Newsletter 17.10.25

News

17th October 2025

Lot of trips, lots of poorly children but lots of laughter and play over this last week - it's nearly half term! It is lovely seeing the season start to take hold now - trees are changing, the darker mornings and evenings are drawing in and the weather is certainly starting to get colder. With that in mind, please remember that the church may be chilly next Friday so children should have their school coats in with them on Friday for the walk to church and in case they need them on in church too. We are really looking forward to seeing what the children have to perform for Harvest. Please bring in any Harvest food donations for the Food Bank next week and the first week back. We shared the story of 'It's a No Money Day' in Collective Worship last week. We discussed how food poverty is not just something that affects families in far away countries but right here on our doorsteps. If you are in a position to support our food collection we would be so grateful for your kindness and support.
 
Whether you are pumpkin picking, out for an Autumn walk, standing on the sidelines at a football match or simply sleeping and watching TV this weekend, I hope you have a lovely one and feel refreshed before the last week next week. 
 
Jess Newitt
 Acting Head 
Stars of the Week!
 
Reception ~ to be presented next time!
Year 1 ~ Arthur
Year 2 ~ Orla
Year 3 ~ Ruairi
Year 4 ~ Nancy
Year 5 ~ Darcey
Year 6 ~ Magda
 
Well done, everyone, for shining so brightly!
 
Team Cup Winners
 
Congratulations to this week's team point winners, Othello Yellows! And a big "WELL DONE" to anyone who earned a team point this week.
Percentage Attendance Levels by Year Group (to date)
 
Reception - 95.3%
Year 1 - 96%
Year 2 - 97.7%
Year 3 - 97.4%
Year 4 -  97%
Year 5 -  97.4%
Year 6 -  95.7%
 
Overall School Total - 96.7%

Alveston’s Cross Country Stars Shine at Stratford School! 
 

On Saturday 11th October, a fantastic morning of running took place at Stratford High School, with just under 300 children from over 20 schools competing in the Cross Country event. Our Alveston runners did us proud, showing brilliant determination, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the races.

Results:

  •          Year 3 Girls: Lily (4th), Jett (5th), Lizzie (7th) & Evie (14th) – an incredible set of results out of 39           runners
  •          Year 3 Boys: Laurie (7th out of 45) – a superb effort!
  •          Year 4 Girls: Emily (18th out of 52) – great running!
  •          Year 4 Boys: Frankie (19th out of 46) – well done!
  •          Year 5 Boys: Theo (10th out of 24) – a strong top-ten finish
  •          Year 5 Girls: Beatrice (17th out of 38) – fantastic effort!

A huge congratulations to all our runners for their effort, enthusiasm and team spirit. You represented Alveston brilliantly and should be very proud of your achievements.

There will be more cross country events coming up, so if you couldn’t make it this time, there will be plenty more opportunities to put on your running shoes, represent Alveston, and shine!

Well done, Team Alveston! 


 

Collective Worship: David and Goliath
 

In our Collective Worship this week, our very own Collective Worship Committee led our assembly. The children read the story from the Bible: 'David and Goliath.'

David, a young shepherd with no armour or sword, defeated a mighty giant, not because he was the strongest but because he trusted in something greater than himself: his faith in God, his confidence in what was right, and his willingness to take action when others were afraid.

Believing in yourself (or having faith in God) can help you to face big challenges. The moral of the story of David and Goliath is that true courage comes from faith, not size or strength.

With courage and faith, even the smallest person can defeat the biggest giant!

If you would like to read the story in full, you can find it here:

The Story of David & Goliath


 

Exploring Sculpture!
 
Reception had the most amazing day at Compton Verney this week. They spent the morning exploring sculptures in the park, finding out what materials they were made from, thinking about how the sculptures made them feel and what they thought they were. In the afternoon, the children got to make sculptures themselves using different materials, including large building blocks, collage and clay. This was a great opportunity for developing social skills, creativity and imagination. We had a wonderful day, made all the brighter by so many members of the public commenting on how wonderfully behaved the children were - they were truly shining brightly on their first ever trip!
WWII Talk
 
This week, Year 6 were visited by Mr Harrison for a World War II talk. Mr Harrison shared his experiences of growing up during the war and what it was like for him to be evacuated to Herefordshire. It was wonderful for the children to meet and speak with someone who has first-hand knowledge of living through World War II. The children asked informative questions and were kind and respectful - their behaviour was outstanding. Thank you Mr Harrison for taking the time to visit us!
Forest School Round-Up!
By Mrs Mcfeely
 
Reception
I had a wonderful time on my first outing with Reception to Forest School. It was impressive to see how quickly the children are learning our Forest School rules and already showing kindness and respect for nature.
We had a busy and fun-filled session exploring the site to find our orienteering markers. While some children enjoyed playing ring games like Pass the Banana and Kim's Game, others were inspired by the story Leaf Man to create their own transient art. They carefully selected natural pieces to build beautiful nature pictures before gently dismantling their creations and returning everything back to nature.
I look forward to my next session with you, Reception!  
 
Year 1 
How lovely it was to take my own class to Forest School! My personal highlight was the trust games and how brave the children were — all eager to take the leap and fall from a height, with their friends ready to catch them. Some even did it with their eyes closed! The children showed great respect for one another, carefully ensuring each classmate felt comfortable before their turn. It was truly a pleasure to witness. Meanwhile, others did a fabulous job making their own leaf kebabs by collecting the very best leaves they could find and stacking them on their skewers. Inspired by our Geography topic, some children also studied our Forest School maps with great curiosity. A wonderful session full of bravery, teamwork and exploration!
 
Year 5
Recently, Year 5 had an exciting and creative session at Forest School! The children used tools to make their very own tree cookie medallions. They carefully used palm drills to create holes in their wooden discs, preparing them to thread colorful wool through and personalize their creations.
For the first time ever at Forest School, the children had the opportunity to use specialist metal letter stampers. This new activity allowed them to spell out meaningful messages — whether it was their name, a goodwill note, or words that reflected their interests — adding a unique, personal touch to their medallions.
Working in pairs, the children supported each other to ensure all safety practices were followed while using the tools. Their teamwork and careful attention made the experience both fun and safe.
We’re all looking forward to doing more of this creative and hands-on activity soon!
 
Year 6
Despite a miserable day of drizzling rain, Year 6 didn’t let the weather dampen their Forest School spirit! Instead, we brought Forest School indoors for a special session filled with spooky Halloween-themed activities in anticipation of the Halloween disco. The children enjoyed several hands-on activities. Some made bird-feeders by using apples and poking sunflower seeds into them, providing a tasty treat for local wildlife. Others crafted Halloween wreaths, expertly manipulating soaked willow into circular shapes, then twisting and securing additional layers to create beautiful, natural designs. The wreaths were then decorated creatively using wire, paper, pipe cleaners, and beads, with each adding their own unique flair. The results were all truly impressive and spooktacular!
Have you tested your smoke alarms recently? 
 
Over the past three years, more than a quarter (26.4%) of the residential fires attended by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) involved homes that did not have smoke alarms fitted.

This is why WFRS is sharing their top safety tips to keep your alarms up to date and in working order. Learn 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 Stratford Food Bank'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 do not park on Knights Lane, Oak Road or 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. 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 possibly a rain coat will also be required: 

 

Autumn Term (2)

 

Date

 

Year Group

7.11.25

 

Y3

14.11.25

 

Y1

21.11.25

 

Y2

28.11.25

 

Rec

5.12.25

 

Y6

12.12.25

 

Y5


 

Important Dates to Remember 

Key dates for the Autumn Term are HERE!  You can find information relating to term dates here and teacher-led clubs dates here.   

 

Autumn Term (1)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

17/10, *20/10 (Half Term Cup)

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

15th September to 10th October 2025 (inclusive)

 

 

Y6 Swimming

 

6/10, 13/10, 20/10

Y5 Swimming

 

3/11, 10/11, 17/11, 24/11, 1/12, 8/12

 

 

 

24/10

 

  Whole School Visit to St. James – Harvest Festival

 

 

  [children to be collected from Church at midday]

 

 

 

HALF TERM 27th October to 31st October

3/11/25

 

  Back to School

 

 

 

Autumn Term (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

7/11, 14/11, 21/11, 28/11, 5/12, 12/12, *15/12 (Half Term Cup)

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

3rd November to 5th December 2025 (inclusive)

 

 

 

11/11

 

Y2 & Y6 – War Memorial (Alveston)

12/11

 

New Reception 2026 Open Morning (1) (9:30- 11)

18/11 & 20/11

 

Parents Evening

24/11

 

New Reception 2026 Open Morning (2) (9:30- 11)

1-5/12

 

Christmas Book Fair Week

9/12

 

Christmas Performances: KS1 9-10; KS2 10:30-11:30; Rec 2-3

10/12

 

Christmas Performances: Rec 9-10; KS1 10:30-11:30; KS2 2-3

16/12

 

Christingle (St. James’ Church, Alveston) (2:15pm)

19/12

 

Last day of Term [children to be collected at midday]

 

 

 

 

 

END OF TERM 19th December (pm) to 4th January

5/1/26

 

Back to school

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