Important Note:
This is a text only webpage that can be used to easily translate important updates for those whose first language is not English.
Weekly Newsletter - 6th November 2026
“Excellent attendance is vital for children to flourish and achieve”
Our Vision relates to the parable of ‘The Lost Sheep’ and we do not want any child or adult to be left behind, we all work together and respect everyone. We believe all our children can flourish and achieve their potential to enable them to succeed in the future.
Welcome back to the second half of the autumn term, six weeks to go until the Christmas break. We hope we have all the children coming to school.
We hope all our families who celebrate Diwali have a lovely time celebrating with their family and friends.
Something Mrs Wainwright has enjoyed this week was teaching in class 7, they tried very hard in music learning how to play the ukuleles.
Worship – Our new theme is Compassion and this week we talked about Remembrance Day and how we need to remember all the people affected by wars, past and present.
Our new attribute is ‘Drive’ a strong motivation to learn and achieve your goals, something we encourage at school all the time.
Fundraising – This year school has decided to have one fundraising event each half term. This term we will be raising funds for Zarach the bed charity, which directly supports many of our families. Our event will be on Friday 4th December when we will be having a pyjama day. Details to follow. Due to this we are not fundraising for children in need this year.
Poppy Workshop in Church – Children from Nursery through to Year 6 have been working hard in the last few weeks to make wreaths to commemorate the service and sacrifice of military personnel, veterans and civilians who have died or suffered in war, conflict and terrorism. The wreaths are on display in St Bartholomew’s Church. The church will be open to parents and families to view their child’s work from 2.30pm-4.30pm on Wednesday 11th November. There will be a craft workshop if your child wishes to make different poppies to add to the display. Refreshments are available too. Please come and be amazed at the beautiful wreaths that the children have designed to commemorate this special day.
Starting Reception September 2027 – If your child is born between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023, then you must apply online for a school place between 1st November 2026 and 15th January 2027. If you require any help completing your online application please contact Mrs Drake at the school office.
Reminders
- Coats – As the weather becomes colder and wetter, please make sure your children bring a coat to school with their name in. Thank you.
- Footwear – Children need sensible footwear for school especially in wet weather, trainers are fine. If children wear wellies to come to school, can they please bring shoes to change in to. Wellies are not suitable for walking round school in all day.
Attendance
We expect all children to be in school every day and on time. 8.30am for Nursery, 12.30pm in the afternoon and by 8.50am for the rest of school. Thank you
Congratulations to our winners from last term’s raffle
The children’s names are drawn randomly and they all win a prize.
Every half term we start again so anyone can have a chance at winning.
On time every day
- Vinnie
- Frantisek
- Zakes
- Ayesha
In all the last week
- Zidaan
- Ivy
- Damian
- Emmanuel
In every Monday and Friday
- Rudi
- Harrison
- Geralt
- Libby
100% attendance
- Sahib
- Ahad
- Gassan
- Gursneha
Remember – You have to be in to win!
Attendance Winners for last week:
- KS1 – Class 6 – 97.7%
- Years 3 & 4 – Class 7 – 99%
- Years 5 & 6 – Class 11 – 100%
Well done to the best classes:
- EYFS & Years 1 & 2 – Class 6
- Years 3 & 4 – Class 7
- Years 5 & 6 – Class 11
Headteachers Awards – Well done to the children who have had a great week in school.
- Class 7 Neveah
- Class 7 Akorede
- Class 7 Maja
- Class 8 Anoushka
- Class 8 Alyshia
- Class 8 Ezra
- Class 9 Emerald
- Class 9 Naomi
- Class 9 Wareesha
- Class 10 Ivy
- Class 10 Mussa
- Class 10 Jackson
Weekly Round Up
Nursery – New half term in Nursery is all about colours. This week we have learnt about a Bonfire Night. We have read Bonfire stories ad learnt about how to be safe during Bonfire Night. We worked together in small groups to make our own fireworks by ripping the paper and sticking it onto a big poster. We painted fireworks using various techniques and used collage to make fireworks. In phonics we have learnt '5 little firemen'. In Maths we have noticed number symbols as labels. The children matched the right amount of objects to the corresponding numbers 1 2 3. Outside we have practiced our gross motor skills. The children had a go walking on stilts and played balls and bats with their friends.
Reception –This week in Reception we have been learning all about Diwali, the festival of light. We listened to Diwali stories and have talked about how Sikh's and Hindu's celebrate around the world. Mrs Panasar brought in some Sari's from home and the children and adults really enjoyed trying them on and exploring the material. We have also decorated Diya lamps using glue and glitter. In Maths we have been continuing and creating repeating patterns. We have worked with our partners to spot the rule of the pattern and notice any mistakes.
Years 1 & 2 – Welcome back to a new half term. We have lots of exciting things planned in the lead up to Christmas. In Year 1 the children really enjoyed their Diwali day on Friday. It was fantastic seeing so many children wear outfits from a wide range of cultures. Children learned about the festival of Diwali and decorated their own Diya Lamps. Thank you to Mrs Sagoo and Miss Riyat for sharing their knowledge of this festival and bringing in special objects to show the children. In Year 2 the children have been continuing their topic of Castles, Kings and Queens in preparation for their visit to Skipton Castle next week - Class 5 on Monday and Class 6 on Tuesday. The children are really excited about the visit which will deepen their understanding of what life was like in a castle.
Years 3 & 4 –Year 3 lessons -In Year 3, we have been thoroughly enjoying our PE lessons this half term. We have been developing our tennis skills with the support of a specialist coach and have also enjoyed expressing ourselves through dance. In DT, we have begun exploring the design and construction of photo frames and are excited to develop our ideas further.
Year 4 lessons - In Year 4, we have started learning about light boxes and have been researching the work of inventor Thomas Edison. In Maths, we have been working hard to improve our recall of the 3, 6 and 9 times tables. In English, we have been learning about informal language and how it can be used effectively in different contexts.
Website - To keep up to date with the exciting learning and experiences taking place in Years 3 and 4, please click on the links below to view our latest news and blog posts:
These pages are regularly updated with information about classroom learning, educational visits, special events, and pupil achievements.
Homework - This year, we will be continue using technology to support homework.
Children are expected to:
- Complete 21 minutes on Times Tables Rock Stars each week.
- Complete their spelling task on Oxford Owl.
- Read their school reading book every night.
Most families will have access to a device that can be used to complete these tasks. If you experience any difficulties accessing the online platforms, please contact Mr Needham, or pass on a message to the member of staff on duty during morning drop off. Children who are currently in a phonics group will receive a paper-based homework sheet instead.
Homework will be set on Monday and should be completed by Friday each week. Login details for the online platforms will be provided during the first few weeks of term.
Children who consistently complete their homework will be rewarded with an additional break to towards the end of each half term.
Years 5 & 6 –Lessons - We have been recapping our learning about a range of Jewish festivals and deepening our understanding of their significance. In English, we have begun writing non-chronological reports about events from World War II, applying our research skills and developing our use of formal, informative language.
Lotherton Hall - A huge well done to Classes 14 and 15 for their excellent behaviour and positive attitude during their visits to Lotherton Hall. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were fantastic ambassadors for our school. Classes 11, 12 and 13 will attend on the following dates:
- Monday 23rd November: Class 12
- Thursday 26th November: Class 13
- Friday 4th December: Class 11
These visits provide an exciting opportunity to support and enhance learning beyond the classroom.
We kindly ask for a voluntary contribution of £5.00 per child towards the cost of the trip. Contributions can be made via ParentPay. Whilst no child will be excluded from taking part due to an inability to contribute, please note that the visit may not be financially viable if insufficient voluntary contributions are not received.
A sincere thank you to all families who have already made a contribution. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.
Please use ParentPay to provide consent for your child to attend the trip and to make payment. If you have not yet set up your ParentPay account, login details can be provided. Should you experience any difficulties, please contact Mr Needham or Mrs Busby in the school office, who will be happy to help.
Website - To keep up to date with the exciting learning and experiences taking place in Years 5 and 6, please click on the links below to view our latest news and blog posts:
These pages are regularly updated with information about classroom learning, educational visits, special events, and pupil achievements.
Homework - Children are expected to read their reading book at home every evening.
Each week, children will be set homework on Emile (Grammar, Punctuation and Maths) and Oxford Owl (Spelling). Homework will be set on Monday and must be completed by the following Monday.
A Homework Club will run every Tuesday lunchtime for pupils in Years 5 and 6, providing an opportunity to complete homework during the school day.
Children who complete all of their homework will be rewarded with either an extended morning break or an extended lunchtime on Friday.
Year 6 SATs Week - Year 6 SATs week will begin on Monday 10 May 2027. It is vital that all Year 6 pupils attend school throughout the week, as the tests are set nationally and must be completed on the specified dates.
The timetable for the week is as follows:
- Monday 10 May: Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
- Tuesday 11 May: Reading
- Wednesday 12 May: Arithmetic and Mathematics Reasoning
- Thursday 13 May: Mathematics Reasoning
We would appreciate your support in ensuring that Year 6 children arrive at school on time each day and avoid making any appointments during SATs week wherever possible.
School Dates 2026 -2027:
- Friday 27th November 2026 Training Day – No Children in School
- Friday 11th December 2026 Training Day – No Children in School
- Friday 18th December 2026 School Closes at 3.30pm
- Monday 4th January 2027 School Opens at 8.30am
- Friday 5th February 2027 Training Day – No Children in School
- Friday 12th February 2027 School Closes at 3.30pm
- Monday 22nd February 2027 School Opens at 8.30am
- Friday 26th March 2027 School Closed Good Friday Bank Holiday
- Monday 29th March 2027 School Closed Easter Monday Bank Holiday
- Friday 2nd April 2027 School Closes at 3.30pm
- Monday 19th April 2027 School Opens at 8.30am