6th Feb 26
6th February 2026
Dear Parents
As I write this, I’m sitting next to a big pile of Maths Badges ready to hand out this afternoon. It’s clear that many children are working really hard to keep up with their daily times tables practice. We can really see the difference in those who practise regularly.
The last letter I wrote to you a few weeks ago, I had asked you to donate your old sets of Lego. A big thank you to those of you who did as they now form part of our Lego therapy kits.
Baking, Uniform, Wacky Hair and I-Pads
A big thank you for all the money you have raised over the last few years through the Clatford PTA. Next Tuesday, we will be receiving ten new iPads, which we would not have been able to afford without your support. This will bring us to sixteen iPads on a trolley, meaning that when we use them with a whole class, the children will now have one between two. This makes a huge difference to teaching and learning.
This doesn’t mean we are aiming to increase general screen time, but it does mean that when devices are needed—for example, for making podcasts or writing computer code—the children will have much better access to the resources they need.
Next week we have wacky hair day on Friday along with a bake sale and uniform sale after school. I am looking forward to seeing a school full of dynamic dos.
Cross Country
I know that many of you have children competing in the cross‑country tournament next week. A big thank you to all the pupils who volunteered for this long and challenging race. I’m sure you will join me in wishing them the very best of luck. Thank you also to the parents who are transporting children to and from the venue to make this possible.
Winchester Science Centre
As I write this, Mr Bennet and the Year 5 children are at the Winchester Science Centre. It’s one of my favourite trips, and I know the children will have a brilliant time in the planetarium, which will no doubt make all their learning about the Sun, Moon, and stars feel that bit more real.
Parents Evening
Parents evening is coming up next month. Letters with information on how to book your slot will be going home with your child this afternoon. Please complete and return to the school office by Monday 23rd March. We had some headaches with the online booking system last time and so are going back to good old-fashioned pen and paper on this occasion. Your child will bring home a form for you to fill in and return.
Book Ambassadors
Thank you to the book ambassadors this week who really inspired us in worship by reading some extracts from their favourite books and telling us about the year of reading. They spoke brilliantly and were a wonderful example of the worship theme this week, which is responsibility.
Safer Internet Day
Our school is marking Safer Internet Day on Thursday next week and children in every year group will be having some input and class discussion on that theme. At school we have an e-safety curriculum which means children have lessons relating to an element of e-safety each term. However, I would ask that as next Thursday comes along you take some time to talk to your children about your own online rules at home and talk about what their experiences are of the online world. Internet Safety is definitely a team effort between home and school, and as the world changes around us I know that we will all work together to ensure our children stay safe and happy online.
Young Voices 2026
The week after half-term we have some very talented young people (and some willing and excited adults!) going to the O2 to sing with thousands of other children as part of the Young Voices choir. When I speak to people about their memories of Clatford, one of the things they always seem to remember is their experience of Young Voices. It is a truly impressive and inspiring event and I would like to wish everyone attending the best of luck! No doubt there will be some practicing of lyrics and dance moves going on over half-term.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend,
Mr Kirk
Dates for your diary
16th February - 20th February: Spring Half Term
24th February: O2 Young Voices Concert
4th March: Year 3 Pizza Express Trip
5th March: World Book Day
10th March: Parents Evening
12th March: Parents Evening
11th March: Year 4 Ancient Sumer Day (In school)
11th March: Year 3 Fishbourne Palace Trip
19th March: Year 4 Southampton Art Gallery
23rd March: Year 2 Windsor Castle
23rd March: Year 1 SeaCity Museum
30th March - 10th April: Easter Holiday
13th April: INSET Day
21st April – 19th May: Y3 Swimming Lessons (Tuesday afternoons, 5 sessions)
21st May: Music Afternoon
25th May - 29th May: Summer Half Term
11th June: Year 3 Kew Gardens
15th June: INSET Day
16th June: Year 2 Living Rainforest
16th June: Year 1 & Year 4 Solar Farm
19th June: Year 1 & Year 4 Solar Farm Workshop (In school)
24th June: Year 6 Leavers Service at Winchester Cathedral (for pupils only)
25th June: School Class Photos
29th June - 1sy July: Key Stage 2 Play at The Lights
2nd July: Year 5 Taster Day at John Hanson School
6th July: Year 5 Taster Day at John Hanson School
7th July: Year 6 Transition Day – Andover Schools
8th July: Science Day
10th July: Sports Day
12th - 15th July Year 6 Residential to Osmington Bay
14th July: Year 5 Taster Day at Harrow Way School
20th July: KS1 Leaver Service
21st July: KS2 Leaver Service (parents welcome)
23rd July: Summer Holiday