HeadTeacher's Welcome, Mission and Values
Mr Simon Marshall (HeadTeacher)
Welcome to our School
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. Our children learn and play together in a happy, calm and safe environment and all staff take huge pride in watching them grow from Nursery to Year 6. Guided by our strong Christian values of THOUGHTFULNESS, KNOWLEDGE AND INCLUSION, we combine high quality teaching with excellent pastoral care to make sure that all children have high expectations in the light of Christ and reach their full potential. Alongside our exciting curriculum, we offer 16 enrichment clubs throughout the week to develop your child's interests, talents and abilities. As parents/carers, you are the first educator of your child. For us to fully support you in this role, I believe a strong school and home partnership is essential to your child's academic progression and success. Whether you prefer email, phone call, text or face-to-face conversation, all of St Ethelbert’s staff members will be happy to help.
‘High Expectations for All, in the Light of Christ' Everything we do, makes a difference to the children’s well -being, academically, spiritually, socially, physically and emotionally.
Our Mission: Our mission for St Ethelbert’s Catholic Primary School is to be a school with ‘High expectations for all, in the Light of Christ’. All pupils will be given every opportunity to achieve their potential and encouraged to learn about and develop their hidden talents in order to reach high levels of achievement. All members of our school community will be fully equipped to meet all pupils’ needs through appropriate professional development. St Ethelbert’s will be an outstanding school.
‘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.’
As a Catholic school we endeavour to create a living and caring Christian community, where we aspire to ignite within everyone the light of Christ.
We strive to: i) Educate the whole person to their full potential: spiritually, morally, academically, emotionally, socially, culturally and physically. ii) Respect, love and value ourselves and others as unique individuals and children of God. iii) Encourage everyone to pray and develop a deeper personal relationship with God. iv) Support parents and carers as the first educators of the child. v) Enhance the essential relationship between the school, family and parish.
Our New School Values:
‘Thoughtfulness’ – we reflect to become a better person and think about other people in our world
‘Knowledge’ – we never stop learning
‘Inclusion’ – everyone is welcome in the St Ethelbert’s family
Simon Marshall (BA Hons QTS, NPQSL, NPQH) HeadTeacher
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The two paintings are representative of growth. Both trees have within their canopy the groups of people in our school community who are working together under the light of the Holy Spirit. The Infant painting has been set in the season of Spring. The grass under the tree is fresh and starting to grow. Two children are dwarfed by the big tree. They are at their start in education. A little boy sits studying a tiny mouse he's found. He is gentle, allowing it to run along his arm. The little girl is also engrossed in the wonder of nature. She makes a daisy chain intended for a friendship gift. The Junior painting is set in late summer. The grass has grown tall now. The two older children are now at the top end of the school. They lean on the tree trunk while gazing outward as if towards their future. The girl has found a dandelion which has bloomed, reaching its potential. She makes a wish for her dreams to come true as she gently blows the seeds away. Soon the girl will also be moving on. The boy also stands tall and confident. He notices a beautiful butterfly and holds out his hand for it to rest. He ponders on how not so long ago the butterfly was a mere caterpillar. He thinks of his own transformation and how he is ready to take off on a new adventure.
The trees have three very strong roots, Inclusion, Thoughtfulness and Knowledge. The heading is our mission statement, 'High Expectations for All, in the Light of Christ.'