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Our Proud to Be Me section in the newsletter continues to highlight these special moments, and we would love to include even more stories shared by families. If you would like your child’s achievement to be featured, please feel free to send in a photo along with a short paragraph for us to showcase.

Children clearly enjoy celebrating together, and we are continuing to explore ways to build more collaborative events throughout the year. With Sports Day coming up this term, we are also beginning to map out additional house events for future academic years, including the return of our Sharing the Future event in September. Representation in competitions remains strong, and this week we were delighted to see new joiners stepping forward alongside children who tried a golf competition for the very first time.

It is wonderful to see confidence growing and new opportunities being embraced. Clubs continue to be extremely popular, and we are grateful for the many positive comments recognising the commitment of our staff. Families also shared requests for an even wider range of clubs, particularly creative opportunities, outdoor learning, and the return of some old favourites.

In response, we have added a number of new creative clubs this term, with further opportunities returning in Summer 2. These include KS1 Choir, Nature Club, and Harry Potter Club (Summer 2), among others. We are also in contact with external providers, as several families shared that they would be happy to pay for additional clubs. While we have always prioritised free internal provision to ensure access for all, we are open to extending our offer where it enables us to provide languages, creative arts and other specialist activities that children are keen to explore. We also heard your feedback about the online booking system. While it is effective, we recognise that securing a place can sometimes feel a little like booking festival tickets—they go very quickly. We appreciate the suggestions shared for alternative approaches and will explore possible adaptations for next year where feasible.

Keeping our children safe is a shared responsibility, and we would like to thank everyone who helps make our school environment safer each day. We continue to encourage families to park a short distance away from the school and walk the final part of the journey wherever possible. This helps reduce congestion, improves visibility, and creates a calmer, safer space for children arriving at and leaving school. The school road is a narrow residential street, surrounded by neighbouring houses and regularly used by local residents. For this reason, we aim to keep this area as clear as possible, particularly during busy drop-off and pick-up times. Fewer cars mean safer crossing points, less obstruction for residents, and a more pleasant environment for everyone.

We are very fortunate to have our Pedestrian Crossing Officer, Margaret, who is present each day to help children and families cross the road safely. Her role is vital, but she can only do this effectively when the road is clear and traffic is flowing sensibly. Please continue to support her by parking considerately and following her guidance at all times.

To further support road safety, we are excited to share that “Little People” will soon be appearing near the school - watch this space! These child-shaped signs are part of a recognised road safety initiative designed to remind drivers that children are present and to encourage slower, more careful driving. Similar schemes have been shown to increase driver awareness, reduce vehicle speeds, and promote safer behaviour around schools and residential streets. The more visible and relatable these reminders are, the more effective they become.

By parking responsibly, walking when possible, and supporting these initiatives, we can all play a part in keeping our children safe. Thank you for your continued cooperation and for helping us share this important message within our community. As always, enjoy your family time together. Mrs Nicholls

PE

On Wednesday, Mr Felton took our newly formed Golf team to a borough competition. For some of these children it was not only their first golf competition but their very first time representing the academy too! They had to compete in a variety of golf challenges from chipping into a target, hitting a ball to a specific distance and putting games. They demonstrated many of our school values along the way and at the end of the competition received silver medals for finishing in second place and for all of their amazing effort.   Well done to everyone involved, what a great start to the summer term! Go Darlinghurst.

SENDsible Support Group

A support group for the parents of Darlinghurst children with SEND will be holding their first session on Friday 24th April 2pm – 3pm. There is no requirement to be on the SEND register or to have a diagnosis. Whether you need a friendly ear, some support from others with lived experience or have your own knowledge to share, everyone is welcome. From this first session we hope to offer more events, and expand the support network between parents. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible, and please spread the word. Access will be via the double doors to the left of the main office from 2pm.