Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back. We hope the children had a lovely half term and are feeling rested and ready to return.
Our Year 6 house captains will be selling poppies for a few weeks to raise money for the Royal British Legion. It would be great if you could support us in remembering and honouring those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. Alongside poppies, there will also be reflectors, wristbands and snap bands available. Please look out for further information about prices.
This week (on Friday 7th November) we have school photos - individual, siblings and family.
Children in Need is on Friday 14th November this year. We are asking for a suggested donation of £1 and for the children to wear pyjamas to school on that day. You can donate via www.schoolgateway.com or by giving the cash to the teacher. There are so many issues deeply affecting children and young people in the UK today. Mental health struggles, rising levels of poverty, the ongoing pressures of social inequality and the negative impact of family challenges can all present massive barriers to a healthy childhood. BBC Children in Need, are doing everything they can to support children and young people.
On Thursday before half term some of our Year 5’s and Year 6's played in a basketball competition at Birchwood. They represented the school brilliantly.
Congratulations to our new School Ambassadors. They will be playing an important role in supporting and promoting our Climate Action Plan. Throughout the year, there will be opportunities for other children to become School Ambassadors too.
We have 2 visiting teachers from Cambridge University, Miss McCartan and Miss Morgan, who are with us spending time in Year 3 and Year 4.
Guðmundsdóttir (born 21 November 1965) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, and actress. Noted for her distinct three-octave vocal range, fashion status and eccentric persona, she has developed an eclectic musical style over her four-decade career that has drawn on a range of genres. Genres: Electronic, Pop and Experimental Active from: 1975 - Present Origin: Reykjavik, Iceland
Listen to her music here
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent poll regarding birthday celebrations.
As you can see, the majority wish to continue with the current arrangement of allowing a small sweet treat to be shared with the class.
Next week is Anti-Bullying Week. Odd Socks Day marks the start of Anti-Bullying Week 2025 and is taking place on Monday 10th November. It is supported by cBeebies presenter & ABA patron Andy Day and his band 'Andy and the Odd Socks'.
We ask that the children wear odd socks to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes us all unique!
There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or to buy expensive costumes. All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks to school, it couldn’t be simpler!
School Ambassadors
Year 1 - Lara & Connor
Year 2 - Harriette & Archie
Year 3 - Nathan & Alissa
Year 4 - Otto & Erin
Year 5 - Foster & Aria
Year 6 - Arden & Maja
Golden Certificates
Reception Eveline
Year 1 Arthur & Darcy
Year 2 Rose & Penelope
Year 3 Flynn & Olivia
Year 4 Otis & Anfisa
Year 5 Aria & James C
Year 6 Aleena & Talulah
Headteacher Iman, Queen, Wania, Constance, Henry, Isabelle and Isaac
As part of our ongoing efforts to foster leadership and ownership within our school community, our House Captains requested renaming their respective Houses.
Each House Captain was given full autonomy to nominate individuals they felt would be inspiring namesakes. They then presented their choices to the members, explaining the reasons behind their nominations. Each house voted on whether to adopt a new name or remain with the existing person. The decisions reflect the children's own understanding, admiration and knowledge of the people they chose.
We understand that, as adults, we may have our own perspectives on these choices and we will be reflecting on feedback received.
Thank you to Joss Dean MP who officially opened our library on Friday.
And thank you to everyone who supports our PTA. Without you this project would not have been possible.
Good luck to those children who have entered the 500 Words competition. Their stories are displayed on the 'I'm Pround of my Writing Board'.
There is still time to upload an entry. Entries need to be submitted by 7th November. Children should speak to Mrs Lilley if they would like to apply.
Future Diary Dates
November 2025
Friday 21st Nov 2025 - Occasional Day 1 (No pupils in School)
Fri. 7th All Day - Photography Day (Individuals/Siblings/Family)
Fri 14th Children in Need
Mon 24th SCARF
Tues 25th SCARF
December 2025
Wed 3rd Xmas Craft Morning
Wed 3rd Christmas Jumper Day
Mon 8th EYFS dress rehearsal
Tues 9th Panto-Snow White
Wed 10th EYFS Nativity @ 9.30am
Wed 10th Christmas Dinner Day
Wed 10th Christmas Jumper Day
Thurs 11th EYFS Party
Mon 15th KS1 Dress Rehearsal
Tues 16th 9.30am KS1 performance to Yr1 parents
Tues 16th 14.30hrs KS1 performance to Yr2 parents
Wed 17th KS2 Dress Rehearsal
Thurs 18th KS2 Carols around the Tree 9.30am
Thurs 18th KS2 Carols around the Tree 14.30hrs
Fri 19th Celebration assembly 9.30am
Fri 19th Term ends school closes @ 13.30hrs
For further dates please refer to the website
Stortford Gymnastics run monthly SEN & Sibling Classes on the first Sunday of every month. This is great for those with Special Education Needs, where the whole family can join too.
The link to their website with more information and the link to book sessions is here: www.stortfordgymnastics.com/special-educational-needs