We hope you all enjoyed a peaceful and rejuvenating half-term break. It’s wonderful to have the children back with us, full of energy and ready for the exciting weeks ahead.

Due to the dates of October half term, we were not able to celebrate All Saints Day together as a school on November 1st; instead we enjoyed a beautiful school Mass this week. Thank you to all of the staff and students involved in preparing the Mass, especially Mrs McCarthy (our Deputy Headteacher and RE Lead) and the Gift and Caritas teams. 

This half term will be filled with lots of lovely events to look forward to, including special Advent celebrations, enriching learning opportunities, and cherished moments of prayer and reflection together as a school community.

Please continue to read our newsletters so that you don't miss any key dates or useful information. Thank you. 

Remembrance is a special time when we pause to think about those who have given their lives for others in times of war and conflict. It helps us to understand the importance of peace, kindness, and gratitude for the freedom we enjoy today. By remembering the courage and sacrifice of so many, we learn to appreciate the value of working together to make the world a fairer and more peaceful place.

During our assemblies and class reflections this week and next, we take time to pray for those who have died, for people affected by war today, and for peace in our hearts and our world.

Loving God,
We thank you for the brave people who gave their lives to keep us safe.
Help us to remember them with kindness and gratitude.
May your peace fill our world and our hearts today and always.
Amen.

School News

House Teams

We will be introducing 'House Teams' at Sacred Heart this half-term. The children had the opportunity to vote for four Saints who they found to be especially inspiring- Saint Carlo Acutis, St Mother Teresa, St Francis of Assisi and St Josephine Bakhita. The names of these Saints have become the names of our House Teams. 

Each child has been assigned to one of the four Houses, and are able to earn 'House Points' (previously known as Dojos*) for their team, which will be calculated weekly across the school and shared on a leader board each week with the children. The winning House at the end of each half-term will earn a special reward afternoon, led by our newly appointed Year 6 House Captains! 

*As Dojos and House Points are now one in the same, please note that the children's Dojo totals will be reset at the beginning of each half-term. 

Celebrations

Autumn Parents’ Evenings

November 18th, 19th & 20th - 3:30-5:30pm

You should now have received a ParentMail regarding our first Parents’ Evenings of the new academic year for Classes 1-9. If your child is in Reception, their class teachers will have already approached you to arrange an appointment. If that has not happened, please speak directly to your child’s class teacher to arrange that. If your child is in Nursery, you should be receiving a ParentMail with details on how to book your appointment to see the teachers.

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. 

Who should I contact?

Please note: Your child’s class teacher is always the best person to speak with if you have any questions or concerns about your child or their school day. The table below will help you to understand who to contact in other situations, and the most effective way of getting in touch.  

Serious concerns regarding behaviour or safeguarding will always be escalated to Mrs McCarthy (Deputy Headteacher) and/or Mrs Botham (Headteacher).

Please note that Class Dojo should not be used to message staff directly. Thank you.

Please make a note of the dates your child will be attending Mass with their Class. Families are very welcome to join us in Church. 

As part of Anti‑Bullying Week, we at Sacred Heart School will be taking part in Odd Socks Day on Monday 10th November 2025.

Odd Socks Day is a fun way to celebrate what makes us all unique and to remind everyone that being different is something to be proud of. There’s no need to buy anything new—just ask your child to come to school on Monday wearing a pair of brightly‑coloured or mismatched socks.

The aim of the day is to start conversations about kindness, respect, and celebrating individuality. This activity links to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: Article 2 (all children should be treated fairly, whatever their differences), Article 15 (children have the right to meet and join groups of friends),
and Article 19 (children have the right to be protected from bullying and harm). Odd Socks Day helps celebrate individuality, build friendships, and promote a safe, respectful school environment.

Thank you from Father Kevin!

Dear Pupils, Staff and Families of Sacred Heart Primary School, 

Thank you so much for your massive generosity in all the items you donated to Manchester Food Bank.  You have collected a great amount of food which will be given to people in real need in these difficult times.  When all your donations are put out in church, it also reminds our parishioners to be generous as well, and I am sure your goodness will be added to here.  Manchester Food Bank will come to collect everything soon.  They always comment on how much this parish gives, and I always tell them that Sacred Heart Primary School is a big part of the project.  

Thanks again and God bless, Fr Kevin.

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