Micklem Newsletter

Learning in Classrooms

This week, Year 1 has been learning through the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds. The children noted that they have learnt to "keep trying" and "never give up". Year 1's role play area has been turned into an Art Studio and the children are experimenting with different ways to make marks and dots. In Art, they have explored ways of drawing lines from one point to another. Outside, Year 1 have been developing building skills using the foam mats and have been finding acorns to collect, roll and balance on different pieces of equipment and have also been creating potions and perfumes with real pose petals. Juno said her perfume smelt 'absolutely glorious'.

This week, the Reception children have been practising their fine motor skills to help build up their muscles so they can mark make. They made their own Superhero capes and enjoyed printing their designs. They also learnt about real life superheroes e.g. firefighters, nurses, police officers and their own parents!

The Year 2 children have been working hard on their writing and Maths this week. Ayla, Angel and Charlie have done some fantastic writing all about . In Maths, they also have been using cubes to recap counting in threes. Well done Year 2!

Our Year 5 class has been diving into Wonder by writing diary entries from the perspective of August. They’ve really brought his experiences to life by using fronted adverbials to add detail and flow, and applying the “show, not tell” technique to express emotions vividly. It’s been fantastic to see their creativity and empathy shine through their writing!

Year 3 have been on an exciting journey beneath the Earth's surface, learning all about what lies under our feet. They've explored the different layers of the Earth – from the crust to the core – and discovered how volcanoes are formed through heat, pressure, and powerful eruptions. Scarlett and Cody showed great enthusiasm and have created detailed diagrams and explanations.

In Nursery, the children have had lots of time to explore outside. They worked in pairs to learn how to rock on the seesaw, which was well demonstrated by Mrs O'Shea. They were also mark making with big chalk and then using paintbrushes to go over their lines.

Experiences and Opportunities

Hudnall Park

What an amazing three days! Year 5 had the most wonderful residential trip at Hudnall Park last week. They took part in countless fantastic activities including zip lining, constructing and driving go-karts, low ropes course, evening den building, setting up humane mammal traps (although we didn't trap anything unfortunately) and lots of team building activities. On Thursday, they also walked to the river and completed a river study fieldwork task, which included getting into the river, taking measurements and collecting samples. Char even managed to catch a fish, who was nicknamed Diddy and a frog landed on Eliza's hand! Although all children (and adults!) were absolutely exhausted by Friday, they had such a fantastic experience and can't wait for Ferny Crofts next year.

Forest School

During forest school this week, Year 1 and 2 used palm drills to create a natural number line out of conkers. They also collected lots of different natural materials to make a beautiful seasonal mandala.

In Reception's forest school session, they read Supertato and made their own potato crime fighters!

Reading Cafe & Macmillan Coffee Afternoon

We had a great time at our Reading Café this week! It was lovely to see families coming in to read with their children and enjoy some special time together. Everyone had lots of fun sharing stories and relaxing with a good book. We also held our Macmillan Coffee Afternoon, and a big thank you to everyone who donated or attended. Your support really means a lot and will make a big difference!

Harvest Festival

As part of the Harvest tradition of giving and sharing, we have been collecting items of donated food to give to DENS Dacorum Foodbank. Thank you to all children and families that have brought in donations and a big well done to the Year 1 class, who brought in the most donations from the school!

R = 35 Yr 1 = 51 Yr 2 = 37 Yr 3 = 18

Yr 4 = 27 Yr 5 = 32 Yr 6 = 42

Upcoming Dates

Secondary School Application

Parents of Year 6 children will need to begin the exciting process of secondary school application. Families are encouraged to explore their options early and carefully consider which schools best suit their child's needs and interests. Throughout September and October, there will be open days at secondary schools. It's important to note that on-time applications for secondary school places must be submitted by 31 October 2025.

Travelling Book Fair

We are pleased to announce that we have the Travelling Booking Fair again this year and books will be available to purchase from today (Friday 26th September) until Wednesday 1st October. The Travelling Book Fair will be open each day straight after school in the library area and during our Reading Cafe on the morning and afternoon of Friday 26th September. All purchases also help towards getting free books for our school.

Celebrating Cultures Day

Due to the number of other events taking place in school over the next few weeks, we have taken the decision to postpone our Celebrating Cultures Day until 23rd April, so it can be given the full time it deserves!

Please accept our apologies if you had re-arranged work for the previously advertised date.

Celebrating Success

Class Dojo

This year, we have introduced Class Dojo. A way of celebrating individuals and classes that are following our school rules of:

Be Kind. Show Respect. Aim High.

Children will be able to receive one or two points for these core values from any member of staff. We will keep an eye on which individuals, classes and house groups are being the kindest, most respectful and ambitious over the year.

Blue House

182

Green House

168

Red House

189

Yellow House

213

Attendance

Nursery

91.8%

Reception

96.8%

Year 1

95.7%

Year 2

94.5%

Year 3

94.7%

Year 4

89.5%

Year 5

92.7%

Year 6

96.7%

Congratulations to Reception for aiming high with their attendance this week. The class will receive bonus Class Dojo points for Aiming High!

Learning of the Week

Every week, we celebrate extraordinary learning that has taken place in classes. It may be that they have pushed passed an obstacle in their learning; worked on their presentation; thought about how to help others amongst other things.

Our Learning of the Week for the last fortnight goes to:

Reception

Noah - for learning how to ask for help and feeling more confident at lunchtime.
Melina - for learning how to tell an adult how you are feeling and for growing in confidence.

Year 1

Adrian - Well done to Adrian for writing a brilliant sentence independently in Phonics. We are very proud of you!
Makayla - Well done to Makayla for asking questions and offering explanations in our Science lesson. We were working hard classifying animals.

Year 2

Vinnie - For being a superstar in maths this week, he is finishing his work in record time as well as the extensions. Vinnie has also been resilient when completing the “big triangle” challenge.
Charlie - We have been really impressed by Charlie's attitude since the start of the year, he has shown amazing resilience and is always trying his best.

Year 3

Leia - Leia has been aiming high in English when writing her setting description. She was able to include adjectives and the correct punctuation!
Charlotte - Charlotte has shown great perseverance this week in Maths, when partitioning numbers up to 1000. She then challenged herself to partition numbers in different ways and show her working out.

Year 4

Darius - Darius has been aiming high in all of his lessons this week. We have been particularly impressed with Darius’ maths this week and how independent he has been.
Aaliyah - Aaliyah has shown how independent she can be this week. She has been aiming high across all of her subjects this week.

Mr Horton had a special mention to give to Charlie and Emberly for their excellent cornet playing last Friday.

Year 6

Archie - Archie has been trying hard this week. He has complete his work to high standard, shared some great ideas in English and worked hard when rounding to a million. Archie has managed to share when he is dysregulated and is becoming more independent dealing with his emotions. We are so proud of you Archie keep it even when things get tough!
Brooklyn - Brooklyn is always aiming high and shows exceptional kindness towards peers. This week she has gone out of her way to support a peer during lunchtimes and nothing is ever too much to ask from her. Everyone should be more like Brooklyn!

Sunshine Learning Community

SJ - SJ has shown resilience and independence in his learning this week, especially in Maths. Well done!
Emberley - Emberly has been aiming high with her learning this week. She always tries her best and asks for help if she needs it. Keep up the great attitude towards your learning!

Well done to everyone who worked so hard this fortnight, it is fantastic to see so many positive learning experiences!

Pupil Leadership

School Council

Each class has now chosen two school councillors to represent them on the School Council. These pupils will share their classmates’ ideas, help make decisions, and take part in projects to improve our school. We’re proud of everyone who put themselves forward and look forward to seeing the great work our new councillors will do this year!

Reception - Rayn and Jules

Year 1 - Maya and Johnny

Year 2 - Finlay and Alessya

Year 3 - Bella and Scarlett

Year 4 - Harleigh and Poppi

Year 5 - Harry and Char

Year 6 - Liam and Archie

Letters

Please find all of our latest letters here: https://www.micklem.herts.sch.uk/letters/ . If you have any questions regarding anything coming up, do not hesitate to ask.

Wraparound Care

If you attend, or would like to attend, our breakfast or after school club, eligible working parents can get a £2 top-up for every £8 towards the cost of their childcare. Follow the links below for further information.

https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/tax-free-childcare

https://eysnews.tfemagazine.co.uk/19th-september-2025/wraparound-childcare/help-for-parents-paying-for-childcare-costs

PTA

The PTA AGM is taking place on Wednesday 1st October at 2pm in the school hall.

If you would be interested in having a more active role in the PTA or just want to find out a bit more about what’s involved, please feel free to come along.

Upcoming Dates

26th September - Reading Café, Book Fair and Macmillan Coffee afternoon

1st October - PTA AGM

9th October - Colgate oral health talk for Reception (9:30-10:30)

9th October - Year 3 DSSN Target Games

13th October - Swimming lessons start

23rd October - PTA Spooks & Sparkles Disco

7th November - Non-uniform Day

Please be aware that our Celebrating Cultures Day has been postponed and will no longer take place on the 3rd October.

SEND and Family Support

DSPL8's parent/ carers' newsletter is available on their website via clicking the image above. Their newsletters always include lots of information about FREE events and courses running for families in our area. These are some that particularly stood out to us, but there are lots more available!

Children's Wellbeing Practitioners

The Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Service (NHS) provides early intervention emotional wellbeing and mental health support to children and young people aged 5-19 who would benefit from early intervention, low intensity support.

The Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs) also provide one off support through FREE workshops. A referral is not required to access a workshop. You can book onto a workshop covering topics such as emotional literacy, emotional wellbeing, sleep, self-esteem and resilience via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/hct-childrens-wellbeing-practitioners-33494371787

Due to the rise in number of children and young people who are struggling to attend school due to emotional factors like anxiety, the Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners have recorded a webinar focused on school based anxiety. This includes: anxiety psychoeducation and strategies and tips to support children who are currently struggling with attending school due to anxiety.

Click on the image to visit their website and access the webinar and resources.

Sensory Processing Service

The Sensory Processing Service (NHS) offer a three-tiered model of service delivery, which includes universal, targeted, and specialist support for children and families across Hertfordshire.

Their FREE ‘Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Preferences’ workshop is designed for parents and carers in Hertfordshire who would like to learn more about their child’s sensory processing and preferences. A referral is not required to access the workshop.

The workshop aims to increase awareness of sensory differences and how these can be supported to help children engage more successfully in everyday tasks. It provides practical advice and strategies that parents can try at home with their child.

Click on the image to visit their website to find out more.

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