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Wednesday 23rd September 2026 - Autumn Term Issue 1

Headteacher Message

The children have made a fantastic start to the Autumn Term. They are thoroughly enjoying the new playground markings, and we have recently introduced suitcases as part of our continued development of the OPAL play offer. It has been wonderful to see the children making the most of these resources, building dens and engaging in imaginative, creative play. We have shared some pictures below.

Thank you for your continued support with safe and considerate parking around the school. Our 3PR monitors were out this morning rewarding children whose parents had parked responsibly, helping to reinforce the importance of being considerate members of our community.

We have now published the term dates for the 2027-28 academic year. Once again, we have included two additional days before the May half-term break to provide families with the option of travelling during off-peak periods, should they wish to do so.  The term date calendars can be viewed here

I would also like to remind parents about the importance of regular school attendance. Taking children out of school for family holidays disrupts their learning and can have a significant impact on their progress. In line with our Attendance Policy and government guidance, unauthorised term-time holidays may result in a fixed penalty notice being issued by Essex County Council.

The attendance information below highlights the importance of being in school, on time every day. Our aim is for all pupils to achieve attendance of 98% or above. You can monitor your child's attendance at any time through the MCAS app. If you have any questions or concerns regarding attendance, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We are always happy to offer support and guidance where needed.

School Photos

Next week, we have school photographs being taken on Tuesday 29th September.

Classes Europe & Asia - PE lessons will continue as normal on that day, so children should come to school wearing their full, smart school uniform for their photograph and bring their PE kit to change into for the afternoon.

All other classes - No PE kit is required, children should come to school wearing their full, smart school uniform.

If you have pre-school children, you are welcome to bring them in for photos with their siblings at 8.15am. Please queue outside the hall door and you will be called in one family at a time. (Siblings within school will be done during school time).

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school office. We are always happy to help.

Best wishes,

Justine Brooks 

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Attendance

W/C 14.9.26 - Overall School Attendance - 96.7%

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Awards

Aspire

Well done to our ASPIRE award winners for the last 2 weeks. 

11.9.26 18.9.26
Ralph W Edward W
Dottie C Darcy P
Amelie C Eliza G
Annie M Arthur P
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Hot Chocolate Friday

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

Class 11.9.26 18.9.26
Australia   Zara M
Antarctica Arabella T Ada W
Africa Elisha W Amelie C
Europe Dougie T Colby W
Asia Jeremiah F-O Lily H
South America Bella B Ralph W
North America Jacob S Jack H
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News

23 Sep 2026
Y6 Science
In Year 6 science lessons, we have been learning about the circulatory system and the components of blood. We completed an experiment where we used different liquids to represent different parts of the blood. We mixed them together and then we watched them separate. Written by Darcy and Bel...
Read more
12 Sep 2026
Summer Fete
Our Summer Fete, held on the 12th September, was a fantastic success, raising around £2,000 for the school. Families enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon of games, crafts and inflatables, creating a wonderful community atmosphere.A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event...
Read more
10 Sep 2026
Y6 Bikeability
Our first group of Year 6 pupils have successfully completed their Bikeability training. Throughout the course, children developed their cycling skills and learnt how to ride safely and confidently on the road.Well done to all the pupils who took part and represented the school so positively.
Read more
17 Sep 2026
Prospective Parents Tours
Tour dates now available
Read more

Notices

Children’s Commissioner for England - Survey

Hi, my name is Rachel and my job is to hear from all children and young people in England.

As the Children's Commissioner I've launched a survey so you can have your say on what it’s like to be a child or young person in England today. I will take your views to the Government, to help them make life better for children. 

Your young person can complete this survey here.

Everything you tell me will be kept private. You don’t have to answer any question if you don’t want to. There are no right or wrong answers. Just answer honestly! To find out more, visit my website.


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 Supporting Children's to Return to Routine

Returning to school after a break can take some adjustment. This #WakeUpWednesday guide shares practical ways for families and education professionals to make the transition smoother, from gradually restoring sleep and morning routines to preparing school essentials. It also explores how predictability, healthy nutrition and age-appropriate responsibilities can support children and young people as term begins.

Emotional and social readjustment matter too. The guide highlights the value of open conversations, patience and flexibility, alongside gentle opportunities to reconnect with learning and friendships. With expert insight from Adam Gillett, Associate Vice Principal for Personal Development at Penistone Grammar School, it offers supportive ideas for helping children rebuild confidence, concentration and familiarity with school life.

Guide to - Return to Routine

What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Character.AI

Character.AI lets users create and chat with AI-powered characters that can behave like friends, mentors, fictional favourites, or romantic partners. While these conversations can feel engaging and supportive, their convincing human-like responses can blur important boundaries. Young people may encounter inappropriate content, misinformation and privacy risks, or begin forming an unhealthy emotional attachment to an AI companion.

For parents and educators, understanding these risks can make conversations about AI companionship more constructive. This #WakeUpWednesday guide explores warning signs such as secretive or excessive use and withdrawal from real-world activities, while offering practical advice on checking age restrictions, protecting personal information, questioning chatbot advice, and responding appropriately when safeguarding concerns arise.

Guide to - Character AI

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School Calendar

Y6 Bikeability - Group 2
All Day
28
September
Individual School Photos
All Day
29
September
Y6 Bikeability - Group 2
All Day
30
September
Cauliflower Cards - artwork due today
All Day
02
October
Harvest festival at the Church (all welcome)
10:00am – 11:00am
07
October
Y6 Bikeability - Group 3
All Day
09
October
NO OUTSIDERS Launch Day
All Day
13
October
Class Africa - parent lunch
12:00pm – 12:30pm
13
October
EYFS Phonics Information Parents Meeting
2:45pm – 3:15pm
14
October
Parents Evening
3:40pm – 6:30pm
19
October
Parents Evening
3:40pm – 6:30pm
20
October
Flu Vaccinations
1:00pm – 3:00pm
21
October
Parents/Carers invited to ERIC (Everyone reading in class)
2:45pm – 3:15pm
21
October
Celebration Assembly - invite only
All Day
23
October
Half Term
All Day
from 26 Oct until 30 Oct
26
October