Dear Parents/Carers,

Thankfully it has felt much cooler this week. On Monday, we introduced Health and Fitness week and enjoyed doing a whole school Activate with Jo Wicks fitness challenge.  During the assembly and throughout the week, discussions have taken place about different types of health, how we look after our mental and physical health and how being active supports both of these. Miss Bonney kindly set challenges for each class to complete daily and also kindly made some home challenges for the children to complete. 

On Tuesday, we had representatives from Berkhamsted Library visit to talk about the Summer Reading Challenge 2026. This years theme is 'Read to the Beat' and they also shared there are some very fun activities happening at the Library over the summer so well worth a visit over the Summer holidays.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Sports Afternoon today. It was a lovely afternoon with beautiful weather. A huge thank you to the staff for all of their support in running the event, to FOGGS for the ice lollies and the Friends of the Church for providing the gazebos for the children to use for shade. Thank you also to the Kelly family for preparing the Penfold for the afternoon.

Next week is another busy week with Small School's Week taking place and we have lots of fun activities planned including a Whole School Forest School up at the Woods on Tuesday to the trip to Bekonscot on Wednesday. Please ensure your child is in school on time on Wednesday as we will be setting off promptly.  Following the success last year, at the end next week on Friday, we have the FOGGS Summer Party (see flyer further down in the newsletter). Tickets can be purchased on Arbor and must be booked please by Wednesday  8th July. 

Have a lovely weekend. 

Kind regards,

Mr M. Beach

Headteacher

📩Communication sent out this week

• Singing club end of term party

• Secondary School Open Events

🗓️Things happening next week:

w.c 6th July Small School's Week

• Tuesday- Whole School Forest School AM (please ensure your child has Forest School clothes to change into)

• Wednesday- Whole School Trip to Bekonscot & No Cheerleading club

• Thursday- Transition morning (children will spend time in their new classes for September) & PM KS2 out Swimming & Gymnastics

• Friday- FOGGS Summer Party (4:30pm finish time - please purchase tickets via Arbor by Wednesday 8th July)

Whole school attendance this week: 92%

Overall attendance so far this year: 95%

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 5&6.

In English this term, we have been studying the moving diary of Anne Frank. Inspired by this book, Year 5 and 6 have written extended newspaper reports describing the finding of the diary and its lasting legacy.

Continuing with our theme of World War II, we have been exploring different watercolour techniques and used these skills to recreate the work of Michael Foreman and his Dunkirk Evacuation paintings.

A highlight to our extended theme on World War II was our trip to Bletchley Park. The children were given the opportunity to explore the famous huts where the codebreakers, including Alan Turing,  conducted their important work. They were even given the opportunity to use one of the famous Enigma machines! 

In Science we have continued our exploration of life cycles and reproduction. We have studied the life cycle of mammals, insects and birds. The children have produced some lovely posters. We also dissected some chicken eggs to explore the ways in which a fertilized egg would develop. 

In Computing we have been using Scratch to code our own games. The children have looked at variables and written codes to create games which involve catching falling objects to earn points. They have thoroughly enjoyed this, and have themed their games and designs with some great ideas. 

Please see details above to order a copy of your child's art work including a whole school tea towel.

Please see above details for the upcoming Summer Party. This has been added to Arbor and can be paid via the Parent Portal.

Next week, we are on Week 3 of the Summer Menu.

Please note: 

On Wednesday, school lunches/cold option will be provided for those who have preordered a lunch for the trip. If you have not prebooked a lunch, please provide a packed lunch for your chid. 

Outside Achievements

Well done to Fox for being awarded player of the week and winning a trophy 

 Rían attended the NGA (National Gymnastics Association) finals in Liverpool over the weekend. He received a gold medal for his floor routine and silver overall!

The lead up to the NGA - Rían needed to compete in 3 separate competitions to qualify for the finals and he collected medals at each of these events - a total of 12 including the medals from the final.

Awards we are working towards

House Points