A warm welcome to the first newsletter of the 2025/26 academic year! The children have made a purposeful start, and it has been wonderful to see their energy and enthusiasm. A special welcome to our new families— please do get involved in school life; staff and parents will be delighted to help you feel at home.

 

Next week brings a number of key events:

  • Reception Reading Workshop – Monday 8th September at 6.30pm
  • Meet the Teacher Evenings – Upper School on Monday 8th September at 6.30pm
  • Lower School on Tuesday 9th September at 6.30pm.

Both events will begin in New Hall, and they offer a great opportunity to hear directly from teaching teams about the exciting learning and opportunities that lie ahead this year.

 

This week in assemblies, I have been speaking with the children about the importance of personal safety and wellbeing. This is a theme we always revisit at the start of term and one that runs as a thread throughout the year. We have discussed why it is important not to keep a worry to ourselves, who we can turn to for help at school, and we have reminded ourselves of the safeguarding team. A picture of the team is included below for your reference. In today’s assembly, Miss Cartwright also spoke with the children about our Golden Rules and Golden Buddies.

 

Next week, we will continue to build on this theme by exploring how to stay safe when ‘out and about’ beyond school. We will also remind ourselves of the safety routines with our Fire and Incident Lockdown drills. Please do talk with your children about these over the weekend, as it helps reinforce the key messages, especially for any of our Year 6 pupils walking to and from school independently.

 

Our Year 5 and Reception pupils enjoyed their ‘Buddy Lunch’ today. This experience is always deeply valued by the children, as it helps to create special bonds of friendship and support. There are lots more events planned for our buddies to share in learning, play, and encouragement throughout the year. Next Thursday, it will be the turn of Year 1 and Year 6 to enjoy their Buddy Lunch together.

 

Looking ahead to next week, there is much to look forward to:

  • Swimming resumes for Years 2–4 on Tuesday
  • Our U11 Football team takes part in Haileybury’s Prep School Tournament
  • Speech and Drama sessions commence
  • Our first Toddler Group session of the term takes place

 

I will also begin Year 6 interview practice sessions, which will continue over the coming weeks.

 

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Mr Phelan.