Previous Newsletters

22nd April 

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter break and spent time doing the things your families love. We’re back for the shortest yet most jam-packed term of the year, with a lot to accomplish over the next five weeks!

Squirrels Class

Squirrels Class will be focusing on building their knowledge of maths, phonics, and writing. Please ensure you read with your child at least three times a week to support their learning. For maths, the Numberblocks series offers a range of engaging counting songs that can reinforce children’s numerical understanding—why not sing along together to make it fun?
In science, the children will be learning about plants, as well as the technological advances and inspiring pioneers who developed human flight. Over the term, ask your child about the Wright brothers, Bessie Coleman, and Amelia Earhart!

Hedgehogs Class

Hedgehogs Class will be preparing for the Year 4 Multiplication Table Check in June. Please support your child in learning their times tables. As a school, we subscribe to TTRockstars, a fantastic program that allows children to practice their times tables at home on a device. If you need a reminder of your login details, please contact the school office.
In science, Hedgehogs will explore electricity and circuits. This unit is always exciting and hands-on, as children build and experiment with electrical circuits. In history, the class will delve into the fascinating world of the Ancient Maya, learning about their beliefs, inventions, and remarkable cities.

Fox Class

Fox Class has a busy term ahead in the lead-up to SATs. Most afternoons, Year 6 students will work with me as we complete final revision and practice to ensure the children feel confident and well-prepared for the tests starting the week of 12th May.
In science, the children will study light and reflection. Let’s hope for some sunny days to take the learning outdoors! In history, the class will explore the Vikings, focusing on trade, their travels, and settlements, as well as the lasting impact they’ve had on the world.

New Member of the Team

I am delighted and proud to announce a new member joining our school community this week—Mylo, my seven-year-old cocker spaniel!

Mylo has successfully completed his Therapy Dog Training UK Certification, which involved rigorous training and a temperament and behaviour assessment. Having passed with flying colours, he is now ready to join us in school.

A therapy dog brings many benefits to a school community, including:

• Building personal and social skills, such as confidence and emotional regulation;

• Developing empathy;

• Offering comfort in a joyful and non-judgmental way;

• Increasing children’s sense of belonging at school.

To start, Mylo will be joining us on a trial basis to see how he adjusts to the school environment. However, I have no doubt that he will quickly become an integral part of our school family.

Mylo looks forward to meeting you all by the end of the week! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

VE Day

The 8th May is the 80th anniversary of VE Day. As a school we will be holding a lunchtime celebration 'street party' by taking our lunch tables outside on the playground and enjoying flag waving and celebrations.

Kind regards, 

Hannah Shillito

4th April 2025

Dear Parents,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and in good spirits as we approach the Easter holidays. We have had a busy and exciting term, and we are thrilled to share some highlights and important information with you.

Super Easter Service - Our recent Easter service was a wonderful celebration, with the children working hard on their flowers and prayers for the Easter cross. It was heart-warming to see their dedication and creativity. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this special event.

Mother's Day High Tea - A huge thank you to the Friends of Great Wishford for organizing a fantastic Mother's Day high tea. It was a delightful afternoon, and we are grateful for all the effort that went into making it such a memorable occasion.

Online Safety - Please see below a parent guide to in-game chat.

Book Fair Success - We are pleased to announce that our recent book fair was a great success! Thanks to your generous support, we earned £177.38 in books. This will greatly benefit our school library and encourage a love of reading among our children.

Year 6 Homework and SATs Revision - As we look ahead to the next term, we want to emphasise the importance of Year 6 completing their homework and SATs revision. This is a crucial time for their academic progress, and your support at home is invaluable in helping them succeed.

Staffing News - We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Scholes for her dedicated service in keeping our school clean over the past two years. She will be stepping down from this role to focus on her exciting new position running our afterschool provision.

We are thrilled to welcome two new members to our school team. Mrs. Bailey will join us after Easter as our new school cleaner. Additionally, Miss MacDonagh will be joining us as the new Year 5 and 6 class teacher in September. During her interview, Miss MacDonagh impressed us with her energy and extensive knowledge, making her a fantastic addition to our teaching team. She will be joining us on July 10th for a transition day, giving the children in Years 4 and 5 an opportunity to get to know her before the new school year begins.

We are confident that these changes will bring positive growth to our school community. Thank you for your continued support.

Happy Easter! - We wish everyone a very happy Easter and hope you enjoy the break. We look forward to welcoming you back for Term 5 on Tuesday the 22nd April, refreshed and ready for more learning and fun.

Best wishes

Hannah Shillito

2nd May

Dear parents and carers, 

It has been lovely to enjoy the sunshine this week. The children have really enjoyed playing in the wooden area of the field at lunch and break times as this is cool under the shade of the trees. It has been so nice to watch the lambs playing in the adjacent field. 

Scholastic Book Fair

We are thrilled to announce that the funds raised by parents and families who bought books at our Scholastic Book Fair have been put to excellent use. We have ordered some fantastic new titles for the library, including:

• Graphic novels
• Books about feelings
• Footballer biographies
• Books that explore diversity

These new additions will surely enrich our students' reading experience and broaden their horizons. Thank you for your continued support!

Mylo's Progress

Mylo, our school dog, is settling in really well. He enjoys coming out to see everyone in the morning and at break times. Thank you to everyone for making him feel so welcome; he really feels at home in school now. He especially likes going on walks with the children around the field. 

Wrap Around Care

With the changes in the school day coming in September, we will be maintaining our breakfast and afterschool club timings. Starting in September, breakfast club will continue to open at 8am, and afterschool club will close at 6:00pm.

We are delighted to announce that we have appointed a leader for wrap around care. Mrs. Sage will be joining us in the coming weeks. She can't wait to meet everyone and set up more activities for our afterschool chill out club.

Afterschool Club Update

In afterschool club, children will receive:

• A drink
• A selection of fruit or vegetables
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Either: English muffin, toast, brioche, crumpets, pitta bread
• A choice of jam, marmite, marmalade, or honey

We hope these updates are helpful and look forward to another fantastic week at school!