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School News
Friday 20th December 2024
Christmas Holidays!
We reopen for the new school term at usual time on Monday 6th January.
Please note that the school office will be closed during the holidays too.
As we conclude the autumn term, I want to share my immense pride in our school community. It is always a very long term; it feels like an age since the long, warm days of September. However it is also a term in which we see real growth from the children; a huge amount of progress in all areas as they settle into their new classes. This term, we have seen further development of our curriculum, with a new approach in Year 1 and changes to our science, history and geography curriculums really taking shape. We've been fortunate to have numerous trips and visits that have broadened our pupils' horizons and added excitement to their learning journeys, including days in London, visits to TV studios and a few special visitors coming into school too (the fire engine for Early Years was a real hit!).
Our dedicated staff continue to go above and beyond, not only in their teaching but also in their commitment to providing support to our pupils and families, especially those facing challenges. I am always very thankful for the staff who spend their time running a variety of clubs to enrich pupils' experiences. All of this creates a broad and exciting offer for our children, which we are very proud of.
It has also been fantastic to see our new PTA team in action, organising activities to fundraise for the school, culminating with last week's Christmas Fayre. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and contribute significantly to our community spirit.
I'd like to finish by extending my heartfelt thanks to our parents and carers for their ongoing support and involvement. We are so appreciative of the trust you place in us to be the best we can for your children and, although we know that problems arise from time-to-time, we are grateful to be part of their lives.
As we approach the holiday season, I wish you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas with your families. Thank you for all of the gifts, cards and kind words shared during the past few weeks. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, ready for another exciting term.
Mr Maher
Christmas in school
The past few weeks have been extremely busy in school as we build up towards the Christmas holidays. I am not surprised that the staff and children have been so tired!
This week saw our Early Years and Key Stage 1 Christmas performances, which were fantastically well-received. The children were all amazing and sang and spoke so well. Providing lots of opportunities for pupils to present to an audience is a strategy within our school; seeing the developing confidence from this is brilliant! Thank you too to the staff who were involved!
On Monday, almost 100 grandparents and other members of our community attended an afternoon of carols, drama and dance (with a mince pie or two thrown in!). It was a pleasure to see so many people come together and share in a little Christmas cheer.
Finally, yesterday saw our Carols around the Tree and Christmas dinner, and today, the school visited Mother Alice at St. Marys Church for a special service. What a busy time!
A Message from our Governors
Dear Parents, Carers and Children,
Phew! We have made it to the end of a very busy term at school. The Governors have been into the school to see what the children have been doing this term. We have witnessed happy children who are engaged and enjoying all aspects of their learning both inside and outside of the classroom, brilliant artwork in classrooms, wonderful performances in Nativity plays and imaginative class assemblies.
We look forward to being in the school next term again to see everyone. Have a fantastic holiday and all our good wishes for a great 2025.
Best wishes,
Dr Sylvia Low (Chair of Governors) on behalf of Nash Mills CofE School's Governing Body
Christmas Fayre
Another huge thank you to everyone who attended our Christmas Fayre last week and supported the fundraising efforts of our PTA. The fayre raised a whopping £2256, which will go towards further projects to develop the school for our children. We have a few ideas which will be put into motion after the holidays as to how the funding could help.
A special mention to our Year 6's, who managed to raise £237 from their enterprise stalls; each team of pupils started with £20 so managed to more than double their money!
And none of this would be possible without the efforts of our fantastic PTA team. Thank you so much for all that you do!
Art Week
This week, our school has been buzzing with creativity and imagination as we celebrated Art Week! The theme of the week was "Painting Landscapes Across the School", and it was truly inspiring to see our students dive into the world of art with enthusiasm. The progression across the school has been amazing to see and here’s a glimpse of the vibrant activities that brought our classrooms to life:
In early years and key stage 1, the children explored the magic of the primary colours: red, blue, and yellow, and learned how these foundational colours combine to create secondary colours like green, orange, and purple.
Year 1 - through monochromatic landscapes discovered how using just one colour in varying tones can evoke depth and contrast.
In key stage 2 the focus shifted to experimentation. The children delved into mixing colours to create an array of unique shades and hues. This activity not only expanded their palettes but also encouraged them to take creative risks and develop their own artistic styles.
Save the Children
We're delighted to announce that our school community has raised a total of £188 for Save the Children over the past week.
Attendance
Attendance
In this week's thrilling match, Year 3 and Year 4 emerged as joint champions, each delivering a stellar 99%, setting the pitch ablaze with their consistency and enthusiasm. Year 6 made an impressive play, notching up a commendable 97.7%, while Year 2 stayed in the game with a solid 97%. Year 1 showed great form, improving their score to 96.5%, and Reception made a valiant effort with 94%.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing, as Year 5 faced some tough challenges, coming in at 92.7%, and Nursery experienced a difficult week, slipping to 80%.
Despite these setbacks, the overall performance this term has been outstanding. Over the entire term, Year 3 and Year 4 are leading the standings, with Year 3 at 98% and Year 4 at 97.7%. A special mention here to Nursery, who came in third place across the term at 96.3% - an amazing achievement for their first term in school!
Compared to this time last year, the entire autumn term has seen a remarkable improvement. Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you, parents, for your invaluable support. Let’s aim for more victories next term!
Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots!
Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots!
Our TTRS leader board shows the children with the most correct answers over the last 7 days and Year 2 have absolutely smashed it! Taking all 3 spots and with a staggering 8,409 correct answers between them!
Our Numbots leader board reflects children's accuracy when subitising to 10. All 3 of our leaders are from Year 1!
Well done to all of our leaders!!!
Mr Shane
Leader board this week
1st - Corin (Y1)
2nd - Erin (Y1)
3rd - Raheem (Y1)
Leader board this week
1st - Bella (Y2)
2nd - Arthur (Y2)
3rd - Felix (Y2)
Do you know someone who could help to make the journey to school safer?
Do you know someone who could help to make the journey to school safer?
A few years ago, we asked Hertfordshire County Council to provide a school crossing patrol to help make the road outside of our school safer in the mornings. They are unable to do this for various reasons, however they would support a voluntary team taking on this role.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in doing this, for a short time at the start and/or end of each day, please ask them to get in touch. If enough people were interested, it could also be done on a rota basis. Please do pass this on if you can think of someone!
Reducing Food Waste
Reducing Food Waste
Family Action is running weekly Food On Our Doorstep (FOOD) Clubs to provide local people with good-quality food at a low cost, while also reducing food waste. It costs just £1 a year to become a member.
Once you’ve joined, you can purchase a box of tasty food items every Saturday (10am-2pm) worth approx. £25 for just £4 from the Bury Mill Family Support Centre, Bury Rd, HP1 1HW.
For more information, get in touch: foodclubsherts@family-action.org.uk
Term Dates
Term Dates
School Calendar - Along with the email for this newsletter, you should have been sent an updated school calendar for the coming term. There have been one or two additions, which include class coffee mornings at the start of each term. These have been introduced following the success of our Early Years coffee mornings and in response to requests made in our Parent Survey this term. They will be used to provide updates about the term's curriculum and how pupils can be supported with learning at home.
Term Dates 2025-2026 - Please click here to view the term dates for the 2025-26 academic year on our website; these have now been confirmed by the governing body. Please take an early look at these dates so that holidays for next year can be booked outside of term time to avoid disruption to your child(ren)'s learning. Thank you.
School Clubs - Spring Term 2025
School Clubs - Spring Term 2025
Club bookings for next term are now open on Arbor and will close at 7pm on Monday, 6th January. Some clubs are already full, however there is availability in a few so it's not too late to try and book on. Clubs will start up again in the second week of next term, w/b Monday, 13th January.
Timetable changes for the Spring Term
Timetable changes for the Spring Term
Each term, there are adjustments made to class timetables to ensure that all pupils get a broad offer through the curriculum we offer. For the spring term, please see the information below:
Nursery - PE on a Tuesday
Reception - PE on a Wednesday, Forest School on a Thursday
Year 1 - PE on Mondays and Wednesdays
Year 2 - PE on Tuesdays and Fridays
Year 3 - Music on a Wednesday, PE on Mondays and Tuesdays*
Year 4 - Music on a Wednesday, PE on Tuesdays* and Fridays
Year 5 - PE on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Forest School on Thursdays
Year 6 - PE on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Forest School on Thursdays
*Please note that for Year 3 and 4 PE sessions on Tuesdays, pupils will be learning around Tag Rugby and will therefore be outside for sessions in most weathers. You may wish to send your child with a change of clothes in case they do get wet or muddy during these sessions. If they have football boots that they would like to wear on the field, they are able to do so.
Forest School sessions will also be outdoors in the majority of weathers. Again, please consider appropriate clothing for these, including wellies!
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
6th January - Start of Spring Term
6th-10th January - Food Technology Week
7th January - Y4 Parent Coffee Morning (9am)
8th January - Y1 Parent Coffee Morning (9am)
9th January - Y3 Parent Coffee Morning (9am)
9th January - Forest School starts for Years 5, 6 and Reception
13th January - Y2 Parent Coffee Morning (9am)
13th January - Clubs start this week
14th January - Nursery Parent Coffee Morning (9am)
15th January - Y6 Parent Coffee Morning (9am)
16th January - Reception Parent Coffee Morning (9am)
17th January - Y5 Parent Coffee Morning (9am)
21st January - Governor meeting - admissions committee
29th January - Governor meeting - school improvement committee
30th January - Electric Umbrella performance - whole school
3rd February - Feeling Good Week focus in school
4th February - Y5 Class Assembly
11th February - Y2 Class Assembly
11th February - Young Voices Trip
11th February - Safer Internet Day
14th February - PTA Disco
17th-21st February - Half Term (school closed)
27th February - Nursery Forest School sessions start weekly
4th March - Reception Coffee Morning
4th March - Y6 Class Assembly
5th March - Nursery Coffee Morning
5th-12th March - Science Week and World Book Day (6th) - space focus
10th March - Y3 Trip to Hudnall Park
11th March - Governor morning in school
11th and 12th March - Parent Consultations
14 March - Red Nose Day
14th March - Nursery and Reception visit to London Zoo
18th March - Y1 Class Assembly
19th March - Y6 visit to Bletchley Park
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 - Y3 Easter Egg competition at Longdean
2nd April - Y5&6 KNEX Challenge
4th April - School closes for Easter
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/
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, which was filled within two weeks! It has now been emptied so if you know of anyone with clothes to donate, please encourage them to come and drop bags off!
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
"Give glory to God in heaven and let there be peace on Earth"
In the Bible, these are the words spoken by the angels to announce the birth of Jesus. The story shares great excitement and times for people to come together as well as challenges and more difficult times. For people such as Mary, it must have been a time of hugely mixed emotions; worry, excitement, joy, hope... the list goes on and on.
And as we prepare for Christmas, take some time to reflect on the journey that we are all on; the difficult times that you will have had in the past year and those that have bought you the most joy. Remember that, even when things seem dark and difficult, there are those around us who bring light and happiness.
And we know that Christmas can be a time where things become busier and perhaps more chaotic for all of us. Please take time to remember what the angels said; "let there be peace". We hope that, amongst the mince pies and tinsel, you find some time for peace over the next few weeks.
Happy Christmas from everyone at Nash Mills!
We look forward to seeing you again in 2025.
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