Weekly Update
It has been a very busy week in school!
We have undertaken activities to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, including a webinar led by Picture News and an assembly led by Anna from MIND, who focused on on the theme of ‘This is my Place’. There was a focus on ‘What is belonging?’ with some lovely links to Paddington Bear and how he felt when he arrived at the Brown’s.
Mr Cottingham led an assembly and shared lots of activities for Safer Internet Day, which was on Tuesday, with the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Nursery Stay and Read sessions on Wednesday, where children shared their love of books with their parents/carers.
On Thursday, we also had a fantastic audience at the Music Monsters Winter Concert. Our children, who have been learning the keyboard with Sarah, all performed for their parents/carers and showed lots of confidence in the skills they have learnt over the last few months. It was certainly a wintry weather afternoon, and we thank everyone who attended despite the rain.
Next week, we have a non-uniform day on Friday to support our Curriculum Enrichment.
We hope everyone has a lovely weekend.
Year 5
On Wednesday, in science, we learned about levers, pulleys and gears. We then made our own lever using a ruler for the rod, a pencil for the fulcrum and a rubber for the load. We investigated whether it was harder or easier to lift the load as the fulcrum was moved to different positions along the rod.
On Wednesday, we also took part in an online lesson for Children’s Mental Health Week, which focused on the theme ‘This is my place’. We considered places where we feel we belong and thought about why we feel we belong there. We also met an author, Katie Hopper, who shared the themes of her children’s books and read us a story about a girl called Sylvia and her ‘inner candle’. Katie spoke about how we all have the power inside us to use our voice to express ourselves when something is wrong.
On Thursday, in music, we continued to practise singing ‘Dancing in the Street’ and then composed riffs on the glockenspiel to perform as a group.
We ended the week with a cool visit to the Outdoor Classroom. Mr Armstrong talked to us about using a flint to make a spark. The fire pit was very welcome on such a cool day!
Our artwork is based on portraits where we are developing skills in creating interesting portrait drawings using words, experimenting with materials and techniques, and constructing self-portraits that represent aspects of ourselves. Take a look at some of our work so far…
Year 6
Attendance Matters
It is so important that we see your children in school every day as any missed days means missed learning.
There are our attendance figures for this week:
Overall 96% (a great week again)
A big well done to Class 511 for winning the attendance trophy this week – a fantastic achievement – as well as Class 103, Class 205, Class 206, Class 308, Class 410, Class 512, Class 613 and Class 614 who all got over 96%.
Let’s keep this up and aim for even more classes getting over 96% next week
Reminders
*Thank you to everyone who has named their child’s uniform; this really helps us to return any lost property to its rightful owner, and we would encourage all parents to make sure that uniform is named please.
Links to support our parents and children….
Headstart
Young People’s Voices: What Belonging Means to Them
Hear directly from our pupils as they share their thoughts on belonging, inclusivity, and why feeling part of a school community matters so much. Their reflections highlight the importance of supportive relationships, positive environments, and being valued for who they are.
️ Fortnightly Wellbeing Focus: Breathing & the Nervous System
In this issue, we explore the power of breathing techniques and how they help regulate the sympathetic nervous system — supporting calm, focus, and emotional wellbeing.
️ Half‑Term Ahead! Bring It On – Holiday Activity & Food Programme
With half term just around the corner, the Bring It On HAF Programme booking form is now live. Be sure to book your place early!
“Knock Out Depression” – Boxing Programme for Schools
We’re excited to share an inspiring opportunity for schools: a physical and wellbeing‑focused boxing programme designed to build discipline, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience.
Knock Out Depression – taking the fight to improve mental health into schools and youth groups is an amazing way for pupils to boost both their physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Training, Resources & More
As always, we’ve included a wide range of fantastic training opportunities and wellbeing resources for staff, school and community teams.
HeadStart Newsletter 9th February 2026
Lunch Menu
Action for Happiness
Wellbeing is so important in our day-to-day life. Use the ideas on the Friendlier February calendar to be friendly to others and give your relationships a boost.
