Great Waltham C of E (VC) Primary School Parent Portal - Newsletter - Friday 16th January 2026

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Friday 16th January 2026 - Spring Term Issue 1

Headteacher Message

The children have had a busy week, full of exciting learning opportunities. I am increasingly impressed by the quality of their writing, which you’ll have the chance to see at our next parents’ evening.

Mrs Boyle has introduced a new phase of OPAL play, which now includes LEGO and fidget toys - both have been a huge hit with the children. Next, we’ll be adding wellies for outdoor play (more details to follow soon).

We are also looking for donations of puzzles. If you have any that you no longer use and think would be suitable, please drop them off at the school office. Thank you for your support!

School Grounds Morning – Saturday 14th March, 10:00–12:00
Following the success of several mornings last year - and with the hope of better weather - we’re excited to run another School Grounds Morning. This time, we’ll be focusing on tidying and gardening our beautiful school grounds, as well as building some storage for OPAL resources.

Parents, carers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and of course children are all warmly invited to lend a helping hand. As a thank you, we’ll provide free refreshments. We’ll share more details closer to the date, but please pop this in your diary now!

Picture News
Each week in collective worship, alongside exploring our ASPIRE values, we introduce the children to current affairs through Picture News. This week, we discussed how famous people can influence others for good.

Click here for A Picture News for Parents letter summarising the topics covered this term. Please take a moment to read it and chat with your child about what they’ve learnt—it’s a great way to extend their thinking at home.

Dates and Updates
Please check the calendar on our school website (link here), as there have been a few updates since our last communication. These include:

Everyone Reading in Class (ERIC) invitation for parents/carers on 26th February.
Year 2 Music Festival - Mon 16th March

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in school life. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Mrs Justine Brooks

Awards

Platinum

Congratulations to the Platinum award winners for last half term that were awarded on the last day.

	19.12.25
Australia	Matilda B & Hettie S
Antarctica	Fox G & Louie J
Africa	Harriet S & Sienna P
Europe	Dottie C & Isaac D
Asia	Aurelia M & Noah H
South America	Zoe R & Stanley G
North America	Beau-Blu W & Rory D

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Aspire

Well done to our recent ASPIRE award winner.

9.1.26
Seren S

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Hot Chocolate Friday

Well done to all of the 'Hot Chocolate Friday' winners for the last 2 weeks.

Class	19.12.25	9.1.26
Australia	George K	Ada W
Antarctica	Elsie T	Florence J
Africa	Winnie M	Kailen N-R
Europe	Oscar J	Frank P
Asia	Bertie H	Tom M
South America	Max H	Jack H
North America	Poppy F	Seth W

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News

14 Jan 2026

Class Europe Parents Lunch

Class Europe enjoyed having their parents & carers in for lunch this week. We hope you all enjoyed your visit. Thank you to the kitchen team.

Notices

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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: Essential Online Safety

This guide offers clear, supportive guidance to help parents and educators feel more confident in navigating the online world with children and young people. It looks at how everyday conversations, simple boundaries, and a bit of digital awareness can make a real difference to young people’s online experiences.

This guide also explores how parents and educators can create an environment where children feel comfortable asking for help when something online unsettles them. By highlighting the importance of safe and healthy internet usage, these tips provide a grounded starting point for anyone supporting young people’s digital lives.

Guide to - Essential Online Safety

What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Digital Devices & Wellbeing

Digital devices are woven into everyday life for children and young people, but balancing the benefits with potential risks can feel challenging. This guide explores how screen use can influence sleep, emotional regulation, physical health and online experiences, offering clear context around why concerns about wellbeing are growing.

Written with schools and families in mind, the guide shares practical, realistic advice for setting boundaries, encouraging open conversations and building digital literacy. With insights from an experienced mental health professional, it supports adults to help children develop healthier, more mindful relationships with technology.