3rd October 2025
save the date
Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am
Wednesday 8th October – Tea & Talk: Introduction to Year 4 – 8.50am
Wednesday 8th October – Year 6 NCMP
Thursday 10th October – PTA Autumn Event – 3.15pm – 5pm
Monday 13th October – Pre-loved uniform – 3.15pm
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 (Little Mariners closes at 4.30pm and no extra-curricular clubs – see below for more details)
Friday 17th October – Year 6 cake sale – 3.15pm
Friday 17th October – Academy closes for half term – 3.10pm pickup
Monday 3rd November – Academy re-opens
Please be reminded that if your child is going to be absent from school or late, please contact us by 09:30 by telephone - 01702 509205. Emails will not be accepted.
Message
Dear parents and carers,
This week, our ‘Keeping in Touch’ focuses on the enriching opportunities available beyond the classroom. At Darlinghurst, we are proud to offer a wide range of activities that support personal development and encourage children to explore their individual interests.
We provide a variety of club, most of them at no cost, run by our dedicated staff before school, after school, or during the academy day. These clubs span across sports, the arts (including art, choir, dance, and instrumental music), and curriculum clubs such as Eco Club, language learning, and curriculum-linked groups. Our staff are passionate about giving their time to help children discover and grow their talents.
We also signpost wider opportunities in the local community, with many of our pupils enjoying participation in external clubs and activities.
Our curriculum continues to grow, with exciting new trips, visits, and outdoor experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence. Children have thoroughly enjoyed trying new things and are eager to engage in more outdoor pursuits this year.
At Darlinghurst, we believe in equal opportunities for all children to pursue what they love—whether it’s dance, football, choir, or something else entirely. Our girls' football team continues to be inspired by role models from the England squads, and we're proud to celebrate the success of women in sport—most recently, the Red Roses’ triumphant win at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Record Breakers!
81,885 spectators crammed the three-tiers of Twickenham at the weekend, a record crowd for a women's rugby match and a Rugby World Cup match.
It has been a good summer for women's sport in England after the Lionesses' Euros victory in Switzerland in July. With the Women's Cricket World Cup upon us as well with England looking for a fifth world title, a treble of global success would be unparalleled. Imagine the party required if that happened!
Sarah Massey, managing director of Rugby World Cup 2025 said even before the final had concluded, "We are witnessing a generational moment… It's an extraordinary milestone that surpasses even our best expectations.’
Our teachers are enjoying their pastimes and have been thinking back to what they loved doing at school. Take a look at some of their hobbies below!
Do you have a hobby or interest you'd like to share? We’d love to feature it in ‘Keeping in Touch.’ Let’s inspire each other by sharing the activities that bring us joy!
As always, enjoy your family time together.
Mrs Nicholls
in the spotlight
Friendships in the spotlight
It is hard when we hear that our children have had a fall out with their friends. It is natural to have feelings about our children’s friendship issues. We know that children’s friendships often change especially at different ages and stages of their development. We give children time to talk and share their feelings and to try to understand the feelings of others so that they can learn how to develop their friendship skills with growing confidence. Our well-being lessons focus on relationships, and we help children to talk about their emotions through using colours and teach them techniques to help them manage their feelings too. We support children in developing their social skills and navigate friendships, the playground and as they get older how on-line communication impacts on friendships.
Should children have a fallout one way of support is through three main questions: what happened? Who has been affected? How can we move forward?
Place2Be: Parenting Smart: My child has friendship issues
Anger management in children: how parents can help | NSPCC
How to cope with toddler tantrums | NSPCC
Hello Yellow
On the of 10th October it is Hello Yellow. Every year, thousands of schools, companies and communities come together to make World Mental Health Day that little bit brighter by wearing something yellow and donating to YoungMinds.
Right now, the world is a tough place for children and young people to grow up in. We want young people to know that they don’t have to go through this alone and with support from Young Minds things can get better.
Children are invited to wear yellow accessories with their school uniform and contribute towards this amazing charity, along with “Just One Tree,” through your child’s ParentPay account. We all recognise the importance that the outdoors has in promoting our mental health and through donations Just one Tree plant new trees to grow forests and regenerate oceans. The also educate current and future generations around the world.
Because we stand brighter, together
Harvest Festival – Supporting Our Local Community
Last week, the children enjoyed a special assembly all about the Harvest Festival. Mr Cauchi, a former teacher at Darlinghurst, joined us to share the importance of harvest time in the past—when it provided communities with much-needed food.
He also spoke about a more current and pressing issue: the growing number of people in Southend who are hungry or homeless. Mr Cauchi, who volunteers with St Vincent’s, asked if Darlinghurst could once again help support this vital charity by donating groceries.
As many of you know, Mr Cauchi is always moved by the generosity of our community. St Vincent’s relies heavily on donations, and your continued kindness makes their work possible.
If you would like to help, please see the list of requested items below. Donations can be brought in by your child and given to their class teacher.
We will be collecting donations until Friday 10th October.
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.
Please note, that there will be no extra- curricular clubs on this date – TTRS club, year 1 & 2 football and year 1 & 2 multi sports. Little Mariners will run until 4.30pm.
Year 6
Secondary school applications
A reminder that secondary school applications for 2026-2027 are now open and you have until the 31st October to submit your preferences.
https://one.southend.gov.uk/CitizenPortal_LIVE/en
NCMP
The school nursing team will be visiting school on the Wednesday 8th October to conduct the Year 6 National Child Measurement Programme. Please note that this is an opt out service, if you DO NOT want your child to take part you must complete the form provided in the email sent home on Wednesday 25th September and Tuesday 3rd October. If the form is not completed your child will automatically take part in the programme.
Should you have any questions, please contact the school nursing team on 01702 534843
Tea & Talk
Join Mrs Richards on Wednesday 8th October with an Introduction to Year 4. This will be around how you can help your child at home with TTRS and Accelerated Reader, with a focus on preparing for the Multiplication Check.
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.
Pre-loved uniform
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