21st November 2025
save the date
Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am 25th, 26th and 27th November – Reception Parent Consultation – 3.30pm – 5.00pm 26th, 27th and 28th November – Book Fair – 3.15pm – 3.45pm Tuesday 2nd December – Principal tour – 1.30pm Friday 5th December – PTA Christmas Fayre Tuesday 9th December – Principal tour – 1.30pm Thursday 11th December – Christmas Jumper Day & Christmas Lunch Friday 19th December – Last day of term – 1.30pm finish – no after school club provision Monday 5th January – Academy open – start of new term 13th & 14th January – KS1 & KS2 parent consultations – further details to follow
Message
Dear parents and carers, This week we experienced our first frost at the Academy, and there is certainly a nip in the air. School pick-up and drop-off now showcase an array of warm coats and hats—on both children and parents! Please ensure that all winter accessories are clearly labelled, as our lost property has been overflowing recently. We would love to return items to their rightful owners.
Christmas rehearsals have also begun this week, another welcome reminder that winter is on its way! At lunchtime, our catering team continue to offer a range of hot, comforting meals. Family favourites such as sausage and mash—or veggie sausages—feature on the menu, alongside our midweek roast dinner. Pasta and pizza options also remain popular, including meatballs, chilli, lasagne, vegetable bakes, and warming wraps. And of course, the week ends with Fishy Friday! Some children prefer to stick to their daily favourites, such as pasta or jacket potatoes.
As part of our Healthy Schools Programme, we are reviewing food, snacks, and treats across the academy. Please look out for further communication on this in the coming weeks.
We have already noticed a positive change following the introduction of our revised healthy snack policy, with many more children bringing fruit and other nutritious snacks. The removal of ‘Treat Tuesday’ has helped reinforce that crisps, sweets, and chocolate are not considered healthy snack options. If children bring crisps to eat at break time, staff will gently remind them of healthier alternatives. We kindly ask that all snacks sent in from home follow the academy policy. Thank you for your support.
A big thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising for Children in Need. We had fun learning about working together to make a difference. As a school we raised £271 towards this worthy cause.
As always, enjoy your family time together. Mrs Nicholls
in the spotlight
Year 2
Last week, children in year 2 enjoyed a visit from Trunk Theatre Company where they stepped back to 1666 and The Great Fire of London! During the show, the children were led through the major points of the fire and were introduced to the characters involved. It was very energetic, lots of fun and involved all children throughout, playing games, singing, dancing and asking questions. It was a very dynamic experience that inspired, entertained and informed the children and they were all completely mesmerised by the show!
Anti-bullying workshop
Today, children engaged in theatre shows and theatre workshops with Open view education. The theatre show introduced younger children to the characters Phillip and Milly (puppets). Their story helped our children understand how they can use their power for good:
- Having courage to do the right thing
- Work together
- Help others
- Have the confidence to speak up
- Ask for help when you need it
Children in year six participated in workshops by exploring the story of Sam, Ellis, Rowan and Casey. They performed scenes from a given scenario and shared their ideas and reflections with the drama teacher. Their engagement was outstanding and complimented as the ‘best’ year 6 session she ever had.
Year 6
We have been learning about rationing during World War II and exploring how families managed with limited supplies. The children examined real ration books and learnt about authentic wartime recipes, discussing how restrictions on coupons affected everyday life. The classes reflected on the challenges families faced in making their rations last and the difficult decisions they had to make. To bring their learning to life, the children baked cakes using ingredients that would have been available at the time and had the opportunity to taste their creations. They also experienced what it was like for families to trade coupons for their weekly essentials, using Maths to help calculate their allowances. This hands-on experience has helped the children gain a deeper understanding of the hardships of wartime and the importance of resourcefulness during challenging times.
Cave Art
Year 3 have been learning about cave drawings in art this half term. They created tone with chalks and used natural resources such as berries, mud and charcoal to complete their own piece of cave art. When using these resources they had to learn how to mix natural pigment to create tonal colours and when using charcoal how delicate it can be and how it can add depth to their piece of art. Next week they will start to create a whole class piece for a wall display. Well done, Year 3—you have shown wonderful creativity, and the results are fantastic!
All things Christmas!!
Christmas preparations are in full swing! Children have started rehearsals for their Christmas performances – a highlight of the school year that we always look forward to. Our wonderful PTA is also hard at work planning the Christmas Fayre, which will take place on Friday 5th December. These events are always a huge success thanks to the dedication of our volunteers. If you’re able to offer any help on the day, the PTA would be incredibly grateful. Please get in touch via their Instagram page @darlinghurstacademyPTA or email mrslowe@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk
Please make a note of the important dates below!
Tickets for our Christmas performance will not be issued, however, please be reminded that seats are limited to two per family. This year, our chose charity is Little Havens. There will be a collection bucket at each of our performances, please give generously.
Christmas cards
The Christmas card shop will be open again between 21st Nov- 1st Dec. Follow the instructions on your child's design template to order. Lost the template? Let the office know and we can find your child's code for you.
Last year, our Christmas jumper pre-loved shop was a great success. If you have any Christmas jumpers that you no longer need, the office will gladly accept any donations.
darlinghurst academy
Pavilion Drive
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 3JS
contact us
T. 01702 478379