Weekly Update
Despite, the inclement weather, we have managed to get lots of outdoor play this week, but we are looking forward to some lovely spring days.
In our assembly today, Mrs F-J introduced the start of Children’s Mental Health Week whose theme is “This is my place”. We also have a representative from MIND coming in to host another assembly next week.
On Tuesday, it is Safer Internet Day and Mr Cottingham will share some important messages in an assembly next week.
We are also looking forward to the Music Monsters Winter Concert on Thursday afternoon where all our children accessing keyboard lessons will perform to their parents and carers.
Year 3
At the beginning of the week, the Year 3 children were teleported to the Stone Age world! We had a fantastic day with Ug, which was full of fascinating workshops and activities. This included investigating different artefacts and bones; creating cave paintings using chalk and slates; being Stone Age hunters, trying our hands at archery; and even making our own tools and weapons. What an incredible, fun-filled day!
Here are some of our thoughts about the day and our favourite moments:
Greyson: “I loved the archery session and working with my partner to make our own arrow and handaxe.”
Bella: “I really enjoyed the archery session with the bow and arrows – It was great fun! I found it tricky to hit the smaller targets, but tried my best.”
Thomas: “I felt so happy when I realised it was going to be Stone Age day in Year 3. My favourite part of the day was creating my own arrow with a stick, a piece of flint and some twine.”

Nursery

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 big well done to Year 2 where both classes got 99.7% and won the attendance trophy; this is the second week in a row for Class 206 – a fantastic achievement. Great news that Nursery am, Class R01, Class 104, Class 410, Class 511, Class 512 and Class 614 also got over 96%.
Let’s aim for even more classes over 96% next week.

Diary Dates and Reminders…
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.





