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Newsletter 20.3.26

News

March 2026

20th March 2026

Thank you for cycl​​ing, scooting and walking so much this week. It has been so wonderful to see so many of you enjoying the sunshine on the school commute. The Bicycle Bus was heaving this morning. Our Big Walk and Wheel figures are looking fantastic!
 
We are delighted to share how wonderful our first week of OPAL play has been! Our initial “quick wins” have already made a huge difference to our playtime provision, and it has been lovely to see so many happier, more engaged children across the school. Incredibly, on Thursday at lunchtime, we had no first aid visits - the first time this has happened all year! This is a brilliant reflection of how positive and purposeful play is already impacting our children. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be working closely with our mentor, Lauren, to continue developing and enhancing our provision. Each new addition will be carefully introduced to the children, with discussions around both the risks and the benefits, helping them to build confidence, resilience, creativity and independence in their play. Thank you to everyone who completed our parent survey—your feedback is invaluable. You will find a summary of the parent and pupil survey results below. We will also be sharing a monthly OPAL newsletter to keep you updated on new developments and to let you know how you can get involved - our first edition can be read here! To get started, we have created a BINGO card wish list - keep your eyes peeled for this early next week. If a class completes their card, they will earn an extra playtime! Thank you for your continued support—we are so excited about this journey and what it means for our children.
 
Have a great weekend.
 
Jess Newitt
Stars of the Week 
 
Reception ~ Elliot & Harriet
Year 1 ~ to be presented soon!
Year 2 ~ Rupert
Year 3 ~ Florence
Year 4 ~ Finley
Year 5 ~ Matilda 
Year 6 ~ Layla-Belle
 
Well done, everyone, for shining so brightly!
 
And a big congratulations to Layla from Year 5 for her Half Term Cup win! The remaining HTC winners will be announced and presented on Monday, as scheduled.
 
Team Cup Winners
 
Congratulations to this week's team cup winners, Othello Yellows! And a big "WELL DONE" to anyone who earned team points this week.
Percentage Attendance Levels by Year Group (to date)
 
Reception - 94.5%
Year 1 - 95.2%
Year 2 - 97.5%
Year 3 - 96.2%
Year 4 -  96%
Year 5 -  98%
Year 6 -  95.2%
 
Overall School Total - 96.1%

Year 1 Science Week Catch-up
 
During Science Week last week, Year 1 learnt about the famous scientist and conservationist Jane Goodall. The children created posters about her life and the interesting discoveries she made while studying chimpanzees. In Learning Together time, the class planted sunflower seeds, which we will observe growing over the next few weeks. The children also learnt about and labelled the parts of a flower. The children took part in a live lesson with the NFU about farming, and joined Mrs Eagle and Mrs Rogers for some exciting weather experiments – the fire tornado was definitely a highlight! At Forest School, the children made seed bombs to help plants grow in our outdoor space. They also learnt about the science of fire while safely making a fire to toast marshmallows, noticing that the windy weather helped the fire burn by giving it more oxygen. They finished by searching for signs of spring, spotting daffodils and new buds on the trees.
Throughout the week, the children also discussed how we can be planet superheroes by caring for our environment, such as recycling our rubbish, taking care of nature and respecting and nurturing the world around us.
Step into the Past
 
Year 1 went on a school trip recently to see what toys were like in the past. They were shown lots of different toys that were so delicate that they had to be handled with gloves. The children got to see them up close but were not allowed to touch because most of the toys were up to 100 years old! Each of the children then made versions of toys from the past such as a peg doll, a zoetrope and a thaumatrope. They learned that the way of life was very different to today and that lots of toys were made from different materials such as wood and metal, whereas today most toys are plastic or electronic. In History this term, the children are using their discoveries to help them understand more about toys and what they were like in the past, and how life used to be, compared to now.
Year 5 Spotlight
 
Year 5 have been making the most of their learning time outdoors this term, combining creativity with technology in an exciting way. As part of their project work, the children have been using green screen techniques to create their own iMovie videos. Working collaboratively, they planned, filmed, and edited their clips, transporting themselves to imaginative settings and bringing their ideas to life. This hands-on approach has not only developed their digital skills but also encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence. It has been fantastic to see their enthusiasm and creativity shine while learning in a different environment!
 
Year 5 have also been exploring their artistic side by creating mini art installations, inspired by the work of Cai Guo-Qiang. Taking influence from his imaginative and often large-scale creations, the children designed and built their own small installations using a variety of materials. They experimented with space, structure, and storytelling, thinking carefully about how their pieces could express an idea or emotion. This creative project encouraged them to take risks, work collaboratively, and see art in a new and exciting way. It has been wonderful to watch their ideas come to life through such thoughtful and inventive designs!
Y2 ART DAY: Life in Colour!

We are so proud of the children’s creativity in this unit! They have been exploring primary and secondary colours, learning how to mix colours, and experimenting with different textures. During Forest School, the children collected natural materials such as sticks, leaves, flowers, and pinecones, which they used to paint and create their own handmade paper. They then used this to produce beautiful collages. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they explored, created, and shared their ideas. Well done to all of them!

 

 

Fun Friends Events Coming (Very) Soon...!
 
We hope to see lots of you at our Easter Bingo event next week! There will be lots of chocolatey prizes up for grabs!
 
There is also have a very exciting event coming up that will be available to book next week - please save the date if you would like to come along for a family painting evening! We would love to see you there.
 
Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for your ongoing support with our fundraising events.
 
Friends of Alveston
FREE Breakfasts During Easter!
 

Families visiting their local Morrisons Café can enjoy a free ‘Kellogg’s Breakfast’, which includes a bowl of cereal and a portion of fruit. Kids and adults can choose from much-loved favourites Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies, topped with their choice of dairy or non-dairy milk and a free apple or banana. The offer will be available in all Morrisons Cafés nationwide from 16 March and during every school holiday in England, Scotland and Wales this year*, providing additional support to families during ‘school’s-out’ periods, when many parents will be feeling the squeeze on their pockets with the absence of school breakfast clubs. Learn more here.

 

Parenting Neurodivergent Children - Online Course
 
Raising a neurodiverse child can be joyful, but also complex and overwhelming. Family Lives have designed a course to support you with compassionate, practical strategies that meet your and your child's unique needs. In this online course, you will explore responsive and low demand parenting strategies, managing change and transitions, communication, distressed behaviours, sensory issues, carer burnout, looking after yourself and more. This course is aimed at parents and carers of neurodivergent children, teens and young adults whether there is a diagnosis or not. Learn more and sign-up here.
National Debt Awareness Week 2026
 

Debt can affect anyone, yet stigma and judgement often prevent people from getting the support they need.

This Debt Awareness Week (16 - 22 March), StepChange is:

  • Shining a light on the impact of debt stigma — how and why it exists, and what they can do to break it down
  • Helping people start conversations about their debt worries with partners, friends and family
  • Showing how people can take the first steps to getting help

You can find local advice from Citizens Advice 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 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)   

 

Date

 

Year Group

17/4

 

Reception

24/4

 

Year 6

1/5

 

Year 5

8/5

 

Year 4

15/5

 

Year 3

22/5

 

Year 2

 
Important Dates* to Remember  

Key dates for the Spring Term (2) and Summer Term (1) are HERE!  

* Please note that all dates published are subject to change/cancellation - please check this page and/or the website calendar regularly:
 
 

Spring Term (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

*23/3 (Half Term Cup)

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

23rd February to 27th March 2026 (excl. 16th-20th March)

 

 

 

Y3 Swimming

 

23/3, 13/4, 20/4, 27/4

 

 

 

24/3

 

Class Assembly – Year 4 (9:05-9:30)

24/3

 

Girls Netball at Thomas Jolyffe

25/3

 

Class Assembly – Year 5 (9:05-9:30)

26/3

 

Easter Service (2.15pm) - collection from church 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF TERM 30th March to 10th April

 

 

 

Summer Term (1)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

(17/4), 24/4, 1/5, 8/5, 15/5, *18/5 (Half Term Cup)

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

13th April to 4th May 2026

 

 

 

13/4

 

Children back in school

15/4

 

Reception call trip to Oversley Hill Farm

15/4

 

Year 6 Parliament Trip (London)

22/4

 

Connect4Health: Heights & Weights (YR & Y6)

 

 

 

 

 

HALF TERM 25th to 29th May

 

 

 

1/6

 

INSET DAY – no children in school

2/6

 

Children back in school
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