September 22nd 2025

Welcome to 2025/26!

A very warm welcome to all our new children in reception and other year groups, and all our new staff. Everyone is settling in so well, and it's like they have always been here!
The 'colour run' on Saturday was great fun, thank you FoCS. I'm sure there were some very busy washing machines afterwards, but the children's happy faces make all that worthwhile.
Most classes have already held parents' lessons. These are just a taster of life in a busy classroom - even busier with all the adults around. Most children love having you there, but please be aware that they may behave differently because you're sat with them. Children who are normally very independent are quite happy for you to do things for them just because you will!
We've had lots of work done in school over the holidays. The main corridor and old book area have been completely revamped with new furniture, a huge mural, and new seating areas. It's not quite complete yet, but already looks great.

The new climbing equipment outside Year 1 is fantastic, and the children are loving playing on it. Thank you FoCs!

Also thanks to FoCS we have new all weather surfacing outside reception.

We have brand new boilers which will hopefully be more efficient and will keep us all toasty over the winter.

We have a really big school site and keeping it up to date all the time is a mammoth task!

With the link to this newsletter you'll recieve a calendar with all the main school events marked on it. As always, these are provisional and we may have to change some. We do our very best to avoid this.
Please note that there is now an extra INSET day on the calendar that is a Danes Educational Trust day. We have put this on the Friday before the May half term holiday. If you are looking to go away that week you may be able to get a better deal travelling on the Friday.
We haven't had our usual strong start on attendance. There has been a stomach bug going round (I know - I had it!), but there are too many children having days out. We do look for patterns in attendance (Mondays and Fridays!). If your child is going to be out for a medical appointment, please send/show us a copy of letters/messages confirming these times.
The Book Fair is coming! Thursday 25th Sept until Tuesday 30th Sept, straight after school in the dining room (use the main front door). There will a lovely selection of books as always.

Rachel Semark

Headteacher, on behalf of the Cranbourne team

Reminders

School starts at 8:45. That's when children need to be in their classroom, not arriving through the school gates. Arrival between 8:45 and 9:00 is classed as late. Any arrival after 9:00 counts as being absent for the morning and will be unauthorised unless it's for an agreed appointment.
We will be moving to winter uniform on October 6th. This means ties for any child (girls and boys) who is wearing a shirt that buttons to the neck. Ties are not optional, they are part of our uniform.
Children should not be bringing toys into school. Any "fidget toys" should only be in agreement with the SENCO or other senior staff.
No jewellery should be worn in school. Earrings are not permitted.

Upcoming events

Coming very soon: Meet the Teacher 29th Sept and 2nd Oct. Have you booked your slot? These are short meetings about how well your child is settling into their new class.

You've been sent a separate letter with all the dates we've already set. These will soon be posted on our website calendar.

School calendar

Let's celebrate!

Today (22nd Sept) is the Autumn Equinox, when day and night are the same length.

This week is Rosh Hashanah - the celebration of the Jewish New Year.

Next week is Yom Kippur, an important day of reflection for those in the Jewish faith.

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The Cranbourne Primary School, Bridleway North, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 9PP

Tel: 01992 416220 Email: admin@cranbourne.herts.sch.uk