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 ….
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
Happy New Year, Everyone!
Headstart
It’s newsletter time! Here’s what’s happening across our wellbeing community:
🌟 Staff Wellbeing Fortnight
This week we’re focusing on the Inner Critic vs. Inner Cheerleader. Take some time to reflect on how you speak to yourself and explore strategies to strengthen that positive inner voice.
📅 Only 3 Weeks Until Children’s Mental Health Week
This year’s theme is Belonging — celebrating the vital role connection plays in helping children feel safe, valued and supported. Get inspired and start planning your activities!
🎓 HeadStarter Spotlight: Highcliffe /Linthorpe Primary
Our brilliant HeadStarters share their experience of becoming a Health Champion’s — and how much they’ve enjoyed growing their wellbeing leadership skills.
🤝 South Tees Changing Futures Conference
Happening this Thursday! Make sure you’ve booked your place and join colleagues from across South Tees for a day of learning, collaboration and positive change.
📊 myHappymind Evaluation Update
New findings show improvements in school attendance and reductions in absence — fantastic news for wellbeing, consistency, and pupil outcomes.
🌐 Connect With Our Partner Networks
Sign up to the Child Health and Wellbeing Network / South Tees Wellbeing Network to stay connected with local opportunities, resources, and training.
📝 Have Your Say – Local Community Health Survey
Our Health Improvement Public Health Team are asking for your views. Share your thoughts to help shape positive change in our community.
And much more inside!
Enjoy reading
HeadStart Newsletter 26th January 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.
