2nd May 2025
save the date
Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am
Wednesday 7th May – Class photographs
Thursday 8th May – Year 3 trip to Colchester Zoo – no later than an 8.15am arrival at the Academy
Friday 9th May – Year 2 trip to Call of the Wild
Friday 16th May – Reception – National Child Measurement Programme
Wednesday 21st May – Tea & Talk: Nursery to Reception – 8.50am
Thursday 22nd May – Year 1 beach and park trip
Friday 6th June – PTA Summer Fete
18th June – KS2 Sports Day – Yr 3 & 4 – 9.30am – 11am Yr 5 & 6 – 1.45pm – 3pm
7th July – EYFS &Yr 1 & 2 Sports Day – 9.30am – 11am
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Dear parents and carers,
This week in assembly we focused on our academy rules and what they look like in action. The children were quick to recall examples of excellence and share why the rules make Darlinghurst a great place to be.
- Be ready to learn
- Be respectful in our relationships
- Be safe in our choices
Children understand that we follow the three rules. We celebrate our rules in action through positive recognition and refer to them as ‘expectations’ – the way we do it here.
We help our children to meet high expectations whilst keeping them emotionally safe. We know that emotional safety and physical safety is very important and this week we revisited our ‘safe rule’ and what safe looks and feels like:
We honed into how our emotions are central to how we feel and act and how at times we may need take a minute or be given support to help us. It’s ok, to not always feel ok.
Children and staff talk about emotions using colours. You may hear them use terms like ‘regulation,’ boundaries’ or ‘feeling green’. These are used across the academy when we talk about managing feelings or behaviours.
This week the summer term was filled with sunshine. Children have enjoyed the open spaces in our grounds in learning and play. We are fortunate to have green spaces and I would like to thank all those that came along on Sunday for the first part of the Pond revamp. What a great start to the project. To have a natural pond in the academy not only will benefit the children’s education and understanding of pond life and aquatic eco-systems but also supports the important sustainability of these sensitive systems.
- Healthy ponds are indicators of healthy environments
- Ponds provide safe havens to native wildlife
- Ponds help cycle nutrients and remove environmental pollutants
We cannot wait to see our wildlife pond turn into a thriving eco-system.
Look at the Pond revamp on our PTA Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/darlinghurstacademypta
Our forthcoming Eco – school resubmission is fast approaching, and we cannot wait to wave the green flag again for our academy.
This week we were entertained by the cheer Squad – ‘The Darlings’ with a practice on the playground for other children to enjoy. Yesterday they attended the Dance Festival at Alleyn Court in their cheer kit and bows made by Mrs Jennings. The squad were amazing!
Huge thanks to Mrs Pearce for her commitment to the squad and Mr Felton and Mrs Jennings who support them too.
Yesterday the year 4’s headed off to London on their trip. As they left the academy, they were full of smiles and high fives. They enjoyed the trip to the Natural History Museum, and we will share more about this next week.
This weekend is the Early May Bank Holiday. This is a holiday that celebrates May Day. Britain has an old heritage of May Day celebrations dating back to pagan times that still have connections to customs such as the maypole. Some of our children have enjoyed dancing around our maypole to continue this custom.
Enjoy the long weekend - and as always, enjoy your family time together.
Mrs Nicholls
in the spotlight
Thank you to Miss Churchman for 25 years at Darlinghurst
I met Miss Churchman when I first taught at Darlinghurst back in 2000 to 2002 when I taught her daughter Robyn, now a mother of 2 beautiful children and her dog baby.
Upon my return in 2012 Mrs Churchman was here and we have continued to work together throughout this time. Now my own children have come to Darlinghurst too, my daughter now works part time in after school club and my son is in upper key stage 2. Darlinghurst is most certainly a family.
Thank you, Sue, for everything - work related as a colleague and as a friend.
Happy 25th Darlinghurst Anniversary. It’s more than a job!!
Love Mrs Nicholls
Reflection from Mrs Churchman
As I look back on my 25-year journey at Darlinghurst Academy, I'm filled with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and gratitude. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working alongside talented, passionate staff, and students, who all contribute to the growth and success of our school.
I remember the early days, starting out as a volunteer on the PTA when my daughter, now 32, started in Reception. I have seen lots of changes to the building and grounds, Headteachers and staff, but through good times and sad times my commitment to Darlinghurst Academy has remained strong.
I've witnessed students grow, learn, and thrive, and I've played a small part in supporting their educational journey.
Not only do I take on the role of Finance Officer at the school, but I’ve sang, skipped, gardened, performed and contributed to lots of ideas which has helped make Darlinghurst the school it is now.
As I reflect on my time here, I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to develop professionally and personally. A piece of my heart will always be in this school.
PTA
We are exceptionally lucky to have a dedicated PTA team. They are made up of amazing parents and staff who organise several events throughout the academic year to raise funds to help improve children’s educational experiences.
Money raised over the past few years has made it possible for the school to paint designs on the playgrounds, enabling hours and hours of fun for our children. In addition, money raised has been used to build outdoor shelter for children when using the library and during playtime.
Last term, the PTA launched the pond renovation project and last weekend phase 1 was launched! Era in Seashell class was the winner of the Pond Design competition, and we cannot wait to see the area be transformed into Era’s vision.
As we speak, the PTA are busy planning our Summer Fete on Friday 6th June. It is looking to be a fantastic event! Wristbands for unlimited fun on the inflatables are available to purchase via your child’s ParentPay account.
Design a space mission patch
A prototype space thruster made by UK company Magdrive will soon be launched into space for its first test mission. Space missions often have their own patch, and we need your help to design the patch for this important test.
The winning patch design from this competition will be used on this mission, named Going Rogue, and displayed alongside a prototype Rogue thruster in the new Space gallery at the Science Museum, opening later this year. The patch will also be added to the Science Museum Group Collection, joining our extensive space technology collection. The winner and their family will get to tour Magdrive’s laboratory and be invited to the Science Museum to see their patch on display this autumn.
The badge designs will be judged on their connection to the mission, illustration of space exploration and creativity. The judging panel will consist of a representative of Magdrive, Jon Long, Senior Explainer, Abbie MacKinnon, Curator of Space Technology, and Libby Jackson, Head of Space at the Science Museum.
This competition is open to children only.
Design a space mission patch | Science Museum
Tea & Talk
Parents of our nursery children moving into reception in September are invited to join Miss Wise at our next Tea and Talk on Wednesday 21st May at 8.50am. She will be discussing the transition from nursery to reception and how you can best support your child.
NCMP
The School Nursing Team will be visiting school on Friday 16th May to deliver the National Child Measurement Programme.
If you are happy for your child to be measured, you do not need to do anything. If you DO NOT want your child’s height and weight to be checked, or your child has a medical condition that affects their height or weight, you must OPT OUT. You can withdraw your child from the programme by completing the form on School Screener online web portal or contacting the School Nursing Team on 01702 534843. To confirm, if there no action is taken your child will automatically take part in the programme.
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.
Book your tickets before the clock strikes midnight on Friday 12th September 2025!
Darlinghurst Academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
Contact Us
T. 01702 478379