16th May 25
16th May 2025
Dear Parents and carers,
Just to make you aware that we are recruiting for a new teacher next week, which means that your child may come home talking about some different adults they have seen or been taught by throughout the day as part of our interview process.
SATS
This won’t be the last time I write about our amazing Year 6 this year, for which I make no apology. They have outdone themselves with their attitude towards their exams this week and showed courage, resilience and aspiration in their approach. I wanted to record some of the things they said this morning, when we asked them how they felt it had gone:
“It was perfect. There wasn’t any pressure put on by teachers. We just had to do our best.”
“Everyone gave me lots of confidence to do it. My class, my friends and my teachers.”
“I loved how supportive everyone was.”
“I couldn’t have done it without Mrs. Harding!”
“I saw how much I improved, especially in my reading.”
This morning’s atmosphere in the classroom was very different to yesterday. The formality had been replaced by excitement, as children made their team-flags for a capture the flag and den building event this afternoon. I have since been in and witnessed the joyous singing that is already underway as they work towards the school play. It’s going to be a great one if my preview was any indication.
The class team have been exceptional this year with Mrs. Coles, Mrs. Harding and Mr. Murphy. Some of you may be aware that Mr. Murphy is leaving us at the end of the year to go and train as a secondary school PE teacher. Judging by how well he has supported the children this week I would say that he will make an inspiring teacher and will certainly be well missed by all at Clatford.
Next-door Neighbours
I have had some communication from the house next door at the end of the drive. They tell me they have watched this week as several children from the school kicked their tree, broke a piece of branch off and then dropped it on the road. They then went out and cleared the debris and, following inspection, they believe the tree has suffered no permanent damage.
In light of this and in light of recent damage to staff cars, I would like to ask all parents to support us in being vigilant about their children’s behaviour on the way in and out of school.
PTA
Don’t forget next Friday is our bake-sale and non-uniform day at school. More details are attached on the PTA flyer.
INSET Days
Please note that I have now added next year’s INSET days to the list of dates at the bottom of this newsletter. I hope this will help with your planning and childcare for next year.
Finally, please see the attached document, with advice on how to support your children to use search engines safely.
Wishing you all a peaceful weekend.
Mr M Kirk
Dates for your diary
21st May: Music Afternoon
26th May – 30th May: Summer Half Term
3rd June: Y4 Trip to Great Hall & Winchester Cathedral
10th June: Y2 Trip to Living Rainforest
13th June: Sports Day (parents welcome to attend for the afternoon)
17th June: Class photos
18th June: Y3 Trip to Kew Gardens
19th June: Y6 Leavers Service at Winchester Cathedral
20th June: Y4 Camping Trip
29th June: PTA Colour Run
30th June – 2nd July KS2 Play
(note: 30th June, all KS2 children will need to be dropped off at and picked up from The Lights theatre, 1st and 2nd of July will be evening performances)
6th – 9th July: Y6 Residential to Osmington Bay
15th July: Year 6 Leavers Service
21st July – 2nd September: Summer Holiday (including 2 INSET days on 21st and 22nd July)
3rd September: INSET Day
4th September: Return to School
20th October: INSET Day
27th October – 31st October: Autumn Half Term
11th - 18th November: Bookfair
17th December: Whole School Panto at The Anvil
22nd December – 2nd January 2026: Christmas Holiday
5th January: INSET Day
16th February – 20th February: Spring Half Term
30th March – 10th April: Easter Holiday
13th April: INSET Day
25th May – 29th May: Summer Half Term
15th June: INSET Day
23rd July: Summer Holiday