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Dear Parents and Carers,
On Wednesday 29th January it is Chinese New Year which is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year. This is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, cultural festivities and the welcoming of a new year with hope and optimism. Chinese New Year 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac. We would like to wish all our families a Happy Chinese New Year and best wishes for a prosperous Year of the Snake.
Last week you would have received a letter from NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board. The Hertfordshire and West Essex Healthier together website - www.hwehealthiertogether.nhs.uk
has information about a range of common childhood illnesses and their symptoms, with easy-to-follow ‘traffic light’ descriptions for different illnesses to help parents and carers to understand how serious their child’s symptoms are, and give advice on what to do if symptoms get worse. There is advice on when and how you can treat your child safely at home, and when you need to get urgent help.
Last week we mentioned that there was an increasing number of children talking about online games they are playing at home. We asked that you are vigilant about anything your child is viewing online. This also applies to programmes that children are watching on the TV and via streaming services such as Netflix. Children in primary schools should not be exposed to programmes such as Squid Games.
To make you aware we have had some ongoing issues with our water company. You may see in the local press in the coming days or weeks an article relating to this and the impact that this has on the school budget. Please don't be alarmed as this won't affect the quality of your child's education. It is unfortunately a consequence of the ongoing issues surrounding finances and financial support in the education sector.
We appreciate the traffic in town is terrible and this has an impact on many of you in the mornings. Can we please ask you make every effort to get your children into school before the register closes at 9am. All late marks are recorded on your child’s attendance.
The PTA are looking to increase their numbers. If you are a parent who is new to the school and would like to find out how you can get involved then please email PTA@thorngrove.herts.sch.uk for more information.
Golden Certificates
Rec Jordan
Yr1 Manny & Amelie
Yr2 Julia & Seb
Yr3 Max & Ada
Yr4 Tyler & Adelyn
Yr5 Maja & Devan
Yr 6 Grace & Eleni
Headteacher Arden
Future Diary Dates
Spring Term
February 2025
Half Term Mon 17th–Fri 21st Feb
Children’s first day Mon 24th Feb
Wed 5th - Sportshall Athletics
Thur 6th - KS1 Dance Workshop
Festival of Literature 10th–14tth
March 2025
Thur 13th- Quicksticks
17th-21st - Poetry Week
Parent Open Sessions
Thur 20th - Bee Netball
Fri 21st - Red Nose Day
Fri 28th - Great Athletes
April 2025
Fri 4th - Celebration assembly 9.30am
Fri 4th - Term ends school closes @ 13.30
I am Proud of My Writing Display
Riley, Bryant House Captain, recently introduced his fantastic idea to create an “I Am Proud of My Writing” display. This new initiative allows children to showcase a piece of their writing that they feel best shows their effort and pride in their work.
These children have already added their writing to the display:
Isla (Yr6), Nicole (Yr 3), Abigail (Yr 3), Willow (Yr 3), Zak (Yr3), Arabella (Yr 5), Oona (Yr 1)
Parents are welcome to come and take a look at their children's writing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements and foster a sense of pride in their work.
Last week, we were lucky enough to welcome the author and illustrator, Robyn Wilson-Owen, to our school. Robyn gave an engaging demonstration on how she creates her storyboards and shared tips so the children could create their own characters. They also joined in reading her latest book, Hedge Lion, providing a range of lion roars!
Robyn is set to be the Artist in Residence at Bishop’s Stortford Library throughout February and March where she will be hosting a range of workshops and drop-in sessions.
Bishop's Stortford College Festival of Literature - February
Bishop's Stortford College Festival of Literature - February
Bishop’s Stortford College will be holding their annual Festival of Literature from Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February. The Festival aims to inspire reading for pleasure by providing pupils with inspiring and exciting experiences, celebrating the written word in all its forms with a wonderful array of authors, illustrators and poets. As a local school we are delighted to have been invited to take part in the events. If you would like to be a parent helper for your child’s session please contact your child’s class teacher
Years 1 and 2: Monday 10 February, 2pm - 3pm
Children can be collected from the College after this event. Teachers will send out more information.
World famous explorer, Professor Jigget has just got back from one of his bombastic story-collecting adventures and somehow, he’s managed to squish and squash all his new stories into one big box and is bringing it with him to Bishop’s Stortford College. Expect folklore, and fantasy, magic and more...
Years 3 and 4: Tuesday 11 February, 2pm - 3pm
Children can be collected from the College after this event. Teachers will send out more information.
Sophie Deen will introduce you all to her top-secret Spy world. Participants will embark on a captivating induction into the high-tech, secret world of the Children’s Spy Agency. The journey encompasses science, secrecy, a global perspective, and gadgets. Beyond spy-gear, the focus remains on sharp minds and quick wits, essential qualities for a top CSA agent.
Years 5 and 6: Thursday 13 February, 2pm-3pm
Children can be collected from the College after this event. Teachers will send out more information.
MG Leonard is the bestselling author of children’s books such as Beetle Boy, th Adventures on Trains series and the Twitchers books. Discover how a trip down the Nile inspired her newest fast-paced adventure Hunt for the Golden Scarab. Explore the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of the Pharaohs can be found, unravel the ancient art of mummi cation, learn about heart scarabs, the Book of the Dead and the possible location of the lost tomb of Nefertiti. This event is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, budding Egyptologists and time travellers.
Open Week and Poetry Week
17th-21st March
During the week the whole school will be celebrating poetry. Children will have the chance to write, perform and immerse themselves in the world of poetry. This week will ignite creativity, build confidence and foster an appreciation of language across all year groups. Parents will be invited into school during the week and more information will be sent by class teachers.
If you would like to recite a poem or be actively involved in this celebration please email Mrs Lilley (jlilley@thorngrove.herts.sch.uk)
KS2 Poetry by Heart National Competition: In addition to the celebration, Children from years 3-6 will also have the chance to take part in the Poetry By Heart National Competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to memorize and perform a poem of their choice, competing on a national level. Click here for more information on the competition.
Skills Builder Partnership
Skills Builder Partnership
Thorn Grove works with The Skills Builder Partnership to ensure every learner has opportunities to build eight essential skills to support them now and in the future. This term we are focusing on creativity, aiming high and staying positive skills. For more information on on this and how you can access Skills Builder Homezone see our information sheet
Rotary Club of Bishop's Stortford Young Musician Competition 2025 is now open.
Although there are likely to be some very high standards of performance amongst the entries, they wish also to encourage young and less advanced musicians and singers to enter, and so benefit from the experience of performing.
The competition is held on Saturday 26th April at Bishop's Stortford College. Applications close on 14th March. More information and an entry form can be found here.
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