7th November 2025
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Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am Monday 10th November – Odd Socks Day Tuesday 11th November – Principal tour – 9am Wednesday 12th November – Positive Noticing Day Friday 14th November – Flu spray Friday 14th November – Children in Need Tuesday 18th November – Tea & Talk: How we teach phonics in reception – 8.50am 25th, 26th and 27th November – Reception Parent Consultation – 3.30pm – 5.00pm Tuesday 2nd December – Principal tour – 1.30pm Friday 5th December – PTA Christmas Fayre Tuesday 9th December – Principal tour – 1.30pm Thursday 11th December – Christmas Jumper Day & Christmas Lunch Friday 19th December – Last day of term – 1.30pm finish – no after school club provision Monday 4th January – Academy open – start of new term 13th & 14th January – KS1 & KS2 parent consultations – further details to follow
Message
Dear parents and carers, Welcome back to the second half of the Autumn Term. This is a wonderful season as we celebrate autumn, focus on our value of belonging and head towards Christmas! I look forward to celebrating with you all. 8 years ago, at the start of Autumn 2, I wrote my first piece in the newsletter as 'Permanent Principal', having been in the role for a year before. The sentiment and hope written then, still rings true today and that my wish to have a strong community culture and relationships with parents/carers has grown year on year.
Thank you for showing our value of belonging and for your continued support — it truly means everything. Together, we make a difference for our young ones, who remain at the heart of all that we do. This was beautifully reflected in a recent message I received from Mr. Cauchi from SVP following our generous harvest donations. While sorting through the items, he discovered several with heartwarming messages — a wonderful act of kindness that fills me with pride for our community.
With the value of belonging central to this half terms curriculum, we also look at our rule of respect - to be respectful in our relationships and our rainbow word - Kindness.
Together, they support our personal development, attitudes and behaviours. Across November, we are thinking about how we can use our ‘power for good’. This is the theme of Anti-Bullying week (which officially starts on Monday 10th November). We launched the half term with the theme in assembly. Year 1, 2 and 3 have been thinking about how they can use kindness, respect and belonging as their superpowers and deciding what their superhero name would be. Whilst year 4,5 and 6 are considering the impact of physical actions or spoken words that are derogatory and cause harm, including ‘banter’.
Next week we have planned engagement in the Live Lesson on Monday at 11am, additional lessons/activities, even a set task for our Senior Leadership Team. They met this week to decide on their communication campaign and to review our child-friendly anti-bullying policy. On Tuesday we will take time to remember those who protect our country in the armed forces past and present. We remember our Veterans and those who stood up against adversity during the war. On Tuesday we will join the nation and pay respects with a time of silence. We will remember them.
Amongst the reflection, we also give celebration of our 'uniqueness' and how our individuality makes us who we are. This is part of the national awareness day - 'Odd Socks'. This is followed by a second year of engagement in Positive noticing Day. Last year our engagement led to us being noticed by the organisers of this event and the building of positive partnerships with them!
Children in Need and Christmas Jumper Day also take place this term, providing our children with opportunities to learn more about charities that support others in need. These experiences help deepen their understanding of empathy and how we can all make a difference. Once again, our three core values — Belonging, Respect, and Kindness — are celebrated and brought to life through these acts of giving and compassion.
With thoughts for our wider community, we kindly ask everyone to show courtesy to our neighbours. Our academy is nestled among local streets, where many community members and parents live nearby. We are keen to work together to ensure the streets remain safe and to help reduce congestion. Our children are also eager to play their part by promoting road safety and helping to reduce litter around the academy — wonderful examples of responsibility and care in action. Finally, I look forward to sharing all things Christmas! Many of our academy events begin on the first day of Advent, and it won’t be long before we’re all singing those festive songs together. As always, enjoy your family time together. Mrs Nicholls
in the spotlight
Parent Consultations
KS1 & KS2 parent consultations will be held on the 13th and 14th January, further details will be sent at a later date.
Remembrance Day
We’re proud to be supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal again this year. Our prefects will be selling paper poppies and other items such as snap bands, zip pulls, reflectors, and wristbands, at the main and side gate after school until Monday. We ask for a donation of your choice for a paper poppy or a minimum donation of £1 for any of the items from the box. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity as we remember those who have served and continue to serve. On Tuesday 11th November, we will be marking Remembrance Day. Children who are members of a uniformed organisation — such as Brownies, Cubs, Beavers, Badgers, or Rainbows — are welcome to wear their club uniform to school on this day. All other pupils should attend in full school uniform as usual.
School meals
We are writing to inform you that from Monday, 10th November, our school catering contractor, Aspens, will be increasing the price of school meals. The new cost will be £2.65 per meal, which equates to £13.25 per week. Please note, children who are in Reception, Yr 1, Yr 2 will continue to receive a Universal Free School Meal. Children who are eligible for free school meals will continue to receive them as usual, with no change. If you think your child may qualify for Free school meals, please e mail mrslane@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk or visit Free school meals – Southend-on-Sea City Council for more information. Please continue to book and pay for your child’s meals, in advance, on Parent Pay.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Children in Need
On Friday, 14th November, we will be raising money for Children in Need. As one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, Children in Need brings the entire nation together in order to raise funds to make life lighter for the hundreds of thousands of children carrying a load that’s too heavy to manage alone. You are able to donate via your child’s ParentPay account. Children are invited to wear their spotty accessories with their full school uniform on this day.
All things Christmas!!
Christmas preparations are in full swing! Children have started rehearsals for their Christmas performances – a highlight of the school year that we always look forward to. Our wonderful PTA is also hard at work planning the Christmas Fayre, which will take place on Friday 5th December. These events are always a huge success thanks to the dedication of our volunteers. If you’re able to offer any help on the day, the PTA would be incredibly grateful. Please get in touch via their Instagram page @darlinghurstacademyPTA or email mrslowe@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk
Please make a note of the important dates below!
Tickets for our Christmas performances will not be issued, however, please be reminded that seats are limited to two per family. This year, our chosen charity is Little Havens. There will be a collection bucket at each of our performances, please give generously.
Christmas cards
The Christmas card shop will be open again between 21st Nov- 1st Dec. Follow the instructions on your child's design template to order. Lost the template? Let the office know and we can find your child's code for you.
Last year, our Christmas jumper pre-loved shop was a great success. If you have any Christmas jumpers that you no longer need, the office will gladly accept any donations.
darlinghurst academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
contact us
T. 01702 478379