Newsletter 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
Welcome back to a new school year. As I step into the role of Head Teacher, I feel deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and excited for the term ahead. Our Christian ethos — respect, responsibility, courage, and inspiration — will continue to guide everything we do as a community.
This year offers us fresh opportunities to grow together, to support one another, and to help every child flourish. I look forward to working with families, staff, and pupils to create a school environment where kindness is lived out daily, where curiosity is encouraged, and where each child feels valued and known.
I’m excited for the term ahead and all the moments of learning, joy, and discovery it will bring.
See you all at the Macmillan Coffee Morning on September 25th.
Mrs Hartley
Here is a little insight from Kestrels and Hawks for this term:
Kestrels Class
Welcome to the new class- Kestrels. The children have all settled well and started work on the new topic of Animals and their Environments. It has been a delight to see the enthusiasm and enjoyment spread through the class each day. The older children have shown kindness and warmth to our new starters and everyone seems ready to learn and grow. Keep it up !
Hawks Class
Welcome back to all our Hawks Class pupils and families! The children in Years 4, 5 and 6 have settled in brilliantly and enjoyed a fantastic first week together. Everyone is particularly excited to begin our Autumn 1 topic, Ancient Egypt, and we cannot wait to explore the fascinating lives, achievements and mysteries of this incredible civilisation. We are looking forward to a happy, successful and exciting new school year!
Before and After School Provision
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 .
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
Please visit this website for advice on a great many things that may worry you.
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,
Welcome to the new term and an especially warm welcome to any families who are new to the school this year.
Mrs Hartley and I have been working hard over the summer to prepare for the start of the new school year, developing the school's improvement plan, which all schools have to direct their workload each year.
One exciting new development at Ecchinswell and Sydmonton Primary School is the provision of wraparound care. This decision has been taken in direct response to parent request and I am delighted to say that although this is a 'trial' currently, we hope to maintain this service for working parents and for those of you who need occasional childcare before or after school.
Another area the Governors have been working on is growing our school numbers. We have various strategies in place for this: advertising banners, Ecchinswell School news in all the village magazines roundabout, visits to local nurseries and pre-schools, and open morning presentations which clearly articulate our school's successes. Having said all of that, you, the parents, are our biggest PR machines via word of mouth. If any of you have friends or family members looking for schools, don't forget to suggest our lovely, rural, village school with small class sizes and a family feel.
Lastly, 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 we begin a new academic year, the Church enters Creationtide: a time to remember God’s creation and our shared community. We are reminded that we are stewards of creation and called to work with God and our neighbours. I warmly welcome our new students and welcome back those returning as they move into the next stage of school life.
I look forward to working with students and staff for an exciting, enjoyable term.
Fr John
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
Tuesday 22nd September | Year 2 football at Cheam School | |
Wednesday 23rd September | PTFA AGM at school 2.45 | |
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 | |
Wednesday 11th November | Parents evening | |
Wednesday 18th November | Open morning 9.30 | |
Thursday 19th November | Flu vaccinations |
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