Matthew 21:33–43

"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants in the vineyard. The landowner entrusts his vineyard to others, but they fail to care for it faithfully and reject those he sends, including his own son. Through this parable, Jesus reminds us that God has entrusted each of us with gifts, responsibilities and opportunities to bear good fruit in our lives.

As members of our school family, we are each called to use our talents wisely and to care for one another with love and respect. God asks us to be faithful in the small things each day: working hard, showing kindness, speaking truthfully and helping those around us. When we place Christ, our cornerstone, at the centre of our lives, we build a community where everyone can flourish and where God's love is seen in all that we do.

‘Serve one another in love.’

Galatians 5:13 

This week, we appointed our new Year 6 Leadership Team! All 45 of our Y6 children now have an important role to play in overseeing the effective organisation of our busy school. From Prefecting duties at lunchtime to Eco-committee duties incorporating keeping our school litter-free, you will see our wonderful Y6 children helping to make our world a better place. 

Year 6 all worked very, very hard to prepare and present their applications for a range of posts, describing how their own talents and vision can support our school development. Mrs McCarthy, Father Kevin and I were extremely impressed with their hard work and presentation skills - we definitely have some future lawmakers in our midst!

Please remember Year 6 in your prayers as they begin to carry out their roles with love, kindness and diligence. Thank you in advance for your service Y6; we already know that each and every one of you will be an amazing asset to the smooth running of our very special school.

Black History Month

Black History Month – October

This October, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month—a time to recognise, honour, and learn about the incredible contributions of Black people to British history, culture, and society.

At Sacred Heart, we reflect not only on historical figures, but also on the everyday strength, resilience and achievements of our own families and community. Through stories, discussion, art, music and prayer, we are helping our children understand the importance of equality, dignity and hope, and encouraging them to be proud of who they are.

We give thanks for the rich cultural heritage within our school and ask God to help us become a country in which every single person celebrates diversity, stands up for justice, and shows love to all.

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”

– Baroness Floella Benjamin

School Uniform

NURSERY AND RECEPTION

The school uniform requirements for children in Nursery and Reception are as follows:

Black or Navy Pull Up Jogging Pants, Leggings or Shorts.

White or Pale Blue Polo Shirt

Blue Sweatshirt (with or without school logo)

Plain Black Trainers (no coloured patterning) or shoes without laces

This ensures that the children are practically dressed and active ready at all times. 

Clothing with an elasticated waist is critical as zips, buttons and fasteners can hinder the children when in a rush to use the toilet. 

KS1 & KS2

The school uniform requirements for children in Year 1 to Year 6 are as follows:

White or Pale Blue Polo Shirt

Navy Blue Sweatshirt/Cardigan/Fleece (with or without school logo)
Navy Blue, Black or Grey Trousers/Skirt/Pinafore or Shorts
Socks (no higher than the knee) or Tights
Plain Black Trainers (no coloured patterning), Shoes or Boots

Stud earrings only (no hoops or dangly earrings allowed)
Waterproof/Showerproof coat
Hat and/or gloves in winter
Summer: Blue Checked Dress (Optional)

Bright coloured pullovers, track-suit trousers or sports football tops are not acceptable uniform at Sacred Heart.

Healthy lunch boxes

We kindly ask parents to provide healthy, balanced packed lunches to help children stay energised and focused throughout the school day.

For children in Key Stage 2, please ensure they bring a healthy snack for morning break. Suitable snacks include fresh fruit (such as apples, bananas, grapes or satsumas), vegetable sticks (such as carrots, cucumber or peppers), or plain rice cakes. Please avoid sending crisps, chocolate, sweets or biscuits as morning snacks.

We would also like to remind everyone that children must not share food or snacks with others, as some children have food allergies or specific dietary requirements. This helps us keep all children safe.

Thank you for your continued support in promoting healthy eating and keeping our school community safe!

School News

Celebrations

Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust

As you may be aware, Bishop John Arnold (Bishop of Salford) has set out a clear vision for Catholic education across Greater Manchester. As part of this vision, all maintained Catholic schools within the Diocese of Salford are expected to join one of three strong Catholic Academy Trusts (CATs) by 2030, ensuring a secure and sustainable future for Catholic education.

Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust is the Trust identified for Catholic schools in our area. It is one of three CATs established to deliver Bishop John’s vision, with the aim of protecting, preserving and promoting Catholic education across the Diocese. The academisation model is designed to ensure that each school retains its unique identity, ethos and central role within its parish and community, while benefiting from greater collaboration, shared expertise and collective support in an increasingly complex educational landscape.

Joining Emmaus CAT is an exciting opportunity for our school, enabling closer collaboration with other Catholic schools, the sharing of best practice, and a collective contribution to the future direction of Catholic education, while safeguarding the Catholic character of our school for generations to come. Further information is available on the Emmaus CAT website. If you have any questions regarding Bishop John’s vision, please speak to Mrs Botham (Headteacher) or Mrs McCarthy (Deputy Headteacher) in person at the school gates, or by arranging an appointment via the school office: admin@sacredheart-jun.manchester.sch.uk.

Autumn Parents’ Evenings

November 10th, 11th and 12th - 3:30-5:30pm

You will soon be receiving a ParentMail regarding our first Parents’ Evenings of the new academic year. If your child is in Reception, your Parents’ Evening will be bookable via the class teacher. Please note that bookings will close at 3:30pm on Friday 6th November in order to allow teachers time to prepare the data that they will share with you. 

When you arrive for your parents’ evening appointment, please use the pedestrian gate to access the school building and please allow additional time so that you can look at your children’s books before, or after, you meet with the teacher. Staff will direct you to the correct classroom or meeting room on arrival. 

As there is no childcare facility on site in the evenings at Sacred Heart, please try to leave younger children at home. If you do have to bring children along, please keep them with you at all times and please ensure that classrooms are kept tidy, ready for the next day’s learning. Thank you. 

Keep our children safe! 

PLEASE NO PARKING OR EVEN STOPPING ON KNUTSFORD ROAD!

Unless you have a blue disabled badge, please do not park or even stop on Knutsford Road opposite the school or outside the school between the hours of 8am and 4:30pm as clearly marked on the yellow signs on both sides of the road. 

In accordance with the Highway Code, please do not park within 10 metres of the junctions on Knutsford Road. I need to be clear that my staff are here to teach and care for your children; they are not traffic wardens or police officers. Please be respectful of other road users and our neighbours in order to reinforce the message we share daily with our children: Every Heart is Sacred. 

If you are experiencing difficulties navigating the roads near our school due to dangerous or illegal parking, you can report your concerns here.

Class Assemblies

During the autumn term, classes will be leading their peers in Faith Assemblies, then parents and carers will be invited to Class Faith Assemblies in the spring and summer terms. Here are the Class Faith Assembly dates for your diaries.

Class Masses

Families are very welcome to join us in Church. 

Parish of Sacred Heart & St Francis, Gorton

Click here for Mass times and other events in the Parish of Sacred Heart and St Francis, Gorton:

https://www.sacredheartstfrancisgorton.co.uk/mass-schedule