Friday Update 24.04.2026
Posted 24th April 2026
Miss McNamara's Message
The focus of my message this week in on school attendance. As a school, we have a duty to keep parents informed about their child’s attendance. Your child’s current attendance percentage is always available to you via the Arbor app, and we also share updates through our attendance letters when we are monitoring attendance.
We know that each time letters regarding attendance are sent, they can sometimes lead to frustration. On occasion, we receive emails and, regrettably, some aggression from members of our parent community. This week multiple staff have received verbal aggression from our community. I want to take a moment to explain why this process is so important.
Just as it is our legal duty to inform you about your child’s attendance, all parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly. The Department for Education sets an expectation of at least 95% attendance, which already allows for the typical level of illness children experience over the year.
We fully recognise that there are genuine reasons for absence, particularly when children are unwell. We also understand how frustrating it can feel to receive an attendance letter after a legitimate illness. Please be assured that these communications are not personal judgements - they are part of our statutory responsibility to monitor and report attendance for all pupils. Our letters are worded to include the required information, set by the DfE.
If we did not have to track and monitor attendance so closely, we would much prefer not to! We currently have 47 pupils with attendance that is below the DfE expectation of 95%. The process of looking at this data and putting in place support takes a considerable number of hours every week. However, the link between attendance and achievement is clear. Last academic year, every single pupil with attendance of 95% or higher passed the phonics screening check and achieved the expected standard or higher in their Key Stage 2 SATs. This is powerful evidence that pupils who attend school regularly, and therefore access the full curriculum, achieve well.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child attends school as consistently as possible.
Free School Meals – Are you eligible? Check Now
From September 2026, more families will be eligible for Free School Meals. Even if you’ve applied before and weren’t eligible, or your child brings a packed lunch, it’s still important to apply.
Every eligible child brings pupil premium funding to school, helping pay for trips, extra learning support and wellbeing provision.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive free meals automatically, but families who may be eligible should still apply so the school receives this additional funding.
If you need help, please contact the school office.
Afterschool Clubs – Spaces Still Available
There are still a few spaces available in some of our afterschool activity clubs this term. Clubs are a great opportunity for children to try something new, develop skills, and have fun with friends at the end of the school day.
If you would like to book a place, please check current availability and enrol via EnrolMy. Alternatively, if you have any questions or need support with booking, the school office will be happy to help.
Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so please don’t miss out.
🌈 PTFA Colour Run – Friday 6 June 🌈
Our much‑loved PTFA Colour Run is back on Friday 6 June, and we can’t wait to fill the school grounds with colour, laughter, and energy once again!
Last year was absolutely incredible, with 432 people taking part – an amazing achievement and a true celebration of our school community. Can we make it even bigger this year?
The Colour Run is a fun, inclusive event for all children and a fantastic way to support the work of the PTFA, helping to raise funds for experiences and resources that benefit everyone.
🎟️ Tickets are now on sale
✅ Sign up to take part
👕 Get ready to run, walk, skip, and smile through clouds of colour
Upcoming Trips
This week we have been busy sending out information to families in Years 3, 5 and 6 about upcoming educational trips. These experiences play a valuable role in enriching our curriculum and providing memorable learning opportunities for our pupils.
School trips rely heavily on voluntary contributions, and we would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who donates, your generosity really does make these opportunities possible.
Payments for trips can be made via the Parent Arbor app by selecting Trips. If you are able and willing, there is also the option to contribute more than the cost of your child’s trip. Any additional donations help support families who may be unable to pay the full amount themselves, ensuring all children can take part.
We are very grateful for your continued support.
Research Opportunity with Oxford Brookes University
We have been asked to share an exciting research opportunity for families, led by Oxford Brookes University.
A postdoctoral researcher in Psychology at Oxford Brookes University is currently carrying out a study exploring how children think about their own learning, and what influences their enjoyment of tasks and willingness to try hard. The research is led by Dr Sunae Kim, Professor Charles Hulme and Professor Paul Harris, and is funded by a Leverhulme Trust grant. The study has been approved by the University Research Ethics Committee (reference number: 241858).
Children who take part will complete a fun, computer‑based puzzle activity during an online video call. The session lasts approximately 40 minutes, and parents/carers are welcome to stay present throughout. Children can stop at any point if they choose.
As a thank you for taking part:
-
All families will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £50 Amazon vouchers
-
Each child will receive an online participation certificate
If you would like your child to take part, please follow the link below to read the full participant information sheet and register your interest. You will be able to provide your email address so a convenient session time can be arranged.
Please don’t worry if your availability is limited at the moment - the study will be running until Summer 2026, and sessions can be scheduled for a later date that suits your family.
Thank you for supporting valuable research into children’s learning.
⭐Highlights for next week!⭐
- Chestnut Class have a workshop with Phunky Foods!
- Beech class are continuing their science learning with Miss Winfield, learning all about animals. The children are learning all about different explorers in history and practicing lots of phonics.
- Ash Class will be starting to make baskets in their DT lesson, and we will be taking their science outside again to find plants in their natural habitat. 🌲
- Apple class will start their new geography unit next week, exploring all things 'weather' and 'climate'. 🌍
Summer 1 Menu - Next Week
🌼Be a Wildlife Helper on Your Walks 🐝🐦
What children can do:
- 🌸 Look, don’t pick wildflowers – bees and butterflies need them for food.
- 🐌 Step carefully and watch for insects on paths.
- 👀 Spot wildlife – count birds, bugs, or flowers instead of taking them home.
Why it helps:
- Spring is a busy time for animals and plants.
- Leaving flowers and habitats alone helps wildlife grow and stay healthy.
⭐ Attendance ⭐
Class |
% |
|
Oak |
98.7% |
|
Beech |
95.5% |
|
Ash |
96% |
|
Sycamore |
93.3% |
|
Apple |
96.9% |
|
Chestnut |
94.5% |
|
Willow |
94.5% |
|
Whole School |
95.6% |
New Parent Council – Get Involved
We are excited to be launching a new Parent Council at school. The council will meet once each term and will provide families with a valuable opportunity to share their views, ideas, and suggestions.
The Parent Council will explore ways to:
- Support children and families
- Strengthen communication
- Build and celebrate our school community
We are keen to hear from parents and carers who would like to be involved and help shape the future of our school.
👉 Interested in taking part?
Please email Wrights@cvps.rklt.co.uk to register your interest or to find out more.
We look forward to working together to make our school community even stronger.
Summer 1 Dates
Mon 4 May - Bank Holiday - School Closed
Fri 8 May - Walk to School Day
Mon 11 May - Thurs 14 May - Y6 SATS
Fri 15 May - Oak Trip to Birchfield Farm
Tues 19 May - Family Breakfast
Tues 19 May - Year 5 Trip to Countryside Days
Tues 19 May - LGB Meeting
Wed 20 May - Swimming Gala
Fri 22 May - Break up for half term
Summer 2 Dates
Tues 2 June - School opens for pupils
Sat 6 June - PTFA Colour Run
Tues 2 - Wed 3 June - Y5 Bikeability - TBC
Fri 5 June - Y6 Brownlee Triathalon
Mon 8 June - PTFA Committee Meeting 18:05 - BAS Room
Wed 10 June - Y6 Trip to York Art Gallery
Thurs 11 June - Y3 Trip to Leeds City Museum
Mon 15 - Fri 19 June - CVPS Sports Week
Thurs 18 June - Sports Day (Y3-6 AM / R,1,2 AM)
Fri 19 June - Walk to School Day
Wed 24 June - Y6 Crucial Crew
Thurs 25 June - Sports Day Back-up date (Y3-6 AM / R,1,2 AM)
Thurs 2 July - Y5 Rossett High School Performance
Mon 13 July - 1:45pm - Y6 Performance to Parents/Carers
Fri 10 July - Coppice-Fest
Fri 17 July - School Closes for Summer Holidays
Auction of Promises
We would like to invite you to an upcoming fundraising event at Rossett School: our Auction of Promises, being held in support of the Minibus Campaign.
Event details
Date: Friday 12th June
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Rossett School Main Hall
Tickets : £5 including Complimentary drink, bidding paddle and entry to the raffle.
