Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back! I hope you had an enjoyable half term break and are well rested for a busy but short half term before Easter. It has been lovely to see all of our children back in school this week and we have hit the ground running with new topics and learning opportunities. As ever, we have lots going on over the course of this half term, so please read these letters carefully and refer back to them as needed. They are all saved on our website. 

This Week at St Margaret’s

• We started our week thinking about all the things we have to be thankful for each day. Taking time during the day to pause and reflect on something we are grateful for. It has been great to hear how children are recognising so many different things in their lives they are thankful for. We also learnt a new song in Collective Worship called God is Good by Nick and Becky Drake which you can listen to here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HLcNep22EU&list=RD2HLcNep22EU&start_radio=1 
• Year 6 parents: a reminder to order your child’s Leavers Hoodie. The original letter (from October) is attached. The deadline for orders is 1st March 2026.
• We are still collecting pre-loved World Book Day costumes. Please do bring them into the School Office. 
• Outdoor play in the sunshine has been a welcome change and we have all enjoyed being out in some dry weather – long may it last!
• Children from Key Stage 2 really enjoyed their taster Padel Sessions at Worthing Rugby Club this week. 

Next Week at St Margaret's

• Monday 2nd March 2:30pm - Parent drop in to find out more about our RSHE curriculum if you have any questions following Mrs Bray's letter earlier in the week (attached for your reference). Further information about our RSHE curriculum can also be viewed through this link on our website: https://www.stmargaretsprimary.org.uk/page/?title=PSHE+%26amp%3B+RSE&pid=29 
• Thursday 5th March - World Book Day. Children can come dressed as a favourite book character or they may choose to wear their own clothes. We will be spending the day taking part in lots of different reading activities, really celebrating literature and a love of reading!
• Wonka Chocolate is coming this Monday 2nd March! Don't miss out on your chance to find a golden ticket. You will be able to make purchases with cash at the School Office or in advance on MCAS. When ordering through MCAS your chocolate will be ready to collect the following afternoon at pick up from the School Office.
• Friday 6th March – Prayer Meeting for the school at 9am in St Margaret's Church Vestry Hall. All welcome. 

Important Notices & Attachments

• Homework February 2026 – Thank you to all the parents and carers that took the time to complete the homework survey in the Autumn term. We have spent time analysing the results and with the feedback we received, we have created a new, progressive and consistent homework approach across the school. The homework will include weekly spellings, reading and a maths activity (a mixture of online games and written tasks). For completed homework, children will receive house points.
• What’s new? – Across school all homework will be handed in on Friday morning and handed back out the same day. In Key stage 2, there are now a set number of expected spellings and in years 3, 4 and 5 there are some optional spellings that link to the week’s spelling focus. In both Key Stages, we have introduced an ‘optional extra’ homework to encourage family time.
• Online Parent Talk - Let’s talk about our kids and their tech on Thursday 19th March at 7pm. See attached letter about this online presentation from the Smartphone Free Childhood network. It promises to be a really interesting talk for supporting parents in children's use and exposure to smartphones. 
• Alpha Taster Flyer from St Margaret's Church 25th March 2026 7.15pm

Attachments:- Dates for your Diary, Spring Term 2026 Clubs; Online Parent Talk - Let's talk about our kids and their tech, Year 6 Leavers Hoodies, Alpha Taster Flyer

Best wishes,
Mr. Lumley
Headteacher