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Thursday 18th December 2025 - Autumn Term Issue 5

Headteacher Message

 

Reindeer Run Fun and Festive Cheer!

What a fantastic morning we’ve had! The playground was filled with excitement as the children chased Father Christmas during our Reindeer Run. It was such a wonderful event, and we are incredibly grateful to Father Christmas for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us. A huge thank you also to everyone for your generous donations in support of Farleigh Hospice.

As we reflect on this term, we couldn’t be prouder of our children. They have shown our ASPIRE values in so many different ways, and today’s celebration was a wonderful reminder of the strength of our school community and the hard work everyone has put in.

On behalf of the governors and staff, we wish all our families a safe, happy, and Merry Christmas. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 6th January for another exciting term ahead.

Mrs Brooks


Awards

Aspire

Well done to our ASPIRE award winners for the last 3 weeks. 

28.11.25 5.12.25 15.12.25
Jacob S Tehilla A Brooke D-R
Bobby J Bertie B Elsie G
Eli K James A Charlie K
Elsie T    
James A    
George M-B    
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Hot Chocolate Friday

Well done to all of the 'Hot Chocolate Friday' winners for the last 3 weeks.

Class 28.11.25 5.12.25 12.12.25
Australia Eliza G Jack M Iyla-Rose D
Antarctica Harley B Elisha W Etta C
Africa George H-G Arthur D Brogan F
Europe Jeremiah F-O Bertie B Seren S
Asia Tehilla A Darcy J James A
South America Elliott E Ella M Sebastian L
North America Jake C Lucy H Evelyn E
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News

18 Dec 2025
Reindeer Run
The children had a fantastic time taking part in today's reindeer run! Thank you for all of your kind donations to Farleigh Hospice.
Read more
17 Dec 2025
Christmas Dinner Day
Well done to Mrs Mixture and the kitchen team for a fantastic Christmas Dinner. We enjoyed a lovely meal with festive music.Thank you to the FOGWS for donating the tablecloths, napkins and Christmas crackers. Another thank you goes to the staff and governors that helped to serve the childre...
Read more
16 Dec 2025
Breakfast Club Christmas Breakfast
Breakfast Club enjoyed a special cooked breakfast this week. Thank you breakfast club team!
Read more
16 Dec 2025
Eco Hat Making & Parade
Congratulations to the winners from each class in our annual Christmas hat making parade - a Great Waltham primary school tradition!The children had lots of fantastic ideas for their hat designs. They then got the chance to parade their creations around the hall in front of the whole s...
Read more
10 Dec 2025
Nativity Performance
A huge well done to classes Australia, Antarctica & Africa for a fantastic production of 'Honky Tonky Donkey' The children were all star performers and gave it their all on the stage!  We are very proud of you all.
Read more
05 Dec 2025
Christmas Bazaar
A huge thank you to the FOGWS for all of their hard work in organising the Christmas Bazaar.  It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by many. Thank you to all of you that came along and supported the event. The funds raised by events like this are so appreciated. 
Read more

Notices

On behalf of all the staff, we would like to say thank you for all of the generous cards and gifts. It really is appreciated.


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Managing Seasonal Illnesses

We would like to share the below links that contain key guidance on managing seasonal illness which we hope are helpful.

  • Education Hub Blog: Reducing the spread of illness this winter: Seven steps to healthier schools and higher school attendance – a helpful blog for parents and staff. 
  • NHS Guidance for Parents: Is my child too ill for school? – a useful resource to help parents decide when children should stay at home. 
  • Preventing and Controlling Infections Guidance: Includes advice on vaccination, ventilation, and good respiratory hygiene. 
  • A–Z of managing Infectious Diseases: Practical guidance on managing specific illnesses. 

Great Waltham Mobile Library Bus

Mobile Libraries | Our mobile and home library services | Libraries | Essex  Library Service

Did you know that the Essex Mobile Library Bus now stops at Blossom Way Scout Hut. Due to customer requests, the time has been extended to coincide with children leaving school and hopefully encourage our children, and of course parents, to use the service. They are now visiting at 2.45pm - 3.30pm on the below dates.

2026 Dates

02-Jan    23-Jan    13-Feb    06-Mar    27-Mar    17-Apr    08-May    29-May    19-Jun    10-Jul    31-Jul    21-Aug    11-Sep    02-Oct    23-Oct    13-Nov    04-Dec


Flu Vaccination Catch-Up Clinics

Respiratory and flu-like cases are rapidly on the rise. We urge you to ensure your child receives the flu vaccination. You have a choice between the quick and painless nasal spray or the injection, which is porcine & gelatine free. This not only protects your children against being seriously ill but also protects vulnerable members of your family and community.

We have several community catch-up clinics available. Please use the link to book an appointment. If you previously declined consent for your child when we visited the school, you can change your consent. Please call our office on 01245 984 145, or click the link below to book.

Flu Catch Up Clinic

Please note that GPs are not providing flu vaccinations for healthy children in Reception through Year 11.


Online Courses for Parents

Essex County Council are happy to share a range of FREE online Family Learning courses designed to support parents and carers. These courses cover topics such as:

  • Supporting neurodiverse children
  • Positive parenting strategies
  • Understanding ADHD and ASD
  • Managing big emotions
  • Sleep workshops
  • ESOL for families
    …and many more!

All sessions are delivered live online and are completely free of charge.

Registration is simple via: www.aclessex.com
(Parents can search by course name or browse under Family Learning.)


Message from the School Kitchen

We are missing lots of spoons! If your child has accidentally brought home a spoon in their lunch box, would you kindly return it to the school office. Thank you.


School Lottery - Thank you to all of you that support our lottery. 

Did you know that by taking part, not only do you support the school but you could win a local prize or even the main £25,000 pot! 

Lottery tickets can be purchased here - School Lottery - Please do let family members and friends know that they too can purchase Lottery tickets and help support the school. Each ticket costs £1 and 40p of this comes directly to the school. 

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Online Safety & Mental Health

Top Tips for Parents & Educators: Guiding Young Voices

Bullying continues to affect far too many children, both in and out of school – but adults can play a crucial role in helping young people speak up and support one another. This week’s guide is packed with practical strategies to foster confidence, kindness, and connection in the face of unkind behaviour. 

From encouraging inclusivity to spotting signs of distress, the guide highlights how small, everyday actions by young people and the adults around them can make a big difference. With tips on nurturing empathy, teaching allyship and validating children’s experiences, it’s a timely reminder that empowering young voices is key to positive change.

Guide to - Guiding young voices to make a difference

What Parents and Educators Need to Know About TikTok

ow the world’s go-to short video platform, TikTok captivates young audiences with its endless stream of engaging clips, but not without potential pitfalls. From unsettling or age-inappropriate content to harmful viral challenges, misinformation and even radicalisation, this ever-popular app can expose children to content that may not always be suitable for them.

Our #WakeUpWednesday guide explores TikTok’s hidden hazards, including in-app spending, compulsive screen time and privacy concerns, offering clear advice for parents and educators. With expert insight and practical safety tips, it aims to help families ensure that TikTok use remains fun, positive and, most importantly, safe.

Guide to TikTok

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School Calendar

Last day of term (3:15pm finish)
All Day
19
December
Celebration Assembly - invite only
All Day
19
December
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
All Day
from 22 Dec until 02 Jan
22
December
INSET DAY
All Day
05
January
Children back to school
All Day
06
January
Class Europe Parents Lunch
12:00pm – 1:00pm
14
January
Class Asia Assembly
9:00am – 9:30am
06
February
Celebration assembly (invite only)
All Day
13
February
HALF TERM
All Day
from 16 Feb until 20 Feb
16
February
Year 5 to the O2 - Young Voices
All Day
23
February
Class South America Assembly
All Day
27
February