School News
Friday 4th April 2025
School News
Friday 4th April 2025
We hope that you have an excellent Easter break!
We look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Wednesday 23rd April.
As we come to the end of another busy term, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped to make it such a fantastic few months. It’s been amazing to see the excitement and energy in classes as the children have continued to work through the curriculum.
It has been wonderful to see so many opportunities being offered to the children; the plethora of trips and visits, including Year 5's trip to Kew Gardens and the Early Years day at London Zoo. I have also enjoyed seeing the children take on a range of challenges in school - it was a joy to see how well everyone engaged with our Science Week activities and what a brilliant Science Fair that was organised at the end! And not to forget some defining moments that pupils will remember for a long time; the Young Voices choir concert at Wembley or the pupils attending the Commonwealth Service in London. All of this is so important in helping our children to see how big and exciting a world we live in.
As always, a few 'thank yous'... A huge shoutout to our staff—your hard work and dedication make all this possible, and I can’t thank you enough for the energy that you have bought to this term (even on the dark and rainy days!). To our children - you’ve done such a great job this term and your enthusiasm and curiosity have been fantastic to see. And finally to our parents and carers - thank you for your continued support.
Now it’s time for everyone to take a well-deserved break. Enjoy the Easter holidays, spend time with family and friends, and come back ready for another exciting term ahead!
Message from the Governors
Dear Parents, Carers and Children,
What a busy term for everyone. Our governors have been busy visiting the school and witnessing what the children have been learning and doing. We have seen lots of happy children clearly enjoying the activities that they are engaged in whether it is a class assembly, sport, a maths lesson or forest school; it is clear there are lots of good things going on.
Have a relaxing and fun holiday.
Best wishes from all of the Governors
Year 3 and 4 Production
We cannot begin to tell you how proud we are of our Year 3 and 4 children! This week saw two renditions of our production, Project Planet, in which the children explored different issues and ideas around sustainability and ecology.
What a show they put on. It is such an important event in the calendar because it gives the children an opportunity to shine in other areas of the curriculum and wow, did they shine! From learning lines and cues to singing songs exceptionally well and all with a smile on their faces.
We think the West End will definitely beckon for some of them!
Mrs Barrett
Art Week - Sculpture
We are proud to showcase the amazing sculptures made by our talented pupils! They were inspired by famous artists like Anthony Gormley, Joan Miró, Henry Moore, and Umberto Boccioni. The students created their own unique sculptures, putting their own twist on the styles and ideas of these great artists. They used materials like clay, wire, Modroc, wool and twigs to bring their creative visions to life. This project has been a fun way for them to get creative and learn about art history and modern sculpture techniques.
The children faced some challenges along the way. For example, working with clay was tricky because it could crack if it dried too quickly. Using wire to create shapes was also hard because it needed to be bent just right. But with teamwork and lots of practice, they overcame these challenges and made some truly amazing sculptures.
Mrs Ofosu
Year 1 visit St Mary's
On Monday, Year 1 enjoyed a walk to St Mary’s Church. They were treated to a tour of the church's inner sanctum, exploring areas not typically accessible. The children discovered the vestry, altar, lectern, and pulpit, their curiosity evident as they looked at each part and asked lots of insightful questions.
Year 4 River Study Trip
As part of their Geography topic this term, Year 4 conducted a river study. They started their day at the River Bulbourne, where they undertook some kick sampling to look at the creatures that live in the river and then took measurements of the depth, width and flow of the river.
For some of our children this was no mean feat as they had not been in a river before. Once that was completed they set off to Gadebridge Park to hear a presentation from Ben at the Environment Agency who talked them through the huge changes to the River Gade and the reason for those changes.
It was an extremely insightful day for the children and tied together the learning that they have completed this term, the most challenging part was getting them out of the river!
Mr Shane
Year 5 and 6 KNEX Challenge
Y5 and Y6 took part in a fairground-themed Knex challenge on Wednesday. It was great to see the budding engineers among them and listen to them explain their designs and how they overcame difficulties in building. The winning designs will be put forward to a wider school competition and we await the outcome of that!
Mrs Ofosu
Year 1 Animal Encounters Workshop
Year 1 had the exciting opportunity to meet some exotic animals up close. Robbie from Wild Science introduced us to Squishy and Lucy, two different types of snakes. We also encountered tarantulas and a stunning leopard gecko. The children were thoroughly engaged, asking numerous questions about the animals. They were fascinated by giant land snails and cockroaches as well! Robbie explained the habitats and diets of each animal. The children were very sensible and calm, adhering to all the rules about staying still and quiet around the animals.
Fun Fact: Did you know that tarantulas can regenerate lost limbs during their molting process? It's like a built-in repair system!
Miss Brewer
Football Success!
Our Y5/6 football team won their semi-final match on Tuesday against George Street 1-0, with a great goal from Henry. The boys played with passion and a real desire to win, narrowly missing the goal on several occasions.
The defence was unbeatable in a must-win game and the boys were all so supportive of each other throughout. They now move on to the final, which will be played after Easter against either Greenway or Bridgewater Schools.
MVP - Arnie
Music Showcase
It was wonderful for the whole school to gather in the hall this week for another brilliant showcase of all our music work from this half term. We enjoyed a mixture of rhythmic and confident performances on glockenspiels and with voices. Some classes even included some of their own compositions.
New Menu - Summer/Autumn 2025
Please click here to see a copy of the letter which was emailed to all families earlier today outlining the new Herts Catering menu which will be in place after Easter. Please have a look at this with your child(ren). Hard copies of the menu are available from the school office.
Clubs - Summer Term
There are still a few spaces in some of next term's clubs. Bookings are open on Arbor until 7pm on Tuesday, 22nd April.
St George's Day - 23rd April
The first day back to school after Easter is St George's Day. As the patron saint of England, it is a tradition for uniformed groups to come together to celebrate our communities and togetherness.
If your child is a Beaver, Cub, Brownie, Rainbow or member of any other uniformed organisation and would like to wear their uniform to celebrate St George's, they are more than welcome!
In another exciting week of attendance, our pupils have continued to shine! Year 5 leads the pack with an outstanding 99.3%, a slight increase from last week's perfect score. Nursery also made a remarkable leap to 98.9%, showcasing their dedication. Year 4 and Year 3 both posted strong performances with 95.3% and 95.2%, respectively. Year 2 maintained a solid 94%, while Year 1 came in at 93%. Reception saw a slight dip to 92.26%, and Year 6 held steady at 92%.
Looking at the figures for the year so far, Year 3 are our current leaders, with 97.4%, however hot on their heels are Year 4, with 97.3%. Who will be the best class when we get to the end of the school year?
Our TTRS leader board this week is studio speed, so how fast children are answering questions - our top 5 are all answering questions in under 1 second! With our leader Noah answering questions every 0.62 seconds! Our top 10 are all under 1.5 seconds.
Our Numbots leader board is for the most correct answers in Story mode over the last 7 days - our top 3 had a collective score of 2,178 correct answers in a week!
Well done to all of our leaders.
Mr Shane
Leader board this week
1st - Francis (Y1)
2nd - Joseph (Y2)
3rd - Alex (Y2)
Leader board this week
1st - Noah (Y6)
2nd - Ivy (Y5)
3rd - Edward (Y4)
Hopefully today your child will have bought home a letter about a sponsored Bubble Run, which we are planning for the 23rd May.
This will raise funds towards some new exciting projects, including looking at VR opportunities for pupils in lessons and further developing some of our school's outdoor spaces for learning.
If you are able to ask friends or family to sponsor your child to take part in this event, we would really appreciate your support!
More information will follow next half term.
Next term at Forest School, we are aiming to run a project to grow different flowers. If you have any old terracotta pots or empty hanging basket frames or containers in the corner of the shed, we would appreciate any donations!
Nursery Admissions Now Open - New 30 Hour offer for September 2025
Please share with family and friends in the local community that from September 2025, we will be offering a 30-hour provision for our school nursery. For working families in receipt of 30-hours government funding, we will be able to offer daily provision from 8.50am-2.50pm, with the option to extend the day to 3.15pm.
To book a tour and find out more about our fantastic setting please contact the school office (admin@nashmills.herts.sch.uk). Tour dates are available on our website www.nashmills.herts.sch.uk/nursery-admissions/
School Milk - New Supplier
Parents and Carers have been emailed an information letter this week confirming that "Cool Milk" will be supplying our milk after the Easter break.
Please note that even if your child is entitled to free milk, you will still need to register an account if you would like your child to receive milk in school. To do this, you can use the QR code on the adjacent flyer, or see the letter for instructions.
If you have any questions or need help regarding this, please visit www.coolmilk.com or contact Cool Milk directly on 0800 321 3248.
22nd April - INSET Day
Wednesday 23rd April - School begins for Summer term
23rd April - Y5/6 District Football Tournament (selected pupils)
24th April - KS2 Girls District Football Tournament (selected pupils)
28th April - Electric Umbrella Workshops
29th April - Y4 Parent Catch Up (9am)
29th April - Whole School Class Photos
30th April - Y1 Parent Catch Up (9am)
30th April - Y3/4 District Football Tournament (selected pupils)
1st May - Y5 Parent Catch Up (9am)
2nd May - Reception Parent Catch Up (9am)
2nd-7th May - Book Fair
5th May - School Closed - Bank Holiday
6th May - Y6 Parent Catch Up (9am)
7th May - Y2 Parent Catch Up (9am)
8th May - Y3 Parent Catch Up (9am)
12th-15th May - Y6 SATS Week
14th May - Y3&4 Tag Rugby Event
19th May - Y6 Residential Meeting (2.45pm)
20th May - Y3 Trip to Verulamium
21st May - Y4-6 Skateboard Workshops
23rd May - Whole School Sponsored Bubble Run!
26th-30th May - Half Term (school closed)
Good Shepherd Club—to book spaces at Breakfast or After School Club, please visit
http://www.goodshepherdclubs.co.uk/
Thank you to those who have now managed to log child absences on Arbor. It has really helped the office, meaning that we know where all of the children are more quickly in the morning. If The instructions on how to do this are set out below.
If your child is unwell, Hertfordshire Attendance team require that the nature of the illness is recorded, so please include this in your message (cough, cold, temperature, vomiting etc.). Please note that any absence requests for future dates will still need to made through the school office. In line with our attendance and safeguarding policies, a reminder to report your child's absence every morning, by 8.30am, until your child is well enough to return to school.
Step 1 -Click on Quick Actions button and then click Attendance followed by the green Log Absence button (top right).
Step 2 - Enter the absence details. If your child will be absent all day, there is no need to edit the start and end times that will automatically appear. If your child is ill, please ensure that you enter the nature of the illness and then press the green Log Absence button.
Step 3 - Once you have logged the absence, the school office will 'accept' it. Approved absences then appear in the Attendance tab of the Arbor App. It is not possible to edit an absence once it has been approved, so if you have any queries, please email the school office who will be able to help.
Did you know that your child may be able to receive additional support in school in addition to free school meals, if you qualify for certain benefits?
If you receive any of the following, your child may well be eligible for the Pupil Premium. This provides them with free school meals throughout their time at school, but also a range of additional things in school to help with their learning and engagement. If your child might be eligible, please visit the following site (https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ufs/HCWH.eb?ebd=0&ebz=1_1717745705707) or speak to the school office who will be happy to help.
Income Support
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (as long as you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and you don't get more than £16,190 a year)
Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Universal Credit (with annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get).
The application process only takes a few minutes and we are more than happy to provide support if it is needed.
Thank you for your donations towards our clothing bank. If you have any old clothes following clear-outs, please drop things in. The clothing bank is emptied regularly so should be ready for more donations.
The school carpark is open between 7am and 6pm on weekdays. Members of the local community are more than welcome to use it too so please spread the word!
As the days grow longer and the warmth of spring surrounds us, nature presents countless reminders of growth, renewal, and change. Indeed the Easter period is a time to reflect on the importance of rebirth and things coming anew. The colours of flowers, the song of returning birds, and the tiny buds on trees reaching towards the sun are all reflections of the cycle of life, resilience, and the joy that comes with change. As spring really sets in, remember to pause, notice, and treasure the world around us.
For our children, spring is a chance to reflect on their own growth—whether it’s mastering new skills or spreading kindness. Embrace this time as a family, whether through shared walks or conversations about the meaning of spring. As we see renewal in the world around us, embrace new beginnings, hope, and the promise of brighter days ahead.