27th February 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Kilve Court
I’m sure you will join me in thanking the St George’s staff members – Mrs Chidgey, Mrs Earp, Miss Walsh, Mrs Wright (previously Weetch) and Mr Chidgey – who took our Year 5 pupils to Kilve Court on their residential trip this week. The adults have reported that a fantastic time was had by all, and the children enjoyed the experience immensely. Having spoken to the Year 5 pupils on their return, I heard about the delicious food that was on offer, the excitement in the Maze at night as they played the Zombie Game, and how everyone seemed to have a different favourite activity! Having taken part in a fantasy trail, archery, grass sledging, the climbing wall and the long Quantocks walk, the children were tired out!
Behind the scenes, an enormous amount of work goes into preparing for a trip like this. The adults do this in their own time, and of course, volunteer their time to stay overnight with the children to ensure they can have the most amount of fun in the safest possible way. As a Headteacher, I am so grateful to the staff for their efforts in preparing so thoroughly for these trips and for the pastoral care they give to the children while they are away from their parents. If you do find a quiet moment to say thank you to the staff for their hard work, I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated.
World Book Day
There are lots of plans underway for World Book Day 2026. The theme this year is ‘Reading for Pleasure’. We will be celebrating this year with two exciting events. On Wednesday next week, we are asking the children to take their favourite book to share at a Reading Café in their class. Staff and Governors will be invited to share books with the children and there will be lots of book talk!
On Thursday, we will hold an exciting day of reading themed workshops across the school. We are asking that children come to school in their PE kits on this day (Thursday 5th March) as some of the workshops may be outside. Thank you for your support with this.
The Big Lent Swim for CAFOD
During Lent, St George’s Catholic School will be taking part in CAFOD’s Big Lent Swim as part of our commitment to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Children are invited to take on the challenge, “How far will you swim in 40 days for life-saving water?”, by bringing a £1 entry fee to support CAFOD’s Water Aid appeal. Throughout their swimming lessons, pupils will be supported by the adults to record the lengths or metres they swim, building a cumulative total across the 40 days of Lent. At the end of the challenge, we will calculate class totals and a whole-school distance in kilometres, celebrating our shared achievement in a special assembly. We hope this initiative will raise valuable funds while encouraging our children to grow fitter, challenge themselves and take pride in a collective effort for a worthy cause.
We will send a donation sheet out next week, so please keep an eye on book bags!
Edwina McDonnell
Headteacher
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, 5th March – World Book Day
Wednesday, 11th March – Year 1 Museum Visit
Wednesday 11th March – Year 5 Class Assembly in Main Hall – 2.50pm arrival for a 3pm start
Thursday 19th March – Chaplaincy Commissioning at St George’s Catholic Church – time TBC
Wednesday 25th March – End of Term Mass in Church – 9.30am. Parents and carers welcome.
