Dear Parents/Carers,

This week, on Wednesday, we celebrated 'Thank a Teacher Day'. On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank all of the parents that kindly completed a nomination. The staff were very appreciative of the shout outs shared by parents and they enjoyed some tasty treats to celebrate being such a wonderful team!

In other news, we have been busy preparing Small School's Week which takes place during the w.c 6th July.  At the start of the week, the children will be making some treats for a whole school afternoon tea and on Tuesday, the whole school will be venturing up to the woods for a Forest School morning. On Wednesday, we have our whole school trip to Bekonscot and the week will end with some creative writing linked to the trip. As a polite note, we still have quite alot owing on Arbor for this trip. Without sufficient contributions, the trip may not be able to go ahead. 

As a polite reminder the operating hours of the school office are 8:30am-3:30pm. Please ensure wrap around bookings are made in advance as the system does not allow parents to make bookings within 24 hours of the session starting. It is important to please check your child(ren) are booked on as we have statutory adult-to-child ratios to adhere to.

Also, with the warmer weather, it is important for the children to have a sun hat, large water bottle and sun cream in school every day.

I look forward to seeing those attending Intervillage Sports at Aldbury this evening and the Patronal Festival at the Church on Sunday. The Church service starts at 11am and the BBQ/Fete begins at 12pm onwards. The children have been busy helping me set up the jazzy jar raffle!

Have a good weekend. 

Kind regards,

Mr M. Beach

Headteacher

📩Communication sent out this week

• Free School Meals Updated Guidance

• Chessington Leavers Trip (Year 6)

🗓️Things happening next week:

• Wednesday - Y5/6 Trip to Bletchley Park

Whole school attendance this week: 92%

Overall attendance so far this year: 95%

Well done to Year 1&2 for the highest attendance this week with 97.5%

All absences must be reported to the school either by leaving an absence message (Option 1) or emailing Mrs Redman (Office and Pastoral Manager) via absence@greatgaddesden.herts.sch.uk

For appointments, we ask where possible that these are not during the school day. If this is not avoidable, please kindly share the relevant information for this appointment in order for us to be able to authorise this.

Please note: in line with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education which is reflected in our attendance policy, we are unable to authorise term time holiday. For safeguarding reasons, we must be notified in advance in writing if you plan to take your child out during term time.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance 

From September 2026, the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals (FSM) will be changing. From the start of the new school year, all parents/carers who are in receipt of Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of the amount received.

Applying takes around 5 minutes, and you will need your National Insurance number. Applications can be made using the following link: Free school meals and other benefits | Hertfordshire County Council

There is no requirement for pupils who are already receiving Free School Meals to re-apply (unless your child is in currently in Year 2). Applications for the new school year can be made from 3rd June. We encourage you to apply even if you have previously been told you were not eligible. Not only will your child receive a hot, nutritious meal at lunchtime, but the school could also receive additional funding to support pupils.

If you require any further information or support with your application, please contact the office.

This week, we hear from Year 3&4.

In English, as part of the Literary Tree scheme, the children have been really enjoying our new text called ‘PRIDE: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag.’

This is an award-winning children's picture book written by Rob Sanders and illustrated by Steven Salerno. Published in 2018, the 

biography traces the inspiring life of Harvey Milk and the historical birth of the global symbol of LGBTQ+ equality—the Rainbow Flag.

In our Maths lessons we have been learning about position and direction.  We have described a position using coordinates,  plotted coordinates on a grid and drawn 2D shapes using coordinates.  Our next step will be to translate a shape from one position to another.

In Science, our topic this half term is ‘Animals and Food Chains.’  The children have  been using the vocabulary: producer and consumer to create and draw their own food chains. 

In Geography, we have been learning about ‘The Water Cycle.’  The children have drawn and labelled the different stages and described the process using the words: evaporation, condensation and precipitation. We have learnt how clouds are formed and painted pictures of the different types of cloud.

Also this term, the children have made a great start with their swimming lessons and are really enjoying our weekly trip to the swimming pool!

Year 5 and 6 used a range of tools this week including: potato peelers, mallets, hammers, saws, trowels and forks.  They were all very sensible in using the safety rules for using this kind of equipment and demonstrated some great problem solving skills.  As it was the last Forest School session for Year 6, we also cooked smores on the campfire! 

The first week back, we will be on Week 3 of the Summer Menu.

Outside Achievements

Well done to Ella A who was awarded the 'Best in School' award following the Year 4 Dacorum Young Artists competition!

Well done to all of the children and families who took part in the Bubble Rush charity event last Sunday. Everyone had a fun time whilst also raising money for St Francis' Hospice.

Also well done to Ozzy for being awarded two medals in judo- excellent!

Awards we are working towards

House Points

Are you looking for local activities and SEND services for a child or young person with SEND?

The SEND community activities directory promotes a wide range of local activities and support groups. Some activities will also include discounts for families registered with a Herts Card (SEND).

We will be adding additional activities on a regular basis.

Find fun, inclusive activities your child will love – all in one place!  Explore the SEND community directory

If there are any activities you know of or wish to see promoted through this directory, please email us on: SENDcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk