Issue 8 - Newsletter - Monday 19th January 2026

srichards82
Jan 19
5 min read

Spring 2026 - Issue 8

Dear Parents, Carers and Families,

We are delighted to welcome everyone back for the start of the spring term 2026. The pupils have returned with fantastic attitudes - full of enthusiasm, curiosity, and readiness to learn. It has been wonderful to see classrooms buzzing with positive energy and a real eagerness to get stuck into new challenges.

As always, learning and progress remain key priorities for us this term. Teachers have planned engaging lessons and enriching experiences to ensure every pupil continues to grow, achieve, and feel proud of their accomplishments. Trips to Carding Mill Valley, Cadbury World and celebration days including World Book Day are just a few of these. We will be closely supporting learners at every stage to help them reach their full potential.

We are also pleased to welcome two new members of staff who have joined our team this term; Mrs Gilmore as Assistant Headteacher and Mrs Walker as a teacher in Year 6. They bring a wealth of experience, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to providing the very best for our pupils. We are excited to be working with them and look forward to the positive impact they will have across the school community.

This week also saw the return of our extracurricular clubs which have already proved popular. From creative activities to active sports, it’s wonderful to see pupils exploring their interests, trying new things, and enjoying time with friends beyond the classroom. There are still spaces in some of our clubs so please get in touch if your children would like a space.

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Richards

Headteacher

Attendance Matters

Although it has been a difficult start to the year with snow and illnesses causing difficulties, I would like to thank all our families for continuing to send their children into school each day. Attendance this week has been above the national average every day which is having a positive impact on learning. Please remember that every day counts and it is vital that regular attendance is extremely important.

Starting the day promptly is also a high priority as learning begins as soon as our gates open at 8.35 with morning work, reading and personal development such as socialising and talking to staff and peers.

Just a reminder that registers do close at 8.50am. Pupils arriving after this time are late to school.

Whole School Attendance	94.1%
Year 3 Attendance	93.2%
Year 4 Attendance	94.8%
Year 5 Attendance	93.7%
Year 6 Attendance	94.8%

Upcoming Events

Dress to Express Day

Friday 13th February

We would like to invite pupils to come to school 'Dressed to Express' as part of Children's Mental Health Week. During the week, pupils will be taking part in activities which will encourage them to think about their own and other peoples mental health. Pupils can come to school dress in a way that expresses who they are, reflecting their feelings, favourite colours or unique selves.

World Book Day

Thursday 5th March

As part of our celebrations on this day, our Reading Ambassadors would like to invite pupils to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.

They are busy writing their own letter to send out with more information.

The Book Fair will also be in school on March 2nd and 3rd.

Parents Evening

Wednesday 18th March - 3.20pm - 5.30pm

Thursday 19th March - 4pm - 6.30pm

This term we are extending the times of our parents evening in order to support as many families as we possibly can.

Booking for these meetings will be done through Arbor and will be released closer to the date. Please contact the school office if you have not yet been able to log on.

Science Day

Thursday 12th March

Dress up as a scientist or as a person from a science profession for the day! Pupils will be taking part in a Science Fair to celebrate Science Week.

Y3 Mothers Day Celebrations

Friday 13th March

Red Nose Day

Friday 20th March

Pupils will be invited to wear something red to school to raise money and awareness of this important cause.

Inspiring our Learners

Pupils in Year 4 and Year 6 were wowed last week with some stunning starts to their writing units. Their imaginations have been sparked and we can't wait to read their writing by the end of the units. Take a look at these blog posts to find out more.

https://www.tgjs.org.uk/post/a-mysterious-crime-scene-sparks-imaginative-writing-in-year-4

https://www.tgjs.org.uk/post/year-6-step-into-the-nowhere-emporium

National Year of Reading 2026

In 2026, the country is focusing on reading and on the simplest way to help children enjoy it—linking books to the things they already love. Whether it’s dinosaurs, dancing, comics, or cooking, kids’ interests can make stories feel easy, enjoyable, and engaging.

For families, the National Year of Reading brings extra guidance, fresh ideas, and more chances to fit reading into everyday life, no matter how old their child is or how busy their schedule might be.

To find out more, click on the following link https://goallin.org.uk/get-involved/families/

Mrs Tromans and our Reading Ambassadors are busy planning lots of exciting reading opportunities for the year including World Book Day which will be taking place on Thursday 5th March. Watch this space for more information.

School Uniform

Although we have only been back in school for a short time this term, we already have a lot of lost property in school. Please can we ask that you name all items of clothing so that we are able to return uniform to children at the end of each day. We know how expensive uniform can be and we would really like to return it to their rightful owners.

A polite reminder that our PE uniform includes plain black joggers without logos or patterns please.

The following links take you to online shops should you need them.

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/321162017

https://direct.asda.com/george/kids/joggers/black-cuffed-joggers-3-pack/GEM1262277-23534,default,pd.html