Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School

‘We live our lives like Jesus’

16^th January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers

This term our Good Shepherd awards focus on resilience and curiosity.  We know that to be resilient is to keep on trying by trusting in God's love and care. When we are curious, we seek to know and learn more about the world, other people and all the amazing discoveries and inventions that are part of our lives, thanking God for the gifts we have been given to enable us to do this. 
Well done to all the children who are shining examples of our Mission Statement by being resilient and curious in school and at home. We are super proud of you.

Miss Clark 
Head teacher

Technology - I heard on the news today, that the Government is thinking about following the Australian example of banning and limiting social media for under 16s!  I'm sure we have a range of opinions, but I wonder ... how much time does your child spend on devices each day and each week?  Government statistics suggest that average screen time is 6 hours 22 minutes per day which is a 52% rise in screen time since 2020 for a child under 11yrs old!  Research shows that children who play, are active, read and talk to their families and others find school much more straightforward.
On Monday, we will be holding our annual oracy day where children will learn that their voice matters and how to share their opinions. My challenge to our families for next week is to discuss this photo...

What do you see? What could it be and why do you think that?

Help us thank our school's superheroes!

We need your help to recognise staff in our school who have gone above and beyond for you. Teach Portsmouth are asking primary and secondary schools in the city to thank their school superheroes.

To do this, all you need to do is visit the Teach Portsmouth website and share your thank you message using their online form. Visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/thankyou and share your message today!

ARBOR APP - Please can I ask all parents to check their child's information on the ARBOR APP.   If you received a new mobile or have moved recently, please update the contact details and ensure all the information on your child's record is correct. We are particularly keen for parents to check the religion status for their child as we believe there are a number of children recorded as Christian and not specifically as Catholic.

SMART Devices - I am writing to remind you that for the safeguarding of all members of our school community, children are not permitted to wear smart technology devices into school. This includes items such as smart watches. Children are permitted to wear a basic digital or analogue watch, but this must not have any photographic or communicative functions and should not be valuable. If you are not sure whether a watch is suitable for school, please speak to the class teacher.

Benefitted Related Free School Meals - As you may be aware, families on certain benefits may be entitled to what is known as the Pupil Premium Grant - this is an amount of money, about £1300, that the school receives to support children in school. Where a family is entitled to the pupil premium grant, we offer subsidies for trips and some activities. However, families are also entitled to free holiday activities and a supermarket voucher during some holidays. If you have not checked whether you are entitled please do so before the end of September by clicking on this link Synergy - Enquiry Please do speak to Mrs Penney in the office if you need any help.

Important Events

Friday 23^rd January – Young Carers Parents Coffee Morning @ 9.00am
Friday 30^th January – Running Club at Portsdown Hill @ 4.15pm
Monday 2^nd February – YrR ‘people who help us’ dress up day
Friday 6^th February – Running Club at Portsdown Hill @ 4.15pm
Monday 9^th February to Thursday 12^th February - Yr5 Bikeability
Tuesday 10^th February to Friday 13^th February - Yr6 Residential
Wednesday 11^th February – Late Owl Movie Party (booking required)
Friday 13^th February – Running Club at Portsdown Hill @ 4.15pm
Monday 16^th February to Friday 20^th February – School holidays (school closed for all children)

INSET Days this year - school will be closed to children on these days
Monday 16^th March
Monday 6^th July
Wednesday 22^nd July

This week’s celebrations: