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 - 1st October 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.
Something Mrs Wainwright has enjoyed this week was speaking to children who had taken one of our rucksacks home. I have heard about stories from the reading rucksacks and seen some amazing artwork completed at home. It is great to see the children so keen to continue their learning at home.
Worship – Our current theme is generosity and this week we have been reflecting on how people who give to others happily and how those who give reluctantly made people feel. It is always better when people chose to be generous.
We also reflected on our Big Question, ‘Do you always have to be generous?’ Sometimes we feel you may not be able to be generous for good reasons.
We have also discussed our attribute, ‘ambition’ sometimes they can be small ambitions and sometimes they can be things you want in the future. Some children wanted to be footballers, gamers and some even wanted to be teachers!
The St Bart’s Way – We will be focussing on our lunchtime expectations for the rest of this half term. Ask your children if they can remember our dinning corridor expectations. British Values – Liberty – this is shown when people chose to be generous.
IMPORTANT – HEADLICE – please take the time this long weekend to check your children’s hair. As in all schools especially at the beginning of a new year they spread quickly and needs everyone to check and treat if needed. We thank you for your support with this.
Headlice - Head Lice are a common problem in school aged children. They can’t be prevented, but regular checking ensures early detection and treatment if necessary. Parents and carers should check their children’s head once a week during hair washing. You need your usual shampoo, conditioner, and a detection comb – ask your local pharmacist to recommend a suitable one. Remember that you are looking for living moving lice, which is the only evidence that your child is infected. If you find a living louse, sellotape it to a piece of light-coloured paper and take it to your local pharmacy (Leeds only) who will advise you and can provide free Hedrin lotion under the Pharmacy First Minor Ailments Scheme. Combs are available from the office.
REMINDERS:
- Training Day - Tomorrow, Friday 2nd October is a training day. Children should not attend school tomorrow. The staff will be in training, learning more about the new writing curriculum and how better to support our children. This is very important as changes come into schools and is one of the key areas of our school improvement plan.
- Data Sheets – if you have not already, please return your data sheets. We need to be sure we have all your up-to-date details. This is important if we need to contact you in the school day and also to make sure you receive our messages and emails.
- Personal Belongings – We do not expect children to bring creams, sun products, deodorants and sanitiser in to school. If you feel your child does need to bring something you must discuss it with a member of senior staff. Medicated creams should be signed in at the office when prescribed by a medical professional. If in any doubt, ask. This also includes toys etc. They can get lost and damaged.
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
LATES - The number of children late every day is not acceptable. The children find it very difficult going in to a class that has already started and it can be hard for them to catch up. It is also very difficult for school to manage; the office staff need to be doing their daily tasks to keep school running and we do not have other staff who have time to take children to class.
Even a few minutes’ impacts on everyone.
We would really appreciate your support with this. Thank you.
Attendance Winners for last week:
- KS1 – Class 3 – 98.3%
- Years 3 & 4 – Class 7 – 98.3%
- Years 5 & 6 – Class 15 – 99.6%
Well done to the best classes:
- EYFS & Years 1 & 2 – Class 6
- Years 3 & 4 – Class 7
- Years 5 & 6 – Class 14
Weekly Round Up
Nursery - This week we have continued our topic of autumn. The children used repeated phrases to retell the story of 'Owl Babies'. The children have used descriptive language to describe autumn items (conker, pine cone, leaf, stick, acorn). In maths we have continued to look at simple patterns and the children had a go at creating their own patterns using interlink cubes, beads and counting bears. In phonics we have learnt two songs 'If you happy and you know it' and 'Mrs Brown has a box' and the children listened to various sounds and guessed what they are. We have also made marks as part of our 'write dance' activity.
Reception – This week in Reception we have begun listening to our new focus story 'The 3 Little Pigs' We have enjoyed building houses for the pigs using a range of different materials. We have enjoyed looking at our own homes on Google Earth and talking about what we can see on our street and on our journey to school. With the weather changing we have found lots of minibeast in our outdoor area. We collected materials to make a home for a worm.
Years 1 & 2 – This week children in Key Stage 1 have been enjoying their PE lessons. Both Year 1 and Year 2 have been working hard at improving their ball skills. Year 1 have been focusing of throwing and catching. They have learned how they need to face their target and about how their legs should be positioned when releasing a ball using an underarm throw. Children in Year 2 have been learning how to control a ball with their feet. They have worked on their dribbling skills and how to control a ball and stop it successfully using the bottom of their foot.
Can we please remind families that children need to wear trainers and tracksuit bottoms or leggings on PE days. Dresses and skirts are unsuitable for PE.
Years 3 & 4 – Year 3 lessons - In English, we have explored different types of glossaries and how they help readers understand unfamiliar vocabulary. We have also examined how subheadings are used to organise information and make texts easier to navigate. In History, we have investigated the significance of the Sutton Hoo discovery, using the artefacts found at the site to learn more about Anglo-Saxon life, culture and beliefs.
Year 4 lessons In History, we have been investigating crime and punishment in Victorian times. We have explored how criminals were punished, the role of the police, and how attitudes towards crime have changed over time.
Armley Mills - Class 10 will be visiting Armley Mills on Thursday 15th October. Thank you to all families who have already made a voluntary contribution via ParentPay. If you are experiencing any difficulties using ParentPay, please speak to the school office. The office can also assist with providing consent for the trip and arranging any voluntary contributions.
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 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 - Lotherton Hall - We are delighted that Years 5 and 6 will be visiting Lotherton Hall during Autumn 2. Letters confirming the dates and further details of the visit will be sent home before the end of the half term.
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.
Secondary School Applications - A reminder that the deadline for applications for secondary school places is 31st October. You can find useful guidance and submit your application using the link below:
Leeds Secondary School Applications
If you have any questions or would like support with the application process, please contact the school and speak to Mr Needham, who will be happy to assist.
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 2nd October 2026 Training Day – No Children in School
- Thursday 15th October 2026 Armley Mills Trip Class 10
- Tuesday 20th October 2026 Parent Consultation 3.40-6.30pm Nursery – Year 2 Meetings
- Tuesday 20th October 2026 Parent Consultations 3.40-5.30pm Years 3-6 Calls
- Thursday 22nd October 2026 Parent Consultations 3.40-6.30pm Years 3-6 Meetings
- Thursday 22nd October 2026 Parent Consultations 3.40-5.30pm Nursery – Year 2 Calls
- Friday 23rd October 2026 School Closes at 3.30pm
- Monday 2nd November 2026 School Opens at 8.30am
- 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
- Monday 3rd May 2027 School Closed May Bank Holiday
- Monday 10th May 2027 SAT’s Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
- Tuesday 11th May 2027 SAT’s Reading
- Wednesday 12th May 2027 SAT’s Arithmetic and Mathematics Reasoning
- Thursday 13th May 2027 SAT’s Mathematics Reasoning
- Friday 28th May 2027 School Closes at 3.30pm
- Monday 7th June 2027 School Opens at 8.30am
- Friday 18th June 2027 Training Day – No Children in School
- Thursday 22nd July 2027 School Closes at 3.30pm