Church Hill News

Parent Newsletter Date 10.07.2026

Early Morning Interventions

A reminder that, as communicated in our previous message, there will be no early morning intervention groups next week.

Children who usually attend an early morning intervention should arrive at school at the normal start time of 8:50am.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we bring the school year to a close.

Chatter Matters - Family Talk Time - Summer Holidays

With the summer holidays getting closer, talk together about what makes a great break from school.

Try these questions:

What is one thing you would like to do this summer?
Do you prefer busy days or relaxing days? Why?
What could families do that is fun and does not cost any money?
What is a happy memory from a previous holiday?

Oracy challenge: Take turns sharing your ideas and use the phrase: “I think… because…”

Listening carefully and building on each other’s ideas helps children become confident speakers.

Term Dates for Next Academic Year

Please find next year's term dates included in this week's newsletter.

We would like to draw your attention to one important change. Unlike previous years, there is only one staff training day at the start of the autumn term. This means that all children in Years 1–6 are expected to return to school on Wednesday 2nd September.

We would also like to remind parents and carers that, in line with school, local authority and national guidance, term-time leave cannot be authorised except in truly exceptional circumstances. We therefore ask that family holidays and other appointments are arranged outside of term time wherever possible.

As a school, we work closely with the Local Authority's Education Welfare Officer, who monitors attendance for all children of statutory school age. Where there are repeated unauthorised absences, the Education Welfare Officer may, in line with the Local Authority's procedures, recommend that a Penalty Notice (fine) is issued to parents or carers.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child attends school regularly and is able to make the most of every learning opportunity.

Sad Goodbyes

At the end of this school year, we will be saying a fond farewell to two much-valued members of the Church Hill team.

After one year teaching Year 4, Miss K will be leaving Church Hill to pursue a new challenge. During her time with us, she has worked hard to support and inspire the children in her class, and we would like to thank her for her commitment and dedication. We wish Miss K every success and happiness in the next stage of her career.

We will also be saying a very heartfelt goodbye to Mrs Gonzalez, who, after 19 years of dedicated service to Church Hill, has made the decision to retire and begin an exciting new chapter alongside her husband.

For almost two decades, Mrs Gonzalez has shown unwavering kindness, care and patience to generations of children and their families. She has touched the lives of so many members of our school community and has been a constant source of warmth, encouragement and support. Her dedication to the children of Church Hill has been exceptional, and she will be greatly missed by pupils, families and colleagues alike.

Whilst we will all be sad to see her go, we are delighted that she and her husband will now have the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved retirement together. We have no doubt that they will soon be wondering how they ever found time to fit work into their busy schedules as they make the most of their leisure time and travel adventures.

On behalf of everyone at Church Hill, we would like to thank both Miss K and Mrs Gonzalez for everything they have contributed to our school and wish them every happiness and success for the future.

Miss Porter

Meet the Teacher

On Monday morning, we will be holding our annual Meet the Teacher assembly, during which the children will be introduced to the teachers and support staff who will be working with their class next year.

Following the assembly, all children will have the opportunity to spend some time in their new classrooms, meeting the adults who will be teaching and supporting them in the next academic year. This is always an exciting part of the transition process and helps the children begin to feel familiar and confident about the year ahead.

At the end of the school day, we will email parents and carers with details of their child's class teacher and the adults who will be working with them next year. We hope this will give you the opportunity to chat with your child next week and over the summer about the exciting year ahead and the staff who will be supporting them.

A Fantastic Sports Day!

What a fantastic Sports Day we had on Monday!

Despite the extremely hot weather, our children were absolutely superb. They remained calm, followed instructions brilliantly and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day, encouraging and supporting one another in every event. Well done to each and every one of them for representing their houses so magnificently—you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.

A huge thank you goes to all of the Church Hill staff, who supervised the children throughout the day and encouraged them to do their very best while ensuring they enjoyed every event.

A very special thank you must also go to Mr Reisman and the Sports Team. Sports Day is an enormous undertaking, and the meticulous planning and organisation behind the scenes ensured that everything ran incredibly smoothly. Their hard work meant that everyone—children, staff and families alike—had a truly enjoyable day.

Finally, thank you to all of the parents and carers who braved the heat to come along and cheer on not only their own children but all of our pupils. Your encouragement and support helped to make the day even more special.

All in all, it was an absolutely fabulous day and a wonderful celebration of teamwork, determination and the fantastic spirit of our school community.

Miss Porter

Healthy Schools Awards

Last Thursday, 2nd July Church Hill were honoured to attend The Barnet Healthy Schools and Healthy Early Years Celebration Event at Barnet Town Hall. The Worshipful Mayor was in attendance to present the award. We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Bronze certificate. A big thank you to Miss Murray and Miss Fennessy for all the work they did preparing for the award and also to Chaya, Raff and Chiara from Year 4, who were fabulous ambassadors on the day.

Jo-Jo Ward is raising money for Cancer Research UK

"On the 18th July 2026, I’ll be shaving my hair off to raise money for Cancer Research.

Cancer touches all of our lives in one way or another. Whether it's a family member, friend, colleague, or someone we love, most of us have been affected by this disease.

This fundraiser is a reminder that when cancer patients lose their hair, they are still absolute warriors and that their beauty and strength is not defined by their appearance or outward image.

I'll be embracing my inner beauty, self-love, and confidence with no hair.

If you'd like to support me and this amazing cause, any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated. Please following the link below if you would like to donate.

Thank you for your support"

With only 1 week to go until the end of the school year any donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated for this wonderful cause.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jojo-ward-1779659221027?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=WA