Newsletter 6

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As we return from the half term break, I would like to take a moment to thank all our pupils, staff, families, governors and trustees across the Trust for such a positive and inspiring start to the new academic year.

It has been wonderful to see our schools filled with enthusiasm, learning, and a renewed sense of community. A special welcome to our new families who have joined us this term, we are delighted to have you as part of our Trust family.

The first half term was a time of new beginnings and shared achievements. Across our schools, there have been so many moments that remind us of the strength of our faith, the dedication of our staff, and the joy our children bring to everything they do.

I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and well deserved break, and that you have returned refreshed and ready for the exciting opportunities that the rest of term will bring. Thank you once again for your continued support, commitment, and trust in all that we do together.

Take Care,

Nuala Cashell

Catholic Senior Executive Lead

To mark the beginning of the new academic year, staff from all seven schools within the Trust came together for a special Mass at St Stephen's Catholic Church in Manor Park.

The celebration was a wonderful opportunity for colleagues from across the Trust to connect, reflect, and look ahead to the year with renewed enthusiasm and purpose. It offered a moment to pause, give thanks, and recognise the important role every member of staff plays in shaping the lives of our pupils.

This week, all 7 of our school in our MAT came together at the City Gates Conference Centre for a joint Inset day focused on supporting the wellbeing of Children and families. The day provided a valuable opportunity for teachers and support staff to reflect, learn and share ways to help every child feel secure, understood and ready to thrive in school and beyond.

By working together, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to nurturing positive, caring environments where children and their families can flourish.

Katherine will be leading on Standards across the Trust and supporting schools with curriculum development, monitoring teaching and learning, and ensuring our high educational standards are maintained and improved.

Our Reception pupils across our seven schools have made a fantastic start to the new academic year! They are settling in well, getting used to routines, and beginning to build friendships.

It has been wonderful to see their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning already shining through in activities from play and storytelling. We look forward to watching them continue to grow and thrive this year.

St Antony's

St Edward's

St Francis'

St Helen's

St Joachim's

St Michael's

St Winefride's

St Antony's Reception children are exploring the topic of Creation; and there is no better way to learn about creation than to be interacting with all the evidence of God’s Creation all around us first hand! They visited West Ham Park with the children ramble pointing to the sun in the sky, seeing the trees, birds, butterflies bumble bees and all the beautiful flowers. The little ones learn best this way! They also make purposeful links to maths by counting the stones and steps and to science with all the mini-beasts.

St Edward's recently held a Macmillan Coffee Morning, a wonderful way to bring the community together while raising funds for a great cause. Pupils, staff, and families enjoyed delicious treats, including the school's very own 'Teddy's Doughnuts', all in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. It was a fun and meaningful morning that highlighted the warmth and generosity of the school community.

On Tuesday the 21st of October, St Edward's school welcomed Bishop Alan for a rosary service. This started with a short service in the hall with our children leading the readings and prayers. Bishop Alan was presented with a gift from the St Edward's family before the whole school made their way to the playground. Bishop Alan blessed the statue of Mary along with the Chaplaincy Team. St Edward's New Parish Priest Father Britto also joined us for the service.

On Friday 3rd October, pupils and staff celebrated St Francis’ Feast Day with a lovely Mass at church. Afterwards, the priests visited school and handed out ice lollies for everyone to enjoy! The children spent the day learning about the life of St Francis through creative art activities. What a wonderful way to celebrate our special Saint!

Our Year 6 Pupils from St Helen’s and St Joachim’s came together for an unforgettable Science Camp! Alongside learning about habitats, coastal erosion, and exploring the local area, the children also embraced the adventure side of camp life.

From building fires and testing their aim at archery, to climbing, orienteering, and gathering around the campfire, every day was packed with teamwork, fun, and new challenges.

The week ended with a special prayer service reflecting on all they had experienced, before a final visit to Howlett’s Wildlife Park to deepen their understanding of animals and their habitats.

A week of learning, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime!

On the 22nd and 23rd October, the school community at St Michael's came together to celebrate Black History Month with the inspiring theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.” Each class explored the journey of an individual or group who demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, learning how courage and determination can bring about lasting change.

During our special celebration, the children shared what they had learned through powerful poetry, uplifting songs, and stunning artwork. Their performances reflected not only their understanding of history but also their belief in fairness, equality, and standing up for what is right.

It was a wonderful reminder that, together, we can all stand firm against injustice and take pride in the strength of our shared community.

Pupils from St Winefride's recently enjoyed an unforgettable residential trip to Chigwell. The children embraced every challenge and opportunity, taking part in an exciting range of activities including Water Zorbing, Climbing Wall, Crate Challenge, Angel and Tomahawk Throwing, Zipwire, Forest Night Walk, Camp Fire, Fire Lightning, Nightline, Multibounce and Caving.

Water Zorbing and the Zipwire proved to be the most popular activities, while pizza was voted the favourite meal!

We remember Tracy Flynn who passed away. Tracy was a Teaching Assistant for 24 years at St Helen's Catholic Primary, and part of the school community for over 30 years. Tracy will be deeply missed by all. We keep Tracy's family in our prayers during this difficult time.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"

John 14:1-2

Email: info@olog.org.uk
Website: www.olog.org.uk
Location: St. Helen's Catholic Primary School, Chargeable Lane, London E13 8DW
Phone: 020 4530 9232