This week in worship, our theme has been Shining God’s Light. We began on Monday with the parable of the lamp on the table, reflecting on what it means to shine brightly in the world rather than hide our gifts, kindness, or faith. Some of the children’s reflections were incredibly thoughtful - one child explained that “the darkness feels like loneliness and the light helps us to see more.” Another shared how light helps us find our way when things feel confusing or difficult. All children were given a tea light to take home to remind them of what we have explored. 

On Thursday, we visited church, where the clergy team helped us explore the message even further: that God’s light is not something we keep for ourselves but something we share through our words, our actions and our compassion for others.

Our Christmas festivities have also begun. On Wednesday, our Chamber Choir represented the school beautifully at the Southfields Christmas Lights Switch-On, singing with confidence and joy. Yesterday we welcomed our Reception families for their children’s nativity performance - a truly special moment. This story has been told for over two thousand years, yet every time we see it through the eyes of children, it feels new again. It reminds us that Christmas begins not with noise or rush, but with a moment of stillness in a humble stable - where hope, peace and love entered the world. It is important to pause, breathe and remember what truly matters at Christmas: God’s love, given to all of us.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

This verse echoes our worship theme: our actions, however small, can illuminate the lives of others. When we choose kindness, forgiveness and generosity, we are shining God’s light in ways that truly matter.

As we enter the final weeks of term, we want to highlight the importance of good school attendance. UK research from the Department for Education (2023) found that:

• Pupils with 96% or higher attendance perform significantly better academically.

• Even small drops in attendance can lead to noticeably lower progress.

• Strong attendance supports children’s wellbeing, social development, and sense of belonging — especially at this time of year when routines and daylight change.

Thank you for working with us to ensure children attend every day they are well enough to do so. Each day of learning truly counts.

Safeguarding Information – Roblox Security Changes

As part of our commitment to keeping parents informed, we are sharing a recent update highlighted by the South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) regarding Roblox.

The introduction of the Online Safety Bill has strengthened safeguards for children online and Roblox is responding by introducing facial analysis age checks and optional ID verification for users over 13. These measures aim to ensure children interact only with age-appropriate users and help reduce risks associated with online gaming, including contact from strangers and inappropriate communication.

You can read more here:

SWGfL – Roblox Announces Facial Age Checks for Chat Features

https://swgfl.org.uk/magazine/roblox-announces-facial-age-checks-for-chat-features/

Please continue to monitor your child’s online activity and talk to them about who they interact with online. We will keep sharing updates to help families stay informed and confident.

Next week we begin our Advent journey in worship as we look ahead with hope, reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and lives for the coming of Jesus’ light.

There is also plenty to look forward to in school:

• Some of our extra-curricular clubs will be showcasing their talents.

• Our Nursery Christmas Singalong will take place on Wednesday.

• We end the week with our PTA Christmas Fair for the children and Christmas Jumper Day, always a festive highlight!

Thank you for your continued support.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Harris

Headteacher

Spring Clubs Go Live This Weekend!

Saturday 6th December, 9am

We ask that parents book only one internal club on this day to allow everyone an equal opportunity.

Additional clubs can be booked from Monday 8th December onwards.

6B Parliament Trip:

Yesterday, 6B had a great time at Parliament and were very lucky to have a number of visitors throughout the day meet them. 

We had an excellent tour of the Parliament Palace, House of Lords and the Sovereign Stairs. 

We also had a visit from Nick Watt, a BBC correspondent and Newsnight political editor, as well as Lincoln Jopp MP.

And Miss Bostock’s cousin gave us some inside info about the suffragettes and where Emily Davison famously hid on Census night 1911. 

Hayley Bostock

Assistant Headteacher 

6B Class Teacher