Parent Newsletter - Friday 6th February 2026

Follow us on Instagram

@swoyschoolse23 and @swoyeyfs

Check out our website: 

www.swoy.lewisham.sch.uk

This week's letter from Mrs Mayers...

Dear Parents and Carers

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Book Look sessions this week. It is always a joy to see the children’s faces light up as they share their work with you; the progress they have made since September is a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Our pupils have been out and about making the most of our local area this week. Year 4 had a fantastic time river wading at Deptford Creek, getting hands-on with local geography and ecology. Year 3 headed to the nature reserve for a Forest School session, where they were busy digging deep and collecting soil samples for their new Science topic. And Year 2 enjoyed a visit to the library this morning, discovering new stories and honing their research skills.

Finally, a massive thank you to all the parents who volunteered to accompany our classes on these outings. We couldn't provide these "out-of-the-classroom" experiences without your time and support. You are a vital part of what makes our school community so special!

Warm regards

Hayley Mayers (Headteacher) 


Staffing Update

We have some news regarding our school office team as we prepare for some changes.

First, we bid a fond farewell to Mrs Lawlor, who will be leaving us next week. Mrs Lawlor has been a familiar face in the office on Wednesdays and Fridays, and we are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed to the SWOY community during her time with us. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her every success and happiness in her next ventures.

However, this is a bittersweet update, as we are also delighted to announce that Mrs Webster will be returning to SWOY! Many of you will remember Mrs Webster from her time as a Teaching Assistant before she left us last April. She is now returning to join the administrative team as an Admin Assistant in the school office. We know you will join us in giving her a very warm "welcome home" to our community.


05 Feb 2026
Kent County Cricket
A term full of cricket for Yr2, 3, 5, & 6
Read more
04 Feb 2026
Yr4 Trip to Deptford Creek
Year 4 Brave the Depths at Deptford Creek!
Read more

Term Dates​​​​​​

Please note that the last day of school before the break will be Friday 13th February. School will be closed for one week for the half-term holiday. We look forward to welcoming all pupils back on Monday 23rd February.

We hope all our families have a safe and relaxing break!

School Information / Reminders

An Update on our OPAL Journey

As you know, we have been working hard on our OPAL journey to develop opportunities for play in our playground as well as the physical space. We are grateful for all of the donations we have received to give our children more resources to play with at lunch times.

We have also begun developing the physical space. You may have noticed that some work in the top playground has begun in order to create a space for children to be able to play with bikes and scooters. 

We are also delighted to announce that work on the sandpit have begun today and will continue next week. The sandpit will be in the bottom playground alongside the trimtrail area. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported SWOYSA as the funds they have raised are a huge contribution to this playground project! 


Join Our Team: Midday Meal Supervisor (Maternity Cover)

Are you looking for a rewarding local role that fits around school hours? We are seeking a friendly and dedicated Midday Meal Supervisor to join our team at St William of York to cover a maternity leave.

Key Details:

  •  Role: Midday Meal Supervisor (Maternity Cover)
  •  Hours: 11:30am – 1:15pm (Monday to Friday, term-time only)
  • Start Date: 13th April 2026

How to Apply:

For full details, a job description, and the application forms, please visit our website.

Closing Date: 27th February 2026

Interviews: 6th March 2026


{item_alt_tag}

This week's Friday Club was... Jesnil, Osiris, Klara, Hilaris, Ibrahim and Olivia B

Well done to all of you! You have been recognised for being ACE and for consistently going 'over and above'


Safeguarding at SWOY

If you have any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child, whether it is your own or another student, please do not hesitate to speak with a member of our safeguarding team.

The staff members responsible for safeguarding at our school are:

  •  Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Hayley Mayers
  •  Deputy DSL: Zoe Thorn
  •  Deputy DSL: Nikita Ogston

If you would prefer, you can submit your concerns anonymously using the form here. 


After February Half Term, the ArtPalette will be offering an after-school club on Tuesdays at SWOY

They host a variety of illustration, art and 'stretch & sketch' classes for children in primary schools. 

These super fun, hour-long sessions enable children to learn techniques through unique projects and expertly sourced inspiration from the world of art and illustration.

We love to sow an ‘idea’ seed then 'water' with encouragement so your mini illustrator is able to explore and create the way they want to. 

​Please head to their website for more info and to book

Please book with them directly via the website link above.

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Jpg of cartoon childrenRainbow Breakfast and After School       Club at SWOY

  • Drop off from 7.30am for Breakfast Club
  • Collect at either 4.15pm or 6pm for After-School Club

Book your place in advance! Our school office is unable to book spaces.

Email: Rainbow.ASC@hotmail.co.uk Text or Whatsapp: 0785 477 4096

Dates for your diary...

Safer Internet Day
All Day
10
February
Kent Cricket Class Sessions
All Day
from 07 Jan and on Wednesday each week until 11 Feb
11
February
Parents' Evening
4:00pm – 6:30pm
11
February
SWOYSA Film Night
4:30pm – 6:30pm
12
February
MHST Parent Workshop
All Day
13
February
Last Day of Half Term
All Day
13
February
Half Term - School Closed
All Day
from 16 Feb until 20 Feb
16
February
Return to School
All Day
23
February

Thumbnail for Instagram post created 1 day ago
swoyschoolse23 View Post
Year 3 thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Forest School this afternoon. It started with soil sampling, moved onto measuring tree roots, and ended with being incredibly muddy! #Stwilliamofyork #catholicprimaryschool #SWOY #Lewisham #SElondon #se23 #se23life #school #forestschool
1 day ago
Follow

Local News / Events

February Half Term activities for children

The Better run Leisure Centre’s are running a range of activities this February Half Term.

Activities on offer

  • Kids swim for £1
  • Additional Swim for All’s (family swims)
  • Soft play sessions
  • Swimming lesson Crash Courses
  • Junior classes
  • Additional Junior Gym sessions
  • SEND holiday camp at Alex Yee Ladywell Arena, run in partnership with Access Sport
  • Kids Football Camp at Bellingham Leisure & Lifestyle Centre
  • Inflatable sessions at Wavelengths Leisure Centre

To find out more about what’s on offer please contact your nearest leisure centre for more information. https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/lewisham


{item_alt_tag}

{item_alt_tag}

{item_alt_tag}

{item_alt_tag}

{item_alt_tag}

{item_alt_tag}

Beavers Logo

The Beaver Colony is the first and youngest section of the Scout Group. Beaver Scouts are young people aged between 6 and 8 years old.  For fun, friendship and activities that get you thinking as well as doing.

Our parish Scout Group meet on Thursday evenings (term time only) at Lewisham Scouts DHQ on St Germans Road.

We have a few spaces for new members who are turning 6 to join our Beaver Colony.  Check out our website http://www.12thforesthill.scoutsonline.co.uk/  and get on the waiting list now.

Adults - if you have a skill you could share with us, please get in touch.  We all love learning.  Could you be one of our volunteers with Beavers, Cubs or even our new Scout Troop we'd like to re-open in October?  Could you be a group Trustee?  Training and support provided.

Get in touch if you would like to find out more ahesketh@12thswoyscouts.org