St William of York Catholic Primary School Parent Portal - St William of York Primary School Newsletter

Parent Newsletter - Friday 13th February 2026

@swoyschoolse23 and @swoyeyfs

Check out our website:

www.swoy.lewisham.sch.uk

This week's letter from Mrs Mayers...

Dear Parents and Carers

A massive thank you to SWOYSA for organising such a wonderful film night last night! From the cosy atmosphere to the abundance of delicious treats, it was a fantastic evening for everyone involved.

We are incredibly grateful to all the parents who generously gave up their time to volunteer. Your support is vital in helping us raise money for our school projects.

The funds raised from the film night are going directly toward the brand-new sandpit currently being built in the playground! You may have noticed some exciting changes taking shape this week as we work to improve outdoor play for our children. We can't wait to see the finished result!

It has been a short but very busy half-term. As always, the children have been incredible and have worked so hard, but they are certainly ready for a well-deserved break! School will be closed next week but we look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 23rd February 2026.

Wishing you all a restful and happy half-term!

Warm regards

Hayley Mayers (Headteacher)

School Information / Reminders

A Quick Reminder: Water Bottles at School

As a reminder, we ask that children bring plastic water bottles only. Please ensure that metal bottles are not sent into school.

Why do we have this rule?

We have this rule in place with the safety of our pupils and the care of our school environment in mind:

Metal bottles are significantly heavier than plastic ones. We have had instances where dropped metal bottles have caused injuries or "stubbed toes" during busy classroom transitions.
Metal bottles are often more prone to leaking in bags or when knocked over, which unfortunately causes lasting damage to our classroom carpets and school books.
Plastic bottles are much lighter for the children to carry throughout the day and are much quieter if they accidentally take a tumble!

We appreciate your continued support and cooperation in following this guidance to help keep our learning environment safe and dry.

School Uniform

We are so proud of how smart the children look each day; wearing our uniform helps create a sense of belonging and pride in being part of the St William of York family.

To help us maintain our high standards, we would like to share a few gentle reminders regarding our school uniform policy:

Footwear: Please ensure children wear plain black shoes. Trainers, boots (including Kicker/DM styles), and open-toed sandals are not part of our school uniform.
Trousers & Skirts: Trousers should be mid-grey and a standard fit. Please avoid "skinny" style trousers as they can be restrictive during play and difficult to manage if a child needs a graze attended to. Skirts should be navy blue.
Items to Avoid: Please remember that pinafore dresses and culottes are not part of our uniform.
Hair & Jewelry: Long hair should be tied back with plain navy or black bands. Only small stud earrings are permitted, and for safety reasons, these must be removed for PE.
PE Kits: PE kits should be brought in on Monday and taken home on Friday for washing. Please ensure children have the correct navy blue logo t-shirt and plain navy shorts/joggers (no large logos or zips)

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community looking its best.

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

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.

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child during the half-term break, please contact Lewisham MASH on 0208 314 6660 (office hours) or 0208 314 6000 (evenings, weekends and bank holidays).

Our Rights Respecting School Article of the Week is...

Article 17

Every child has the right to access helpful and safe information.

This has been an important article this week as it fit into our discussions and work about Safer Internet Day.

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.

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Rainbow 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

Rainbow After School Clubs: Lego, Art and Multi-Sports

Rainbow will be launching 3 exciting after-school clubs from w/c 30th Feb until the Easter holidays.

Bookings will be for the duration of this period and will work out at £7 per session, payment is due at time of booking.

Mon - Multi-sports (Y2 - Y6 only)
Wed - Lego Club (Y4-Y6 only)
Thurs - Crafts (Y1-Y3 only)

Please book the classes directly with Rainbow, by emailing them on rainbow.asc@hotmail.co.uk

Dates for your diary...

Half Term - School Closed

All Day

from 16 Feb until 20 Feb

Yr5 & Yr6 Talk Consent Workshops

Yr4 & Yr5 Trip to Centre of the Cell

All Day

09
March

Wiggly Wild Show (Yr2 - 6)

All Day

11
March

Individual and sibling photos

All Day

12
March

Thumbnail for Instagram post created 2 days ago

swoyschoolse23 View Post

Please join us this Friday for a parent workshop focused on understanding and supporting children's anxieties and worries. Practical tools, a chance to share, and space to ask questions. 9am in our school music room. #SWOY #Stwilliamofyork #catholicprimaryschool #lewisham #SE23 SELondon

2 days ago

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

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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