Newsletter - 12th December
- rharfield
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Spotlight on Our Christian Value: Respect
This month we are focusing on the Christian value of Respect
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Headteacher's Update
Welcome to this festive edition of our school newsletter. As we move towards the end of term, I continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm, kindness and determination shown by our children each day. Their curiosity in the classroom and the way they support one another in the wider school community truly reflects the Christian values we aim to uphold.
This month has been filled with exciting learning opportunities, from classroom projects and enrichment activities to the many moments of achievements that make our school such a vibrant place. I would like to extend my thanks to our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to create engaging and nurturing experiences for every child. My sincere thanks also go to the PTFA team for bringing memorable events to life for our children and to the Governing Body for their strategic direction.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we ensure that our school remains a place where children feel happy, confident and ready to learn. I hope you enjoy reading about the highlights of this term and sharing in the successes of our school community.
On behalf of the school may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mrs A Story-Scrivens
Headteacher
Attendance Matters
School attendance, as always, is a focus for our school this year.
Our school attendance target is 97% and above for all children at Ecchinswell and Sydmonton Primary School, we are committed to:
• Promoting good attendance and reducing absence, including persistent absence
• Ensuring every pupil arrives at school on time and ready to learn
• Ensuring every pupil has access to full-time education to which they are entitled good attendance means being in school at least 97% of the time (184 days or more) good punctuality means being in school at 08:45 ready to learn
Please can we remind you of the following. Parents have the legal responsibility for ensuring that:
• their child attends regularly
• their child is in school ready to learn by 08.45 hrs
• avoid medical and dental appointments during the school day
• they take holidays during school holiday periods
• they inform school of absence daily or give an expected return date
• any applications for leave of absence during term time are made in advance
• they work alongside the school and Local Authority to improve lateness and attendance
Examples of unsatisfactory explanations which will be marked as unauthorised include:
• a child’s/family member’s birthday
• shopping for uniform
• having their hair cut
• closure of a sibling’s school for INSET or other purposes
• a sibling being ill
• inability to bring your child to school
• “couldn’t get up” or "the baby had a bad night and we are tired"
• Illness where the child is considered well enough to attend school without medical intervention and in the absence of a communicable disease.
• leave during term time taken without authorisation of the school
• head lice – let the school know and communication will then be sent to all parents in a confidential manner
Strong attendance is directly linked with stronger academic achievements as well as contributing to increased sense of belonging and strong social relationships. Here is a summary of each class' attendance this term to date:
Class | Attendance |
Dandelion | 96.3% |
Silver | 97% |
Speedwell | 93% |
Safeguarding Matters Safeguarding Matters
Key safeguarding messages for parents
Empower children to speak out: Teach children they have the right to say no and to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried, uncomfortable, or anything happens that makes them feel unsafe
Promote open communication: Have regular conversations with your child about their day, their friends, and what they see online to help them feel comfortable discussing any issues that arise
Establish boundaries: Create clear rules about personal space and online activity to help children understand and respect their own and others' boundaries
Prioritise online safety: Guide children on recognising online risks, understanding safe online relationships, and managing their use of technology and social media
Recognise warning signs: Be aware of potential indicators of abuse or neglect, which can include changes in behaviour, mood, or physical well-being
Know where to get help: Keep contact information for school safeguarding staff, Hampshire Children's Services, and charities like the NSPCC and ChildLine readily available
Work with the school: Understand that we have safeguarding policies in place and designated staff who can offer support. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Hartley and our Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Story-Scrivens, report any concerns to our Safeguarding Leads so they can act to protect the child
Report concerns immediately: If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact the police by dialling 999 or for non emergency please contact Hampshire Children Services via the contact details below:
Hampshire Children Services
Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 5 pm Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, phone 0300 555 1384
Online safety hints and tips
It is often difficult to know how to protect your children online. These two links below provide step-by-step guides and show you how to activate parental controls to manage children’s devices, apps, and platforms to give your children safer online experiences.
Highlights from this term from our classes.
This month we have added a little insight from Dandelion, Silver and Speedwell.
✨ What a wonderful Autumn Term we’ve had in Dandelion Class! ✨
Our young creators have been busy mixing colours to produce fantastic artwork and exploring the wonders of the natural world. We’ve also loved learning about each other’s families and sharing our experiences through our own book-making projects.
As incredible investigators, the children explored the properties of different materials—asking brilliant questions as they worked out what would make the most effective marmalade-sandwich bag!
We’ve enjoyed a range of wonderful stories too, from The Queen's Hat to Paddington to The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which inspired lively discussions, imaginative drama and some fabulous writing.
The children have also been working so hard to learn the words and songs for our nativity, and they are really enjoying the audiences reaction to their shining performance!
🌟 What an amazing term of learning it has been! 🌟
✨ Silver class' sparkling ditty for the term ✨
This year we began in an earthquake zone
We were shaken to the bone
Before entering into the depths of a volcano
Stopping to write a splendid poem or two as you know.
We then ventured further to the stars
Passing many hot and cold places
The journey seemed too far
So after all the excitement with smiles on our faces
We returned to school
Just in time to entertain and sing
This term has really been COOL !
Our teacher is pleased (we think)
We have made great progress
The term has gone in a blink.
2026 will see even more success!
✨ Speedwell Class – Autumn term successes ✨
In Autumn 1, with paint and ink,
We paused, observed, and learned to think.
Inspired by David Hockney’s style,
Watercolour scenes took shape in style.
Colour, line, and careful technique,
Helped every young artist grow each week.
Their finished work was bold and bright,
A wonderful start to term one’s delight.
In Autumn 2, we reached for space,
Exploring planets at an impressive pace.
The children showed excellent understanding,
Of our science topic — truly outstanding.
From stars and moons to the solar system wide,
Their growing knowledge filled us with pride.
This learning sparked wonderful poetry too,
About the universe and planets we knew.
With thoughtful words and creative flair,
Their poems were imaginative, original, and a joy to share.
Well done, Speedwell, on a fantastic term —
We are so proud of everything you’ve achieved!
PTFA News
We would like to thank everyone, children, parents and staff for all their support at our recent Christmas Fayre, we believe that a good time was had by all. We have raised the amazing amount of £683.35, so thank you!
We would also like to give huge thanks to Ashland Stores in Bishops Green who have collected just over £150 for our school.
Tuesday 13th January we have booked M&M Productions to perform the pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty' to the whole school, we can't wait!
We are already looking forward to the new year and more exciting events. We'd love to welcome more friendly faces to join us on the PTFA team, just contact the school office who will point you in the right direction.
Starting Infant or Junior School in September 2026?
Does your child start junior school in September 2026? Do you know someone who is looking for a school place starting in Year R? Come along to our open morning to meet staff and children and to see our brilliant School in action.
Dates for your Diary
Friday 19th December 2025 | Last day of term - 3.15 pm finish |
Monday 5th January 2026 | Inset Day |
Tuesday 6th January 2026 | Children back to school |
SATs information evening for Yr 6 parents 6 pm till 7 pm | |
Wednesday 7th January 2026 | Open morning for prospective parents 9 am till 10.30 am |
Tuesday 13th January 2026 | Whole school to watch the pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty' |
Tuesday 10th February 2026 | Safer Internet Day |
Wednesday 25th February 2026 | Parental consultation evening |
