13th May 2026

Dear Parents

As we approach the end of this academic year, we invite you to join us for a special ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of PDO School.

This event serves as a formal recognition of the school’s long-standing history and the wonderful community that has flourished here for six decades.

While we prepare to close our doors, we wish to gather one last time to honour the legacy of our pupils and the memories we have created together.

Event Highlights

The afternoon will focus on the heart of our school—our children—and the history we share:

Children’s Performances: A showcase of singing and musical entertainment

A Retrospective Journey: A dedicated look back at video and photographic memories from the past 60 years.

Reflective Speeches: Brief addresses to recognise the school’s impact and its historical bond with the community.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 10th June

Venue: The Main Hall, PDO School

Doors Open: 12:30 PM

Commencement: 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM

Important Information regarding Seating

We are very keen to ensure that all families have the opportunity to join us for this historic occasion. Due to the hall’s capacity, we are only able to assign two seats per family. We kindly ask for your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

RSVP

To assist us with our preparations, please confirm your attendance by completing THIS FORM .

We look forward to welcoming you all to this final chapter of our school’s history as we recognise the lasting impact of the PDO School community.

School Medical News

As noted in our recent communications, we are currently experiencing several cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) within our school, alongside a rise in general viral illnesses.

To ensure the health and safety of all our students and staff, we kindly ask for your continued support in the following areas:

Stay Home if Unwell

To protect our whole community, please ensure your children stay at home, if they are feeling unwell or showing any symptoms. Keeping a sick child home is the most effective way to break the chain of infection. If you are unsure about your child’s health or need a professional opinion, please visit the PDO Clinic. They are available to support you and provide the necessary guidance on whether it is safe for your child to return to school.

Our Commitment to Safety

Please be assured that we are taking proactive steps to manage the situation:

Deep Cleaning: We are conducting a thorough deep clean of the school premises daily.
Expert Guidance: We are in close contact and coordination with the PDO Clinic regarding the current HFMD situation to ensure we are following the best medical advice.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and for helping us keep our community safe and healthy.

Tim Robinson

Headteacher

Our PLG Journey: Together as a Learning Community

We are excited to continue sharing our Personal Goals Padlet platform in our weekly newsletter to celebrate achievements together as a wider community.

We kindly ask for your support in capturing moments when your child demonstrates any of the Personal Learning Goals - whether at home, in the park, during outdoor play or in daily routines. For example, if your child shows collaboration while playing outside, you may upload one photo and select the appropriate Personal Goal folder (e.g., “Collaboration”).

Families are welcome to share one photo per week if they wish, highlighting a Personal Goal your child has demonstrated.

Please click on the Padlet link below to share your child’s achievement with our community. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to celebrate their out-of-school achievements and for us to reinforce that their Personal Learning Goals are transferable skills beyond the classroom.

PLGs Padlet

Thank you for supporting the celebration of children’s achievements.

The IC Team

Early Years

Term three has been filled with so much lovely play, laughter and learning in the Early Years! From painting and creating, to building marble runs, dressing up and enjoying imaginative pretend play with friends. The children have been growing in confidence, communication and independence each day.

These meaningful play experiences are such an important part of the IEYC and Early Years curriculum, helping children learn naturally through curiosity, creativity and hands on discovery.

Milepost 1

This week in Milepost 1, Year 2 worked together and used directional language to navigate towards objects in a grid, making authentic connections between Maths and their IPC topic, Travel From A to B.

The children worked on their collaborative and communicative skills to direct each other to objects on the grid. They used the compass rose to direct each other to the objects and increased the challenge by gradually including more objects for each other to pick up. It was great to see the encouragement they had for each other to get the objects and the understanding that clearer directions are the easier to follow.

Milepost 2

Year 3 become rainforest weather reporters!

After developing their knowledge and understanding of weather in different rainforest locations, the children used their research findings to write their own weather report scripts. They are now busy recording their broadcasts, developing their communication and presentation skills as they present like real weather reporters. Using Green Screen technology, the children will transport themselves deep into the rainforest for their reports.

Milepost 3

As part of our IPC unit Bake it!, the children have been exploring the science behind baking and discovering how ingredients change through chemical reactions.

Through hands-on investigations and practical activities, Year 5 have been learning how science plays an important role in the food we make every day.

This week, the children focused on yeast and the important role it plays in bread making. They investigated what yeast looks and smells like and learned that it is a living fungus. By mixing yeast, sugar and warm water, the children observed a chemical reaction taking place as bubbles of carbon dioxide gas were produced.

The class made predictions, discussed their observations and explored how different factors such as water temperature and the amount of sugar could affect the reaction. They then applied their learning while making bread, seeing first-hand how the gas produced by the yeast helps dough to rise.

It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to combine science, investigation and baking while developing their understanding of chemical reactions in a fun and memorable way.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our parent volunteers who gave up their time to help the children with this memorable experience.

Year 6 - End of Year

Save the date!

We will be celebrating our Class of 2026 with a graduation ceremony and car parade on Thursday 25th June.

The Year 6 leavers production will take place on the afternoon of Monday 15th June.

Official invitations will be sent to all Year 6 families later this month.

A Huge Congratulations to our Maths Passport Globetrotters!

Achieving the Globetrotters certificate is an exceptional accomplishment and represents the final stage of the Maths Passport programme. This award reflects years of dedication, perseverance and consistent mastery of key mathematical skills. Reaching this level requires determination, resilience and a genuine love of learning and we are incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment shown by our students. Well done on this outstanding achievement!

Congratulations to our Learners of the Week!

A huge congratulations to our newest Learners of the Week! This award recognises the incredible effort they put into their learning and the excellent ways they are putting their personal goals into practice. It's fantastic to see them growing and becoming such dedicated and confident learners.

Hot Weather

Children have the option of coming inside during relevant break times. If you would prefer that your child(ren) takes the option of inside play when available, please discuss this with your child.

Also it is essential that children continue to have their hats and water bottles in school everyday. You may also wish to apply sunscreen to your child before school.

PDO School Newsletter