St Mary’s CE Primary School
Start of a New Year
Learning in the infants is a true adventure this term! The classrooms are buzzing with excitement as pupils dive into the captivating story of the Titanic. In English, the children are blossoming through creative expression, exploring classic poetry like Rose Fyleman’s Mice and crafting their own original rhyming couplets inspired by Hickory Dickory Dock.
In Science, young minds are coming alive as they use their senses to explore the world through hands-on indoor discovery and fresh-air outdoor play. Whether discovering nature outside or cozying up with a great book in the new learning den, curiosity and creativity are being nurtured every day.
It has been an action-packed half term for our Juniors! In English, pupils are following the adventures of Paddington Bear and are currently busy writing their own original scenes to add to his famous mishaps. In History, classes are delving into Tudor times to explore Henry VIII and the reasons behind his six marriages, while Science lessons have pupils comparing the life cycles of different species.
Music lessons are back in full swing with children delighted to pick up their instruments again, and PE has everyone learning invasion games through netball. In RE, the focus is on Harvest as pupils explore how different World Faiths celebrate this special season.
School Life & Outdoor Learning
OPAL Area: Excitement is building in our outdoor OPAL area, where the children are currently hard at work building a house!
Gardening Club: Despite some rainy weather, the Gardening Club has made a fantastic start, and we are delighted to welcome Mr Rimmer and Miss Fallon to the team! The children have been busy tidying up, weeding, raking back, and clearing beds to make trenches for planting onions and crocus bulbs. A special thank you to Mr and Mrs Nightingale for giving up their time to clear the area so the children could get planting.
Padiham Rotary Club: We were delighted to welcome representatives from the Padiham Rotary Club, who came in to induct our new student Rotary Members and speak to Years 5 and 6 about an upcoming writing competition.
School Photos: Jon from Memories Made visited us recently to take individual and sibling photos of all our students.
Celebrating Achievement
Congratulations to all our Wizards and Star Pupils of the Week!
Our pupils have also been shining brightly outside the classroom. We recently celebrated achievements with certificates, medals, and trophies for swimming, street dance, gymnastics, and football (including our Football Trainee of the Week). Well done also to our Best Behaved Boy and Girl at FOG Club, and to the pupils attending new CrossFit sessions—it is fantastic to see them taking on new challenges, staying active, and having fun!
Clubs & Sporting Events
Our After-School Clubs have been a massive success this term:
Monday: FUNDA with Coach Andy
Tuesday: Football & Yoga
Wednesday: Archery / Axe Throwing, followed by Board Games
Thursday: Gardening Club
Friday: STEM Club
Our children recently had a fantastic afternoon at the Pendle Leisure Trust after-school cricket event hosted at Pendle Vale College. Rotating through four mini-game stations focusing on fielding, bowling, batting, and catching, the children demonstrated brilliant teamwork, focus, and technique. Thank you to Pendle Vale College and the PLT team for a brilliant event!
Upcoming Events & Dates for Your Diary
Open / Welcome Morning – Friday 16th October
We invite prospective parents and children considering admission for September 2027 to visit our wonderful Academy. Please get in touch to book your place: 01282 612191 or nsmoffice@cidari.co.uk
FONs Fashion Show – Friday 16th October
Friends of Newchurch School (FONs) and Wardrobe by Simone are bringing back our popular Fashion Show for an evening of fashion, shopping, and fundraising! Join us at Barley Village Hall for a great night with friends, a glass of fizz, and a chance to view the latest styles. Barley Village Hall, Doors open at 7:00pm, Catwalk starts at 8:00pm, Tickets £20 (includes a glass of fizz on arrival and supper).