Culture Hacks

14 Feb 2020

Safer Internet Day 2020

11 Feb 2020

Dear Parents / Carers,

This week we are participating in Safer Internet Day 2020. Safer Internet Day is a global campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of technology, which calls on young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, policymakers, and wider, to join together in helping to create a better internet.

Using the internet safely and positively is a key message that we promote in school and celebrating Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for us to re-emphasise the online safety messages we deliver throughout the year. Pupils will take part in assemblies and complete form activities to reinforce this years’ focus of ‘Free to be me – Exploring identity online’.

We’d be delighted if you could join us in celebrating the day by continuing the conversation at home. To help you with this you may be interested in downloading the free Safer Internet Day resource pack for parents and carers which is available at saferinternet.org.uk/sid-parents.

There are also top tips, a quiz and films which you can use at home with your child.

Some other resources which you may find helpful in supporting your child online are:

• Advice for parents and carers from Childnet
• Tips, advice and guides for parents and carers from the UK Safer Internet Centre
• Guides on popular apps and games from NetAware
• Reviews and information about games, apps, TV shows and websites from Common Sense Media
• Help on using parental controls and privacy settings from Internet Matters
• Information and reporting of online grooming or abuse from CEOP

Online safety is an important issue which as a school we’re committed to teaching our young people about.

If you have any concerns or questions about keeping your child safe online, please do get in touch with me at a.doran@lsmchs.com.

Kind regards, 

Mrs AM Doran

Curriculum Leader for Computing / Technology

New Catering System

07 Feb 2020

Dear Parent/Carer

You will be pleased to learn that we are updating our cashless catering system in school.  The new system by Biostore will allow you to access much more information about what your child has purchased and all payments made by SCOpay will be linked to their account.

One of the added features is a fingerprint scanner to speed up the sales transaction and to prevent the theft of PIN information.  For us to collect this information, we MUST receive parental consent.  It would be appreciated if you could complete the attached form by Friday 28 February 2020.

Ofsted feedback letter to parents

05 Feb 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to announce that following our recent visit from Ofsted, St Mary’s continues to be a good school. This judgement was reached after a 2-day inspection on 21 & 22 January, conducted by one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors, Emma Gregory and Ofsted Inspector David Roberts.

This outcome is testament to the fabulous effort and skill of all the staff, the continued hard work and enthusiasm from pupils and your support from home, and shows St Mary’s continues to thrive since its last inspection in June 2016.

The full report will be available via both the school and Ofsted websites early next week, but extracts from the report include comments such as: 

• ‘Pupils behave well in lessons, and they enjoy school’
• ‘Pupils describe their school as ‘welcoming’’
• ‘[Pupils] feel safe in school because they know that staff will listen to them’
• ‘[Pupils] embrace the many opportunities on offer beyond the classroom’
• ‘Teachers have high expectations of what pupils can achieve’
• ‘Teachers are knowledgeable about their subjects’
• ‘Teachers ensure that pupils can remember the knowledge that is the most important’
• ‘Pupils achieve well in many of the GCSE examinations’
• ‘Leaders have created a caring ethos where pupils are keen to learn’
• ‘Leaders ensure that pupils with SEND benefit from extra support’
• ‘Staff are proud to be part of such a warm school community’

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents and carers who took the time to complete the Ofsted Parent View questionnaire, and to you all for your continued support of all we do here at St Mary’s, it is very much appreciated.                                                     

Mr P Thompson

Headteacher

Rewards Trip - payment extension

31 Jan 2020

Dear Parent/Carer

After consideration school is able to extend the payment deadline for the reward trip to Monday 3rd February.  Payment MUST be received at the school office no later than 4pm that day for your child to take part.

Please send your payment of cash/cheque in a clearly marked envelope displaying your child's name, form and amount enclosed.

Many thanks for your understanding in this matter

P Thompson  

Y11 After School Revision February 2020

30 Jan 2020

Ofsted inspection

20 Jan 2020

Dear Parent / Carer,

Please follow these links for important information regarding the inspection of St Mary's Catholic High School by Ofsted.

Ofsted_letter_to_parents_Jan_2020.pdf

School_inspections_a_guide_for_parents.pdf 

Regards, 

Mr P Thompson

Headteacher

Merry Christmas

20 Dec 2019

Headteacher letter to parents December 2019

16 Dec 2019

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please click here for a digital copy of the letter to parents that your child will have brought home with them today.

Yours sincerely,

Mr P Thompson

Headteacher 

Musical Extravaganza

12 Dec 2019

A great night had by all at the Christmas show. Musical, dance and dramatic talents were well showcased getting everyone into the festive spirit! Well done all!