Date Time Event Thursday 9th January 11:00 KS2 Mass in Church (Y6 to lead) Parents/Carers invited. Thursday 16th January   Taste of America Celebration Lunch Thursday 16th January All Day Y5 Trip to Newcastle Racecourse Tuesday 21st January 9:00 Nursery Phonics Workshop - Parents/Carers invited Wednesday 22nd January 9:00 Y6 Maths Workshop – Parents/Carers invited Thursday 23rd January 11:00 Y5 Mass in Church - Parents/Carers invited Tuesday 28th January 9:00 Reception Phonics Workshop - Parents/Carers invited Wednesday 29th January 9:00 Y1 Maths Workshop - Parents/Carers invited Wednesday 5th February 9:00 Y2 Maths Workshop- Parents/Carers invited Thursday 6th February 11:00 Y4 Mass in Church - Parents/Carers invited Wednesday 12th February 9:00 Y3 Maths Workshop - Parents/Carers invited Thursday 20th February 11:00 Y6 Mass in Church - Parents/Carers invited Friday 21st February 3:15 School closes for Half Term

Dear Parents and Carers of St Cuthbert’s,   Happy New Year and a huge welcome back to all of our children. They’ve all had a brilliant first day and have loved telling us all about their holidays and celebrations over the festive period. We are all looking forward to a very busy spring term and have lots of exciting activities and events planned for the children.   Please see the Dates for your Diary for more information when they are updated, later this week.   Reception Class September 2025 The closing date for Reception Class applications for September 2025 is 15 January 2025. Please ensure you have applied for a place for your child if they were born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021.   Attendance and Punctuality Please continue to support your child with their attendance and prompt arrival at school before the main gates close.   Good attendance provides every child with the best chance of success at primary school and helps ensure they are ready for the challenges of high school. Every day at school counts and no child should be put at a disadvantage by missing school days where they can learn, spend time with their friends and teachers and get the very best out of their primary school days.   We fully understand and support school absences when children are too poorly to attend and we know that this type of absence is completely unavoidable, but we please ask that you make appointments, whenever possible, outside of the school day and that you do not take holidays during term time.   If your child is too poorly to attend school, please follow our school procedures and ring school on the first day of absence no later than 9.30am and by 9.30am on each subsequent day of absence.   Polite Reminder re: the school day Our school day begins at 8.45am prompt. We have a number of children who are consistently late and who are missing the first 10-15minutes of their learning in school. Please ensure you arrive at school in time for your child to start their school day properly alongside their classmates and to enable every child to access our free breakfast food provision.     Please also note: revised kitchen requirements for our school kitchen mean lunches need to be ordered promptly every day. If your child is late, it could impact on their lunch choice for that day.     Wraparound Provision Please continue to follow school procedures for booking children into our After School Club provision. This ensures school have enough staff and resources available to run the club safely.   School Lunches Polite reminder re: changing from school lunches to packed lunches and vice-versa – the school office need one week’s notice, please.   School Uniform Please support your child and St Cuthbert’s by fully adhering to our school’s uniform policy. Please visit our school website for more information. If you are short of any uniform items, please ring or pop into the school office – we have tons of clean, good quality, spare items available for free.   Thank you for your continued support. If you do have any concerns or there is anything we can support you with, please do not hesitate to contact us via the school office on 0191 2860129 or via email office@stcuthbertsk.org  or please come and catch us on the yard for a chat.   Best wishes,   Mrs Anne Bullerwell Executive Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers of St Cuthbert’s,   Christmas Lunch The Christmas Lunch was absolutely delicious this year, as always. Our kitchen team have really surpassed themselves and provided us all with a veritable feast of delicious turkey with all of the trimmings. Thank you to Jane, our cook, and everyone who made the Christmas Lunch such a success.   Christmas Productions Our Christmas productions this year have been outstanding. We are so proud of each and every one of our children from Nursery through to Year 6. They have shared their talents with us willingly and it has been a privilege to see them so full of joy and so confident during their performances. Thank you to all of our families who could join us in the celebrations. We’ve had some amazing feedback and it was great to see so many of you supporting the children this way. Special thanks to everyone for respecting the children throughout each performance and adhering to our mobile phones policy.    Poverty Proofing the School Day – No Gifts Policy Thank you for supporting our No Gifts into School Policy and thank you for the lovely cards, emails and messages we have received instead – we really appreciate them.   Spring Term Start Date St Cuthbert’s opens for the children on Tuesday 7 January 2025. Attendance up until December Rec Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 94.2 93.4 94.5 96.1 96.6 94.4 95.8 Green Zone: 97% and above; Amber Zone: 91-96%; Red Zone: 90% Well done, Year 4! Best attendance so far! Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. On behalf of all of the governors, staff and children of St Cuthbert’s, I wish every member of our school community a Happy and Holy Christmas. Mrs Anne Bullerwell Headteacher

In the last two weeks of term, in history, Year 4 explored Ancient and modern Olympics, tasted Greek food, made their own Greek vases and even found out how to say 'cheers' in Greek! Year 4 also enjoyed their Christmas party yesterday! Well done on a great term, Year 4! Year 4 have worked hard in RHE this week. We have looked at different types of relationships in our lives, including family, friends and other people and explored how to relate to people within these different relationships. We also discussed what it means to be a good friend and have tried some strategies to use when relationships become difficult.  - 06.09.24 - Year 4 have had a great start to the year! They have loved working together to come up with some fabulous class rules as well as modelling solid, liquids and gases particles in our science topic 'States of Matter'. Well done for a great start, Year 4! -13.09.24 - Year 4 have enjoyed their first music lesson and have worked collaboratively to identify features of mountain landscapes, as part of our Geography topic. Super work! - 27.9.24 - Year 4 have had an exciting week in English this week! They also enjoyed their French session. - 11.10.24 - Year 4 thoroughly enjoyed their Fire Safety talk this week. We spoke about lots of different things: how to stay safe in our homes, the importance of fire alarms and testing them frequently, signs and causes of a fire and what to do if there's a fire. We also loved filling in the workbook after the session! Well done, Year 4! Year 4 thoroughly enjoyed science this week! We explored the types of teeth we have and their functions. We discussed how to look after our teeth and why this is important. Near the end of the lesson, we played some matching games on the iPads - some Year 4 members definitely got competitive about how quickly they could complete the tasks! For Remembrance Day, Year 4 took time to gather around our class prayer table to read out some of our poems and prayers we created for those who fought for us. Year 4 have also been enjoying their gymnastics sessions where they have been working on balancing, 3 person and 6 person pyramids and strength positions!  Year 4 enjoyed investigating Ancient Greek artefacts in history this week!

Year 6 shared some Christmas cheer on Tuesday when they sang and danced at Kilbourn House. The residents and children had a great time! The student leaders from St Cuthbert's and St George's spread some Christmas cheer when they delivered the huge pile of goodies donated by our generous families to the food banks in Kenton and Lemington! They will make a big difference to lots of families over the coming weeks. Thank you so much to everyone who made a contribution! Year 6 are enjoying practising for carol singing next week! Year 6 have had a great start to the year. They have worked hard, shown great maturity and taken part in some fun games this afternoon. Year 6 enjoyed programming micro:bits in computing this week. Year 6 had some great moves and poses in their dance lesson today! Year 6 enjoyed a trip to Safetyworks this week where they took part in lots of role-play scenarios and learned all about consequences their actions may have. Year 6 enjoyed practising and performing poetry this week! Year 6 have been writing their own tunes to play on their ukuleles. Year 6 have enjoyed games of hockey in PE this week and had some fantastic odd socks on Monday for anti-bullying week!

Year 5 have been working hard on their advent topic. We have discussed the hymn 'The Servant King' and provided an explanation for verse 1 and the chorus. We discussed the impact on Christians today. In addition to this, we discussed how we would like to be treated in person or online. We recognised the positive and negative outcomes and hard an open and honest discussion.  Y5 enjoyed an epic trip to the Newcastle Castle. We met a fantastic team of tour guides and an expert on the infamous 'trials' that took place in 17th century Newcastle. The local history was so interesting and we understood more about the vulnerable people of the day that were targeted for financial gain! Our children were so enthusiastic and a credit to our school with several members of the public committing on their manners and good behaviour.  Year 5 took part in the Biggest Assembly, this morning. Picture News - who provide child-friendly news feed - organised a country wide event. There were opportunities for discussion, and we considered our British and Gospel Values. It was very interesting. Year 5 enjoyed some teambuilding with Miss Thompson, this week. The had to work as a team to move the group forward. However, they had to use different ways to communicate. Y5 were looking at examples of diary entries. We worked with our talk partners to read extracts to each other, as well as reading them as a class. We were able to recognise several English language features for this genre. 'Bikeability' was great fun! Congratulations to those who achieved Level 1 or 2. Huge thanks to the Creative Dance Centre for working with Y5 this Autumn term. The children have thoroughly enjoyed their journey through dance. In computing, Y5 are using shapes and software to create vector drawings. We had real fun using various tools. The children of Y5 presented and voted on school roles. This was optional. The electees spoke to their class to outline their manifestos. We used Microsoft Forms and iPads to record our votes to maintain discretion. Well done to all the children who outlined their vision and good luck for the collation of votes. Y5 celebrated Dyslexia Awareness Week. After our assembly, we talked about dyslexia and what that might mean for children. We described it as a 'superpower' for creative and different thinking. Y5 enjoyed their own celebration of the word to mark the end of our RE topic. The children wrote their own bidding prayers and decided on the format. It was a lovely, spiritual experience.

Dear Parents/Carers, Consultation on Admissions Arrangements for St George’s Catholic Primary School, Lemington 2026-2027 The Joint Local Governing Committee (LGC) for St Cuthbert’s and St George’s Catholic Primary Schools have recently met and reviewed the Admissions Policies for both schools. The LGC are in favour of both Admissions Policies being the same and to achieve this, the LGC have made one change to the Oversubscription Criteria on page 1 of the Admission Policy for 2026-2027 at St George’s Catholic Primary School. This change has been highlighted in yellow. There are no changes to the Admissions Policy for St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School. Where changes to admissions arrangements are intended, all schools are required to consult before these are determined and published. The Admission Policy for 2026-2027 can be viewed below. The consultation period will run from 27 November 2024 to 8 January 2025. Any parents or carers who wish to respond to the consultation may do so via email to the following address:  admissions@bishopbewickcet.org . The LGC (on behalf of the School Admissions Authority) will consider all responses received before they determine the final admission arrangements for St George's for 2026-2027. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact the school office. Thank you for your continued support. Best wishes, Mrs Anne Bullerwell Executive Headteacher

Breakfast at St Cuthbert’s The children have thoroughly enjoyed having access to free toast as a light snack to start the school day. Thank you so much to Warburtons who have donated all of the bread we need for free which is just amazing! This initiative has been such a success and we will definitely be keeping it as part of our everyday provision for the children of St Cuthbert’s.   Parent Governor Vacancy for St Cuthbert’s and St George’s We received three applications for our Parent Governor Vacancy. We will be holding a ballot via Survey Monkey so that the school community can decide which parent/carer will be appointed to join the Local Governing Committee as Parent Governor. Each applicant has written a short statement in support of their application which we will share with both schools. Please read each applicants’ statement to help inform your choice and then please participate in the ballot.   Staff who are leaving St Cuthbert’s Mrs McBride Mrs McBride, one of our longest standing members of support staff, is retiring at Christmas. I would like to thank Mrs McBride for the fantastic contribution she has made over the years to our whole school community in her wide and varied roles – Mrs McBride is leaving some very big shoes to fill! I would also like to commend and thank Mrs McBride on her exceptionally long service of 16 years and the loyalty and commitment she has shown the children and community of St Cuthbert’s throughout her time here. St Cuthbert’s has benefited from her passion and many skills, talents and expertise.   Mrs McBride will be a huge miss at St Cuthbert’s. On behalf of all of the children staff, governors and parents/carers, both past and present, I wish her the very best of health and happiness in her retirement and wish her the very best of luck for the future.   Mrs Docherty Mrs Docherty, one of our Lunchtime Support Staff, is also retiring this term. Mrs Docherty has worked across the whole of the school in her role but most recently, she has worked in our school Nursery and done a wonderful job supporting some of our youngest children. I would also like to commend Mrs Docherty on her incredibly long service too, after staying with us at St Cuthbert’s for an amazing 23 years.   Mrs Docherty will also be a huge miss at St Cuthbert’s and on behalf of the whole school community, I would like to wish her the very best of health and happiness in her retirement.   Poverty Proofing the School Day – No Gifts Sent into School Initiative Please remember as part of our Poverty Proofing the School Day initiative, we will not be accepting any gifts into school for any of the adults from the children or families.   In agreement with all staff, any gifts which are sent into school will be donated to local charities.   Please support St Cuthbert’s and all of our children and families – please do not send any gifts in.     If parents/carers want to express thanks to staff then please send in a card, a letter or an email. This feedback is so valuable to our well-being and has such a positive impact on our morale and really is very much appreciated.   Christmas Fair Friday 6 December 3.15 - 4.30pm In partnership with our PTFA, we will be hosting our annual Christmas Fair fundraiser this year on Friday 6 December from 3.15pm until 4.30pm.    Please collect your child/children as usual from their normal collection point at 3.15pm and then come around to the main entrance to join us at the fair. This is a great opportunity to spend some fun time in school with your child/children, so please do your best to attend.   There will be raffle tickets on sale on the day. The raffle will be drawn at 4.15pm.  We are still accepting donations and prizes for the raffle.   Christmas Productions Please check our Dates for your Diary to ensure you don’t miss your child’s Christmas performance this year. As always and as part of our Safeguarding Policy, please keep any photos or videos you take during the performances for your own private use. Christmas Party Day - Free Party Lunch and Disco The whole school will be celebrating our Christmas Party Day on Wednesday 18 December 2024. The party day is a gift from all staff to the children of St Cuthbert's. There will be plenty of dancing and party games and the children will all enjoy a free Christmas Party Lunch. Children can wear their own clothes that day.   Dates for the Diary We have a full list of all of our school events on the Dates for your Diary. Please check the dates carefully so that you don’t miss out on anything.   If there is anything you would like to discuss or if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.   Thank you for your continued support of St Cuthbert’s; it is really very much appreciated by us all.   Best wishes, Mrs Anne Bullerwell Executive Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers of St Cuthbert’s,   Anti-bullying Week 18 – 22 November In the week beginning the 18 November we will be holding our ‘Anti-bullying Week’ at St Cuthbert’s. Our Safeguarding Champions will be hosting our whole school assembly on Monday of that week and all classes will then participate in a range of activities throughout the week aimed at helping children to recognise bullying when it is happening, the negative impact it can have on others and to help develop the necessary strategies and skills to deal with bullying. On Monday 18 November , we will be celebrating Odd Socks Day . Children are invited to come into school wearing odd and brightly coloured socks for a fun and lighthearted event that encourages people to embrace individuality and celebrate differences.   Non-Uniform Day On Friday 22 November , we will be having a Non-uniform Day for the whole school. We are asking for any donations, for example chocolates, toiletries, new toys and/or games to be brought in by the children in lieu of the Non-uniform Day which will then be used as raffle and tombola prizes for the Christmas Fair  which we will be hosting on the afternoon of Friday 6 December .   Book Fair We are hosting our annual Scholastic Book Fair at St Cuthbert’s week beginning 11 November 2024. The children will be taken to view the selection of books on offer on Monday and Tuesday and then the Book Fair will be open for parents/carers to attend on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after school from 3.15pm. Books can be bought by using cash or the QR code which will be available at the fair. Children should be collected from their normal entrance and then brought back into school through the main reception door. If parents and carers are unable to attend the Book Fair but would still like to purchase a book, please send the correct monies into school on either Monday 18 or Tuesday 19 November when the Book Fair will still be on site.   Early Morning Snack/Breakfast at St Cuthbert’s From Monday 18 November, we will be offering all of the children at St Cuthbert’s toast as an early morning snack/breakfast. This will be prepared by our teaching assistants and ready for the children when they arrive at school. This snack will be free of charge and available to all children.    Attendance and Punctuality Please see below our latest attendance figures for St Cuthbert’s.   Attendance from September 5th up until November 8th Reception Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 95.2% 96.6% 96.4% 96.2% 96.3% 94.5% 96.7% Green Zone:  97% and above; Amber Zone: 91-96%; Red Zone: 90% and below   Please continue to support your child with their attendance and prompt arrival at school before the main gates close.   Good attendance provides every child with the best chance of success at primary school and helps ensure they are ready for the challenges of high school. Every day at school counts and no child should be put at a disadvantage by missing school days where they can learn, spend time with their friends and teachers and get the very best out of their primary school days.   We fully understand and support school absences when children are too poorly to attend and we know that this type of absence is completely unavoidable, but we please ask that you make appointments, whenever possible, outside of the school day and that you do not take holidays during term time.   If your child is too poorly to attend school, please follow our school procedures and ring school on the first day of absence no later than 9.30am and by 9.30am on each subsequent day of absence.   Polite Reminder re: the school day Our school day begins at 8.45am prompt. We have a number of children who are consistently late and who are missing the first 10-15minutes of their learning in school. Please ensure you arrive at school in time for your child to start their school day properly and alongside their classmates.   Dates for the Diary We have a full list of all of our school events on the Dates for your Diary. Please check the dates carefully so that you don’t miss out on anything.   If there is anything you would like to discuss or if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.   Thank you for your continued support of St Cuthbert’s; it is really very much appreciated by us all.   Best wishes, Mrs Bullerwell

Date Time Event Monday 4th November 08:30 School Re-opens after Half-Term Thursday 7th November All Day Year 5 Trip to Newcastle Castle Friday 8th November AM NHS Flu Vaccinations (Rec – Year 6) Tuesday 12th November 3:20 Parent/Carers Evening Wednesday 13th November 08:45 Reception Reading Cafe Tuesday 19th November 3:20 Parent/Carers Evening Wednesday 20th November 08:45 Year 1 Reading Café Friday 22nd November All Day Own Clothes day - Bring a Tombola/Raffle Prize for Christmas Fair Wednesday 27th November 08:45 Year 2 Reading Café Wednesday 4th December 08:45 Year 3 Reading Café Friday 6th December PM Christmas Fair Tuesday 10th December 09:00 Reception Christmas Sing Song – Parents/Carers invited Tuesday 10th December 12:00 Christmas Lunch Wednesday 11th December 09:00 Nursery Christmas Sing Song – Parents/Carers invited Wednesday 11th December 9.00 Jack & the Beanstalk Panto (Rec – Year 4) Thursday 12th December 10:30 Year 6 Carol Singing at the Toby Carvery Friday 13th December 09:00 KS1 Nativity – Parents/Carers invited Monday 16th December 2pm KS2 Carols by Candlelight – Parents/Carers invited Tuesday 17th December 2pm KS2 Carols by Candlelight – Parents/Carers invited Wednesday 18th December All Day Christmas Party Day Thursday 19th December 3:15 School Closes for the Christmas Holidays