Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

  Fri 24 Feb 2023

  We are delighted to confirm the Easter Bunny is able to spare time to visit Holy Family school for breakfast on Friday 31st march 8am - 8.45am.  The Easter bunny has confirmed that he has time to meet 100 pupils and is liaising with the PFA now to ensure he arrives on time.

   

  Parents are now able to book a space for £3 per child via Parentpay.

   

  Please note that the regular breakfast club is suspended on this day.

  

• Look and Learn - work along side your child in class

  Thu 23 Feb 2023

  We are pleased to offer another ‘Look and Learn’ for parents of all year groups on Monday 6^th March.

   

  This takes the form of a 1 hour session working alongside your child in class at 9.15am -10.15am or 10.45am – 11.45am on Monday 6^th March.

   

  We are able to support up to 15 parents at one session so can accommodate every parent should you all wish to attend?  However we do ask that no younger children accompany you too this session.

   

  Please email the school office or call into the school office to confirm the best time and book your space.

   

  We look forward to seeing you!

• Parent committee member nominations

  Thu 23 Feb 2023

  Election of Parent Governors

  I am writing to invite you to consider standing for election as a parent member of the Academy Committee for this Holy Family School or to nominate another parent to do so.

   

  The Executive Governing Body (EGB) is the main decision-making sub-committee of the KCSP Trust Board of Directors for Holy Family Primary and More Park Primary. Within this governance structure, the Academy Committee, focused on Holy Family, has a very important role. The Academy Committee is responsible for teaching and learning, safeguarding and the Catholic Life of Holy Family Academy; it makes recommendations to the Executive Governing Body

   

  The Academy Committee members are able to support and challenge the Senior Leadership Team and Academy Principal with the areas outlined above – Teaching and Learning, Safeguarding and the Catholic Life.

   

  The commitment is 5 meetings per academic year (Sept-August) usually 4.00pm – 6.00pm or 5.00pm – 7.00pm and pre agreed school visits during the school day to meet with teachers and gain an overview of school to allow for accurate challenge in meetings. Training is required and is available at evening training meetings as well as online web based training.

   

  Our current vacancy would be ideal for someone who has knowledge of education and learning practices but also a person with experience to allow them to constructively challenge the Academy Principal in a committee meeting. However, we welcome nominations from all parents who are willing to attend the required training to allow them to fully contribute to the role of the Academy Committee.

   

  If you would like to stand for election, or to nominate someone else, please complete the  form available from the school office and return it to me, in a sealed envelope no later than Tuesday 28th February 2023

   

  Each person nominated must be proposed and seconded by parents/carers who have a child at the school. Anyone standing for election is asked to provide, his/her information, a short personal statement (maximum 250 words).

   

  The statement should only include biographical information, your reasons for wanting to be a parent member of the Academy Committee and the contribution you believe you can make to the Academy Committee. Submissions over 250 words will be returned for editing but will still be required back within the deadline stated. If the number of nominations is equal to the vacancy, the nominee will automatically be elected. If, however, there are more nominations than vacancies, an election will be held and copies of personal statements will be sent to all parents.

   

  Two weeks will be allowed for the return of ballot papers. Each parent will have one vote for the vacancy, no matter how many children they have in the school. The role of an Academy Committee member gives access to children in school; therefore an enhanced DBS Check will be required for safeguarding purposes.

   

  I do hope you will consider standing or else nominate someone you feel could bring their enthusiasm, time and commitment to the role. If you would like more information about the role please do not hesitate to contact either myself, via the school office, or another Academy Committee member.

   

  Niall Fox, Executive Principal

  Megan Underhill, Academy Principal

• Translate our website / Przetłumacz naszą stronę internetową / Ðe míaƒe nyatakakadzraɖoƒea gɔme

  Wed 22 Feb 2023

  Did you know you can translate our website? Use the key that looks like the picture below and select your preferred language.

   

  Przetłumacz naszą stronę internetową /

  Czy wiesz, że możesz przetłumaczyć naszą stronę internetową? Użyj klawisza, który wygląda jak na poniższym obrazku i wybierz preferowany język.

   

  Ðe míaƒe nyatakakadzraɖoƒea gɔme / .

  Ènya be yeate ŋu aɖe míaƒe nyatakakadzraɖoƒea gɔmea? Zã safui si le abe nɔnɔmetata si le ete ene eye nàtia gbe si nèdi.

   

  Malpera me wergerîne /

  We dizanibû ku hûn dikarin malpera me wergerînin? Mifteya ku mîna wêneya jêrîn xuya dike bikar bînin û zimanê xweya bijartî hilbijêrin.

   

  Traduire notre site Web /

  Saviez-vous que vous pouviez traduire notre site Web ? Utilisez la touche qui ressemble à l'image ci-dessous et sélectionnez votre langue préférée.

   

  Traduceți site-ul nostru /

  Știați că puteți traduce site-ul nostru? Utilizați tasta care arată ca imaginea de mai jos și selectați limba preferată.

  

• Travelling Book Fair

  Wed 22 Feb 2023
  

• Money Advice Hub

  Mon 20 Feb 2023

  We would like to advise you of a scheme that is operating by Citizen Advice and is supporting people in Kent who are struggling financially or need support to manage the rising cost of living through its new Money Advice Hub.

   

  The service is completely free and confidential.

   

  People can access the service online by visiting www.kentmoneyadvicehub.com (with video call and webchat functions) or by calling the freephone number on 0800 808 5622 by phone from Monday – Friday between 8am – 8pm. It can also be accessed using one of five kiosks installed in community spaces in Gravesham, Cliftonville, Ramsgate, Aylesham and Ashford.

• School Uniform Policy - proposed changed from 2023 - 2024

  Thu 09 Feb 2023

  9^th February 2023

  Dear parents,

  Holy Family School Uniform – proposed changes to EYFS (Reception class) Uniform

  Holy Family annually reviews the school uniform policy and is proposing changes to this policy from September 2023.  This will affect pupils who join the school in September 2023 and not pupils who currently attend.

  Holy Family is keen to ensure a smooth transition for all pupils from Pre School.  Pupils will join Holy Family in the year in which they turn five years old but it is accepted that all pupils will develop at their own personal pace.  To ensure we are supporting and nurturing the personal development of every child, in an equal and inclusive way, we propose a change to the school uniform for Reception class pupils from September 2023.

  School Uniform for EYFS (Reception class) children is proposed to be:

  Black elastic waist jogging trousers (unbranded/ no logo and available from many local supermarkets)

  White Polo Shirt

  Royal Blue school logo Jumper or Cardigan (from MaPac or via our uniform swap)

  Black / Grey socks

  Black School shoes (not trainers)

  PE Kit – no change

  Yellow PE logo T-Shirt ( from MaPac or via our uniform swap)

  Navy / Black elastic waist shorts (unbranded / no logo)

  Black / grey socks

  Black Plimsolls (elastic or velcro fastening)

   

  As the pupil moves through the school year and approaches year one parents may choose to introduce the summer school uniform from term 6. This will allow pupils additional practice with buttons, toileting changes, as well as the option of a cooler uniform (gingham dress or grey shorts/ white polo) in the summer term,  in the event of warmer weather.

  Discussion has already taken place with the school Academy Committee. Parents are now invited to comment on these proposed changes by emailing the school: office@holy-family-maidstone.kcsp.org.uk prior to Monday 20^th February 2023.

  This information will also be made available on the school Facebook page and website ‘latest news’, with a full copy of the proposed changes to School Uniform Policy document available on the school website ' Uniform Page': https://www.holyfamily.kent.sch.uk/school-uniform/

  Kind regards

   

   

  Megan Underhill

  Academy Principal

• Ideas for Half Term

  Thu 09 Feb 2023

  Maidstone Museum: £3 per child and pre booking required:

  https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/whats-on/events/february-half-term-make-it-craft/ 

   

  Fusion Cafe, Parkwood: Crafty Kids events:

  http://www.fusionhlc.org.uk/whats-on-guide/

   

  Maidstone Library: Storytime and Craft - free on Saturday's - call first

  https://local.kent.gov.uk/kb5/kent/directory/service.page?id=1MtZlFwmqGs

   

  Maidstone Library: Baby Rhyme time - free on Friday's age 0 - 4 - call first

  https://local.kent.gov.uk/kb5/kent/directory/service.page?id=HbZrpLIlFvY

   

  Maidstone Library: Lego Club - free on Friday age 7 upwards - call first

  https://local.kent.gov.uk/kb5/kent/directory/service.page?id=MLEmr8NKRhI

   

   

  

• Safer Internet Day 2023 - start a conversation

  Tue 07 Feb 2023

  Safer Internet Day, today, is themed around' Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online'; supporting parents to find ways of starting the very important family conversation regarding online safety.

  The internet plays a significant role in the lives of children and young people; becoming integral to their social development as they get older. Talking to young people about their life online and encouraging them to share their experiences with you, is a key part of helping to safeguard your family.

  So how do you start a conversation? Be positive and open minded about the internet; talk early and often; keep it relevant and be proactive.

  Some detailed practical tips can be found using this link: Practical Tips to start an online safety conversation

  

• Online Safety Newsletter - safer internet day

  Fri 03 Feb 2023

  The latest online safety newsletter can be found on the school website here: https://www.holyfamily.kent.sch.uk/online-safety/

   

  This newsletter will help you review Safer Internet day, which takes place next week. As always parental engagement and support is essential in developing a child's understanding of safe, responsible use of the internet and ultimately, social media. In partnership with the school, please do contact us with any questions or queries you may have.