Dear Parents and Carers,

We have more good news to share this week! We have received another letter from Damian Hinds, the Minister for Schools. This time our Y2 children have been commended for their achievement in the Y1 Phonics Screening Test which they completed in June 2023. 100% of the children passed the screening test which places St Elizabeth’s in the top 1% of schools in England. This is an exceptional achievement – well done to the children and staff and of course to you, parents, for all the practice at home! You can read the letter which is attached to this email.

Ceilidh (Kay-lee) Dancing

The school hall has been filled with music and dancing today as each class have had a go at learning how to country dance, ahead of next Friday’s PTA Ceilidh. The children were very quick learners and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

This is the first time we have held a Ceilidh at school and it promises to be a fantastic event. There is a live band and a ‘caller’ who gives the instructions, so that everyone can take part in the dances without the need for any knowledge or skill! Old and young dance together and it is a great way to mix with others. Tickets for the Ceilidh are on sale now: https://st-elizabeth-s-school-richmond-pta.sumupstore.com/product/winter-celtic-ceilidh

Huge thanks go to Mrs Shepherd-Jones and Mr Nelson for teaching the children the dances this morning!

Information for parents

Chaplains’ Bring and Buy Sale

The Pupil Chaplains are organising a Bring and Buy Sale on Tuesday 6th February at 3:30pm in the school hall. They are asking for all children to bring in a pre-loved toy or book in good condition which will be sold to raise money for ‘Small Steps’, a local charity which supports pre-school children with physical disabilities and their families. Please see the Pupil Chaplains’ letter for more details.

Sports Update from Mr Sagar and Mrs Knowles

After a brief hiatus during dark December, the children have competed in a wide range of sports. Last week the Y5/6 athletics team, narrowly finished overall 4th in the borough in the Borough Indoor Athletics Competition; this is a fantastic achievement and we are delighted that the children's hard work was rewarded! Also in action were the Y5/6 rugby, netball and both boys' and girls' football teams. The children played against some strong teams and represented the school well showing resilience and excellent sportsmanship. We are looking forward to more sporting opportunities in the weeks to come.

If your child is interested, please see details of a Netball Camp that is taking place during half term: https://netballcoachuk.com/richmondcamp

Y2 Sporting Achievement

Mr Sagar would like to invite any children in Y2 who have gained a recent sports award, trophy or certificate to bring these into assembly on Monday 29th January.

A message from Mrs Diver and the Pupil Chaplains - Inspirational People Prayer Packets

As part of our whole school RE topic on Community, the Pupil Chaplains have created 'Inspirational People' prayer packets which will be passed around the classes for each child to take home for an evening. These prayer packets contain a book about an inspirational person who worked to improve the world. We are encouraging children to read this book with their families and then reflect on how they can be like the inspirational person. The book should be returned to school the following day. More details are in the prayer packets.

Children’s Mental Health Week Coffee Morning – Tuesday 6th February at 9:00 a.m.

Mrs Compton will be hosting a Coffee Morning for parents on Tuesday 6th February at 9 a.m. in the new Food Technology room. Our link Educational Psychologist will be leading a session on children’s mental health and there will be opportunity to ask questions and share advice. These coffee mornings are open to all parents and are friendly and welcoming. Parents who are attending the Sayers Croft meeting in the school hall are welcome to come along afterwards.

Message from the PTA

Thank you to our reps and parents who joined us today for our PTA meeting. As we officially launch our May Fair planning, we would love to hear from anyone interested in learning new skills or providing their talents to form part of a small temporary sub-committee. In particular we would love to hear from a passionate ‘Foodie’ who could organise the International Food Stall. Please email the PTA on stelizabethsrichmondpta@gmail.com or contact us through your reps if you can give us a little of your expertise!

Thank you to all for supporting the Y2 cake sale which raised £292.17. Also, we would like to thank Mr Cordero, Y4 parent, for a generous donation of can soft drinks for PTA events from his company Coca Cola Europacific partners.

Upcoming Dates

February 2024

Thursday 1st 9:10 a.m. Assembly led by Y3 – parents invited

Friday 2nd 7pm PTA Ceilidh evening for parents and children

5th – 9th Y6 Cycling Proficiency

5th - 7th Y3 Safer Walking sessions

Tuesday 6th 9am - 9:30am Y5 Parents’ meeting: Sayers Croft

Tuesday 6th 9 a.m. Well Being Coffee Morning

Tuesday 6th 3:30 p.m. Charity Bring and Buy Sale in the school hall

Thursday 8th No swimming lesson this week

Thursday 8th 9:15 a.m. Y1 Class concert – parents welcome

Thursday 8th 2:30 p.m. Y2 Class concert – parents welcome

Friday 9th 9:15 a.m. Reception Class concert – parents welcome

Monday 12th to Friday 16th Half-Term holiday

Values Awards

Congratulations to the following children for living our School Values this week.

Reception Harry

Y1 Ermanno

Y2 Lois

Y3 Benjamin

Y4 Benjamin

Y5 Beatrice

Y6 Alexander

Attendance this week

Whole school attendance this week is 97.02%. Congratulations to Y4 for having the highest attendance at 100% for the second week in a row! This is closely followed by Y5 with 98.97% attendance.

Wishing you a lovely weekend,

Jane Hines