SPC is 50, Say Yes Day and Farewells — Newsletter 19 June 2026
SPC turns 50 this summer with a 50th Anniversary Mass and an Alumni Picnic, we celebrate a Year 6 pupil on stage at the Young Vic, look ahead to Say Yes Day, and say some heartfelt goodbyes.
This week at SPC
Our Celebration of the Word this week reminded us about compassion and taking action. Everywhere around the world there are people looking for comfort and help — people who need to hear God's message of love. Our children reflected together on the small things each of us can do to make someone else feel heard, loved and secure.
Mrs Molloy and I had a wonderful afternoon at St George's Cathedral attending the Southwark Diocese Celebration of Service Mass, where staff and governors who have committed their time and love to our schools were celebrated. It was a beautiful reminder of how many people give so much to Catholic education across our Diocese.
Then, that same evening, we had the enormous privilege of watching one of our fantastic Year 6 children starring in a play at the Young Vic — and he was a superstar. From all of us at SPC, we are so proud of you.
Have a brilliant weekend,
Mr Davies
SPC is 50! Golden Jubilee celebrations coming up
Our Golden Jubilee year is drawing to a close and we want to mark it in style with the whole SPC family — past and present. Two dates for your diary:
- 50th Anniversary Mass — Friday 10th July at 12pm, celebrated by Canon Victor Darlington at St Lawrence's Catholic Church, 1 Hamilton Road, Sidcup DA15 7HB.
- SPC Alumni and Community Picnic (bring your own picnic!) — Sunday 30th August at 12pm at St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School, Baugh Road, Sidcup DA14 5ED.
Both events are open to the whole community — please do share the details with any SPC alumni you know. It would be wonderful to see former pupils, staff and families back with us to celebrate 50 years of St Peter Chanel.
Say Yes Day — Friday 26th June
Next Friday is our Say Yes Day, tied in with the FIFA 2026 World Cup theme of "Support Your Team". On the day, we'll say yes to:
- Wearing your own clothes
- Wearing your own shoes
- Nail varnish and make-up
- Crazy hair styles
- Tattoos (temporary, please!)
- Juice instead of water
- Bringing your favourite snack
- Bringing your own bag
50p per rule broken, £2.50 maximum. As always, all food must be nut-free and sesame-free. There's no extra donation needed for the Support Your Team element — just come in your team colours or kit.
Parent testimonials for our new website
Our new school website is nearly ready to launch, and we'd love to feature some parent and carer testimonials on it. If you'd be happy for a quote about life at SPC to be featured, please email it to the school office at admin@st-peterchanel.bexley.sch.uk. Thank you to Brett, one of our fantastic Governors, for all the work he's put into the new site.
St John Bosco Children's Camp
The St John Bosco Camp is a week-long Catholic summer camp for children aged 9–12. Campers get the chance to explore the outdoors, make new friends and deepen their faith through daily Mass and spiritual activities. Experienced volunteers guide children through swimming, climbing and team-building games in a supportive environment. Further information is available via SchoolPing.
End of term events — all parents and carers welcome
You're warmly invited to celebrate another fantastic year with us. Our Celebration of Achievement dates:
- Thursday 9th July, 1:15pm — Pre-School Celebration of Achievement
- Thursday 9th July, 2:15pm — Reception / Year 1 Celebration of Achievement
- Friday 10th July — End of Year Reports come home (more details soon)
- Monday 13th July, 2:15pm — Year 2/3 Celebration of Achievement
- Tuesday 14th July, 2pm — Year 5/6 Production
- Wednesday 15th July, 2:15pm — Year 4/5 Celebration of Achievement
- Wednesday 15th July, 7pm — Year 5/6 Production
- Friday 17th July, 10:30am — Coffee Morning and Year 6 Leavers Assembly
Tax-Free Childcare — a reminder for working families
Tax-Free Childcare can help with the cost of paying for childcare, including our Breakfast and After-School Club. You set up a childcare account which both you and the government pay into — for every £8 you pay in, the government tops it up by £2. You'll usually need to be working (or returning to work) and your child must be 11 or younger (16 or younger if disabled). Sign-up details on gov.uk.
Hellos and goodbyes
This summer we're saying farewell to two members of staff. Mrs Crane, who has been with us since 2020, and Mrs Kelly, who joined us in 2023. We thank both of them for their commitment, care and service to our children and community at SPC. We wish Mrs Crane well in her retirement travels (I'm sure the postcards will be arriving!) and Mrs Kelly every success in her new teaching role.
In September, we welcome Miss Moore to the team and are thrilled that Miss Ford will be completing her postgraduate teaching apprenticeship with us. More on next year very soon.
Key dates next week
- Monday 22nd June — Water Safety Assembly; SPC Raffle drawn; School Mass with Fr Regis, 11am; No Year 4 Swimming this week; Reception–Y3 Football Club, 3:30pm
- Tuesday 23rd June — KS1 Cricket Club, 3:30pm
- Wednesday 24th June — iRock (for registered pupils); KS2 Athletics Club, 3:30pm
- Thursday 25th June — Chris McShane in; Year 6 Moving Up Transition Workshop, 9:15am; Induction Morning for 2026 Reception, 9:30am–11am; Swimming Gala, 9:30am; KS2 Girls Football Club, 3:30pm
- Friday 26th June — Say Yes Day and Support Your Team; Achievement Assembly, 9am; Year 5 boys at St Columba's for Sports Transition, 9am; SPC hosting Bexley Excellence in Early Years Partnership, 10am; Year 6 at David Lloyd (PM); KS2 Tennis Club, 3:30pm
Attendance
- Attendance Ted — Year 6, 99.1%
- Punctuality Pup — Year 6
Quote of the week
"Be proud of yourself for how far you've come and never stop pushing to be the best you can be."
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.
All faiths welcome.