Welcome Back!
Happy New Year to all our families! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with love and special moments. It’s wonderful to see everyone back and ready for an exciting term ahead. This newsletter includes a few reminders as we start the new year, as well as updates on what’s coming up.
Census: Next Thursday is our census day. If your child is in reception, Year 1 and 2 – please order a hot dinner (they are free) even if your child still brings in a packed lunch as part of our funding is decided based on the uptake of these dinners.
Our New Logo
We are thrilled to share our brand-new school logo with you!
Welcome Back Assembly
We started the term on Tuesday with a special assembly led by myself. Together, we revisited our school values: Believe and Work Hard.
We explored Growth Mindset and looked at the Learning Pit, helping children understand that when they feel stuck, that’s when real learning happens! Teachers are always here to support, but we encourage children to embrace mistakes and challenges as they are stepping stones to success.
Attendance Matters
Attendance is vital for your child’s success. All children should aim for 96%+ attendance and arrive on time. Learning starts promptly at 08:45, so please arrive between 08:30–08:40.
Here are 5 reasons why attendance matters:
- Everyday counts - missing lessons means missing learning.
- Good attendance builds strong routines and confidence.
- Being on time avoids disruption and helps children settle.
- Regular attendance supports friendships and social skills.
- Children who attend regularly achieve better outcomes.
We have robust procedures for lateness and non-attendance because we take this seriously and will follow up whenever necessary.
Special Visitors – People who help us
Children in Reception & The Nest had an exciting visit from a paramedic and a police officer on Wednesday. They loved exploring the ambulance, listening to the sirens and trying on lots of police uniform. The children learnt so much about how these everyday heroes help keep us safe and everyone went home with a pencil and an activity pack!
Online Safety
Before Christmas, we noticed more children feeling tired from late-night device use and an increase in unsafe or unkind online behaviour. If Father Christmas brought an electronic device, please make sure parental controls are in place and screen time is kept sensible.
A great tip: swap a screen for a book whenever you can! Reading together is not only enjoyable but boosts language, imagination, and wellbeing - and children are never too old to share a story.
Year 3 Oxford Trip
The new term started with a bang for our Year 3 children as they set off on the first day back to the History museum in Oxford. This trip complemented their science and history learning brilliantly and a great day out was had by all.
Uniform Reminder
Our uniform policy is simple:
- No ‘jazzy’ footwear
- Plain polishable shoes or small boots
- Plain white or black trainers
Please refer to the full uniform policy if unsure.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited about the trips, visitors and learning opportunities coming up this term! Remember, our doors are always open - if you need to talk, please reach out. We understand that family circumstances can change and our pastoral team is here to support both children and families.
Have a lovely weekend and we look forward to seeing you on Monday!
Ms Pennington