers 16th Nativity Play (Y1 & Y2) 9.15am & 2:15pm 17th Granville Theatre Panto for YN- Y2 - Jack & the Beanstalk 18th Benediction - 1.15pm 18th END OF TERM 2
8th October 2026
St Ethelbert's is now live taking part in a Guinness World Record attempt. Reading with children from all around the world at the same time! Will we do it? 📚🌏
6th October 2026
Looking for a nursery or reception place in September 2027? Please help us and feel free to share with the wider community. Thank you
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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.’