12th December 2025
save the date
Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am Friday 19th December – Last day of term – 1.30pm finish – no after school club provision Monday 5th January – Academy open – start of new term Wednesday 14th January – Tea & Talk: How do we teach writing in reception – 8.50am 13th & 14th January – Year 2 - 6 parent consultations Friday 13th February – academy closes for half term – 3.10pm finish
Message
Dear parents and carers, The academy has been a hive of festive fun this week, with everyone getting into the Christmas spirit! We began the week with our EYFS children excitedly heading out on a special walk to post their letters to Santa — with plenty of added sparkle and Elf Wise leading the way!
It was Years 3 and 4’s turn this week to sprinkle some Christmas magic on their families with their wonderful performances. The children sang their hearts out, filling the hall with festive cheer, and every single one of them shone on stage. A huge thank-you to all who came along to share in the celebration!
Our Tiny Tiddlers enjoyed a very special surprise during their weekly session — a visit from Santa himself! He arrived at Hagrid’s Hut, where each Tiny Tiddler had the chance to meet him. It was a truly magical experience, and we are so grateful that he was able to take the time to visit Darlinghurst.
Yesterday we celebrated our Christmas Dinner alongside Christmas Jumper Day, and the festive spirit was wonderful to see! Children and staff arrived in a fantastic array of jumpers and accessories, each one bringing extra colour and joy to the day.
Thank you to the generous collection of preloved donations, we were also able to lend jumpers to children who needed one. The children were delighted to choose a jumper to wear, and it was lovely to see jumpers that had been outgrown being enjoyed once again.
This is a tradition we look forward to continuing each year. If, after Christmas, you find you have jumpers you no longer need, please drop them into the main office— we will gladly give them a new home. Thank you to our wonderful catering team and MDA’s for making and serving a delicious dinner for all the staff and children and for making it such a fun afternoon!
As we enter the final week of term, please can I remind you that the academy will close for the Christmas break on Friday 19th December at 1.30pm. There will be no after school provision on this day. Please collect your child at 1.30pm. As always, enjoy your family time together. Mrs Nicholls
in the spotlight
Little Havens
Thank you for your generosity in donating spare coins to Little Havens following each Christmas concert. The collection bucket will be returned to Little Havens at the end of next week to be counted. There’s still time to contribute – if you have any spare change, there will be a bucket in the office, and we’ll also be collecting at the Year 1 and Year 2 Christmas concerts. In addition, many of you have kindly donated through ParentPay. So far, the total is £189 which is enough to fund
- 37 craft sessions
- 6 specialist care hours, or
- 4 counselling sessions
Thank you once again for your generous support – it will make a meaningful difference to the care provided for local children and families.
Eco committee
Mrs Powell and the eco committee have been thinking of ideas of how to have a sustainable Christmas. These suggestions aim to reduce waste, save energy, and encourage environmentally friendly choices within the school community. Maybe these can inspire you and your family have a sustainable Christmas? Mrs Powell would love to hear your ideas! Please send an email to generalenquiries@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk with the title ‘Sustainable Christmas.’
Leigh Road Baptist Church
The choir were invited to perform in the Nativity by our friends at Leigh Road Baptist Church. They opened the performance with a lively rendition of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”. With the nativity celebrating the joy of Christmas, the choir’s energetic singing brought smiles to everyone and spread festive cheer throughout the church.
Birthday treats in schools
We are working towards our 'Healthy learning, Healthy living' accreditation. We have already reviewed our healthy snack policy and are now looking at birthday treats and want to hear your views. Many local schools have stopped children sharing birthday sweets and instead allow alternatives to sweets, even items like pencil toppers. Why? Many schools including us promote healthy eating and teach aspects of health within the curriculum. Sweets and treats should be little and often. Did you know if every child brought a small bag of sweets for the members of their class on their birthday, each child would receive 352.5g of sugar a year. Childhood obesity is a growing concern, with long-term effects on children’s health and wellbeing. Data shows that our school sits amongst those with the higher rates within Southend. So, what is the next step for Darlinghurst? We what to hear your views. You can share your views via email to generalenquiries@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk with the subject Birthday treats.
darlinghurst academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
contact us
T. 01702 478379