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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22nd October 2026
Latest Newsletter from Mr Marshall A Prayer for Half-Term Heavenly Father, we pray for everyone at St Ethelbert's Catholic Primary School and Nursery. Please bless our children, families, staff and governors with a healthy, restful and happy half-term break. Keep us safe, fill our days with joy, and give us time to rest, recharge and enjoy precious moments with our loved ones. May we return to school refreshed, thankful and ready to learn. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. Dear St Ethelbert's Community, Wishing You a Safe, Happy and Relaxing Half-Term Break As we come to the end of what has been a successful and productive first half of the autumn term, we'd like to take a moment to thank all our children, families, and staff for their continued support and hard work. There has been a great deal of learning taking place across the school, and we hope you found this week's Parents' Evening and 'Sharing the Learning' both informative and encouraging. Ms Dowd and I regularly visit classrooms and the playground, and it has been wonderful to see children so settled, engaged in their learning, and enjoying their new classes. Congratulations to Our New Librarians! 📚 Congratulations to our newly appointed school librarians! They will be helping Mrs Milgate in the library, keeping our books tidy and organised, helping to look after our library space and encouraging other children to discover the joy of reading. Our librarians play an important role in making sure our library is a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy books, explore new stories and develop a love of reading. We are very proud of them and look forward to seeing them shine in their new roles! Well done to Poppy; Alicja; Nabilah; Ocean; Leia; Amelia and Blu-Belle School Council Members 2026-2027 A Pupil School Leadership Council in a primary school gives children a voice in how their school is run. It provides opportunities for pupils to share ideas, raise concerns, contribute to school improvement and take on leadership responsibilities. It is more than just a school council that organises events. An effective Pupil Leadership Council helps children understand that their views matter and that they can make a positive difference to their school and wider community. What does a Pupil Leadership Council do? 1. Gives pupils a voice Collects ideas and suggestions from children across the school. Discusses what pupils enjoy and what they would like to improve. Raises issues that matter to children, such as playtimes, lunchtimes, toilets and the school environment. 2. Improves the school environment Suggests ways to improve playgrounds, outdoor spaces and shared areas. Helps develop reading corners, quiet spaces or play equipment. Promotes recycling, sustainability and looking after school resources – we may do litter picks 3. Supports teaching and learning Shares pupils' views about learning and the resources they use. Suggests ways to encourage reading, writing and a love of learning. Helps gather feedback about classroom experiences and learning opportunities. 4. Promotes wellbeing and positive behaviour Develops initiatives around kindness, friendship, inclusion and respect. Helps promote anti-bullying messages. Suggests ways to make sure every child feels safe, valued and included. 5. Leads projects and initiatives Organises charity fundraising and community projects. Supports school events, theme days and awareness campaigns. Leads projects that reflect the school's values and priorities. 6. Develops pupil leadership skills Builds confidence, communication and teamwork. Develops decision-making, problem-solving and responsibility. Teaches pupils how to listen to different viewpoints, negotiate and evaluate the impact of their actions. We will meet during the school day, once a term. Head Boy and Girl and Deputies will automatically be on it as well. Year 1 Jozef Ella Year 2 Elijah Morgan Year 3 Zachary Isabella Year 4 Louis Briella Year 5 Gabriel Leia Year 6 Henry Daisy Congratulations to Our New Sports Captains! 🏆 Congratulations to our newly appointed Sports Captains! They will be working alongside our sports coach, Mr Miles, to encourage participation in sport, promote teamwork and help others to develop their sporting skills. Their role includes being positive role models, demonstrating good sportsmanship, supporting their classmates during PE lessons and sporting events, and helping to create a fun and inclusive sporting environment for everyone. We are very proud of them and look forward to seeing them lead by example! Well done to Luiza and Peti. Wishing you all a relaxing half term break. School returns on Monday 2nd November at 8.40am. Breakfast club, wraparound and clubs begin again from Monday. God Bless Mr Marshall Headteacher Nursery and Reception - Virtual Tours 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 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/ NSPCC's Speak Out. Stay Safe, programme We are pleased to inform you that we are participating in the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe. Programme next term. This is a programme for children aged 5-11 which aims to help children understand and recognise the signs of the different types of abuse. Children are taught to speak out if they are worried, either to a safe adult or Childline. This child friendly, age-appropriate programme is fully aligned with the curriculum and consists of a short film and supporting classroom-based activities which we have reviewed. The content is delivered in an engaging and interactive way with the help of the NSPCC mascot Buddy. To find out more about the programme, please watch the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe. 'Introduction for Parents/Carers film'. Link or scan QR code. Parents and carers are asked to let us know if your child has experienced anything (in the past or happening now) which may mean they need extra support before, during or after taking part in this programme. Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2026 This year St Ethelbert's will again be selling poppies to raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Mrs Cayley and our Year 6 Prefects will be selling poppies on the infant and junior school playgrounds at the end of the day. Poppies will be on sale from Monday 19th October until Wednesday morning 11th November. We will also have rulers, wristbands and reflective poppies for sale. We will also be having a 'wear something red' non-uniform day on Friday, 6th November for a £1 donation. Thank you for your continued support Poppy Run In addition to selling poppies, we will also be having a 'Poppy Run' this year to raise funds. If the children would like to participate it is a £1 donation. Permission slips will be sent home with the children shortly. The run will take place during the morning of their PE day week commencing 2nd November. All money received will go to the Royal British Legion. When the children have completed their run, they will receive a certificate of participation and a reflective clip-on poppy. Remembrance Day: World War I – Battle of the Somme On Wednesday, 11th November, our school will come together to observe Remembrance Day and mark a deeply significant milestone in world history. This year signifies the 110th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme, which took place in 1916 and remains one of the most significant campaigns of the First World War. To honour the memory of those who served, our pupils will take part in a World War 1 learning day, exploring history through hands-on creative activities, stories, and age-appropriate reflection. To help bring history alive, we invite the children to come to school dressed in either a historical military uniform or civilian clothing from the 1910s era. Parents are highly encouraged to use simple items from home or everyday school clothes rather than purchasing pre-made costumes. Of course, this part is optional; as inclusion is one of our school values, if children do not wish to dress up, they can just wear school uniform as normal. To help carry the historical theme into lunchtime, that day's dessert will be a Victoria sponge, a traditional British teatime treat from that era. If you would like your child to have a school lunch on that day there is no need to pre-book just let the teacher know in the morning. This will be charged via SchoolMoney. Please find below simple ideas for costumes. Easy Civilian Costumes (1910s School Children) For Boys: Pair standard dark school trousers or shorts with a plain white or lightcoloured button-up shirt. Add a pair of clip-on braces and a traditional flat cap. For Girls: A dark school skirt or dress paired with a plain white long-sleeved shirt. A quick "pinafore apron" can be made by tying a plain white pillowcase, tea towel, or square of white fabric around the waist. Hair can be tied back with a simple ribbon. Easy Military & Wartime Costumes The Soldier: Use khaki, brown, or olive-green school trousers paired with a matching polo shirt or button-up shirt. Fastening a brown or green belt tightly over a tucked-in shirt instantly recreates the look of a wartime tunic. The Red Cross Nurse: Start with a standard school dress or a plain white or blue dress. Safely pin a red paper or felt cross to the front of a plain white apron or white t-shirt. A white tea towel or pillowcase folded over the head makes a perfect nurse's headscarf. 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 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 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 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 22nd END OF TERM 1 23rd INSET DAY (3 of 5) November 2026 2ND TERM 2 STARTS FOR CHILDREN Poppy sale 2nd Flu Vaccinations 2nd Poppy Run - £1 donation for Poppy Appeal 6th 'Wear Something Red Day' for Poppy Appeal - £1 donation 9th Reception parent information evening for EY Profile 3.30-4pm 11th Remembrance – 2 minutes silence - dress up day 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
22nd October 2026
No bones about itYear 3 are science superstars! 🦴 They've been demonstrating their knowledge by creating these skeletons out of cotton buds!🦴🦴🦴 Well done Year 3 👏
21st October 2026
Last Friday we hosted our very first Come Dine With Me, starting with our Year 6 parents. It was wonderful to see so many families sitting down together to enjoy a fish and chip lunch with the children. A great time was had by all, and the entire lunchtime went incredibly well, filled with good food and even better company. We are already looking forward to hosting our next one soon. Hope to see you there! 👋
19th October 2026
For this term and next term, Year 1 and Year 2 have the opportunity to join Forest School After School Club. So far, they have enjoyed making animal homes, searching for bugs using bug pots, being expressive using pastels, digging and clearing, and of course, making mud pies! 🌱
19th October 2026
SHARE THE LEARNING All parents from Nursery to Year 6 are invited into class today to share the learning of this term, from 2.30pm. 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. Please note that phones should not be used while on school premises during this time to safeguard the children and create a respectful environment.
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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.’