Friday 12 September 2025

It has been wonderful to see so many parents and carers attending the Meet the Teacher meetings this week – we hope you found them helpful in giving a clearer picture of what to expect this year. Thank you also to those who came along to the Meet the Headteacher presentations yesterday. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to share key information and to hear your thoughts, and I hope you found the session both useful and informative. We are really looking forward to continuing to build our partnership with all parents and carers as the year progresses. For those of you who were unable to attend, please find a copy of the slide deck here

This has been our first full week back at school, and it has been fantastic to see the pupils settling so well into their learning and routines. We began the week with an assembly on resilience, which is our value and theme for this half term. Together, we thought about what it means to be resilient both in our learning and in our daily lives, and how we can approach challenges and setbacks with a positive mindset as we begin this new academic year.

I also had a very productive meeting with the PTA this morning, and I am excited about the plans we are shaping for the months ahead.

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend, and I look forward to seeing everyone again on Monday.

Mr. Wanford

Interim Headteacher

Upcoming dates

Friday 26 September

European Day of Languages

11.30am - YR parent/carers to join their children for lunch

Monday 29 September

2.30pm - Phonics talk to parents carers in YR/KS1

Wednesday 01 October

9.15am - YR/Y6 buddy assembly for Hedgehogs (YR parents invited)

Thursday 02 October

9.15am - YR/Y6 buddy assembly for Rabbits (YR parents invited)

Friday 10 October

World Mental Health Day - pupils wear yellow

Wednesday 15 October

PTA Halloween Discos

Thursday 16 October

9.15am - Y1 Harvest Festival performance

1.45pm - YR 2026 Prospective Parent/Carer presentation and tour

Tuesday 21 October

3.30-6.30pm - Parents Evening

Wednesday 22 October

3.30-7.00pm - Parents Evening

Friday 24 October

Flu Vaccines 8.30am- 12pm

Pupils break for half-term

Attendance

Attendance has had a positive start—well done!

Congratulations to Ducks and Kingfishers for achieving 100% attendance—a fantastic achievement!

At Danes Educational Trust, we believe that regular attendance is vital to support high-quality teaching and learning. Learners cannot reach their full potential unless they attend school consistently.

Reception | Hedgehogs

Weekly attendance: 93.8%

Attendance YTD: 94.5%

Reception | Rabbits

Weekly attendance: 96.2%

Attendance YTD: 95.3%

Year 1 | Deers

Weekly attendance: 98.9%

Attendance YTD: 98.1%

Year 1 | Foxes

Weekly attendance: 97.0%

Attendance YTD: 96.4%

Year 2 | Puffins

Weekly attendance: 99.2%

Attendance YTD: 97.3%

Year 2 | Owls

Weekly attendance: 97.8%

Attendance YTD: 91.8%

Year 3 | Swans

Weekly attendance: 93.3%

Attendance YTD: 92.6%

Year 3 | Ducks

Weekly attendance: 100%

Attendance YTD: 95.4%

Year 4 | Woodpeckers

Weekly attendance: 89.3%

Attendance YTD: 87.8%

Year 4 | Kingfishers

Weekly attendance: 100%

Attendance YTD: 98.9%

Year 5 | Pine Marten

Weekly attendance: 95.2%

Attendance YTD: 93.1%

Year 5 | Otters

Weekly attendance: 99.1%

Attendance YTD: 97.4%

Year 6 | Eagles

Weekly attendance: 95.9%

Attendance YTD: 95.6%

Year 6 | Wildcats

Weekly attendance: 97.4%

Attendance YTD: 96.1%

Awards and celebrations

A big well done to all the children who received awards this week! Your hard work, kindness, and positive attitude have truly shone through. Keep it up—we’re so proud of you all!

Reception | Hedgehogs

Values awards: Kodi

Star Learner: Isabella

Reception | Rabbits

Values awards: Maelie

Star Learner: Damian

Year 1 | Deers

Values awards: Connie

Star Learner: Bridget-Chantelle

Year 1 | Foxes

Values awards: Jax

Star Learner: Emilia

Year 2 | Puffins

Values awards: Pippa

Star Learner: Brandon

Year 2 | Owls

Values awards: Jaber

Star Learner: Josie-Mae

Year 3 | Ducks

Values awards: Hudson

Star Learner: Alexis

Timestables champions: Denis

Year 3 | Swans

Values awards: Emily

Star Learner: Sebastian

Timestables champions: Greta

Year 4 | Woodpeckers

Values awards: Max

Star Learner: James

Timestables champions: Ross

Year 4 | Kingfishers

Values awards: Melissa

Star Learner: Shreya

Timestables champions: Shreya

Year 5 | Pine Martens

Values awards: Aaron

Star Learner: Cara

Timestables champions: Luca

Year 5 | Otters

Values awards: Ted

Star Learner: Martin

Timestables champions: James

Year 6 | Eagles

Values awards: Thierry

Star Learner: Lily

Timestables champions: Paris

Year 6 | Wildcats

Values awards: Amy

Star Learner: Sam

Timestables champions: Bailee

House points

Jupiter

Points this week: 110

Total points this term: 110

Mars

Points this week: 74

Total points this term: 74

Venus

Points this week: 71

Total points this term: 71

Mercury

Points this week: 92

Total points this term: 92

Learning this week

Rec Meet the Teacher meeting.pdf

This week in Reception

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Meet the Teacher meetings this week. It was lovely to see so many of you. We are attaching the slides for each year group for all parents to access at home. These contain all information for your child's year group.

Please remember that your child’s teacher is your first point of contact for any concerns or messages. A quick message can be passed on in the morning, or teachers will be available at collection for a quick chat. Further meetings can be arranged as necessary.

Many thanks

This week in Reception we have been learning each others’ names and learning how to play together. We have been finding out about areas of the classroom and trying hard to keep them tidy and well organised. The children have enjoyed learning the story of ‘The Three Little Pigs’ and we have created a story map for this.

Year 1 Meet the Teacher meeting -.pdf

This week in Year 1

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Meet the Teacher meetings this week. It was lovely to see so many of you. We are attaching the slides for each year group for all parents to access at home. These contain all information for your child's year group.

Please remember that your child’s teacher is your first point of contact for any concerns or messages. A quick message can be passed on in the morning, or teachers will be available at collection for a quick chat. Further meetings can be arranged as necessary.

Many thanks

This week in Year One we have practiced our sentence writing using capital letters, full stops and have thought carefully about adjectives we could use. In Geography we started talking about the different weather we experience in England. To show our learning we each drew a picture of a different weather and thought about what we could see or do whilst experiencing that weather. During computing we have investigated what technology actually is, we discovered that technology is anything that people have made to help us.

Year 2 Meet the Teacher meeting.pdf

This week in Year 2

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Meet the Teacher meetings this week. It was lovely to see so many of you. We are attaching the slides for each year group for all parents to access at home. These contain all information for your child's year group.

Please remember that your child’s teacher is your first point of contact for any concerns or messages. A quick message can be passed on in the morning, or teachers will be available at collection for a quick chat. Further meetings can be arranged as necessary.

Many thanks

This week in Year Two the children have impressed us with their learning. In Maths, we have been looking at partitioning. This is a challenging skill but the children have worked extremely hard to partition into tens and ones. In Literacy, the children have been focusing on what makes a fantastic sentence. The children have been working hard to create silly sentences with capital letters and full stops.

The new drop off arrangements are working well for our children and it is allowing for lots of positive communications. Can we please ask that once your child has entered the classroom, that you walk away from their eyesight. This will help all of the children settle into school quickly.

Year 3 Meet the Teacher meeting.pdf

This week in Year 3

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Meet the Teacher meetings this week. It was lovely to see so many of you. We are attaching the slides for each year group for all parents to access at home. These contain all information for your child's year group.

Please remember that your child’s teacher is your first point of contact for any concerns or messages. A quick message can be passed on in the morning, or teachers will be available at collection for a quick chat. Further meetings can be arranged as necessary.

Many thanks

This week in Year Three we spent some time reminding ourselves of class expectations. The children have settled well and have impressed us with their resilience this week. In maths we have looked at place value with numbers up to 1000. In Literacy we have been reminding ourselves of sentence non negotiables and developing the use of adverbs. In PE we had some fun learning to throw and catch a rugby ball, ready for our tag rugby match at the end of this half term … Ducks Vs Swans :)

Year 4 Meet the Teacher meeting.pdf

This week in Year 4

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Meet the Teacher meetings this week. It was lovely to see so many of you. We are attaching the slides for each year group for all parents to access at home. These contain all information for your child's year group.

Please remember that your child’s teacher is your first point of contact for any concerns or messages. A quick message can be passed on in the morning, or teachers will be available at collection for a quick chat. Further meetings can be arranged as necessary.

Many thanks

This week in Year Four the children have settled well into their new classroom and routines.

In Maths, we have begun our topic of place value, focusing on placing numbers on a number line and partitioning up to 1,000. In English, the children have begun to look at ‘character’ and completed their first ‘cold write’ of the year.

We have also begun looking at the exciting subject of Ancient Egypt, which has generated plenty of exciting discussion! Well done on a fantastic start to Year Four everyone, we are so proud!

Y5 Meet the Teacher meeting.pdf

This week in Year 5

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Meet the Teacher meetings this week. It was lovely to see so many of you. We are attaching the slides for each year group for all parents to access at home. These contain all information for your child's year group.

Please remember that your child’s teacher is your first point of contact for any concerns or messages. A quick message can be passed on in the morning, or teachers will be available at collection for a quick chat. Further meetings can be arranged as necessary.

Many thanks

This week in Year 5, we began our new class novel Varjak Paw, a gothic fantasy adventure story. Our first reading skill focus has been on prediction, using the front cover and blurb to make thoughtful guesses about the story.

In Literacy, we explored Kennings and had a go at writing some of our own.

In PE, we have been working on team games and sportsmanship. These important skills will not only support us on the sports field but also help us to work well together in class.

Year 6 Meet the Teacher meeting.pdf

This week in Year 6

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Meet the Teacher meetings this week. It was lovely to see so many of you. We are attaching the slides for each year group for all parents to access at home. These contain all information for your child's year group.

Please remember that your child’s teacher is your first point of contact for any concerns or messages. A quick message can be passed on in the morning, or teachers will be available at collection for a quick chat. Further meetings can be arranged as necessary.

Many thanks

This week in Year Six, we have really focused on setting high expectations, especially in handwriting and presentation across all subjects. The children have worked hard to produce neat, careful work - here are some lovely examples from Amelie, Lily, and Demi’s Maths books!

A gentle reminder: a £50 non-refundable deposit is due by Tuesday 30th September to secure your child’s place at Cuffley Camp. Please pay via Parent Pay.

Jupiter PTA

We are proud to have a dedicated and enthusiastic team of parent teacher association (PTA) at our school. The PTA plays a vital role in bringing together families , staff and the wider community to support and enhance the education experience of all our children. Through fundraising events, volunteer support, and community initiatives, the PTA helps provide valuable resources, enrich learning opportunities, and create a positive, inclusive environment for everyone. We welcome all parents and carers to get involved, whether by joining the committee, helping at events, or sharing ideas every contribution makes a difference! If you feel this is something you would like to support with please send an email to friendsofjupiterpta@gmail.com

Please find the facebook link here

School News

Prime Minister’s letter to parents and carers

Last week, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, wrote to all parents and carers across the country in this broadcast about ensuring all children get the best possible start in their lives and education. Please see the link here to read a copy of the letter that was sent.

Car park and parking around the school site

Thank you for your continued support with the car park it has helped make the area much safer for child to arrive at school

We kindly ask for you continued support with parking around the school. Please park responsibly and safely to ensure the safety of all children and to help prevent any potential incidents.

P.E days

On P.E days children should come to school in their regular school uniform and will change into their P.E kits during the day. P.E kits should remain in school, as they may be needed for other activities or unexpected change of clothes. P.E days for year groups are as follows-

Reception- Wednesday

Year 1- Monday and Friday

Year 2- Tuesday and Friday

Year 3- Monday and Wednesday

Year 4- Tuesday and Thursday

Year 5- Tuesday and Thursday

Year 6- Wednesday and Thursday

There as been some confusion over P.E kits, children can wear a white t-shirt or a plain t-shirt in their house colour (red, blue, green or yellow)

Lockdown practice

As part of our commitment to keeping everyone safe in school, we carry out regular safety practices with the pupils. Just as we do fire drills, we also have lockdown practices, which help us to be prepared in the very unlikely event that we would need to stay safely inside the building. Schools have always had to have plans in place to drill security lockdowns. This is a requirement of the Department for Education’s existing site security guidance.

These practices are completely normal in schools and are carried out calmly and in an age-appropriate way, so that children understand what to do without feeling worried. For our younger pupils we often make the link of what would happen if there was a wild or dangerous animal that might come into the school and how we would keep ourselves safe indoors until we knew it was safe to go back outside.

We will be having a practice lockdown on Monday, and we’ll talk it through carefully with the pupils beforehand. Typically, this involves all pupils returning to their classrooms (if they are outside or elsewhere in the school) and securing the building to prevent external access. This includes closing windows, doors and blinds etc. They only last a few minutes, and whilst we undertake the lockdown practice, pupils generally sit on the carpet or at their normal desks, and wait for an instruction that they can resume their normal activity and move freely again across the school.

Please do support your child in preparation for this by talking about it with them at home, as we will be doing in school beforehand. We do not want to cause any alarm or panic in the pupils, but we must ensure we are prepared for any eventuality. We will conduct these drills, along with the fire drill, on a termly basis.

Prospective parent/carer tours for Reception September 2026

Although we have only just started this new academic year, we are already looking ahead to those parents/carers and members of the community who will have a child starting school in September 2026.

We are hosting a number of prospective parent/carer information sessions and tours of the school taking place on the following dates:

Thursday 16 October, 1.45pm

Tuesday 11 November, 6.00pm

Thursday 20 November, 9.15am

Tuesday 25 November, 1.45pm

Thursday 04 December, 9.15am

Mr. Wanford will give a short presentation to those attending, and a tour of the school. We expect this to last for about an hour.

If you or someone you know would like to attend one of the open events, please register your intention here so that we can be sure to expect your arrival on the day.

Applications to apply for a school place can be made directly via the Hertfordshire admissions website.

Child Sexual Exploitation

Please find attached a flyer raising awareness about Child Sexual Exploitation from Hertfordshire’s HALO police team. The HALO team are keen to raise awareness and education on the topic and indicators of child sexual exploitation. They have asked that this poster be made available to all schools and parents/carers.

The Halo Team flyer

Upcoming dates

Attendance

Awards and celebrations

House points

Learning this week

Jupiter PTA

School News

Prime Minister’s letter to parents and carers

Car park and parking around the school site

P.E days

Lockdown practice

Prospective parent/carer tours for Reception September 2026

Child Sexual Exploitation

Autumn Club Flyers