24th april 2026
save the date
Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am Friday 8th May – Class photographs Wednesday 20th May – Tea & Talk: moving from nursery to reception – 8.50am Thursday 21st May - Year 6 cake and jumble sale - 3.10pm Wednesday 3rd June - Tea & Talk: moving from reception to year 1 – 8.50am Wednesday 3rd June – Year 6: PGL Information Session – 4pm
PRINCIPAL MessagE
Dear parents and carers, This week, I was delighted to welcome our Reception children to assembly as part of supporting their readiness for Year 1. They sat beautifully in the ready position and enthusiastically joined in singing our song, “Stick to the Rules Like Glue.” It was wonderful to see that they already knew our academy rules: ready, respect, and safe. I shared the story of the ‘Confidence Spot’ and recognised the children’s confidence in attending assembly alongside Years 1 and 2, who demonstrated our value of Belonging. Years 1 and 2 confidently recited the confidence affirmation, modelling the actions for Reception, who then joined in brilliantly.
Year 2 enjoyed being positive role models in the KS1 assembly. They continued to demonstrate this during their visit to Leigh Road Baptist church as part of their RE syllabus.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents and staff for your generous donations and continued support in helping us renovate our wellbeing room, The Marina. Your contributions have made a meaningful difference in creating a calm and welcoming space for our students.
A special mention goes to Blue and Estella, two of our talented Year 6 artists, who have been beautifully transforming the walls with their murals. Their artwork thoughtfully represents the “Little Spots of Emotions,” adding creativity, warmth, and reflection to the space. Thank you all for being part of this wonderful project.
We continue to develop The Marina, we would greatly appreciate any donations of chess sets or draughts boards to support quiet, mindful play for our students. This week we have had some new additions to the academy. ‘Little People’ have been installed outside the school to help improve parking safety and traffic flow at drop-off and pick-up times. We kindly ask all drivers to follow the signage carefully and park considerately, avoiding restricted areas and keeping entrances, crossings, and pavements clear. We also ask that, whenever you are waiting outside school, you switch off your engine. Idling creates unnecessary air pollution, affects the health of our children, and contributes to congestion around the school gates. By working together, we can help create a safer, cleaner, and more pleasant environment for everyone in our school community and our neighbours. Take a look at the flyer below for tips about safe on the roads.
As always, enjoy your family time together. Mrs Nicholls
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
TEA & TALK
We have a number of Tea & Talks being held over the next few weeks of this half term. If you would like to attend, please email mrsalexander@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk
PTA
We're very excited to get started on the next stage of the pond revamp, but we need your help. Could you donate some of your time on Tuesday 26th May to help shape the pond? Due to the nature of this project, children will not be permitted unfortunately. Please DM the PTA on Instagram or email generalenquiries@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk if you can help. Thank you for your support, The PTA
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darlinghurst academy
Pavilion Drive Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 3JS
contact us
T. 01702 478379 E. generalenquiries@darlinghurstacademy.org.uk