5Th September 2025
save the date
Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am
Friday 26th September – Shaping the Future
Tuesday 30th September – Principal Tour – 9am
Wednesday 15th October – Individual and sibling photos
Message
Dear parents and carers,
Welcome back to the new academic year 2025-26.
It has been a smooth start back to the academy and a joy to see familiar faces and to meet some of our new children and families.
Drop off and pick up has worked well, despite the timing of the rain. Thank you for your punctuality. All children should arrive by 8:40am.
It has been positive seeing the independence of KS2 entering the side gate. Please continue to ‘drop and go to keep the flow,’ as this has most certainly reduces any morning congestion.
The main gate has welcomed those new to year one, with a positive transition from Reception. We always see a few tears from our little ones as they adjust to school days again but please do not worry, they are full of smiles on the playground and in class.
Our new Reception starters have enjoyed playing in Jellyfish and Starfish, and for those who transitioned from Nursery, they have loved being back in the Rockpool garden and seeing their Nursery teachers. We have some new starters from other settings, and they are settling well too. The team are all on hand to help and play alongside them.
Year 6 have stepped up to being the oldest in the academy, wearing their shirts and ties with pride. Year 6 have been talking about the year ahead and the active roles that they play in leadership. Prefect applications have been submitted. Watch this space!
Our other active groups have launched The Play Leaders are already in action, leading and playing games with others.
The Sports Committee are planning some new ideas that we think the children will love. They are not revealing this yet, but here is a little clue – ‘challenges.’ New joiners will be in place later in the year. Other active groups will also be open for interest soon.
Some year 7 children have already returned to say hello. We love to see them and look forward to hearing their stories.
Across the academy, we have been establishing routines and enjoying activities together. Next week, is known as ‘establishment week’, with curriculum content, groupings and organisation in place. Homework etc will commence from 15th September. Please look at MCAS for further information on this.
Please be reminded that the PE uniform is a PE top, jumper, black tracksuit bottoms or black PE shorts. Leggings and cycling shorts are not permitted.
This year we are aiming for high attendance and punctuality and will be working together to ensure that children come to school, ready to learn. First day attendance was 96%, lets aim to maintain or improve this great start!
Thank you for such a positive start and I am looking forward to the year ahead.
As always, enjoy your family time together.
Mrs Nicholls
Healthy snacks
Before the holidays, we reviewed our healthy snack policy and notified you of the changes. On our return it has been fantastic to see so many children embracing this change and we look forward to seeing lots of different varieties of healthy food that our children try want to try! Well done everyone!
As a reminder:
Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 are provided with a healthy snack (fruit or vegetable) every day and are not expected to bring their own snack.
KS2 are to bring a healthy snack for their break.
If you are looking for ideas about how to make your child’s lunchbox healthier, Health4Life are offering free online workshops.
Summer Developments
Over the summer there have been some developments around the site with new canopies around the ground to provide spaces outside - all year round. This includes the Rockpool garden, KS1 playground and the wellbeing area outside the Marina.
A new shed has replaced the old writing shed in the Rockpool and will be open for literacy play and small group work soon.
The main toilets have also been upgraded. The children like the new sinks.
In the hall, new windows and a door have been added to the courtyard for air flow and access.
The pond has continued to take shape with further works over the summer which will continue this term.
Shaping the Future
School Photographs
School photographs will be taken during the school day on Wednesday 15th October. Please ensure that your child comes to school on this day in their full school uniform.
Sibling photographs, of school age children, will be taken after school. Please collect your child at normal pick-up time and queue by the side gate along the front of the academy. Please do not block the side gate entrance.
PTA
Pantomime
Cliffs Pavilion Pantomime Tickets – Cinderella
You shall go to the ball this Christmas with Rylan, who will be starring in this year's pantomime, Cinderella, at the Cliffs Pavilion as the ‘Fairy Godfather’!
We have a limited supply of tickets available for sale on ParentPay for the 7pm performance on Saturday 13th December 2025.
All tickets are downstairs in the side and rear stalls area of the Cliffs Pavilion. We are selling them for just £28 each, a fantastic saving on the full price! Any profit raised by organising this event will be used to promote the arts within Darlinghurst Academy.
darlinghurst academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
contact us
T. 01702 478379