Reading Expectations and Making Every Second Count — Newsletter 11 September 2026
Our first full week is complete. This week we reflected on making every second count, set out our reading expectations for every family, and looked ahead to Reception joining us full time.
This week at SPC
In Celebration of the Word this week, we reflected on how we can make every second count this year, inspired by St Paul's letter to the Colossians. We know that sometimes we can be so busy that we forget to notice the people around us who need our help, our kindness or our friendship. God gives us every moment as a chance to make a difference.
We linked this to our Catholic Social Teaching principle of The Common Good — you'll find a reminder of the principles we teach, share and follow at St Peter Chanel further down.
We also spoke to the children about reading across the school, and our expectations for all our families are set out below. Have a great weekend.
Mr Davies
Reading expectations at SPC
Reading is incredibly important for all our children — it helps them learn, imagine, understand and grow. We also know how busy parents and carers are, and that signing a reading diary is a job that's easily forgotten. So this is what we're asking of every family this year:
- Every child aims to be a Star Reader — reading five times a week, with an adult (or a sibling over 16) signing the reading diary.
- Years 5 and 6 can write their own entries, but an adult or sibling over 16 must still sign the diary.
- A Star Reader every week of the term will be rewarded — and a Star Reader every week of the whole year will receive a very special prize.
- Reading can look different for every child. As well as their school reading book, magazines, newspaper and online articles, recipes and comics all count.
- A weekly library visit — every child will bring home a "Reading for Pleasure" book each week. It may be one they need your help to read.
If you have any questions or concerns about reading, please speak to your child's class teacher in the first instance, and then to Mrs Molloy or Mr Davies.
A reminder about earrings
Our school policy is that children do not wear jewellery of any kind, including earrings. If your child's ears have recently been pierced, please ask their class teacher or the school office for an earring agreement, which covers the first 12 weeks after piercing. After that point we will ask for earrings to be removed at the door, or call you back to school to remove them. This is a health and safety matter and it applies to everyone.
Catholic Social Teaching at SPC
Catholic Social Teaching runs through everything we do at St Peter Chanel. Each principle — including The Common Good, which we focused on this week — helps our children see how their everyday choices affect the people around them. The full set of principles is on display around school, and we'll return to each of them through the year.
Being a Parent — a free eight-week course
Bexley Moorings Project is running Being a Parent, a free eight-week course for parents and carers of children aged 2 to 11, delivered by parents for parents. Topics include being a parent, feelings, valuing your child, play, listening, and understanding children's behaviour and discipline. To find out more or reserve a place, contact Jayne at Bexley Moorings on 0208 304 9609 or jayne@bexleymoorings.co.uk.
Key dates next week
- Monday 14th September — Reception children attend 9am–1:30pm; Meet the Teacher online meeting, 9:05am (repeat of 7th September); Year 6 swimming, pm; KS1 Football Club with Mr Edwards, 3:30pm
- Tuesday 15th September — Reception children attend full time; PGL parent and carer catch-up meeting, 8:30am; KS1 Dodgeball Club with Mr Edwards, 3:30pm
- Wednesday 16th September — iRock lessons (for those registered); KS2 Dodgeball Club with Mr Edwards, 3:30pm
- Thursday 17th September — Chris McShane in for music tutoring; KS2 Football Club with Mr Edwards, 3:30pm
- Friday 18th September — Achievement Assemblies begin, 9am; KS2 Basketball Club with Mr Edwards, 3:30pm
Quote of the week
"If you have good habits, time becomes your ally. All you need is patience." — James Clear
Get in touch
Want to find out more about life at St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School in Sidcup?
Book a tour with our Headteacher — we'd love to welcome you. You can also explore our admissions information, see what's on the curriculum, or contact our school office with any questions.