Newsletter October 2026
Spotlight on Our Christian Value: Respect
This month we are focusing on the Christian value of Inspiration
“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
Headteacher's Update - Emma Hartley
What a busy and positive half term it has been! A heartfelt thank you for the wonderful generosity and warmth shown at our Macmillan Coffee Morning, where we raised an amazing £383. Thank you to everyone who attended or provided cakes.
We have some exciting events coming up, a rugby tournament and Bikeabilty for our year 5 and 6 children. I know both events will be very popular. Our younger children have been working with local artist Tracey Larkin, who has kindly given up her time. They have loved every minute of these sessions. Thank you Tracey.
Our children continue to work hard and make us proud. We are excited to come together for our Harvest Festival on 23rd October. Everyone is welcome and we kindly ask for donations for the local food bank.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Have a safe, restful and enjoyable half term!
Here is a little insight from Hawks and Kestrels for this term:
Kestrels Class
Kestrel Class have been enjoying using different marks to create some beautiful animal artwork. We were lucky enough to have artist Tracy Larkin come and lead us in some highly inspiring art sessions! We have also created some wonderful music to tell the story of the Hare and the Tortoise. We carefully chose the best percussion instruments for the job! Some members of Kestrel Class are reading the Andy Seed non-fiction book 'Interview with a Tiger'. Imagine being able to talk to animals! What questions would you ask? What would they say? Others have been enjoying 'The Gruffalo' and we have been re-telling the story and making dishes for The Gruffalo's lunch. We are so proud of all the new members of Kestrel Class who have settled in so well! Well done all of you!
Hawks Class
It has been a really good half term in Hawks Class, and I am incredibly proud of how hard everyone has worked! The children have been enthusiastic and engaged throughout our Autumn 1 topic on Ancient Egypt, learning about the fascinating Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, Tutankhamun, the process of mummification and what daily life was like in Ancient Egypt. They have also produced some excellent written reports on ancient Egyptian artefacts, demonstrating their growing knowledge and impressive writing skills. In addition, the children have shown great creativity and teamwork by choreographing their own Egyptian-inspired dances to the song Walk Like an Egyptian! Well done, Hawks Class, for all your hard work, enthusiasm and creativity this half term. I hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved half-term break!
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
Healthy eating and a healthy sleep pattern will help your child.
Update from our Chair of Governors - Amanda Letch
Dear Parents and Carers,
I would like to thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm. Happy Half Term.
Stay safe and have a much needed rest.
Best Wishes
Amanda
Message 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.
Father John
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 year group's attendance this term to date: Well done year 6 and year 2.
Year 6 | 97.5% | |
Year 5 | 87.22% | |
Year 4 | 83.33% | |
Year 3 | 91.47% | |
Year 2 | 97.08% | |
Year 1 | 92.59% |
Dates for your Diary
Thursday 15th October | INSET DAY |
Friday 16th October | Year 5 and 6 rugby tournament |
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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