Dear Parents/Carers,

On Wednesday, the whole school went on a double-decker coach to the Panto at the Grove Theatre, Dunstable! We had excellent seats near the front and the children (and staff) definitely enjoyed that I was 'picked on' by the Panto Dame 'Mrs Sweet' ! This year, the story was 'The all new Adventures of Peter Pan' and had some very catchy songs, lots of fun and energy.  Next year is 'Snow White' and we look forward to returning again this time next year.  A big thank you to FOGGS for funding the coach again this year and supporting us to make this special treat happen.

In other news this week, the staff have been looking ahead to the Spring term and you will receive a Curriculum Overview for your child's class next week which will highlight key learning over the Spring Term. We are also planning some more trips for the children to attend in the new year and will write to you in the Spring term about the trips planned. 

Next week we have lots of events taking place. Please ensure to check the dates below and we look forward to you joining us for these services and events. 

Have a good weekend.

With best wishes,

Mr M. Beach

Headteacher

Whole school attendance this week: 95%

Overall attendance so far this year: 95%

Weekly class attendance award: Well done to Year 1/2 for the highest class attendance this week!

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

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.

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

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Applications (including those for siblings) must be made online at  www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions  by 15th January.

As a Voluntary Aided School, we manage our own determined admissions arrangements. Therefore, you will also need to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) which is available on our website here or from the school office. This must please be returned to the school office by 15th January.

As this busy term draws to a close, I’d like to share what the Governing Board has been working on. Earlier this month, we held our full board meeting where Mr Beach presented a detailed report on the Autumn term, covering attendance and performance data, school events, and ongoing improvement initiatives. Our Governors work closely with Mr Beach on strategic matters to ensure high standards and continued progress, supporting the school in moving forward positively. We are hugely appreciative of the hard work and dedication shown by Mr Beach and all the school's staff, whose commitment underpins everything the school achieves.

Governors have also been visiting the school to see learning in action. These visits focused on SEND provision,  safeguarding, and the Maths and English curriculum. During these days, governors met leaders, looked at pupils’ work, and spoke with children about their experiences. As always, the children were delightful, confident, and enthusiastic about their learning. A highlight was when pupils asked where our “HQ” was – making us feel a little like superheroes!

Looking ahead, next term our priority will be preparing for the next Ofsted inspection, expected before the summer. On behalf of the Governing Board, I’d like to thank all staff and parents for their continued support and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sarah Pugh

Chair of Governors

This week, in Collective Worship, we listened to the story of Paul who travelled to Rome on a ship. We explored how God brought Paul courage and hope to continue when everyone felt worried and hopeless.  

Our Big Question of the week was: How can we be hopeful when we may feel hopeless?

"Keep your courage, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me." Acts 27:25

"All were brought safely to land".     Acts 27:44

"Paul's ship fell apart, but God's plan carried him."    Acts 27-28

🗓️Events taking place at St John the Baptist Church over Christmas:

• 14th December Christmas Carol Service @5pm

• 21st December Parish Communion @11am

• 24th December - Crib Service @3pm

(Midnight Mass will take place at Little Gaddesden)

• 24th December - Crib Service @3pm

• 25th December Family Communion @11am

Awards we are working towards

House Points

Rotary Shoebox Appeal

Please return any shoeboxes for the Rotary Shoebox Appeal to the School Office by or on the 15th Dec

Thank you 

Piano Tuition 

Mrs Seodi has two vacancies for Piano Tuition. The sessions take place during the school day on a Thursday and Friday morning. If you are interested in finding out more or booking your child onto lessons, please email Mrs Seodi directly. 

 📨ruthseodi@aol.com