Welcome Back and a New School Year — Newsletter 4 September 2026
And just like that, the year has begun. Our first newsletter of the year — welcoming everyone back, looking ahead to our Reception children starting on Monday, and a few important reminders for the term ahead.
This week at SPC
Dear families,
And, just like that, the year has begun! It has been wonderful to welcome you all back, and to welcome the children and families who have joined us across the school for the first time.
We are also looking forward to our Reception children and families joining us on Monday — we are very happy you are part of the SPC family.
Our first newsletter of the year contains a few important reminders. Please give them a close read, and do speak to a member of staff if you have any questions.
The children have settled in brilliantly and are ready and raring to go for a year of making every second count.
Have a great weekend,
Mr Davies
Reception starts on Monday
Our new Reception children begin their staggered start next week, attending from 9am to 11.30am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then from 9am to 1.30pm on Thursday and Friday.
There is also a Meet the Teacher online meeting on Monday at 9.05am. The joining link is on SchoolPing, and the meeting is repeated on Monday 14th September for anyone who can't make the first one.
Uniform and PE days
Our school uniform is an important part of our identity — a shared symbol that we are proud to wear the cross of St Peter Chanel. It also helps every child feel part of our community from their very first day.
The uniform is the same year-round. Some families prefer the summer dress or shorts from Easter to October half-term, but this is optional. Full details are on our uniform page.
Children wear their PE kit into school on PE days, so there's no need for a separate PE bag. PE kit should be plain, with no logos or branding.
- Reception — Friday
- Year 1 — Monday, Wednesday
- Year 2 — Monday, Tuesday
- Year 3 — Tuesday, Thursday
- Year 4 — Wednesday, Friday
- Year 5 — Tuesday, Thursday
- Year 6 — Monday (swimming), Thursday
Attendance and punctuality
We want our children to enjoy coming to school. There is a clear and well-evidenced link between attendance and how well children do — and the same is true of punctuality, because children who arrive late miss valuable learning time at the start of the day.
Next week you will receive a letter setting out the school's legal duties around attendance and punctuality, along with some helpful guidance on deciding whether your child is well enough for school.
Please do always contact us if your child is going to be absent. Attendance is very much a team effort, and we look forward to continuing that work with you this year. You can read more on our attendance page.
A few reminders
Earrings. School policy is that children do not wear jewellery of any kind, including earrings. If ears have recently been pierced, please request an earring agreement from your child's class teacher or the school office, which covers the first 12 weeks after piercing. This is a health and safety matter.
Water bottles. Please make sure bottles contain water rather than squash or juice, and that they are clearly labelled with your child's name.
Support for families
A few things families may find useful this term:
NHS Pharmacy First lets children and adults get advice and treatment for seven common conditions — earache, impetigo, infected bites or stings, shingles, sinusitis, sore throats and UTIs — without waiting for a GP appointment. No appointment is needed; you can simply visit a participating pharmacy and ask. Over 95% of pharmacies offer the service free of charge, unless NHS prescription charges apply.
Lumi Nova is a NICE-recommended digital therapy app for children aged 7–12 experiencing mild to moderate worries and anxiety, provided in partnership with the NHS. It uses a game to help children set small, manageable challenges and build confidence.
Sidcup Community Larder runs a free community pantry at St John's Church Hall on Church Road, open Tuesdays 11.30am–12.30pm and Fridays 10am–11am, offering fresh, tinned, dried and frozen food.
Key dates next week
- Monday 7th September — Reception children attending, 9am–11.30am; Meet the Teacher online meeting, 9.05am (link via SchoolPing, repeated Monday 14th September); Year 6 swimming begins
- Tuesday 8th September — Reception children attending, 9am–11.30am
- Wednesday 9th September — Reception children attending, 9am–11.30am; iRock lessons begin for those registered; Year 6 PGL parent and carer meeting, 5pm
- Thursday 10th September — Reception children attending, 9am–1.30pm; music tutoring with Chris McShane
- Friday 11th September — Reception children attending, 9am–1.30pm; Achievement Assemblies begin, 9am
Quote of the week
"It's time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings" — Meister Eckhart
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.