Newsletter 6.11.26

News

November 2026

6th November 2026

It has been a busy first week back. It was such a pleasure to welcome so many families in for our first Parents' Evening of the year this week. Thank you for taking the time to complete data collection forms and our Belonging and Acceptance survey. All Autumn reports have now been emailed out, if you have not spotted this in your inbox, please do check your clutter or junk.
 
This half term is always very busy and we have some changes on the horizon. Mrs Onslow will leave at Christmas to start maternity leave. Sadly, Mrs Chandler, who has been teaching for two days a week in Year 4, will also be leaving us at Christmas. We will be so very sad to see her go. Although, we hope she will return whenever she can on supply. Once we appoint, I will let you know who will be joining us in these positions.
 
For anyone marching in Remembrance parades, we are very proud of you representing different organisations on this important day. Good luck! 
 
Please be careful if you are out and about enjoying bonfire and firework displays this weekend.
 
Jess Newitt, Headteacher
Stars of the Week 
 
Reception ~ Nico
Year 1 ~ Willow L
Year 2 ~ Eden
Year 3 ~ Rupert
Year 4 ~ to be awarded next week!
Year 5 ~ Immy
Year 6 ~ Harry
 
Well done, everyone, for shining so brightly!
 
Team Cup Winners
 
Congratulations to this week's team cup winners, Tudor Reds! And a big "WELL DONE" to anyone who earned team points this week.
 
Rainbow Welly Award
 
Our Rainbow Welly Award winners this week are.....Year 3, collected by Harry, who have an extra 10 minutes of play this week. Congratulations! 
Percentage Attendance Levels by Year Group - 2026/27 (to date)
 
Reception - 97.8%
Year 1 - 98.2%
Year 2 - 97.3%
Year 3 - 97.6%
Year 4 -  97.1%
Year 5 -  96.1%
Year 6 -  97.4%
 
Overall School Total - 97.4%
 
While the UK government sets an expectation of 100% attendance, good attendance is generally considered 95% or higher, with 97% or above regarded as very good/excellent.
 
Attendance Percentages Explained:
  • 97-100%: Very Good/Excellent attendance
  • 95-97%: Average/Good attendance
  • 90-95%: Cause for concern
  • Below 90%: Serious concern / Persistent absence (PA)

Is your child too ill for school?
 
As part of a national Department for Education campaign to improve school attendance, Warwickshire families are being encouraged to use NHS guidance to help decide whether their child is well enough to attend school.  Missing school can affect children and young people's learning, friendships and wellbeing. While some illnesses mean children should stay at home and rest, many common winter illnesses can be managed while still attending school. The NHS guidance covers a range of common childhood illnesses, including coughs, colds, chickenpox, ear infections and tummy bugs, helping parents and carers make informed decisions when their child is unwell. 
 
Read the NHS guidance here.
Crazy Hair Day 2026!
 
WOW! What crazy hair styles we had in school today! Some of them were real works of art - amazing!
 
A big thank you to everyone for taking part (and to families for working hard on these hairstyles behind the scenes) and for bringing so many sweet treats for our Friends of Alveston. 
Map it Out
 
Year 2 children have been making some fabulous progress with their 'Map it Out' art project. Yesterday, they continued to work on their 3D relief maps, adding details to enhance. Mrs McFeely was so impressed with their creativity - the classroom was a flurry of busy creating! 
Invasion Games
 
Year 2 began exploring the roles of attackers and defenders, developing their understanding of possession and positioning. They worked hard to think about where to move, how to work as a team and how to keep control of the ball. We also linked our PE lesson to our science learning, discussing how regular exercise helps to keep our bodies healthy and strong. It was wonderful to see the children developing their skills while learning about the importance of staying active!
Rags2Riches Collection!
 
We are taking part in the Rags2Riches clothing collection to raise funds for our school and help families around the world access affordable clothing. Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that you no longer wear? Let’s give them a new life! 
 

What they collect

What they don't collect

  • Clean, good quality, dry reusable clothing 

  • Adults, children’s & babies clothing 

  • Paired shoes and footwear 

  • Jewellery and accessories 

  • Belts and Handbags 

 
  • Poor quality items such as dirty, wet, ripped or soiled clothing 

  • Uniform or sports kits 

  • Socks 

  • Pillows 

  • Duvets 

  • Curtains 

  • Books or CD’s or bric-a-brac 

 
Ask yourself: Would you pass it on to a friend to wear? If not, it’s not suitable to donate. Even one item makes a difference, and don’t forget to ask your friends, grandparents and neighbours to join in.

Please bring your donations to the main school playground at morning drop-off on:

** Thursday 19th November 2026 **

Did you know? Every bag filled helps reduce textile waste going to landfill. Clothes are sent to Europe, Africa and beyond, where they are resold at affordable prices, giving them a second life and helping families in need. 

Thank you in advance for supporting our fundraising efforts!


 

School Crossing Patrol Vacancy at Alveston Primary
 
Please see below a link for the vacancy of School Crossing Patrol on Knight's Lane to support pedestrians on their way to and from the school. The advert closes on 25th November 2026:
 
 
The shift pattern is 8.15-9am and then 3.05-3.35pm each school day. 

eMagazines and eNewspapers from Warwickshire Libraries
 
Warwickshire library members can now enjoy even more free digital reading with the addition of eMagazines and eNewspapers on BorrowBox the library's online reading and listening app. Available since 1 October, the new ePress service means library members can access newspapers and magazines alongside thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks, all in one convenient place through the BorrowBox app and website.
 
Find out more here.
Wellbeing for Warwickshire 
 
Wellbeing for Warwickshire offer a range of mental health and wellbeing services for adults across Warwickshire, from the Mental Wellbeing Line: 0800 616171, to drop-in Wellbeing and Outreach Hubs. No referrals and no waiting lists for the hubs - just drop in for a warm welcome, hot drink and a place to talk and be heard. Find out more here.
Community Interest 
 
We post community events and projects on our website under 'Our Community'. For more information about activities open to you, your family and your local community, please do check the pages regularly:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You can also find a list of the FoodBank's "MOST WANTED" items right here. Please do take a look and help to support those in need in our local community.
General Reminders
 
Parking at Drop-Off and Pick-Up
We are so lucky at Alveston that the Football Club allow all our parents who drive to school to use their car park for drop-off and pick-up. This makes it safer for all our children. Please continue to use the Football Club car park. Please note: Parking is only available if there are spaces free and we can only park in the allocated bays. Once all the marked bays are full each day, parents will need to find alternative parking when dropping off and collecting their children. Please do not park in any other areas of the car park going forward. Please do not park on any double-yellow lines for pick-up or drop-offs. Please also ensure that you do not stop or park within the zig-zag "Keep Clear" markings at the main entrance to school. This area is marked to keep the flow of traffic moving and to ensure the safety of all pedestrians. 
 
Sickness and Absence
Please let the school office know each day your child is absent from school by calling 01789 293412, option 1, and leaving a message. You may also email parents3002@welearn365.com. You do not need to contact us daily if your child is sick/vomits. Absences for sickness/vomiting will be recorded 48 hours from the end of the day your child was last sick (i.e. if sick on Sunday, come back on Wednesday; if Tuesday come back on Friday). 
 
Medicines in School
We cannot accept medicines in school without a prescription label and a medical form completed by a parent or carer.  Please ask the school office for more information and/or a form via:
parents3002@welearn365.com

Leave of Absence during Term Time
For updated guidance and legislation regarding a leave of absence during term time, please click here. You will find the application form to request a leave of absence here.


 

Important Dates* to Remember 

Key dates for Autumn Term (2)  - and other upcoming key dates over 26/27 - are shown below. 
 
* Please note that all dates published are subject to change/cancellation - please check this page and/or the website calendar regularly:
 

Autumn Term (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

13/11, 20/11, 27/11, 4/12, 11/12, *14/12 (* Half Term Cup)

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

w/c 9th November to w/e 4th December 2026

 

 

 

11/11

 

Y2 & Y6 Remembrance Walk to War Memorial  [event sheet sent on 21/10]

12/11 & 24/11

 

Open Mornings [for Reception 2027]

14/11

 

KS2 County Cross Country (Stratford-upon-Avon School) [invitation only]

16/11

 

Odd Sock Day (Anti-Bullying)

19/11

 

Rags2Riches Clothing Collection [please leave at am drop-off]

27/11

 

Y5 National Space Centre Trip (Leicester) [event sheet coming soon!]

30/11

 

Christmas Light Switch On

7/12

 

Christmas Plays: KS1 & Reception Rehearsal

8/12

 

Christmas Plays: KS1 9:05 / Rec 2:30

9/12

 

Christmas Plays:  Reception 9:05 / KS1 2:30

14/12

 

RockSteady Concert #1 (2:30pm)

16/12

 

Christmas Dinner + Christmas Jumper Day

17/12

 

Christingle  [2:15pm]

18/12

 

RockSteady Concert #2 (2:30pm)

18/12

 

Christmas Panto / last day in school

 

 

 

END OF TERM 21st December 2026 to 4th January 2027

 

 

 

4/1

 

INSET DAY – NO CHILDREN IN SCHOOL

5/1

 

Young Voices Concert

6/1

 

Final Open Morning for Reception 2027

7/1

 

TTRS Day  [Y3/Y4/Y5]

 

 

 

HALF TERM 15th to 19th February 2027

 

 

 

23/2 & 25/2

 

Parents’ Evenings  [3:30-6:30pm]

9/3

 

Learning Time Together [2:30-3pm]

24/3

 

Y3/Y4 Easter Performance  [4pm]

25/3

 

Easter Service  [2:15pm]

26/3

 

Public Holiday – no children in school

 

 

 

END OF TERM 29th March to 9th April 2027

 

 

 

12/4

 

INSET DAY – NO CHILDREN IN SCHOOL

Healthy Schools 2020
360 ES Mark
Artsmark Gold Award
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