School News
Friday 14th March 2025
Embedded Files
Nash Mills CofE Primary School
Docking stations
Space lava
Fizzy planets
Space rockets
Science Week - Part 2!
Science Week Sparks Excitement at Nash Mills School
Science Week Brings Wonder and Discovery to Nash Mills School
Science Week at Nash Mills was an unforgettable adventure, as students from across the school were immersed in a world of exploration and excitement. With activities that sparked curiosity and a special visit from a mobile planetarium, this year’s Science Week truly reached for the stars!
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the planetarium visit, where students from every class had the chance to journey through the wonders of the universe. The awe-inspiring visuals and captivating narration left everyone mesmerized. Echoes of “oohs” and “aahs” could be heard from every corner of the school as students learned about stars, planets, and galaxies in breath taking detail.
KS2 pupils also had their turn to shine as they engaged in exciting experiments, including creating fizzy planets, launching space rockets, building docking stations, and crafting space lava. The hands-on activities brought science concepts to life, sparking joy and curiosity among the budding young scientists.
Among the many exciting activities, several classes continued their journey with Mission X to help Lola and Leo in their space adventures. Year 4 took the lead with an incredible achievement of 600,000 steps, showcasing their determination and teamwork. Close runners-up were the energetic Year 2 students, who impressed everyone with their efforts and enthusiasm.
One of the highlights of the week was the special exhibition for parents, where students proudly showcased their work. It was a truly lovely way to finish off Science Week, as families explored stories, art, and scientific achievements from across the school. Year 6 students confidently demonstrated some of the incredible experiments they had worked on during the week. Their knowledge, passion, and presentation skills wowed the audience and inspired younger pupils to follow in their footsteps.
Science Week has once again proven to be a fantastic opportunity for students to explore the wonders of the scientific world.
A special thanks to the teachers and staff who made this event such a resounding success, and to the students whose enthusiasm truly brought Science Week to life! Also to Mrs Nicholls who, as science lead, has planned and put together many of the activities from this week. It was a fantastic opportunity!
Pupils take part in Commonwealth Service
On Monday, Mr Shane and Miss Finnis took a group of Year 5 pupils to experience the Commonwealth service. The day was an opportunity for the children to experience travelling to London and do some sightseeing before enjoying the service at Westminster Abbey. The day is a celebration of the different cultures and countries that collectively make up the Commonwealth, with poetry readings, dancing and songs from all over the Commonwealth.
'The best part was seeing the King and the Royal family.' - Alicia and Camden
'The best part for me was seeing freedom of speech in action and the bagpipes.' - Jacob
'My favourite part was listening to people from other countries.' - Ray
Y3 Hudnall Park
On Monday, Year 3 took a minibus ride to Hudnall Park. Here, the children were split into groups and faced many adventurous challenges - both physical and mental. The aim wasn't who could complete each challenge the fastest, but rather who worked best in a team ensuring that they were communicating, listening, sharing and encouraging one another, as well as showing kindness.
Overall, the children had a fantastic day and were very excited to see the deer nearby, especially the white deer!
Early Years visit London Zoo
Nursery and Reception's Amazing Adventure at London Zoo!
Our Nursery and Reception classes had an unforgettable day at London Zoo today! The children loved seeing all of the different animals; the lions, penguins and butterflies were a particular highlight not to mention the baby gorilla!
The children’s curiosity and behaviour throughout the trip was outstanding, making all the staff incredibly proud. It was truly a pleasure to see how well they embraced this exciting experience.
A huge thank you to our staff for organizing such a fantastic trip and to the parents who were able to come along to support. The children returned with big smiles and plenty of stories to share - albeit with very tired legs!
Start of the growing season at Forest School!
Before half term, each class took part in an exciting activity at Forest School, where they planted their very own potato plants. Each class was provided with a grow bag, soil, and two potatoes. The challenge is for the children to care for the plants and see which class can grow the most potatoes!
So far, Year 3 is off to a fantastic start!
With the arrival of spring, we’ve also noticed lots of exciting growth in our polytunnel. We now have green beans, lettuces, radishes, and strawberry plants thriving. We're eager to continue nurturing these plants and watching them flourish, alongside our potato plants.
We’ll keep you updated on our progress and the winners of the potato competition!
Red Nose Day - Non-Uniform Day: Friday 21st March
Pupils will be able to come to school in non-uniform (red if they would like!) to help raise funds for Comic Relief. We ask for a £1 donation, payable through Arbor which is now open for payments.
Attendance
Attendance
In an extraordinary week for attendance at Nash Mills Church of England Primary School, both Year 5 and Nursery achieved a perfect 100%! This exceptional feat is rare and highlights the dedication and commitment of both students and parents in these classes. A huge congratulations to both Year 5 and Nursery for setting such a high standard.
Year 6 also put in a fantastic performance, securing an impressive 98%, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to attendance excellence. Year 3 followed with a strong 96%, showing consistency in their efforts. Year 4 recorded a solid 95%, while Year 1, Reception, and Year 2 each achieved 93%, displaying a steady performance across these classes.
As we celebrate these achievements, let's continue to encourage regular attendance and good hygiene practices to maintain this momentum. Thank you to the entire school community for your hard work and support. Let's aim to keep up this fantastic effort in the coming weeks!
Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots!
Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots!
This week's leader board for TTRS is the improvement of accuracy of answer. It is really nice to see new names on the leader board and to also see the improvement in those statistics and to see the hard work paying off!
Our Numbots leader board reflects the number of coins won in the last seven days, well done to our leaders, who between them amassed a total of 16,125 coins!
Mr Shane
Leader board this week
1st - Alex (Y2)
2nd - Mohammad (Y2)
3rd - Hallie (YR)
Leader board this week
1st - Austin (Y3)
2nd - Ifan (Y6)
3rd - Thea (Y4)
Star of the Week!
Star of the Week!
Nursery
Asher
For being very brave when encountering new experiences such as the Planetarium. Well done Asher!
Reception
Khoosh
For demonstrating a growing understanding of how his choices affect not only his own learning, but also his interactions with peers.
Year 1
Ameila-Rose
For joining in more willingly and independently using her 'Now and Next' chart to organise her tasks. Keep it up Amelia-Rose!
Year 2
Mohammad
For beginning to complete set tasks and follow classroom instructions. Well done Mohammad!
Year 3
Lilia
For becoming more confident and determined in all her work and continuously pushing herself to achieve higher. Keep it up Lilia!
Year 4
Fred
For his incredible determination to work hard in every lesson and for the great progress this brilliant attitude has resulted in!
Well done Fred!
Year 5
Charlotte
For being a great model and always working hard.
Keep it up Charlotte!
Year 6
Oliver
For demonstrating an excellent and responsible attitude towards all aspects of learning. Keep it up Oliver.
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/
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
18th March - Y1 Class Assembly
18th March - Y6 visit to Bletchley Park
21st March - Red Nose Day
24th March - Full Governing Body Meeting
25th March - Y5 visit to Kew Gardens
25th March - Reception Class Assembly
26th March - Y2 visit to Roald Dahl Museum
27th March - Last clubs of term
28th March - PTA Thank You sale
31st March - Start of Art Week (Sculpture focus)
31st March and 1st April - Y3&4 Production
2nd April - Y4 River study trip
2nd April - Y5&6 KNEX Challenge
4th April - Easter Church Service
4th April - School closes for Easter (1.30pm)
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 Same-Day Absences
Logging Same-Day 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 Christmas clear-outs, please drop things in. The clothing bank was emptied again this week 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
On Monday this week, the Commonwealth Service took place at Westminster Abbey and we were fortunate to have a number of pupils in attendance.
The Commonwealth Service is a celebration of the things that people from across the world have in common and the things that we do not. There are 2.5 billion people living in Commonwealth countries, accounting for around a third of the world's population.
At times such as these, the quote from Jo Cox seems particularly pertinent; "we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us". What a good time to remember how much good there is in our communities and families and how strong we are when we work together!
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