Newsletter 2 September 2026
Spotlight on Our Christian Value:
This month we are focusing on the Christian value of Inspiration
Psalm 46:1–2
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.
Headteacher's Update - Mrs Hartley
It has been a fantastic start to the term, and I continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm, resilience, and hard work demonstrated by our children each day. Across the school, pupils are showing a real commitment to their learning, taking pride in their work, and supporting one another to achieve their best. Thank you also to our families for your continued encouragement and support at home.
Last week, we held our House Captain Elections, and I would like to congratulate all of the children who put themselves forward. The standard of the speeches was exceptional. Candidates spoke with confidence, passion, and maturity, sharing thoughtful ideas about how they would support their houses throughout the year. Whether they were elected or not, every child who took part should be incredibly proud of themselves for showing such courage and leadership.
We now look forward to our upcoming School Council Elections. This is another wonderful opportunity for children to develop their leadership skills and represent the views of their classmates. We encourage pupils to think carefully about how they can contribute to making our school even better for everyone. We look forward to hearing their ideas and celebrating pupil voice in action. Children from years one to six will be elected to school council so every year group gets a say in future events and fundraising. Mrs Brill has kindly agreed to run the school council this year.
I would like to add a little paragraph in this newsletter about reading. As you will be aware it is the National Year of Reading. Reading continues to be one of the most important things children can do to support their learning. A love of reading helps children develop vocabulary, imagination, confidence, and understanding across every area of the curriculum. We encourage all children to read regularly at home, whether independently or with an adult. Just ten minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference and help foster a lifelong enjoyment of books. Why not share a book each night with your child as a calm end to the otherwise frantic day.
Best wishes
Mrs Hartley
Here is a little insight from Kestrels and Hawks for this term:
Kestrels Class
The children have made an amazing start to the year. They have been using the outdoor environment to explore pneumatic devices and loved seeing how high they could get the rocket to fly. They are working enthusiastically in the mud kitchen and helping each other to build and navigate around obstacle courses.
Indoors they have been thinking about how they feel in the dark, ready to do some adventurous writing about a journey through a tunnel. Kestrels have also been busy creating the entrance hall art work and relaxing in the library where we change our library books every Friday.
Hawks Class
The children have made a fantastic start to the new school year and have really enjoyed beginning our exciting Ancient Egypt topic. They have been developing their drama skills through activities based on Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx, as well as taking part in Ancient Egyptian-inspired dance. In our topic lessons, the children have also been learning where Egypt is located and exploring what the country and its landscape are like. Over the coming weeks, we will be finding out more about life in Ancient Egypt, including the importance of the River Nile, pharaohs, pyramids, gods and goddesses, hieroglyphics and the fascinating process of mummification. We are looking forward to continuing our journey back in time!
Before and After School Provision/ Clubs
We are now offering before and after school provision. You can register your child for the early morning session 7.45- 8.30 am or the after school session which runs from 3.15 until 6.00 pm.
You can sign up through Arbor. The provision will be run by school staff who know the children and their needs. We hope this provision will help working parents .
We run a number of after school clubs and really want the children to come along and enjoy learning new skills.Once we have the children engaged in these activities, we can organise matches with other schools and this is always fun and popular. So give it a try.
If you would like your child to come along, then please contact the office or speak to Mrs Hartley.
Safeguarding Matters
If you are concerned then contact Hampshire Children Services:
Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 0300 555 1384
MyHappymind. Download the app and find useful information about sleep, neurodiversity, separation anxiety, speech and lots more.
Please speak to the DSL or DDSL if you have any concerns. This is Mrs Hartley or Miss Sellars. We are always here to help,
Update from our Chair of Governors - Amanda Letch
Dear Parents and Carers,
The nights are drawing in and we are quickly speeding through the first half term. The governors are looking forward to being involved in the new term and meeting the children and parents both during the school day and at events in the church and village.
Sam Rebbettes is doing a brilliant job as our new Parent Governor; but we do have space for 2 parent Governors on the board - so if any of you would like to join us in driving the school forward, just contact me on cog@ecchinswellsydmonton.hants.sch.uk or just let the school office know - whatever is easiest.
Best wishes
Amanda Letch
Update from Father John
As the days shorten and the nights draw in, we turn from Summer to Autumn and our thoughts turn to Harvest festivals. The Harvest Festival is one of the oldest traditions in human history. Long before supermarkets and delivery apps, communities relied entirely on the food they grew. A good harvest meant survival through the winter, so when the crops were finally gathered in, it was a moment of relief, gratitude, and celebration. That simple truth lies at the heart of harvest festivals across the world.
In the UK, Harvest Festival is a deeply rooted blend of pagan customs, Christian thanksgiving, and regional folklore. Even the word harvest comes from the Old English haerfest, meaning “autumn.” Traditionally, farmers gave thanks during the full moon closest to the autumn equinox — the Harvest Moon — which offered precious extra light for gathering the last of the crops before winter set in.
At the School we will be celebrating this festival on Friday 23rd October at 2.30pm. If you could give a small piece of produce, it will be greatly appreciated.
Fr John
Healthy Snacks
Children are allowed to bring a healthy snack to school for breaktimes. Fruit and vegetables are encouraged, but plain popcorn, breadsticks, crackers or a cheese string are allowed. We are trying to reduce plastic packaging so named reusable tupperware for fresh fruit and vegetables is best! Please support us in making our school healthy and reducing waste.
Attendance Matters
School attendance, as always, is a focus for our school this year. You will have seen in the news that attendance is a key nationwide priority.
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
Strong attendance is directly linked with stronger academic achievements as well as contributing to increased sense of belonging and strong social relationships.
Dates for your Diary
Friday 25th September | Macmillan Coffee Morning 9.30- 11.00 | |
Tuesday 29th September | Open morning 9.30 | |
Wednesday 14th October | Open morning 9.30 | |
Thursday 15th October | INSET DAY | |
Friday 23rd October | Harvest Festival at school 2.30 | |
Monday 26th October to Friday 30th October | Half Term | |
Monday 2nd November | INSET DAY | |
Friday 6th November | School photographer | |
Wednesday 11th November | Parents evening | |
Friday 13th November | Children in Need | |
Wednesday 18th November | Open morning 9.30 | |
Thursday 19th November | Flu vaccinations | |
Friday 11th December | Christingle at St Lawrence's 2.00 pm All welcome |
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