Newsletter March 2026

ehartley87
5 days ago
6 min read

Spotlight on Our Christian Value: Courage

This month we are focusing on the Christian value of Courage.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” - Philippians 4:13

Headteacher's Update - Alison Story-Scrivens

March has been another busy and joyful month in school, filled with opportunities for learning, creativity and coming together as a community.

We had a truly fantastic time celebrating World Book Day. It was wonderful to see the children so engaged in reading activities and proudly sharing their love of books. The effort that went into creating character spoons and storytelling across the school was impressive. It was a delight to see such enthusiasm for reading.

In addition, we have been reflecting on the meaning of Mothering Sunday, taking time in school to appreciate and give thanks for the care, guidance and support we receive from those who look after us.

We also marked Comic Relief with great spirit. Thank you for your generosity and support, our children embraced the day with kindness and enthusiasm, helping to raise awareness and funds for important causes. It was heartening to see our school values in action.

We came together as a school family at our Easter church service which is always a special moment in the school calendar. It provides a valuable opportunity for reflection and celebration.

As we come to the close of this term, I would like to thank you all for your continued support. The children have worked incredibly hard and we are very proud of all they have achieved.

I wish you and your families a restful and enjoyable Easter break and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the summer.

Highlights from this term from our classes

Here is a little insight from Dandelion, Silver and Speedwell for this term:

Dandelion Class

We are incredibly proud of Dandelion Class, who have shown such huge enthusiasm and shared amazing knowledge this term as we have explored the wonders of Space. They have been inspired by the courage and determination of astronaut Mae Jemison. Dandelions have been working incredibly hard to make fact files and we have been blown away by their growing design and technology skills, where they have been designing, measuring and constructing stand alone rockets. We loved how the class members had their own ideas and the resilience to problem solve until their rockets met their criteria. On top of that, we have enjoyed listening and dancing to space themed music and have recited and written some beautiful poetry about space. Thank you for a wonderful term Dandelion Class, we hope you have a well deserved fantastic Easter!

Silver Class

This half term, Silver class has been really busy.They sent Mrs Hartley off to Portsmouth to photograph some of their favourite sights- the Spinnaker tower and the bombed church. They took a whistle top tourist trail around Boston and heard all about the famous Boston Tea Party.Comparing the two cities, they found that they have much in common today but Portsmouth is smaller and older and Boston much bigger and newer.Both have grown from their proximity to the coast.

Away from the cities,they have been busy and incredibly focused in gymnastics lessons, the highlight being using the wall bars.Some children made it to the top of the ropes! Music has seen everyone jigging and dancing along to ‘Portsmouth’ by Mike Oldfield.

World book day was fun and enhanced their interest in books.The wooden spoon characters were a real credit to them. Snuggling down to read was popular. They all love to be warm and cosy when reading and sharing stories.

Lastly,Comic Relief,super scootering and eating skills were displayed as we raised £100.It has been a short but busy and fun half term.

Happy Easter everyone.

Speedwell Class

A traditional hornpipe about Portsmouth, UK and Boston, USA

Twin Harbours, Different Tides

Oh Portsmouth quay with its navy grey,

And Boston harbour not far away,

Two salty towns on an ocean wide,

With a seaman’s heart and a turning tide!

To me hi-yo, they’re much the same,

With ropes and masts and a seafarer’s name,

But mind the flags and the tales they tell,

For each sings a different history well!

Now Portsmouth’s steeped in the Royal line,

With dockyard guns and the age of brine,

Old warships resting proud and still,

Guarding stories of crown and will.

But Boston rose with a rebel cry,

Where liberty’s spark was flying high,

No kings held sway on that bold shore,

Just freedom knocking at history’s door!

To me hi-yo, both winds blow strong,

With tavern songs and a fiddler’s song,

Fish and ale in the twilight air,

And sailors’ laughter everywhere!

Yet Pompey’s lanes feel tight and old,

With cobbles worn and stories told,

While Boston’s streets run wide and straight,

A newer hand that would shape its fate.

To me hi-yo, the seas unite,

Two harbour lights in the fading night,

Different drums but the same deep call,

The ocean’s voice that binds them all!

So Portsmouth or Boston, near or far,

You’ll find the sea’s the truest star,

For though they differ in crown and creed,

They’re kin by tide, by salt, by need! ⚓

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

👉 Here is a useful link from the NSPCC on advice on mobile phones

Road Safety link:

👉 Here is a useful link about road safety

Blue Peter Badge

Do you love books and reading? If you do, this is the badge for you! Find out how to apply for the Blue Peter Book badge now.

To earn this badge all you need to do is tell us about a book you've enjoyed reading recently and draw a character or scene from the book. We'd also love to hear about any books that have sparked your imagination. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a book, explore your school library, or become a member of your local library and you could be on your way to earning your very own Book badge! 📚

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/findoutmore/blue-peter-apply-for-a-book-badge

Update from our Chair of Governors - Amanda Letch

Parents, we have had one application for the post of parent Governor - from Sam Rebbettes. Sam came to observe the last FGB on the 10^th March and was able to add some valuable commentary for the Governors.

However, there may be others of you who would like to apply to be a Parent Governor. If that's the case, then we would need an election.

The time frame within which we need to hear from any other potential applicants is by: Friday 24^th April 2026.

If, however, we have no other applicants, then Sam will be elected your representative.

Lastly, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to wish you a very happy and relaxing Easter break.

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

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’s attendance this term to date:

Dandelion	96.46%
Silver	93.95%
Speedwell	94.54%

Dates for your Diary

Monday 30^th March to Friday 10^th April	Easter Holidays
Monday 13^th April	Back to school
Friday 24th April	Mini London Marathon
Monday 4^th May	Bank Holiday
Friday 8th May	PTFA School Event
Monday 11^th May - Thursday 14th May	Year 6 SATs.
Wednesday 20^th May	Silver and Speedwell to the ‘Insight’ exhibition at The Base
Thursday 21^st May	Rugby tournament year 5 and 6 girls Chineham Rugby Club
Monday 25^th May to Friday 29^th May	Half Term
Monday 1st June 1 to Friday 12th June	Year 4 MTC test
Monday 8^th June – Friday 12^th June	Year 1 and 2 phonic screening
Wednesday 17^th June	Sports day 1:30 at school
Friday 19th June	INSET Day
Friday 26th June	Year 6 to Winchester Cathedral
Wednesday 1st July	KS1 trip
Tuesday 21st July	Leavers' Service 2:15 at St Lawrence's Church (Year 6 parents)