9th January 2026
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13th January – Year 2 - 6 parent consultations 4.30pm – 6.30pm 14th January – Year 2 – 6 parent consultations 3.30pm – 5.30pm 14th January – Tea & Talk: How we teach writing in reception and year 1 – 8.50am
Message
Dear parents and carers, Welcome back to the Spring Term. It always feels a little strange to call it “Spring” when the weather is still so cold and wintery. Please ensure that all children’s jumpers are clearly labelled. Any outer layers or accessories, such as coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, should also be named. We would like to remind you that long-sleeved vests or skins are not part of the academy uniform. Any vests or undergarments worn should not be visible. We continue to enjoy using our outdoor spaces during this term, so children will need appropriate clothing for cold and wet weather. Children in EYFS may bring wellington boots and waterproofs for playing in the rock pool. These items should be clearly labelled and sent in a separate bag. The final tour for prospective parents took place this week, and it was wonderful to hear families talking about their school of choice and their desire to join Darlinghurst. If you have a child in Nursery or of Reception age, please be aware that the application deadline is fast approaching. If you require any support or guidance with the admissions process, Mrs Lowe will be very happy to help. You can email her at mrslowe@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk.
It is the time of year when we share further updates on your child’s learning through our face-to-face consultations, alongside curriculum overviews outlining what your children will be learning this term. Consultations will take place on:
- Tuesday 13th January from 4:30pm – 6:30pm
- Wednesday 14th January from 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Please enter the school via the main front office ahead of your appointment slot. Your child’s core books will be available for you to look through either before or after your consultation. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing your child’s progress with you. Half termly curriculum letters for year 1 – 6 are now accessible on MCAs outlining this half terms learning and provision.
I look forward to a fantastic half term. As always, enjoy your family time together. Mrs Nicholls
in the spotlight
This week, Year 5 received a very special ticket after lunch as part of our connected curriculum hook lesson. The ticket granted them access to the funfair! As they entered the fair, pupils handed over their tickets and took their seats on the rollercoaster. They thoroughly enjoyed the ride and demonstrated some fantastic acting skills along the way. Once the thrilling experience was over, they were free to explore the rest of the fair. The children showed great determination and a strong sense of belonging as they attempted to beat the funfair games, with some choosing to queue multiple times to conquer particularly frustrating challenges. Whenever a friend succeeded, they cheered them on and shared in each other’s success. It was a wonderful start to the term, and we are excited to begin learning about the vital role forces play in funfairs.
Extra-curricular clubs
All extra-curricular clubs will begin, week commencing the 19th January. Bookings will go live via your child’s MCAS account on Monday 12th January at 7pm. We have had to make some minor adjustments to the club timetable that was issued before Christmas. Please be reminded that clubs are voluntarily run by staff and spaces are limited for safeguarding reasons. We ask parents/carers to be considerate of others and to only book your child into a club they are committed to attending for the entire term. If you are not successful in obtaining a space you will be added to the waiting list automatically when booking. Please monitor MCAS as any movement to the waiting list will be shown here. If your child is interested in the year 3, 4 & 5 dance club on a Tuesday, please email njobeydance@yahoo.com for further information. If your child would like to join Miss Churchman’s year 4 sewing club, there is a £5 cost towards sewing material that will be available on ParentPay if you are successful in obtaining a space.
Tea & Talk
On Wednesday 14th January, Miss Wise will be holding a Tea & Talk about how we teach writing in reception and year 1, If you would like to attend, please email mrsalexander@darlinghurstacademy.og.uk
darlinghurst academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
contact us
T. 01702 478379