31st January 2025
save the date
Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am
Monday 10th February – Tea & Talk: Safer Internet Day – 8.50am
Friday 14th February – last day of half term 3.10pm collection
Monday 24th February – Academy open
Wednesday 5th March – Tea & Talk: Phonics in Nursery – 8.50am
Thursday 20th March – Tea & Talk: Year 4 Multiplication check – 8.50am
Message
Dear parents and carers,
I would like to start this week’s newsletter with heart-felt thanks to the community.
The sense of belonging, encouragement and teamwork has run through the academy with a continuous stream of care and commitment. This has shown the strength of our community and the importance to show how much Darlinghurst means to us all.
We truly have shown in action, our mission statement – Achieving Excellence Together, with our values shining through.
The actions and voice of all stakeholders is important to how our school feels and runs. The recent feedback from everyone has shown the consensus of our views and, this in itself, has meant the world to me. The start of my leadership journey – a decade ago, felt a little different and has been an aim in the growth and success of the academy. Thank you for the smiles, words of encouragement, check in’s, emails, snacks and more during the recent visit from Ofsted. It means more than you know!
I must say, after my golden birthday celebrations last Friday, I didn’t expect an Ofsted inspection on the Monday. It was certainly an exciting start to the new decade!
The inspection report will be shared next month so we have a little time to wait before we can share the news.
This week the children have been celebrating the winning house for last half terms attendance with HMS Raleigh having their rewards afternoon.
Celebration assembly was filled with special recognition to children and staff with achievements and postcards.
Well done to Mrs HB and Mrs Hahn for the successful completion of their National professional qualifications in leading behaviour and culture. After all their hard work and assignments, they have received their certificates.
The academy is also an official world record holder! To celebrate National Poetry Day back in October, Mrs Stevens and Victoria Class in Year 5 took part in an Official Guiness World Record attempt for the world’s largest poetry lesson. This week they received their certificate to celebrate their achievement!
Happy Friday everyone, and as always, enjoy your family time together
Mrs Nicholls
In the spotlight
If you happen to be having a clear out at home and have any games that you may no longer need, we would be grateful of any donations. Please drop to the main office. Thank you for your support.
National Poetry Day
To celebrate National Poetry Day back in October, Victoria Class in Year 5 took part in an Official Guiness World Record attempt for the world’s largest poetry lesson. Children across the world worked with poet Laura Mucha to create an original poem based on the theme ‘Counting’. Ideas from children in Victoria Class were actually selected and included in the finished poem. They also were chosen out of 125,000 schools to take part in a short film about the record attempt.
This week, we have finally received confirmation that we are now World Record Breakers! The children were so excited to hear the news and to watch the video which they perform a line of the poem. I am extremely proud of all of the children that took part and I hope they are inspired to try poetry again in the future.
Young Voices
Last Friday, the choir took part in an amazing opportunity singing at the 02 as part of this year’s Young Voices choir. With over 8000 children from schools across Great Britain, the children rehearsed this year’s Young Voices songs throughout the day and later performed them to thousands of parents in the evening. With incredible seats right near the stage, we had the perfect view to watch this year’s special guest including MC Grammar and the singer from Strictly Come Dancing Tommy Blaize.
The choir worked incredibly hard to learn the words and the dance moves, alongside the urban dance troop Urban Strides. Some of the children’s favourite songs in which they performed were the Pop Medley, songs from Hairspray, Let’s Dance, Marley Medley and one of our school favourites Try Everything.
They all gave 110% throughout the performance, demonstrating all aspects of Darlinghurst’s key values. They all shone like stars and definitely made us all (teachers and parents) proud. It definitely was a great day!
Year 5 visitor
This week, year 5 had a very special visitor at school. Our local Imam, from the West Road Mosque, paid us a visit to explain to our children what life is like as a Muslim in Britain. Our children listened with great interest and respect and asked lots of questions. We are so lucky to be part of a community where our children have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and religions and we are grateful for the Imam coming to visit us.
Darlinghurst Academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
Contact Us
T.01702 478379