Dear Parents and Carers,

This Week at St Margaret’s

• As part of our school value of Aspire, we have been reflecting on the importance of perseverence - not giving up! We learnt about Nehemeiah rebuilding the wall, even when people doubted he could do it. We have been challenging ourselves throughout our learning to try our best, but to keep going and not give up - even when we find it tricky. 
• Congratulations to our newly elected School Council! Great to see democracy in action and I look forward to seeing what our new School Council achieve this year. 
• We say a fond farewell to Mrs Page today, who is starting a new role at Chichester College. She will be missed, but we wish her well for this exciting new chapter in her life and thank her for all she has done during her time at St Margaret's. 
• Children took part in a virtual assembly for World Mental Health Day.  Lioness, Lucy Staniforth, spoke to over 20,000 children from across the UK about the importance of teamwork, empathy, kindness and fairness. Our thanks to Mr Shelton for arranging this. 
• We welcomed prospective parents for Reception 2026 to Stay & Play sessions - it was great to see lots of people attend, and to show others how our children can shine brightly at our school. Reception 2026 admissions process is now open - please see our website for more information of how to apply. 

Looking Ahead to Next Week

• We are looking forward to welcoming you in to school next week for Parents Evening - Tuesday and Thursday evenings. This is a 10 minute consultation with your child's class teacher to find out about how they have settled in to the new year and how they are getting on with their learning. 
• Next Friday we will have our second 'Shining Stars' award assembly for the month of October. 
• Friday 24th October is the last day of this half term - the winning house from this term will be allowed to wear their own clothes on this day. This will be announced early next week. It is very close between the houses at the moment! 

Important Notices & Attachments

• We are looking forward to welcoming Kieran and the team from Good Ground to run an after school Bushcraft club next half term. Please see attached for details and a link to sign up. 
• A reminder that Monday 3rd November is INSET day and school will be closed to children on this day.
• After a long half term, and as the evenings draw in, it is no suprise there are lots of bugs and illnesses around at the moment. Please see this website from the NHS about when to keep your child off school, and when to send them in - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/ 
• We continue to build on our lunchtime provision, offering our children an increased range of activities during lunchtimes. Thank you to all who have donated so far. Please keep donations coming in. Could we additionally ask for any wellies and waterproof clothing that you have to spare. Miss Norcross.
• We are excited to be working with a local uniform supplier, Ricara,  Please keep an eye on the newsletters for the date when stock will be available.
• Please see the flyer attached from  St Margaret's Church giving details of the services they are holding throughout December.  Parents, carers and children are welcome to attend.

• Attachments (see links below):  Bushcraft Club, "Unwrap Peace This Christmas"

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to enable every child at St Margaret's School to shine brightly. If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch with us.

Best wishes,
Mr. Lumley
Headteacher