Weekly update for 30thJanuary 2026

Pray with Pope Leo in January

Papaya parent talk on safe technology

Papaya Parent Talk at school on Friday 6th February from 9.00am

There's been a lot in the news lately about the internet, apps and mobile phones and children.

We will be hosting a 90-minute parent workshop led by Papaya Parent Talk at school on Friday 6th February from 9.00am in the Small Hall.

Papaya talks and workshops empower parents and young people to make informed choices about smartphones, social media and screen use. Their expert-led sessions provide valuable insights and practical advice on the benefits of delaying smartphone and social media use, as well as the importance of establishing healthy technology boundaries within families. If you would like to attend, please email reply@smi.hounslow.sch.uk with 'Papaya Parent Talk' in the subject line so we can get an idea of how many of you will be attending. We hope many of you will be able to join us for what promises to be a very informative and supportive session.

Admission to Nursery September 2026

We are now accepting applications into our Nursery for September 2026.

Details on the application process, Applications Forms to complete and supporting documents required, please check the Admissions page on our website. https://www.smi.hounslow.sch.uk/Life_at_St_Marys/Admissions/

The closing date for Applications is Friday 6th March. If you are unsure about anything then please do not hesitate to contact the school office via office@smi.hounslow.sch.uk

starting nursery in 2026 flyer.pdf

A message from the Secretary of State for Education

Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes the disadvantaged pupils at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Isleworth achieved at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Your school’s performance places it among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.

This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.

Your school’s achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I hope you will continue to share your experience and best practice with others. Even the strongest schools can go further. We encourage you to lead the way as a system leader - sharing effective practice, championing networks, supporting collaboration, and helping raise standards across the sector.

There are real opportunities available for you to support improvement for a wider group of pupils including through:
engaging actively with your region’s RISE networks and partnering with nearby schools and trusts;
contributing to regional roundtables and professional communities to spread the approaches that are working in your context; and sustaining excellence by continuing to focus on disadvantaged pupils

Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to your staff and pupils. I look forward to working with you as we strive together to raise standards for all.

Bridget Phillipson

Arts Week and World Book Day: Traditional Tales

world book day notice for newsletter 2.pdf

Parents Evenings

Parents evenings for all parents of children in year groups from Reception to Year 6 will take place in the week before half term. You can sign up for a slot by visiting https://smisleworth.schoolcloud.co.uk

The booking system will be open from Monday 2^nd February. Just as last year, when signing in as a parent, you will need to enter the same details that we have on file for you. The system will only let you log in if the details match. For your child’s class you will only need to use the class name:

For example:
Loreto
Rome
Westminster
Willesden

Please make every effort to book and attend a session on these days.

Year 2 DT

year 2 d t food tasting.docx

y2 design and technology creations.pdf

Operation DIY

Operation DIY challenges the children to complete as many of the Operation DIY activities as they can over the next few weeks. You can see those challenges here and in the weekly learning at home folders. If you'd like a hard copy for the fridge door please ask your child's class teacher.

Drama Club at SMI