St Mary's Weekly Update for 16th May 2025
"I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is." Pope Leo XIV
Year 3 Ancient Greek Day
As part of Ancient Greek topic, Year Three spent the day living as ancient Greeks. Firstly, we made identity cards to show we were citizens of either Athens or Sparta, these included our Greek names and city state logo. Next, we made laurel wreaths from craft materials. In Ancient Greece, they were made of branches and leaves of the laurel, a type of evergreen shrub or small tree. It was worn on the head as a symbol of triumph.
We also took the time to study the designs of different Olympic medals. This helped us to make our own medals, with a unique design, from clay. In the afternoon, the classes sampled a variety of Greek foods. These included: pitta bread, olives, hummus and feta cheese. The cheese in particular, was very popular! To finish off the day, we completed labyrinth puzzles and used the experience to create our own challenges.
Walsingham’s visit to The Science Museum
Walsingham had a fantastic day out to The Science Museum in London. They had lots of opportunities to develop their understanding of life in space, the International Space Station and how spacecrafts have been sent to other planets. The children also explored the fantastic space gallery.
School Uniform Trial
You'll remember that we are trialling some tweaks to the school uniform (more details here: https://www.smi.hounslow.sch.uk/Parents/Uniform/). We've recently asked for the children's views on what the changes mean to them.
Children's views on the school uniform trial
As part of our ongoing commitment to listening to our pupils, we gathered their thoughts on school uniform during our ongoing uniform trial. Here's a summary of what they told us:
Hair and Appearance
Children agreed that tying up long hair is a good idea, especially for safety. They also felt that avoiding hair gel and coloured hair at school made sense. There was a shared concern that long hair worn down can be a hazard, especially during PE and playtimes. Hair that's not tied back also helps headlice to spread!
PE Kit Preferences
When it comes to PE, pupils were happy with the option of wearing either black or white kits during the summer months. Year 4 would like to be allowed to wear their PE kit on swimming days, which they felt would make getting ready much easier.
Uniform and Clothing Choices
Children like the option of wearing the striped dresses in the summer and feel pleased that they have a choice when it comes to wearing trousers. They also reminded us how important it is to dress sensibly on birthdays, even when celebrating!
Safety First
There was concern about sunglasses in school — children pointed out that they can be dangerous, easy to lose, and prone to breaking. Sunglasses aren't to be worn in school.
Their Questions Answered
Some great questions came up during our discussions. Here are a few of the most common queries, along with the answers:
Can we wear any green cardigan?
Yes — pupils can wear green cardigans, with or without the school logo. They have to be the same shade of green as the official school cardigan.
What about sun caps for summer?
Green caps are allowed and encouraged during sunny weather.
Can we wear sunglasses?
No — sunglasses can't be worn.
Do coats have to have logos?
No — although logoed coats are available, they are not required.
Do PE tops need logos?
No — children can wear plain PE tops without logos.
What if my shirt's top button is uncomfortable?
If a shirt feels too tight, especially around the neck, it's worth checking the size and fit.
Some boys find their trousers too tight.
Again, it may be a sizing issue. Please ensure trousers are comfortable and easy to move in.
School Uniform Logo. We asked children from Year 1 to Year 6 whether they like having the school logo on their uniform.
Yes: *131 children
No: 73 children
The results show that the majority of children appreciate having the school logo as part of their uniform. This logo is optional though.
Shirt and tie. We asked if they were comfortable wearing a shirt and tie.
Yes: 38 children
No: 166 children
The results show that the majority of children aren't comfortable wearing a shirt and tie.
Polo shirt. We asked if they'd prefer to wear a white polo shirt.
Yes: 116
No: 88
*not all classes recorded exact Yes/No numbers.
Our next steps are to gather your views and the views of the school staff.
Choir Performance Friday 23rd May 2025
On Friday 23rd May 2025, both Choirs will be putting on a performance of a handful of favourite songs from across the year. This is a great opportunity to celebrate their voices and acknowledge their musical improvement.
Everyone is invited to be part of the audience and we would love for you come and support them. They will be performing from 3:20 – 3:35 outside the Year 3-6 building.
We hope to see you there!
Walk to School Week 2025
This year, St Mary’s will be taking part in Walk to School Week from the 19th
– 23rd May. Our school will be joining hundreds of others from across the UK in a fun and engaging week-long activity, designed to make pupils experience first-hand the importance of
walking to school. The challenge encourages children to travel actively to school every day of the week. Pupils will be encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle and scoot to school every day of the week, earning stickers as they go along.
On Friday 23rd May, we will hold our annual Walk to School Breakfast. Pupils who travel actively to school, for the majority of the week will be given a healthy snack and drink, before they start
school.
Through this challenge, children will be well on their way to reaching their recommended 60 minutes minimum of physical activity per day before, even reaching the school gates!
walk to school week banner.jpg
St Mary’s Space Stride: A New Way to Travel!
As part of our ongoing partnership with Transport for London, our Year 6 Travel for Life Explorer Ambassadors have been working creatively to promote active travel and reduce unsafe or inconsiderate parking near our school.
We are excited to launch St Mary’s Space Stride—a new initiative designed to encourage families to walk, cycle, or scoot to school. Active travel not only helps protect the environment, but also supports our physical and mental wellbeing.
From the week commencing Monday 19th May, pupils who travel to school actively will receive special space-themed stickers. These will contribute towards the daily Walk to School Challenge, adding to the fun and friendly competition!
Let’s stride into space together—one step at a time!
Attendance and Lateness week ending 9th May 2025
Parent and Child Domestic Abuse Workers
parent and child domestic abuse worker leaflet.pdf
A Message from Mr Marsh
Hello everyone,
This week brought an unexpected turn, as I had to spend a few days in hospital for a minor unplanned procedure. Although the procedure was slightly delayed, I’m pleased to say it’s now scheduled for Friday morning.
I’m really looking forward to being back at school next week and to feeling much better!
I hope to see you very soon!
Warm wishes,
Mr Marsh
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
