Newsletters

Dear Parents and Carers

It has been a real pleasure to welcome the children back to school this week after the half-term break. We return feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, particularly following our successful inspection, which was a wonderful affirmation of the hard work and shared commitment of our whole school community.

As we begin this new half-term, we also enter the season of Lent, a time of reflection, generosity, and spiritual growth. As a school, this is an important opportunity not only to reflect on our own faith, but also to celebrate the commonalities that unite different faith traditions. This has been beautifully encapsulated through recent visits to the Gurdwara and the Synagogue, which provided the children with meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect, and recognise the shared core values that underpin all faiths: kindness, respect, compassion, and community.

Sport in the Sunshine

Our busy Sports Department was certainly relieved to finally see the sun shining this week! It has been wonderful to have fixtures underway again, with Years 4, 5 and 6 all enjoying an action-packed programme of matches. The enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship on display have been a joy to see.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Early Years

Although Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse were celebrated over the half-term break, it was lovely to see our Early Years Department mark the occasion with a special Chinese New Year Celebration Day this week.

A heartfelt thank you to Jinny and Alice’s mum for taking the time to come into school and talk to the children — their visit truly enriched the children’s learning and brought the celebrations to life.

Looking Ahead… Book Week!

Next week is one of my favourite weeks of the school year – Book Week!

I am very much looking forward to hosting my annual BBC (Breakfast Book Club) with the children on World Book Day, Wednesday 5th March. What better way to start the day than with a riveting book and a moreish pastry?

We have an exciting array of activities planned, including webinars with authors such as Liz Pichon, Philip Reeve, and others. Mrs Kimberley will also be hosting a Book Quiz, alongside many more events and surprises throughout the week.

As you know, I truly believe that reading opens many doors for our children as they navigate their way through primary and secondary education. Reading is the foundation for future success, nurturing imagination, confidence, and curiosity.

Did you know that reading for just 20 minutes a day exposes children to 1.8 million words per year? This regular habit expands vocabulary, boosts brain development, improves empathy by helping children understand different perspectives, reduces stress, and strengthens focus in our fast-paced world. Quite simply, reading builds lifelong cognitive, educational, and social advantages.