Newsletter 17.7.26

News

July 2026

17th July 2026

Another year is over and we have truly celebrated the end of term with so many wonderful events this week - notably Sports Day, Well-Being Wednesday, an OPAL visit, Year 5's Annual Water Fight and Year 6's Leaver's Assembly today. What a week it has been!
 
There were many tears shed today as the children in Year 6 shared their favourite memories from their time at Alveston. It was such a good reminder that there are many wonderful opportunities given to the children over their seven years. This is because the staff here work so incredibly hard. So, as the term ends I would like to say a HUGE thank you to the most amazing team. They are truly the best.
 
As the year ends I am so proud of every single person in this school - children and staff. I hope everyone enjoys a very much deserved summer break. I wish Year 6 all the best in their new settings in September and I am looking forward to seeing everyone else on Wednesday 2nd September.
 
Jess Newitt, Headteacher
Half Term Cup Winners!
 
Reception ~ Harriet
Year 1 ~ Blousey
Year 2 ~ Elijah 
Year 3 ~ Lucija
Year 4 ~ Cordelia
Year 5 ~ Sofia
Year 6 ~ Thomas
 
Well done, everyone - what an achievement! You have truly shone this half term!
 
Star of the Week
 
Well done to Henry who was a "shhhh" star of the week in Year 6 a few weeks ago. He was awarded his certificate this week. Congratulations Henry!
Team Cup Winners - Sports Day
 
Congratulations to this year's team cup winners, Othello Yellows! Well done!!!
Percentage Attendance Levels by Year Group (to date)
 
Reception - 94.7%
Year 1 - 94.9%
Year 2 - 96.9%
Year 3 - 96.1%
Year 4 -  95%
Year 5 -  97.6%
Year 6 -  94.5%
 
Overall School Total - 95.7%
 
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)

A Farewell Message from Mrs Watkins
 
Dear Alveston C of E School Community,
 
I have been overwhelmed by the most generous gifts, cards and special words for my retirement. Thank you all. It has been a joy and a privilege to work at Alveston. I will take with me the happiest of memories. I shall return for a few hours each week in September which will help ease me into retirement and keep me in touch with the people and place that will always remain so very special to me.
 
With my kindest regards and best wishes for a restorative summer,
 
Catherine Watkins
Sports Day was such a success this year and it was really wonderful to see all children taking part in sporting activities that were suitable to their age range. We saw so many children really challenge themselves, especially in the middle-distance running. Well done to everyone. A big thank you to Miss Mabbett who organised such a fantastic day!
Seb's Shakespearian Success
 
Seb in Year 6 recently auditioned for the Young Shakespeare Company section of Playbox Theatre. He had to remember 16 lines of Shakespeare but, more than that, he had to know what the lines meant and how the character is portrayed. So he really had to dig deep. He chose Puck's final monologue from A Midsummer Night's Dream. Great news came this week when he was offered the revered place with YSC starting in Autumn. 
 
We are so proud of you Seb!!! Keep shining bright. We look forward to seeing you treading the boards in the future in the RSC...
Wellbeing Wednesday 
 
What a day! From rock climbing to meditation, everyone threw themselves into all activities passionately (even the staff enjoyed climbing the wall). The children enjoyed a wonderful teddy bear picnic under the trees with the whole school, making special memories together. Throughout the day, the children explored different ways to support their wellbeing and discovered activities that help them feel calm, happy and confident. It was a fantastic day filled with laughter, teamwork and plenty of smiles! To top it off, as a school, we have raised a fantastic £1130 for Birmingham Children's Hospital. A big thank you to everyone for your contributions. What a team Alveston is!
Super Soaked
 
Year 5's annual water fight was a super, soaking success on Thursday! Once they had soaked one another, the class turned and decided the time had come to seek out Miss Mabbett and Mrs Newitt and completely and utterly drenched them! Well played Year 5.
School Council Stars
 
A huge well done to our School Council who have been working with our Compass Nursing team all year. They were awarded Health Ambassador certificates this week for all their work on things such as anxiety, sleep and keeping safe. Well done School Council!
Charity Champions
 
Ora and Annabelle, from Year 5, certainly wowed us all with their handmade “makes” at their charity sale on Thursday! The girls worked so hard to create unique and delightful items for you. Super cute bookmarks, animal balloons, party bags and personalised keychains were on offer in the playground and they caused quite a stir. We are so proud to say that the girls raised a whopping £103.26 for Chester Zoo!!! That's amazing! All items purchased will support Ora and Annabelle's favourite animals – namely the capybaras and red pandas.  Thank you so much for coming along and supporting the girls.
ArtBase, SJ Academy and RockSteady are back this Autumn Term!
 
Click here to find out more about what ArtBase has to offer this autumn. Follow this link to see what SJ Academy has in store and read more about RockSteady sessions at Alveston here...
Turn Up the Volume on Reading!

The summer reading challenge launches in Warwickshire Libraries! Children and families across Warwickshire are invited to turn up the volume on reading this summer as Warwickshire Libraries launch the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat!

Find out more here...


 

Great British Summer Savings: VAT slashed to save families money on days out
 

Families can enjoy discounted attractions and meals out this summer, with the launch of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme to help people enjoy day out for less. From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT will be slashed on eligible activities, to helping families enjoy the weekend treats, the days out, the small plans that make life enjoyable during the cost of living squeeze while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall. Learn more and find savings here.


 

Everyone is invited to play this summer

Warwickshire County Council is inviting people of all ages to celebrate a Summer of Play and make time for the activities, games and moments that bring them joy. Click here to discover more.


 

Free breakfasts for families at Morrisons Cafés

This year, all Morrisons Cafés across the UK will be offering a free Kellogg’s breakfast every day throughout every school break. Families can enjoy favourites like Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies with dairy or non-dairy milk, plus a free piece of fruit - providing a simple, balanced start to the day when many parents feel the extra pressure of holiday routines and rising food costs. Find out more here.


 

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 
 
Initial dates for the 2026/27 Academic year are currently being finalised and will be published early in the Autumn Term.
 

Autumn Term (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 1/9

 

INSET DAY – NO CHILDREN IN SCHOOL

 2/9

 

Children return to school

 
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