Dear Parents and Carers,

This week we welcomed our new Reception class to our school. Mrs Goldsmith and Mrs Etchepare have been very impressed by the way that the children came into school with enthusiasm and confidence and we hope that this is the beginning of a long and happy journey for both the children and their families at St Elizabeth’s.

Ongoing traffic issues

The traffic in Richmond and the surrounding area has been particularly challenging this week and it is likely that this may continue throughout the winter due to the roadworks at Manor Circus. Thank you for doing all you can to get your children to school in good time. We understand that at times when there is gridlock in the area, some families who travel by car and bus will be unavoidably late. In these circumstances, please keep calm and reassure your children that school understands the reason behind their lateness. We would recommend parking away from school if you can, and walking to school. Sainsbury’s car park allows parking for three hours and those coming from Ham can park at Pembroke Lodge. The Breakfast Club is also available from 8:00 a.m. for all children on an ad hoc basis if you decide to travel early to avoid the congestion.

For further information about the planned roadworks visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/manor-circus-roundabout

Piano Concert

Yesterday saw the first of our instrumental concerts when children who are learning the piano performed in front of an audience of parents and staff. They showcased their talents brilliantly - well done!

Clubs begin next week

We have had a fantastic uptake of our before and after school extra-curricular clubs which begin next week. Both our KS1 and KS2 playgrounds will now be in use for after school clubs and it is important that we keep the school secure during these times. We ask that all parents and children leave the school site by 3:30pm when the gates are locked and can we remind you that children should not play with the Nursery or school equipment before or after school. Children may have a healthy fruit snack before a club – please no sweets, crisps or biscuits and absolutely no nuts.

Rugby World Cup Fundraiser and news from Pupil Chaplains and Sports Committee

Our Pupil Chaplains and Sports Committee led a whole school assembly this week. Together, they launched 'The Rugby World Cup Challenge and Fundraiser’. Each class has been challenged to learn the World Cup countries’ flags, capital cities, continents and emblems depicted on their rugby tops. More information will be posted on Google Classroom for each class.

Next Friday, 22nd September, our Pupil Chaplains and Sports Committee are holding a fundraiser. Your child is invited to wear a sport kit to school; this could be rugby, football, ballet, cricket, school PE kit or any kit of their choice, or instead of a sports kit, your child may wear clothes that represent their home country or their own choice of clothes, if they prefer. Please can each child bring in a donation, which will be donated to help our brothers and sisters who have been affected by the recent earthquake in Morocco and floods in Libya.

In assembly, we have been thinking of our school as a big family. Pupil Chaplains have asked children to bring in a photograph of their family as part of their learning in RE. The photograph will be placed in a special 'Our School Family' on the Pupil Chaplain’s interactive table.

Messages from our parishes

Notice from Our Lady Queen of Peace

Please find attached an invitation to Our Lady Queen of Peace’s annual parish BBQ being held this Sunday, 17th September, at 12.30pm in the church grounds. More details in the poster attached.

Notice from St Elizabeth of Portugal

St Elizabeth of Portugal Parish is launching a new Children's Liturgy at the new 9:30am Sunday Family Mass time (new Mass time starting 24th September) called 'Tiny Church'. It is for children aged 2-6 years old. Tiny Church will begin on 1st October. Parents should take their children to the crypt for registration between 09:15 and 09:25am.

Values Award winners

Congratulations to the following children who received a Values Award today and joined me for Headteacher’s Breakfast today:

Y1 – Freddy

Y2 - Emmeline

Y3 - Yoma

Y4 - Freya

Y5 – Patrick

Y6 – Joseph

Million Word Readers

Congratulations to Naomi in Y5 who has read an amazing 1 million words!

Summer Reading Challenge

Well done to everyone who completed the Summer Reading Challenge! Certificates were presented to children during assembly today and we were extremely impressed with the number of children who completed the challenge. Congratulations to Y2 and Miss Burr for winning the Reading Cup for the most number of completed challenges!

Upcoming dates

Week of 18th September - Clubs start

Tuesday 19th September 9:00am to 9:45am - Y6 Class Information Session

Wednesday 20th September 9am to 9:30am – Y5 Class Information Session

Thursday 21st September 9:30am – Mass prepared by Y6 (please note change of class) with Mgr Bill

Friday 22nd September 9:00am to 9:30am - Y1 Class Information Session

Friday 22nd September all day – World Cup Mufti Day Fundraiser

Wishing you a lovely weekend,

Jane Hines and the school staff