Great Waltham C of E (VC) Primary School Parent Portal - Newsletter - Wednesday 10th June 2026

${item_alt_tag}$

Wednesday 10th June 2026 - Summer Term Issue 4

Headteacher Message

I am keeping my message brief this week, as I am currently away with our Year 6 pupils on residential at Bawdsey Manor. We are having a wonderful time, and the children are a real credit to the school!

Our first Early Bird Week was a resounding success, and we are pleased to announce that we will be running another from 13th–17th July. As this is the final week of term, we know many children may be feeling tired, so we hope this will provide a little extra motivation to be ready and on time for school each day.

Reports - This year, school reports will be published via the MCAS app. If you do not currently have access, please email the school office to request a new activation link.

We have several exciting events coming up over the next few weeks, so please remember to check the school calendar regularly - Click Here

I am also very much looking forward to seeing many of you at the Summer Fete on Saturday 27th June.

Mrs Justine Brooks

Attendance

W/C 1/6/26 - Overall School Attendance - 96.3%

${item_alt_tag}$

Awards

Platinum

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

	22.5.26
Australia	Brodie D-R & Bertie B
Antarctica	Elsie T & Kacie-Kelly L
Africa	Joshua C & Winnie M
Europe	Oscar J & George E
Asia	Harry K & Darcy J
South America	Bobby J & Connie W-A
North America	Alex E & Aria S

${item_alt_tag}$

Aspire

Well done to our recent ASPIRE award winners.

Beau-Blu W	Elsie G
Bertie H	Jayden M
Charis A

${item_alt_tag}$

Hot Chocolate Friday

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

Class	22.5.26	5.6.26
Australia	Tilly B	Archie K
Antarctica	Noah T	Shriyash C
Africa	Bella F-B	Esme R
Europe	Freddie E	Taylor P
Asia	Bella B	Isabella F
South America	Elijah R	Benjamin L
North America	Yaseen G	Jake C

${item_alt_tag}$

News

05 Jun 2026

Great Waltham Festival of Choirs

We are so proud of our choir, who performed in front of a full audience at the church on Friday evening. Thank you to Mrs Welch for the many lunchtime rehearsals in preparation for this event—you all did amazingly well!

Weather & Uniform

With the weather being very changeable at the moment, please ensure your child comes to school prepared with both a coat for rain and a hat for sunny weather. Sunglasses are not permitted in school.

A gentle reminder that all children should attend school in full uniform, ready to learn. We understand that children grow quickly and you may be reluctant to purchase new shoes so close to the summer period. We do have a selection of pre-loved uniform, including shoes, available in the office foyer.

Fidget Toys

Please also note that concentration aids (or fidget toys) should only be brought into school with prior agreement from the class teacher or SENCo. These must not be liquid-based and should be small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of a child’s hand.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Water Safety

As the weather gets warmer, more people are spending time at beaches, rivers, lakes and other open-water locations. Drowning Prevention week, which begins 13th June, aims to raise awareness of water safety and help people recognise potential risks around water.

We have shared a resource below from Picture News which you may find useful to share with your children.

Water Safety

iRock

We are pleased to share that spaces in iRock bands are available now to book for September!

At iRock, children experience the excitement of being in a real band, learning instruments, playing songs they love and building confidence through music. Led by passionate and professional Band Coaches, the fun and inclusive in-school sessions help children develop teamwork, resilience and musical skills in a supportive environment.

Every term ends with a live concert performance for family and friends, giving children the chance to shine like real rockstars and celebrate everything they’ve achieved.

Full details on how to sign up can be found here.

You can also contact iRock at info@irockschool.com, or 0330 174 2655, if you have any questions.

${item_alt_tag}$

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.

${item_alt_tag}$

Online Safety & Mental Health

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Sports Betting Online

Sports betting has become increasingly visible across apps, websites, social platforms and sports coverage, making it easier for young people to encounter gambling messages before they are old enough to take part legally. This guide explores how betting content can appear through adverts, influencers, tipsters, friends, gaming spaces and even adult accounts.

It also highlights the risks of impulsive spending, chasing losses, ‘free bet’ offers and the way gambling can become normalised around sport. With practical advice on starting calm conversations, spotting warning signs, setting safer digital boundaries and finding support, the guide helps parents and educators approach the topic with confidence.

Guide to - Sports Betting Online

${item_alt_tag}$