Friday Update - 12.09.2025
Posted 12th September 2025
Miss McNamara's Message
What a brilliant first full week back at school it has been! The classrooms have been buzzing with energy as children have settled quickly into their routines, and it has been wonderful to see them embracing their learning with such enthusiasm. Our staff have been so impressed with the positive attitudes on display – it really sets the tone for a successful year ahead.
One of our key priorities this year is attendance and you all received information about our updated procedures this week. Across the country, schools are being asked to focus closely on ensuring children are in school every day possible, as research shows the impact time away from school can have. National data tells us that children who miss even a few days early in the term can find it harder to catch up, and pupils with attendance below 95% often see a noticeable effect on both learning and friendships.
We completely understand that illness cannot be avoided at times, and we always want to work in partnership with families to support good attendance. As part of this, we will be contacting families where attendance has fallen below 95% to offer help and talk through any barriers. Please be assured this is not about criticism – it is about ensuring every child has the very best chance to thrive.
On another note, it may seem early, but tours for our Reception 2026 intake have already begun! It’s always a pleasure to welcome prospective families and showcase everything that makes our school so special. If you know anyone with a child due to start school in September 2026, please encourage them to book a tour so they can see our school in action.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we can make sure this is a wonderful year for every child.
🌿 SEND & Wellbeing Drop-In at The Canopy
🗓️ Thursday 18 September
🔥 Join us for a relaxed morning around the campfire with coffee, conversation, and connection.
We'll be sharing ideas and resources on how the outdoors can support children’s SEND and wellbeing.
🕗 Free to drop in after school drop-off – no need to book!
📍 The Canopy – come as you are, stay as long as you like.
Let’s explore how nature can nurture 🌱
Do you have a child starting school in September 2026?
High School Open Days/Evenings
Please visit the school websites for more information - some sessions require pre-bookings. The application round to apply for a high school place will open from 12 September 2025 and the deadline to apply is 31October 2025.
- Harrogate High - Thursday 25 September
- Harrogate Grammar School - Wednesday 17 September & Saturday 4 October
- Rossett High School - Saturday 27 September
- Nidderdale High School - Thursday 18 September
- St Aidans High School - Saturday 11 October
- St John Fischer's High School - Saturday 4 October
🗳️ Vote for Our School in Tesco’s Stronger Starts Programme!
We’re excited to share that our school has been selected to feature in Tesco’s Stronger Starts initiative — a fantastic opportunity to receive funding for projects that support our pupils’ wellbeing, learning, and healthy living.
- 2625 Harrogate Express – HG2 7HY
- 2731 Ilkley Superstore – LS29 8UA
- 4411 Harrogate Express – HG1 3DW
- 4764 Killinghall Express – HG3 2DH
- 5426 Ilkley Express – LS29 8BS
- 5887 Cambridge Road Harrogate Express – HG1 1NS
- 5914 Knaresborough Express – HG5 0EN
To check the location of any of the above stores, please go to the Tesco website here: http://www.tesco.com/store-locator/uk
To vote, you will need to make a purchase of any value within store. You will receive one token per transaction. It is not necessary to purchase a carrier bag to receive a token.
💙 Your vote helps us secure funding to enhance our school environment and support our pupils. Every token counts — thank you for your support!
Help Us Grow – Community Allotment Redevelopment
We’re excited to be re-developing our Community Allotment space to create a welcoming, educational, and sustainable environment for our pupils and local community.
As part of this project, we’re looking to connect with local businesses or joiners who could provide us with quotes for raised beds and seating.
If you or someone you know might be able to help, please get in touch at the school office, or let your child's class teacher know, we’d love to work with local talent within our community to bring this space to life!
Highlights for next week!
- Apple Class will be doing a practical science lesson linked to states of matter, which will include eating something delicious! 😋
- Sycamore will be starting to look at ballads in music! What's your favourite ballad? 🎙🎶
- Lots of learning outdoors in maths for Beech class. The children will be continuing counting using natural objects and we will continue our work in writing on 'Some Dogs Do' and writing lots of wonderful sentences!
- Willow will start to look at William Morris in art! 🎨
- Chestnut will continue their exciting forest school sessions! 🍁🍂🌳
Autumn 1 Menu - Week 3
Eco Tip - Shop Smart & Sustainable!
Some retailers (like Schuh) offer sales on ex-display shoes. These are brand new, high-quality pairs that have only been tried on in-store. By choosing ex-display, you save money and help reduce waste. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet!
Fab for new school shoes that don't break the bank!
Autumn 1 Key Dates
Saturday 13 September - PTFA Colour Run!
Tuesday 16 September - Family Breakfast
Thursday 18 September - SEND & Wellbeing Drop-In at The Canopy
Monday 22 - Friday 26 September - Year 6 Residential
Wednesday 1 October - Flu Immunisations
Thursday 2 October - Individual School Photographs
Tuesday 14 October - Individual School Photographs (Back up)
Friday 24 October - Closes for half term
Autumn 2 Key Dates
Monday 3 November - School Opens for pupils
Monday 17 November - Parent/Carer Evening
Tuesday 18 November - Family Breakfast
Thursday 20 November - Parent/Carer Evening
w/c Monday 8 December - EYFS/KS1 Nativity Performances (TBC)
Monday 15 December - KS2 Carol Concert at St Johns Church 10am.
Friday 19 December - School Closes for Christmas Holidays
⭐ Attendance ⭐
Each week, we’ll be sharing the attendance percentage for every class to celebrate great attendance and highlight the importance of being in school every day—because every lesson counts in building strong foundations for learning and success!
Class |
% |
|
Oak |
99.3% |
|
Beech |
98.7% |
|
Ash |
98% |
|
Sycamore |
98% |
|
Apple |
96% |
|
Chestnut |
93.7% |
|
Willow |
95.9% |
|
Whole School |
97% |
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