Dear Parents/Carers,

This week has been a busy week as we marked Anti-Bullying Week, took part in our annual act of Remembrance and also today took part in World Diabetes Day.  This week enabled us to think about and be respectful of everyone's differences, challenges, achievements and contributions. At the heart of all of these important events enabled us to think deeply and have plenty of opportunties to live out our three be's this week. If you are new to our school, our 3Be's help guide us all to live out our mission statement 'Treat others exactly as you would like to be treated' Luke 6:31

Our 3B's are:

1. Be kind and empathetic 

2. Be observant and thoughtful

3. Be flexible and reflective

I enjoyed visiting every classroom this week and seeing the children engaged and working hard in lessons. The behaviours for learning observed were excellent and it is clear how settled and engaged the children are at our school. I have continued to show prospective parents around the school looking for a Reception place in September 2026 and the calmness around the school is often mentioned by visitors. 

A polite note from the office: please only book wrap around sessions your child plans to attend. We have had an increase in late bookings and cancellations and whilst we appreciate occasional cancellations and last minute bookings are sometimes necessary, please where possible, ensure as much notice is given for cancellations. As you will be aware, parents can book their child on to wrap around sessions via Arbor up to 24 hours before hand. 

Have a good weekend.

With best wishes,

Mr M. Beach

Headteacher

Whole school attendance this week: 94.5%

Overall attendance so far this year: 95%

Every day counts! All classes begin learning activities as soon as the children arrive at 8:40am. 

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.

Year 5 and 6 had a ‘Remembrance’ theme for their Forest School this week.  Mrs D began the lesson by giving each child the name of one of the soldiers listed on the Great Gaddesden war memorial.  The children then had the opportunity to paint a pebble in memory of their soldier.  We also made poppies using twigs and wool in different colours to represent the people and animals who were injured or lost their lives in war.

Donations Needed!

It’s that time of year again! We’re preparing for our annual Christmas Raffle and would love your support.

📅 Donation Day:

Please bring any donations to school on *Friday 28th November* at *drop-off or pick-up.*

🎁 We’re looking for:

• Biscuits

• ⁠Cakes

• ⁠Chocolates

• ⁠Sweets

• ⁠Festive savoury snacks

• ⁠Bottles of alcohol

• ⁠Nice bottles of non-alcoholic drinks

• ⁠Any tasty treats you love to enjoy over the festive season!

💝 Prize Donations:

If you’re a business owner - or know someone who is - we’d be so grateful for prize donations such as:

• Gift vouchers

• ⁠Day out vouchers

• ⁠Spa treats

• ⁠Hampers or other special goodies

🎁 Baskets/boxes/Xmas gift bag donations also very welcome

All donations will go towards creating wonderful raffle prizes to help raise funds for our children

Thank you for your generosity and continued support!

From the FOGGS Team

Today, the children wore blue for World Diabetes Day. 

Did you know that 4.3 million people are living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK?

Are you worried that you, your child or someone you know may have diabetes? Having some diabetes symptoms doesn’t mean you definitely have the condition, but you should always contact your GP, just to make sure.

Diabetes symptoms

• Toilet - going to the toilet a lot, especially at night.

• Thirsty - being really thirsty.

• Tired - feeling more tired than usual.

• Thinner - losing weight without trying to.

• Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.

• Blurred eyesight

• Increased hunger.

These symptoms can affect anyone - adult or child. But some are more commonly experienced by people with type 1 diabetes, and can come on really quickly. 

We call these the 4Ts - find out more about the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

What are the most common symptoms of diabetes?

You may experience other diabetes symptoms and the symptoms you have may not exactly match that of another person and may not be on the list above. However, the most common symptoms experienced by many people with diabetes are increased thirst, going for a wee a lot, feeling tired and losing weight.

To find out more please click the following link: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes 

House Points