Dear parents

I take this opportunity, in the first Little Saints newsletter of 2020, to welcome you all back to school, and a special word of welcome to all our new families. May Little Saints be the start of a magical journey for your child at St Mary’s.

Education is one of the most important ingredients to becoming all that you can be. How open you are to learning, will help determine your path in life. Education does not just happen at school. Your education and learning are happening continuously. They happen any time your mind is open to learning.

The children at Little Saints walk through the doors in the morning with their minds ready to learn. It is heartwarming to see how they have settled and made new friends; they have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the environment and discovering interesting “precious spaces” in which to play. Just a reminder that children need to be at school before 07h45.

At Little Saints, the image of the child is fundamental to the Reggio approach. Children are seen as researchers and active constructors of knowledge, as well as social beings who are capable, curious and creative. We will share more with you about the Reggio approach at the workshop held on Saturday 15 February: please diarise this date.

All co-curricular activities are offered privately in the afternoons for Little Saints children. Please refer to the St Mary’s app for the timetable.

I would advise, however, that you allow your children time to settle properly at school before arranging any additional activities. Please consider their time carefully before filling their days and rushing them from one activity to another. Children at this age need plenty of unstructured, unhurried time in which they can play, investigate the world around them and develop their own understanding. Their childhood is precious and arranging a full schedule of activities every day means they will enjoy less and less time for play. Friedrich Froebel, considered the father of Kindergarten, believed that “Play is the serious business of childhood”.

We like to keep the channels of communication between staff and parents at Little Saints as open as possible and you will therefore receive weekly newsletters from the class teachers relaying all important information. If you have any concerns or queries, your class teacher is your first port of call, but I am also available to help you with any questions.

Here’s to a happy, productive and peaceful 2020!

Kindest regards

Celia Diana
HoD: Little Saints