communication

save the date

 Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am   Friday 22nd May – End of half term – Academy closes at 3.10pm   Monday 1st June – Academy reopens   Wednesday 3rd June - Tea & Talk: moving from reception to year 1 – 8.50am   Wednesday 3rd June – Year 6: PGL Information Session – 4pm   Thursday 4th June – Preloved uniform sale – after school   Friday 5th June – EYFS, Year 1 & Year 2 Sports Day – 9.30am – 11am   Friday 17th July – Year 3 & 4 Sports Day – 9.30am – 11am   Friday 17th July – Year 5 & 6 Sports Day – 1.45pm – 3pm   Tuesday 21st July – Year 6 leavers disco – time tbc   Wednesday 22nd July – Year 6 leavers assembly – time tbc   Wednesday 22nd July – Academy closes at 1.30pm for the summer holidays  

PRINCIPAL MessagE

Dear parents and carers, As we reach the end of the first half of the summer term, it is hard to believe that there is now just one half term remaining of this academic year. This is always one of the busiest and most rewarding times in school, filled with events, celebrations and important moments of transition for our pupils.

Throughout the coming weeks, there will be a strong focus on both reflection and moving on. Whether children are stepping into a new year group, starting school in Reception, or preparing to leave us at the end of Year 6, this is an important time of achievement, preparation and celebration. Our staff work incredibly hard behind the scenes to plan meaningful opportunities that support children both emotionally and academically during these transitions, while also guiding families through these key milestones.

We are looking forward to celebrating many achievements across the academy, including academy-wide events, Year 6 celebrations, residential trips and fundraising activities. These moments create lasting memories for our pupils and help bring our community together. Further information regarding our leavers’ celebrations will be shared shortly.

At the same time, we are delighted to begin welcoming our new starters. Our “Come and Play” sessions and ‘Tiddlerfest’ events provide a wonderful introduction for our new Reception children and their families. These sessions form an important part of our induction programme, supporting school readiness and helping children feel confident and excited about joining our academy.

Please continue to keep a close eye on MCAS for important updates, notifications and event information. Clear communication between school and home is especially important at this busy time of year.

Finally, a gentle reminder about attendance. Every day in school really does matter, particularly as we move into the final half term. We want every child to make the most of the experiences and learning opportunities ahead. We kindly ask families to avoid taking holidays during term time so that, together, we can continue to build strong attendance across the academy. Attenance for this half term:    94.8% Our target: 96%+ In the meantime, we hope you all enjoy a well-deserved half term break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting final stretch of the academic year. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and, most importantly, enjoy your family time together. Mrs Nicholls

polite reminders

Arriving at school on time is an important part of the school day and helps children to settle quickly and start their learning positively alongside their classmates. Morning routines begin as soon as the children enter their classrooms, and late arrival can mean children miss important learning, instructions and opportunities to socialise with their friends. Being punctual also helps children to feel confident and prepared for the day ahead. We kindly ask all parents and carers to ensure children arrive promptly each morning so they are ready to learn from the start of the school day. Thank you for your continued support in helping us give every child the best possible start each day.

If you are attending Tiny Tiddlers or Tea and Talk, please ensure that you arrive at the Brook Gate by 8.50am. Entry after this time via the main office is not possible due to safeguarding and site security procedures. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

We have a growing amount of lost property in school, including jumpers, coats, water bottles and lunch boxes. Please ensure that all items of clothing and belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name so that misplaced items can be returned quickly. We also encourage parents and carers to check the lost property area regularly if anything has gone missing. Any unclaimed items remaining at the end of term may be donated or disposed of.

As the weather becomes warmer, we would like to remind parents and carers of a few simple steps to help keep children safe and comfortable during the school day. Please ensure your child comes to school with:

• A named water bottle
• A sun hat or cap
• Sun cream applied before school

Children are encouraged to drink water regularly throughout the day, and staff will continue to provide opportunities for children to stay hydrated and spend time in shaded areas where possible.  

in the spotlight

Anti-bullying

This week, we took time in assembly to consider ‘the power of good’ – a strategy learned in the Anti-bullying theatre workshops and ongoing work in class. This was funded by the PTA and has been invaluable in deepening our children’s understanding of bullying, banter and to navigate relationships on off and online. The staff have used age-appropriate materials in class and focused assemblies to support reflection and to give children the tools and strategies if they were in a bullying situation with the phrase, ‘what would you do?’ such as; Name calling or fake profiles.

 

This has increased children’s confidence in, ‘the power of good’ strategies but also to consider actions for different scenario’s. For upper key stage 2 this has included a deeper focus on banter and also online behaviours. In KS1 this has centred around emotions and kindness (including a friendship poem).  

We are further educating children on the type of roles in a bullying situation. We are introducing the roles within our teaching. The poster below outlines some of the terminology.

Goodbyes

Please join us in wishing the staff members who are leaving us this half term every success and happiness for the future. On Tuesday, we said goodbye to Miss Plummer after 20 years. We are so grateful for the care, commitment and enthusiasm Miss Plummer has shown during her time in Year 1, and we thank her for all she has done for the children and wider school community. We wish her every success and happiness in her future role.

This week, Mrs Lane, our Finance Assistant, will be hanging up her calculator for the final time as she begins her well-earned retirement. Having worked at Darlinghurst Academy for 14 years, Mrs Lane has been dedicated to supporting the smooth running of the school, from organising music lessons and arranging school trips to helping staff, children and families in countless ways behind the scenes and in the main office. We would all like to thank Mrs Lane for the commitment, care and hard work she has shown throughout her years at Darlinghurst. We will certainly miss the offers of a cup of tea and the many conversations about the Muppets! Mrs Lane is looking forward to spending more time with her family and enjoying plenty of holidays. She will be greatly missed by us all, and we hope she will continue to pop back in to visit. Congratulations and best wishes, Mrs Lane!

'14 years - how did that fly? ("meep, meep!" - I think that means goodbye!) Like Dr Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker, It's true, I may have been the "boss" ..... but the star was you. Through numbers, deadlines, and all in between, You kept everything running (and saved the scene!) Quirky, brilliant, one of a kind, With patience I'll struggle to ever re-find. The office won't be the same without you here.... ("meep, meep!" - translation: "we'll miss you it's clear!") Now off you go to relax and have fun, This next chapter is a well-earned one. With heartfelt thanks and very best wishes.'

TEA & TALK

PTA

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