19th June 2026
Dear Families,
As we get to these last few weeks of term and it's super busy in school, lots of parents are asking about teaching teams for next year. Our intention is to share this next week. However, just before this, I do need to let you know about two members of staff who will be leaving our team this summer.
Mrs Watkins will be retiring in July. Having been at Alveston for over 22 years, this is such a huge decision for her and a massive loss for us. We know that Mrs Watkins has wonderful plans ahead of her and now is the time for her to enjoy some much deserved time with her lovely family. Mrs Watkins leaves such a legacy of kindness, generosity of time and patience. Her knowledge and wisdom have taught so many children so much as well as the adults who have been lucky enough to work alongside her. However, she is too good to say goodbye to entirely, so she will be coming in most weeks to teach music. So it's not a complete goodbye. Phew!
Miss Winder will also be leaving us in July. She has only been with us for a short time but has made such a big contribution to our school - teaching three different year groups, taking a club each week to the old peoples' home and working with our Eco Warriors. We wish her every bit of luck as she takes on a full time teaching role in September at another school nearby.
Finally, on a different note, I would like to say a big thank you for supporting our first ever Colour Run this evening with the Friends of Alveston. It was incredible to see so much laughter, happiness and energy buzzing around the field and playground. I think the adults throwing paint had as much fun as the children (and I might have loved soaking everyone with a hosepipe too)! The money raised will be used to support our next plans for OPAL play and we are so grateful for every penny of sponsorship - it all goes towards more fun things for your children. Thank you!
Have a great weekend in the sunshine!
Jess Newitt, Headteacher
Stars of the Week
Reception ~ Frankie & Finn
Year 1 ~ Grace & Adam
Year 2 ~ Lara-Rose
Year 3 ~ to be presented next week!
Year 4 ~ Phoenix & Jenson
Year 5 ~ Arthur & Elizabeth
Year 6 ~ Seb & Hugo
Well done, everyone, for shining so brightly!
Percentage Attendance Levels by Year Group (to date)
Reception - 95.1%
Year 1 - 95.4%
Year 2 - 97.1%
Year 3 - 96.3%
Year 4 - 95.6%
Year 5 - 97.9%
Year 6 - 95.6%
Overall School Total - 96.2%
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)
Forest School Fit for a King!
Last week, Reception class celebrated the King's Official Birthday with a royal-themed Forest School session. The children enjoyed creating nature crowns, weaving and decorating them with nature treasures. Others plaited long grasses to make the flowing manes of the King's royal horses. The children also worked together to roll new tree stumps to our fire circle, replacing some of our old, decomposing logs. Their teamwork and perseverance helped improve our Forest School space for future sessions. We sang some favourite royal-themed nursery rhymes, including The Grand Old Duke of York, Sing a Song of Sixpence, and If You're a King and You Know It, before finishing with a cheerful rendition of Happy Birthday. The session ended in the most unexpected and exciting way when the gate lock refused to open! Much to the children's delight, everyone had to be carried over the gate like kings and queens. There were plenty of giggles as each child enjoyed their royal exit, making it a truly memorable end to a wonderful afternoon.
A River Runs Through It
Year 4 enjoyed an exciting day at Coombe Valley this week, putting their Geography and Science skills into practice through hands-on fieldwork. Our main task was to collect data about the features of a local river. Working in teams, we carefully measured the river's width, depth and speed at different points along its course. The children showed excellent teamwork and determination as they recorded their findings. Despite all the river investigations, we were very pleased to report that there was only one pair of wet socks all day! As part of our science learning, we also took part in pond dipping. The children were thrilled to discover and identify a wide variety of pond creatures, including insects, larvae and other fascinating aquatic life. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm for the natural world. Throughout the day, the children observed and discussed both the physical features of the river, such as its banks, flow and surrounding landscape, and the human features, including bridges, paths and other ways people interact with the environment. The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for the children to develop their fieldwork skills, collect real scientific data and deepen their understanding of rivers and habitats. We were incredibly proud of their curiosity, teamwork and excellent behaviour throughout the day. A memorable day of learning outdoors was enjoyed by all!
Squash Taster
Year 6 pupils recently enjoyed a fantastic squash taster afternoon at Stratford Sports Centre. The session provided children with the opportunity to try a new sport, develop their racket skills, and learn the basic rules and techniques of squash. Throughout the afternoon, the pupils took part in a variety of fun activities and coaching drills led by experienced instructors. They quickly developed their confidence on the court, practising their movement, control, and shot accuracy while working both independently and with partners.
The taster afternoon was a valuable experience, introducing pupils to a sport that many had not played before and highlighting the importance of staying active and trying new activities. A big thank you to the staff at Stratford Sports Centre for delivering such an enjoyable and engaging session. Our Year 6 pupils were a credit to the school and represented us brilliantly.
Howzat!
Our Year 6 pupils recently had the exciting opportunity to take part in a cricket tournament at Stratford Sports Club, competing against several other schools from across Stratford. Throughout the day, the children demonstrated excellent teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship. They played a series of matches against strong opposition, showcasing the cricket skills they have developed during lessons and club sessions. The tournament provided a fantastic experience for all involved, allowing pupils to represent the school, build their confidence, and enjoy friendly competition with children from other local schools. We were particularly proud of the positive attitude and respect shown by our team both on and off the field. A huge thank you goes to the organisers at Stratford Sports Club for hosting such a well-run event and to everyone who supported the children throughout the day. Well done to all of our Year 6 cricketers for their effort, enthusiasm, and outstanding behaviour. They were excellent ambassadors for our school.
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
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
|
Date |
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Year Group |
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26/6 |
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Year 5 |
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3/7 |
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Year 4 |
|
10/7 |
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Years 1&2 |
|
17/7 |
|
Year 3 |
Important Dates* to Remember
Key dates for Summer Term (2) are HERE!
* Please note that all dates published are subject to change/cancellation - please check this page and/or the website calendar regularly:
|
Summer Term (2) |
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Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies |
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5/6, 12/6, 17/6, 18/6, 26/6, 3/7, 10/7, *13/7 (Half Term Cup) |
|
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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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23/6 |
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Year 5 Trip to Mary Arden’s House (SUA) |
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24/6 |
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Year 3 Trip to Habitat Survival Trust (Henley-in Arden) |
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30/6 |
|
Year 6 Leavers’ Play (4:30pm) |
|
1-3/7 |
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Year 6 Residential Trip to Frontier Centre (N’hampton) |
|
8/7 |
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Transition Day |
|
14/7 |
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Sports Day & Picnic |
|
15/7 |
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Well-Being Wednesday |
|
17/7 |
|
Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly (9:05am) |
| 17/7 |
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LAST DAY OF TERM |
| 20/7 |
|
Staff INSET |
