Embedded Files
School News
Friday 12th September 2025
Welcome Back!
It has been wonderful to see the children return to school with such enthusiasm and confidence. They’ve settled in brilliantly, and I’ve been especially impressed by how well prepared they are for the new year. A special shout-out to our newest learners in Nursery and Reception—you’ve made a cracking start and we’re so proud of you! A huge 'thank you' to all our parents and carers for the summer preparation—uniforms ready, lunchboxes packed, and children arriving full of confidence—it’s clearly made a difference.
We’ve already had a vibrant beginning to our curriculum, with DT Week showcasing teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving through a range of impressive projects. This week, we’ve seen other subjects come to life, with engaging texts in English, new history topics sparking curiosity, and Forest School and VR experiences providing hands-on learning —just the way we like it!
Across the school, this term our Ubuntu value will be 'friendship' and pupils have already started thinking about what it means to be a great friend.
We’re looking forward to a term full of discovery and growth. We can’t wait to see what the children will achieve!
All Special, All Different Day!
At Nash Mills, we believe every child is special—and one of the greatest joys of our school community is seeing the rich diversity that each child brings. Whether it’s a connection to another country, a family tradition, a religion, or even a favourite football team, every child has something unique to share.
Our school’s golden thread is inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan—a powerful reminder that kindness and compassion should rise above differences. We encourage our children to be brave and bold in expressing who they are, and we nurture a culture where curiosity, understanding, and acceptance are celebrated.
“All Special, All Different Day” is one of the ways we bring this ethos to life. It’s a day where children proudly showcase what makes them unique, and every year they amaze us with their creativity, thoughtfulness, and pride in their identity.
We are so proud of how our pupils embrace this celebration—not just by sharing their stories, traditions, and interests, but by showing genuine interest in one another. It’s a beautiful reflection of the inclusive, respectful environment we strive to build every day.
Thank you for supporting your children in being their wonderful, individual selves.
Miss Brewer
Summer Reading Challenge
We were delighted to see such an incredible response to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. In fact, so many children took part that the hall wasn’t even large enough to hold everyone at once! This is a wonderful reflection of how engaged our pupils have been with their reading over the summer months.
Every child who completed the challenge will have received 10 house points from their class teacher in recognition of their hard work and commitment.
Reading is one of the most important skills our children can develop. It not only supports their learning across all subjects but also encourages imagination, creativity, and a lifelong love of stories. We are so proud of the enthusiasm shown and look forward to building on this success throughout the year.
Miss Brewer
DT Week
The children have returned to school bursting with creativity and innovative ideas, ready to showcase their talents during Design and Technology Week. Across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, pupils enthusiastically took part in a range of construction challenges. From imaginative playgrounds and intricate K'NEX bridges to beautifully designed pavilions and majestic castles, the variety of projects was truly inspiring. Throughout the week, children demonstrated resilience, refining their designs, making thoughtful corrections, and learning from each other. Their ability to problem-solve and adapt showed just how much they’ve grown as young designers and engineers.
Year 6 Parliament Workshop
Year 6 had a fascinating session with representatives from Parliament this week. They explored the concept of democracy in the UK, learning about how decisions are made and the roles of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The session sparked thoughtful questions and discussions, helping students understand how laws are created and how citizens can have a voice in shaping the country. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world governance.
We have been asked to share a letter from the Prime Minister with all parents, detailing support available to families. Please click here to read the letter.
Staffing Updates
It is fantastic that we have started the school year with a full staff team, despite a few changes being needed during the summer holidays.
Sadly, we have said 'goodbye' to Mrs Akhtar who has moved on to a new challenge. We wish her the very best.
We are pleased to share that we have a number of new additions to our staffing team:
Nursery - Mrs Dileni, who volunteered in our Year 1 class last year, will be joining our Nursery team as a teaching assistant.
Reception - Miss Williams joins our team in Reception, having recently completed a university course.
Year 1 - Mrs Parsell joins us as our Year 1 teaching assistant. Mrs Parsell has worked in a school in another part of the country for a number of years.
Year 2 - Mrs Wiggins joins the Year 2 team, supporting pupils who have additional needs.
Year 4 - Miss Cacerez will be completing her teacher training in Year 4 throughout the current school year.
Year 5 - Mrs Petrina has joined our Year 5 team and will cover Miss Finnis, who will shortly begin her maternity leave.
Welcome to all of our new staff members!
School Works
Mr Winter was very busy during the summer ensuring that the school was ready for the new year. Amongst many other jobs, the Year 3 classroom was repainted and there were improvements to our Forest School area.
The eagle-eyed amongst us may also have noticed that we have had solar panels fitted to our EYFS building. This has been funded as part of a special project run by Dacorum Borough Council to encourage sustainability in the local area. The panels should mean that our Early Years classrooms, school kitchens and car chargers are all self-sufficient and may allow us to recoup some funding from the national grid too!
Attendance
Attendance
This term when sharing the attendance information, I will also be setting a little challenge. Can your child guess which famous person has written this week's attendance update? The first correct answers shared with Mr Shane or Mr Maher on Monday morning will receive a housepoint!
It is with great delight—and a touch of royal pride—that I send you my warmest greetings at the start of this new school year. Camilla and I have been keeping a close eye on how well you’ve all returned to your classrooms, and I must say… I am most impressed!
This week, I am pleased to announce that Nursery has won the royal attendance crown with a magnificent 99.1%. Considering it is their very first week in school, this is truly commendable. I dare say, it deserves a royal round of applause! 👏
Reception and Year 2 also made a splendid start with 98.6% and 98.3%—a fine effort indeed. Year 5 followed with a noble 97.7%, while Year 3, Year 6, and Year 4 showed good spirit and room to grow. Year 1, I encourage you to rise to the occasion next week—your King believes in you!
Remember, every day in school is a chance to learn something new, to laugh with friends, and to become the best version of yourself. Keep up the excellent work, and may your school days be filled with joy, kindness, and curiosity.
With warmest wishes from the Palace,
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Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots!
Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots!
Our Numbots leader board this week reflects most stars achieved in story mode. It is wonderful to see the children straight back into improving their learning and solidifying their mathematical knowledge.
Our TTRS leader bord is for the most correct answers and again it is fantastic to see how many answers the children have accumulated in the first week back.
Well done all!
Mr Shane
Leader board this week
1st - Jaid (Y1)
2nd - Edith (Y2)
3rd - Corin (Y2)
Leader board this week
1st - Finn (Y5)
2nd - Emine (Y4)
3rd - Freddie (Y4)
Star of the Week!
Star of the Week!
Nursery
Nursery
For being such super stars on their first week at nursery. You have all been amazing at getting used to the environment, routines and making new friends. Well done!
Reception
Connor
For a brilliant start to your year in Reception. Well done for having such a positive attitude - we are all really proud of you.
Year 1
Amelia-Rose
For demonstrating an amazing attitude towards learning; listening carefully and trying hard. Well done!
Year 2
Visakan
For being such a good role model to his peers. Keep it up Visakan!
Year 3
Caspar
For putting 100% into his work and pushing himself consistently.
Well done Caspar!
Year 4
Jackson
For his fantastic engagement in all our lessons so far and for his impressive story writing ideas.
Year 5
Sophie
For her fantastic scientific knowledge and articulation when sharing with the class. Well done Sophie!
Year 6
Leonardo
For the enthusiasm, focus, and positive attitude he has demonstrated this week. Keep it up Leonardo!
My Login
Does your child sometimes struggle to remember their log in details for Google Classroom, Timestable Rockstars or Numbots?
You may have noticed a QR code has been stuck into some pupils' Reading Records. This is a new way of logging into all of the above apps which may help.
To use My Login:
Visit our school website (www.nashmills.herts.sch.uk)
At the top of the page, click on the 'Useful Links' dropdown
Select 'My Login'
Select 'Scan a Magic Badge'
Scan the QR code, which should then log you in!
Special Days
This term, please note the days that your child may require different clothing or equipment.
Monday
Year 4 & Year 6 - PE
Tuesday
Reception - Forest School
Year 1 & Year 3 - PE and Forest School
Wednesday
Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 - PE
Year 3 & 4 - Music lesson
Thursday
Nursery, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 &Year 6 - PE
Friday
Year 2 & Year 5 - PE
Jewellery
A reminder, that jewellery should not be worn in school. This is to help keep the children safe whilst they are playing.
Those with pierced ears may wear a set of plain studs, but these need to be removed for PE lessons.
Pupils may wear an watch, however please avoid smart watches as these breach our online safety rules.
If you have any specific questions around this, please speak to your child's class teacher.
Healthy Snacks
Please can we also remind you that any snacks or packed lunch contents should be healthy.
Morning snacks should be a piece of fruit or similar. No chocolate or sugary snacks please.
Please also remember that we are allergy aware and, as such, nuts should not be bought into school for break or lunchtimes.
If you send grapes as a snack, please cut these in half to reduce the risk of choking.
Birthdays in School
Due to a number of incidents of allergic reactions across Hertfordshire, the council changed their guidance in that schools should not be allowing children to hand out sweets for birthdays and other special events. Staff and parents are obviously unaware of what is being provided and so it presents a risk to certain members of our school population.
However, we still think that it is important that the children have some way of celebrating their birthdays in school and so on their birthday (or the day closest to it), children are welcome to come to school wearing their own clothes. This will help them to feel special on their birthday and to help them celebrate with their friends for the whole day.
Please note that teachers are no longer able to support the children in handing out sweets at the end of the day. Thank you for your support.
Naming Uniform and
Personal Items
Please ensure that all school clothing and pupil property such as water bottles and bags are clearly named. We do not run a 'lost property' box, however items that are clearly named usually find their way back to their owner.
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
15th September - Clubs start
15th September - Year 2 Meet the Teacher (9am)
16th September - Reception Coffee Morning (9am)
17th September - Year 1 Meet the Teacher (9am)
19th September - Y6 House Captain Elections
22nd September - Y5 Cycle Training
22nd September - Flu immunisations in school
26th September - MacMillan Coffee Afternoon
6th October - Individual School Photos
7th October - Y2 trip to Tring Museum
15th October - Y3 Lee Valley Trip
16th October - Reception Coffee Morning
17th October - PTA Dare to be Different Day
21st October - Y4 trip - Mountfitchet Castle
22nd October - Y1 trip - Mead Open Farm
22nd October - Nursery Coffee Morning
23rd October - Harvest Festival
24th October - Y6 trip - Sky Studios
24th October - Start of half term - No school for one week.
3rd November - All pupils back to school
4th&5th November - Parents' Evenings
Good Shepherd Booking
Good Shepherd Booking
Good Shepherd Club—to book spaces at Breakfast or After School Club, please visit
http://www.goodshepherdclubs.co.uk/
Logging Absences
Logging Absences
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.
Pupil Premium
Pupil Premium
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.
Clothing Bank
Clothing Bank
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!
Final Thought
Final Thought
The start of term has been a great opportunity for staff, pupils and families to reconnect and come together once more. It has been fantastic to watch the children at break and lunchtime, rekindling old friendships and making new ones, helping those in younger year groups and seeing our new Nursery and Reception children finding their feet as they begin school for the first time.
All of this supports our school's vision of being a family and our Ubuntu value - the idea that we can only truly succeed by supporting and being supported by those around us.
Pope John Paul II once said "my humanity is bound in yours, for we can only be human together". We all need people around us, to help us through difficult times and to share the joys. We have loved seeing all of the joyful moments over the past 7 days in school - the children being bought back together with their friends and peers. And although it won't all be plain sailing, we are really looking forward to all of the special moments that the next school year has to bring!
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