19Th 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 1st October – Tea & Talk: Introduction to Year 3 – 8.50am
Wednesday 8th October – Tea & Talk: Introduction to Year 4 – 8.50am
Friday 10th October – PTA Autumn Event – 3.15pm – 5pm
Tuesday 14th October – Tea & Talk: Welcome to EYFS – Nursery parents – 8.50am
Wednesday 15th October – Individual and sibling photographs
Thursday 16th October – Open Evening 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Friday 17th October – Academy closes for half term – 3.10pm pickup
Monday 3rd November – Academy re-opens
Message
Dear parents and carers,
This week we have been focused on our academy values and what they mean to us. We have been spotting our values in action, across the academy and in the classrooms, with positive recognition. Our recognition boards and post boxes have started to show that children are demonstrating our values, very well.
I have seen a few positive notes too. When we are noticed, it feels good! I know that more postcards will be given out today and cannot wait to see children waving these at me, as they walk out the gate. What a positive start to the weekend!
In KS1 assembly we focused on Achievement and watched a short video together and talked about what achievement can look like in school and at home. This included achievements, big and small. They all count.
When you put effort into something that makes you or someone else happy, you are achieving something!
Our year six children have shown a mix of values this week as they learned more about the SATs tests they sit in May. They had their first practice papers, putting the values of confidence and determination into action. They looked at the types of questions and ones they were able to answer drawing on their knowledge and skills from their previous learning. They also talked about parts of the curriculum that they will learn. Well done year six, remember, never give up, believe you can, and you will.
Together, we will achieve excellence together!
It has been great to see some of our children visit sharing stories of secondary school, wearing their new uniforms with pride and sharing their achievements so far. I wish them all the very best in their next phase of education. They are ready and will continue to shine, like the stars that they are.
Good luck to all the children from Mrs Hahn’s club taking the 11+ this weekend. Display confidence and determination and you will achieve excellence!!
Today we held a special assembly for our aspiring future leaders. Children showed confidence and determination as they delivered their speeches for Head Prefect. They are all worthy candidates, and I look forward to working with the Senior Prefect Team.
As always, enjoy your family time together
Mrs Nicholls
in the spotlight
ParentPay
ParentPay have alerted us to a fraudulent app in the Apple App Store that mimics ParentPay branding. Please be aware that:
- ParentPay does not have an app available for download from any app stores
- To use ParentPay, parents should visit www.parentpay.com from a mobile phone or computer
- After logging in, parents/staff can save a shortcut onto their phone’s home screen.
Open Evening
At this time of year, parents and carers are already thinking ahead for next steps for their children joining nursery, Reception or moving to secondary schools. We have a series of prospective tours ahead for those choosing Reception for 2026-27 and our open evening event on Thursday 16thth October.
Year 6
A reminder that secondary school applications for 2026-2027 are now open and you have until the 31st October to submit your preferences.
Shaping the Future
Tea & Talk
We will be starting our Tea & Talks for this academic year on Wednesday 1st October with an Introduction to Year 3. Please wait at the brook gate after morning drop off and you will be met by Mrs Richards.
This will be followed on Wednesday 8th October with an Introduction to Year 4. Both talks will be around how you can help your child at home with TTRS and Accelerated Reader, with a focus on preparing
On Tuesday 14th October, nursery and reception parents are invited to join Miss Wise for an introduction to the Early Years.
For all Tea & Talks, please email mrsalexander@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk to confirm your attendance.
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
darlinghurst academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
contact us
T. 01702 478379