25th March 2026

Dear Parents,

We wanted to express our thanks for the resilience we have all shown this week. The transition to online learning happened almost overnight and we are appreciative how quickly our entire community adapted to this shift.

Acknowledging the Challenge

We know that this hasn’t been easy. Moving to a digital classroom isn't just about opening a laptop; it’s a total disruption of your family’s daily routines, work schedules and personal space. We know the effort you are putting in to balance it all and we want to thank all parents for your support.

Flexibility and Well-being

Our primary goal is to keep our students engaged and supported. However, we also recognise that every household is different.

Important Note: If you feel that the online process is becoming overwhelming or counter-productive to your child’s well-being and learning, please know that you have the option to opt out of specific sessions.

We trust your judgment as parents. If a break is needed to preserve a positive learning environment at home, we fully support that decision.

Celebrating Our Staff

A huge thank you must also go to our dedicated teaching staff. Behind the scenes, they have worked tirelessly to pivot their lesson plans, prepare digital resources and ensure that our students continue to receive a high-quality education from afar.

Looking Ahead

While technology is a fantastic tool, we all agree, nothing replaces face-to-face learning. We miss the energy of the children and the personal connection of the classroom just as much as the students do.

We are preparing to welcome your children back to school this Sunday. After the recent storms we are making sure the site is ready to open. The swimming pool for example is currently undergoing extensive cleaning by our maintenance teams.

Thank you for your continued partnership and patience.

Parent Teacher Consultations (PTC) - For those parents that previously signed-up, our postponed PTCs will happen next week on Tuesday 31st March. The same timings will apply to your appointment unless you have contacted the class teacher to share otherwise.

End of Term 11:30 finish - Please note next week is the end of Term 2 and we will close at 11.30 on the Wednesday.

Tim Robinson

Headteacher

Book Week - Sunday 19th April - Thursday 23rd April

We are delighted to share our plans for our upcoming Book Week, which will run from Sunday 19th April to Thursday 23rd April. There are a range of activities that will take place during the week. Please click 'Read more' for further details including the date for our Book Parade!

Book Café / Breakfast and a Book Initiative (Y1-Y6)

We will be setting up a Book Café in the Learning Souq with the aim of further developing our reading communities within our school. The café will offer a wide selection of children’s literature and children will be encouraged to recommend their favourite books to their peers. Older children will also buddy with younger children to support this initiative.

Alongside this, we will run a “Breakfast and a Book” initiative, where children can enjoy a healthy snack and a drink before or after reading. Snacks are provided (please note this must not replace a child’s normal breakfast).

Parents are warmly invited to visit these spaces during the week, each day between 1:30 - 2:00pm. We hope you will enjoy the opportunity to connect with other parents, explore the books available and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. You are also very welcome to bring your own books to read. When parents model reading for pleasure, it can have a powerful impact on children. (For awareness, no books are for sale).

Parent Readers (EY-Y6)

We would love to invite parents into school to read a book—or an extract from a book—to their child’s class. This could be a favourite book from your own childhood or a current children’s book. Readings can be in English or your home language. Your child’s class teacher will share a sign-up form with further details and these will be shared with parents in due course.

Book Character Parade (EY-Y6)

On Thursday 23rd April, we will hold a Book Character Parade from 8:30–9:30am in the Sports Hall. Children are invited to dress as a favourite book character or anything related to reading. The aim is to celebrate reading for pleasure, and there is no expectation to purchase a costume - we encourage families to be as creative as they wish.

Trip to RAHRC Library (Y1-Y5)

Following the successful Year 6 visit to the RAHRC Library, children from Year 1 to Year 5 will also have the opportunity to visit. Further details will be shared soon. The visit will last approximately 45 minutes and will take place during the school day using PDO-approved buses. The purpose of the trip is to provide children and families with greater access to a wide range of high-quality children’s fiction.

We look forward to celebrating a wonderful week of reading with our school community.

Out of School Achievement!

Vedansh in Y4M won the RAHRC tennis tournament in his age group, which is a fantastic accomplishment. We are extremely proud of his dedication, hard work and sporting spirit.

PDO School Newsletter