1st May 2026
It has been such a joy this week to see the children making the most of the sunshine and enjoying their time with OPAL play. The playground has been full of dancing and laughter—it's been lovely to watch them explore, imagine, and simply have fun together outdoors. I would also like to say a huge thank you for all the generous donations we have received. Your support has made a real difference, and we truly couldn’t have made such a fantastic start without your contributions. The resources have already had a big impact on enriching playtime for everyone. A quick reminder that next week will be the final week of our current bingo card challenge. Some classes are very close to completing their cards and earning an extra playtime session—so it’s all to play for! Finally, I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing bank holiday weekend, and that you get a chance to enjoy some sunshine too. Whether you are off to the seaside, staying home or are heading to Ragley Hall for Get In - may you all enjoy your extra day of no school run!
Jess Newitt
Headteacher
Stars of the Week
Reception ~ Archie
Year 1 ~ Verity
Year 2 ~ Devidan
Year 3 ~ William
Year 4 ~ Romee-Jo
Year 5 ~ Emily
Year 6 ~ to be presented next week!
Well done, everyone, for shining so brightly!
Team Cup Winners
Congratulations to this week's team cup winners, Charlecote Greens! And a big "WELL DONE" to anyone who earned team points this week.
Percentage Attendance Levels by Year Group (to date)
Reception - 94.8%
Year 1 - 95.3%
Year 2 - 97.4%
Year 3 - 96.1%
Year 4 - 95.8%
Year 5 - 98.1%
Year 6 - 95.3%
Overall School Total - 96.1%
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)
OPAL Play!
The latest OPAL newsletter is now live here, and we are delighted to share the many positive impacts we are already seeing across the school. Since introducing OPAL, there have been noticeable benefits both in and out of the classroom. These include a reduction in first aid incidents, happier and more engaged children, and increased teaching time thanks to quicker transitions between play spaces and classrooms. We have also seen a significant growth in resilience, as well as stronger friendships and teamwork among pupils. Additionally, there are fewer restorative conversations needed, as children are developing the skills to resolve issues more independently through their play.
Thank you for all of your generous donations so far—they have made a real difference to the opportunities we can provide. We are currently working towards completing our class bingo cards by Friday 8th May, and the first class to fill theirs completely will receive an additional play session as a reward!
Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick
Last Wednesday, Year 1 visited the Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick to deepen their understanding of the key features of a Gurdwara and its importance within the Sikh faith. The children were excellent ambassadors for our school, listening intently and showing great respect throughout the visit.
We were warmly welcomed and shown around by our knowledgeable guide, Rani. As we approached, the children were excited to spot the Nishan Sahib, the tall saffron flag, and inside they recognised the Khanda symbol displayed throughout. They learned about the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh holy book, including how it is carefully “woken” and “put to bed” each day, and that it can be read continuously from cover to cover over 48 hours with priests taking turns, even through the night. The children were able to see this up close. They also visited the Langar hall, where they saw and smelled the delicious vegetarian food prepared by volunteers for the whole community. Before entering the prayer hall, the children washed their hands, covered their heads, and removed their shoes. They made a special wish and ensured their feet were pointing away from the holy book as a mark of respect. An important message displayed outside the Gurdwara reminded us all to “Recognise the human race as one.” The children had a wonderful and enriching experience and were warmly invited to return with their families.
Forest School Round-Up
Last Friday, Year 3 enjoyed a Forest School session focused on using tools safely. They used secateurs and palm drills to cut elder and make beads for necklaces, showing great care, determination, and teamwork.
They also explored the site, noticing signs of spring, including a beautiful display of bluebells. The children learned that bluebells are a protected species and should not be picked. Using magnifying glasses, they discovered a range of interesting creepy crawlies, sparking plenty of curiosity.
Year 6 also enjoyed a sunny Forest School session that same day, showing great skill and responsibility as they prepared our fire circle and built, lit, and maintained the fires safely. Impressively, the fires stayed alight throughout, allowing everyone to toast marshmallows to caramelised perfection—proof that their practice is paying off! There were also calm moments of mindfulness with tree-bathing and exploring the rich plant life around them. A fantastic session—very proud of them.
Mrs McFeely
Forest School Leader
People Who Help Us
The children in Reception had a visit from a local Police Officer and a PCSO as part of their 'People Who Help Us' topic. The children learnt how they help keep us safe, what to do if they need help and what special equipment they use. The children had a look at the handcuffs and even got to say "hello" to the police control room on the police radio! The children had a wonderful time listening to what an important job the police do. We all then went outside to see the police vehicle; we saw the flashing lights and heard the siren.
Plant Power!
Year 5 have been exploring the fascinating world of plants in their recent science lessons. As part of their learning, the children investigated the male and female parts of a flower by carefully dissecting them in a hands-on activity. This practical approach allowed the children to closely observe structures such as the stamens and pistils, deepening their understanding of how plants reproduce. The class showed great curiosity and enthusiasm, asking thoughtful questions and making detailed observations throughout the lesson.
Food Technology Day
Year 2 enjoyed a fantastic DT day, developing their cooking skills and learning about healthy eating. The children practised key skills such as chopping, grating and spreading, showing great care and responsibility. They then designed their own wraps based on a balanced diet, linking to their recent learning about nutrition. After carefully planning their ingredients, the children made their wraps and had the opportunity to taste and evaluate them. It was wonderful to see them reflecting on their choices and thinking about how they could improve their designs. A fun and delicious day of learning for everyone!
Bake Sale for Tilly
The bake sale last Friday raised a huge £346 and with sales continuing last weekend, a further £132 was made! How brilliant?! With more cakes sold this week, we are hoping that the figure will quickly reach over £500. Organisers of the bake sale, and everyone at Alveston Primary would like to thank anyone who baked and supported Tilly’s bake sale, anyone who bought a sweet treat, with special thanks to the Year 4 helpers. According to feedback, they were absolutely fantastic and will be some serious sellers of the future!
Gymnastics Superstars!
We are delighted to share that Korra, in Year 5, has recently competed in a gymnastics competition, where she achieved fantastic success. She won four medals and was also awarded a trophy in recognition of her excellent skills—an outstanding accomplishment. Well done, Korra!
Korra was not alone in her gymnastics awards - we are also very proud to inform you that Jenson from Year 6 and his sister Jett from Year 3 were the proud winners of several gymnastics medals last Saturday too! Jett scooped 5 medals and Jenson 4. While Jenson couldn’t compete on the Sunday due to rugby commitments, Jett scooped a further 5 medals, including her first gold medal. Special mention must go to Jett as she was competing against girls 3-4 years older than her!
Amazing results, everyone! What a weekend!
A Message from the Friends of Alveston
The Friends of Alveston are delighted to have recently supported the school with some new reading books for the library. Some of the new books purchased are specifically designed to help children with dyslexia to enjoy reading. We hope that these exciting new additions to the library will be enjoyed by children who find reading more challenging.
We also have our upcoming Spring disco on the horizon for Friday 15th May! Tickets can be booked here: https://www.pta-events.co.uk/friendsofalveston/. There is the new addition of a sandwich with a ham, cheese or jam filling for KS1 children to go with their snack bag.
Thank you as always for all your support with Friends' fundraising efforts. Have a lovely bank holiday weekend!
from Friends of Alveston
Fair Milk for a Fair Start Campaign
Here at Alveston Primary, we are committed to supporting our pupils’ health, wellbeing and readiness to learn. Milk plays an important role in helping children stay nourished and focused throughout the school day. However, under current rules, children lose access to free school milk when they turn five – meaning some pupils stop receiving milk partway through their Reception year. We’re supporting the Fair Milk for a Fair Start campaign, which is calling for a simple change so all children can receive free milk until the end of Reception. Find out more or support the campaign here.
#fairmilkforafairstart
@CoolMilkScheme [X], @coolmilkscheme [Instagram], Cool Milk [Facebook]
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
Forest School Dates*
Below are Forest School dates for your diary. The children will need to wear PE kit to school with tracksuit bottoms or leggings and have a long sleeve top, such as a hoodie. Wellies and a rain coat will also be required:
*Forest school dates are Fridays, unless otherwise stated
Summer Term (1)
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Date |
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Year Group |
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8/5 |
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Year 4 |
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15/5 |
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Year 3 |
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22/5 |
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Year 2 |
Important Dates* to Remember
Key dates for Summer Terms (1) and (2) are HERE!
* Please note that all dates published are subject to change/cancellation - please check this page and/or the website calendar regularly:
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Summer Term (1) |
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Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies |
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(17/4), 24/4, 1/5, 8/5, 15/5, *18/5 (Half Term Cup) |
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Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks |
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w/c 13th April to w/e 8th May 2026 |
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Y3 Swimming |
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13/4, 20/4, 27/4 |
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4/5 |
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PUBLIC HOLIDAY (no children in school) |
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*** More dates to be announced soon *** |
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HALF TERM 25th to 29th May |
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Summer Term (2) |
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Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies |
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Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks |
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w/c 8th June – w/e 3rd July 2026 |
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Y2 Swimming |
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8/6, 15/6, 22/6, 29/6 |
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1/6 |
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INSET DAY – no children in school |
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2/6 |
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Children back in school |
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4/6 |
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Learning Time Together (9:05-9:35) |
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10/6 |
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Reception Class Trip to Lapworth Museum |
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30/6 |
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Year 6 Leavers’ Play (4:30pm) |
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1-3/7 |
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Year 6 Residential Trip to Frontier Centre (N’hampton) |
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8/7 |
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Transition Day |
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14/7 |
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Sports Day & Picnic |
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15/7 |
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Well-being Wednesday |
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17/7 |
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Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly (9:05am) |
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17/7 |
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LAST DAY OF TERM |
