School News
Friday 20th March 2026
Year 6 Trip
Year 6 had a fantastic time exploring the history and incredible contributions of the World War II codebreakers during their trip to Bletchley Park. They discovered how deciphering machines such as the Bombe and Enigma were used, and even had a go at writing their names using Morse code.
The introduction of the new AI section sparked lots of curiosity and got them thinking about how computers have progressed over time. Pupils also enjoyed dressing up in wartime attire and putting their knowledge of coordinates to the test as they played interactive Battleship-style games.
Year 4 Trip
On Wednesday, Year 4 visited the river Bulbourne and the river Gade to carry out field work linked to their Geography topic. The children got to carry out kick sampling to see what creatures they could discover living in the river, which included bullhead fish and fresh water shrimp; this shows how clean the river is.
They also got to measure the width, depth and velocity of the river. Then the class headed over to Gadebridge park to look at how the river Gade has been re-routed and why. The glorious day was then completed with the children writing Haiku poems inspired by the river to link to their English unit.
Nursery and Reception Trip
We had a fantastic EYFS trip to Hertfordshire Zoo this week. The children were incredibly excited and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the animals throughout the day. Some of the highlights included seeing the magnificent snow leopard, getting up close to the fascinating snakes and watching the adorable baby meerkats. We finished the day off with a walk around Dinosaur World, which was an amazing (and sometimes scary!) experience for everyone.
We were very lucky with the weather, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The children were exceptionally well behaved and represented the school beautifully – we are very proud of them. Well done, everyone! A massive thank you to our parent helpers for your support on the day – we can't do these trips without you and it is hugely appreciated.
Nursery
Malachi
For being a wonderful member of our Nursery class! We will miss you very much!
Reception
Asher
For being such a fantastic role model. You have shown improved effort with your writing and kindness towards your friends. You set a wonderful example to others. Keep up the amazing work!
Year 1
Roman
For trying much harder with his work this week, listening carefully, joining in more, and showing pride in what he can do.
Year 2
Scarlett
For settling to her work more efficiently and producing work of increasing quality.
Year 3
Felix
For always doing what is expected of him, and beginning to push himself further in all subjects. Keep up this determination!
Year 4
Kaiden
For his excellent work in the river and his ongoing hard work and effort in the classroom.
Year 5
Jacob
For his amazing progress and determination to succeed.
Year 6
Anderson
For being a wonderful representative of the school during our trip to Bletchley Park, showing great engagement, curiosity and respect.
This week's TTRS leader board is for most correct answers over the last 7 days. Our top 3 have amassed a total of 7,229 correct answers in the last 7 days! Well done all 3.
Our Numbots leader board is also most correct answers, our top 3 this week accumulated a total of 1,928 correct answers - an outstanding effort!
Well done to all of our leaders this week!
Mr Shane
Leader board this week
1st - Eren (Y1)
2nd - Bella (Y1)
3rd - Clay (Y2)
Leader board this week
1st - Bella (Y3)
2nd - Fred (Y5)
3rd - Emel (Y5)
Staffing Update
We would like to share that, following a recruitment process during the last few weeks, our Office Team has been joined by Mrs Lewis to cover for staff absence. Mrs Lewis has a child in our Year 5 class so already knows a lot about our school. If you call us over the next few weeks, it may be a new voice on the other end of the phone!
We’ve had another excellent week of attendance across the school—thank you to all families for your continued effort, especially as we head into the final days of term.
Year 2 led the way with an outstanding 99.3%, closely followed by Year 4 with an impressive 99%. Year 3 also performed brilliantly this week, achieving 97.9%, with Year 5 just behind at 97.6%. Year 6 recorded a solid 96.7%, and Year 1 reached 96.4%. Reception finished the week at 95.7%, while Nursery recorded 92.7%.
With one week left of the term, we’re really hoping to see every class finish strongly. Let’s make these final days count and head into the Easter break on a high!
Nursery Admissions - September 2026
Please share with friends and family that applications to come and join our wonderful Nursery for the next academic year are about to close! Our Nursery pupils love coming into school each day to enjoy all of our fantastic facilities and benefit from the care of our dedicated Nursery staff who create a friendly, safe and stimulating learning environment.
In September 2026, we shall be admitting children born between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023 and are pleased to share that we offer either:
15-hour morning provision from 8.50am-11.50am
or
For working families in receipt of 30-hours government funding, daily provision from 8.50am-2.50pm, with the option to extend the day to 3.15pm for an additional cost of £12.50 per week.
Please do encourage family and friends with Nursery-aged pupils to come and see us.
As you know, reading regularly at home with your children is incredibly important. A good bedtime story is not only helpful in maintaining a strong routine in the evening, it also helps children to develop their imagination and vocabulary.
Each week, we will ask our staff what their current recommendations are for the best bedtime reads. We hope that it provides you with some ideas!
The Invisible String is a tender, heartwarming picture book that beautifully captures the idea that love keeps us connected, no matter the distance. Through the simple yet powerful metaphor of an “invisible string,” Patrice Karst reassures children (and adults) that separation—whether due to school, travel, or even loss—doesn’t mean the end of connection.
The story follows a mother explaining to her children that everyone is linked to the people they love by an invisible string that can stretch across any distance—over mountains, across oceans, and even into the stars. Joanne Lew-Vriethoff’s illustrations complement the text perfectly, adding warmth and emotional depth to the message.
What makes this book so special is its versatility—it can comfort a child experiencing separation anxiety, help a family navigate grief, or simply serve as a reminder of the enduring bonds we share. The language is accessible for young readers, yet the theme resonates with all ages.
Parish Council Request
We have been asked by the Parish Council to remind families to please park considerately around Barnacres Road, particularly during busy drop-off and pick-up times. Recent reports highlight ongoing damage to the grass verges caused by vehicles mounting the kerbs, which is affecting nearby residents. We kindly ask parents and carers to avoid parking on or driving over the verges and to help us keep the surrounding area safe and tidy for everyone. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
For fans of 'Draw with Rob' and his books we would like to share that, from 27th March, there will be an exhibition opening at St. Albans Museum, bringing together many of the pictures and sketches from his works, including the Peanut Jones books.
The exhibition is free to visit, based in the Town Hall Museum.
Please remember that school finishes for Easter at 1.30pm next Friday
23rd March - Art Week - Sculpture
24th&25th March - Y3&4 Production
25th March - Y5 Trip to Kew Gardens
25th March - Y2 trip to Frogmore Paper Mill
26th March - Whole School Church Service
27th March - End of the Spring Term 1.30pm
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!
Spring is definitely in the air! Today is the spring equinox, meaning that from tomorrow days will be longer than nights for the first time in 6 months.
Enjoy looking for signs of spring this weekend.
What a wonderful world!