communication

save the date

Every Thursday in term time – Tiny Tiddlers - 8.50am – 10.30am

Monday 3rd November – Academy re-opens

Monday 10th November – Odd Socks Day

Tuesday 11th November – Principal tour – 9am

Wednesday 12th November – Positive Noticing Day

Friday 14th November – Flu spray

Friday 14th November – Children in Need

Tuesday 18th November – Tea & Talk: How we teach phonics in reception – 8.50am

Monday 1st December – Reception Christmas Performance – 9.30am – 10.30am

Tuesday 2nd December – Principal tour – 1.30pm

Wednesday 3rd December – Year 5 Christmas Concert – 2pm – 3pm

Thursday 4th December – Nursery Christmas Performance – 9.30am – 10.30am

Year 6 Christmas Concert – 2pm – 3pm

Friday 5th December – PTA Christmas Fayre

Monday 8th December – Year 4 Christmas Concert – 2pm – 3pm

Tuesday 9th December – Year 3 Christmas Concert – 9.15am – 3pm

Tuesday 9th December – Principal tour – 1.30pm

Thursday 11th December – Christmas Jumper Day & Christmas Lunch

Tuesday 16th December – Year 2 Christmas Performance – 9.15am – 10.15am

Wednesday 17th December – Year 1 Christmas Performance – 9.15am – 10.15am

Friday 19th December – Last day of term – 1.30pm finish – no after school club provision

Message

Dear parents and carers,

As we come to the end of our first half term, I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to all our staff, children, and families for a wonderful start to the year. The children have settled brilliantly into their new routines, and I’m excited to see all that they will achieve over the coming months.

The last seven weeks have flown by and have been filled with activity and energy. We were proud to host our annual Shaping the Future event, and our amazing PTA continues to enrich school life with memorable experiences, most recently through their fantastic Autumn event. We also ended the half term on a high with our Reception Open Evening, where we welcomed potential families for the 2026–2027 intake.

These events truly highlight the pride our staff and pupils feel in being part of our school community. It is always a joy to see them share their enthusiasm and showcase what makes our school so special.

In our second week back after the half term break, we will be marking Anti-Bullying Week, beginning with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10th November —a fun way to celebrate what makes us all unique. As part of our continued engagement with ‘When the Adults Change,’ we will also be taking part in Positive Noticing Day, encouraging a culture of kindness and recognition across the school. We will end the week by supporting Children in Need, coming together as a school community to raise awareness and funds for a great cause.

It promises to be a meaningful week, full of opportunities to reflect on wellbeing, kindness, and the importance of looking after one another.

As always, enjoy your family time together. I wish you all an enjoyable half term and we look forward to welcoming you all back to the Academy on Monday 3rd November.

Mrs Nicholls

in the spotlight

Attendance

We have unfortunately seen a large increase in parents/carers not following correct academy processes and policies with regards to absence. Please be reminded that:

• Absence must be reported by phone by 09:30am – email correspondence is not accepted.
• Non-emergency appointments should be taken out of academy hours. Where unavoidable, an effort should be made to bring children to school and collect the early and/or, return them after their appointment. Where morning or afternoon register is being missed, evidence should be provided.
• Any requests for leave of absence must be submitted by the correct paperwork a minimum of one month before the requested absence. If this process is not followed, then the absence will not be authorised and, where it meets the national threshold, a referral to the Local Authority will be submitted with a view to issue a Penalty Notice.
• Where parents/carers continue to follow academy processes, a meeting with a member of the Senior Leadership Team will be arranged.

Please ensure you remind yourselves of these, all available on our academy website, so that we can continue to work collaboratively.

Uniform

We are proud of our school, and our uniform policy reflects the values we uphold. Wearing the correct uniform:

• Promotes a sense of pride in the school
• Encourages a feeling of belonging
• Clearly identifies children as part of our school community
• Minimises distractions in the classroom
• Promotes equality in appearance among students

Please ensure your child wears the correct uniform each day and that all items are clearly labelled with their name. PE kit may be worn on your child’s allocated PE day.

Uniform:

• Royal blue jumper or cardigan
• Collared shirt and tie
• Black lower garments (trousers, shorts, or pleated skirts – no grey items)

PE Kit:

• Sky blue polo top
• Royal blue tracksuit top
• Black joggers or shorts (no leggings or cycling shorts)

Footwear:

• Plain black shoes or trainers for both school and PE

Accessories

Please be reminded that make-up and nail varnish is not permitted. If worn or brought to school, it will be removed/confiscated, and parents/carers will be informed.

Long hair must be tied back for health and safety. Hair accessories should be small, plain and in line with our school colours. Only wristwatches (not smart watches) and single stud earrings are permitted. Staff are not allowed to remove earrings.

Should your child lose an item of clothing whilst in school, named items will always be returned to class and unnamed items will be placed in the red lost property box at the main gate. If you are looking for the items in the red box, please ensure you place any items back. This is how the box was left at the end of the day today.

We thank all parents and carers for their continued support in maintaining our high standards. Together, we can ensure all children are dressed appropriately and feel proud to be part of our school community.

Christmas Preparations Are Underway!

It may only be October, but Christmas preparations are already in full swing! After the half term break, children will begin 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!

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.

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

Menu

There will be a new dinner menu when we return. We will start back on week 1.

attendance

proud to be me