Newsletter 16.1.26

News

January 2026

16th January 2026

Dear Families,
 
It has been a lovely week at Alveston based all around "community" - our thought for the week.
 
Firstly, I am so excited to share that on Sunday 1st February, Bishop Sophie will be attending a special service at St James' Church and, as a school, we have the opportunity to go and sing a new song for her - We are the Light. It is truly gorgeous. I will send out a form next week for any children in Years 2 to 6 who would like to join us in singing this.
 
Exciting things are happening at Alveston - we launched our Facebook page this week. We are hoping to use this to share updates and information about day-to-day things happening. At this point, we won't be showing children's faces but be assured if we plan to change this we will seek permission before doing so.
 
On Friday night, we attended Young Voices at the BP Pulse Arena singing in a choir of 5,900 children! Amazing songs were sung such as a Wicked medley, a Sea Shanty and Power in Me. The children were role models - singing, dancing and performing so well for the audience. It's a highlight of the year (for the adults as well as the children)!
 
Whilst thinking about community, even though it is cold and wintry outside, don't forget that the Bicycle Bus runs on Fridays. What better way to start your day than riding to school and getting those endorphins going in a group? It's always fabulous to see the bus pull in.
 
Have a fabulous weekend.
 
Jess Newitt
Headteacher
Stars of the Week!
 
Reception ~ to be awarded next week!
Year 1 ~ Ellie
Year 2 ~ Grace
Year 3 ~ to be awarded next week!
Year 4 ~ Larsen
Year 5 ~ Edward
Year 6 ~ Theo
 
Well done, everyone, for shining so brightly!
 
We also send belated congratulations to Cassie in Reception for her Half Term Cup win from last term. Amazing!
 
Team Cup Winners
 
Congratulations to this week's team point winners, Othello Yellows! And a big "WELL DONE" to anyone who earned a team point this week.
Young Voices 2026!
 
What an amazing evening we had! 33 children and 5 members of staff were loving their Friday night as it was filled with music and joy. We sang an awesome compilation of songs including ELO's All Over the World, a Disney medley, an incredible song about diversity called No Such Thing as Normal, and it ended with a dance session singing a medley called Disco Fever. We shook our pom poms for the parents to find us, waved our torches in the dark and embraced every second of the experience. Lots more photos can be found here.
Year 2 Fundraising – Air Ambulance Day!

On Wednesday, Year 2 enjoyed a fantastic Air Ambulance–inspired day, filled with learning, creativity and hands-on exploration! After learning about the history of flying, the children invited the Air Ambulance team into school to help them understand what flying looks like today, and how it saves lives. During the day, the children made their own flying propellers with the team and explored how they worked. In the afternoon, they continued their learning by creating helicopter cups with elastic bands, watching the propellers spin as they tested their designs. They also investigated different materials to see which worked best as parachutes, showing great curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

As part of their learning, Year 2 discovered that the Air Ambulance has carried out over 50,000 missions, all completely funded by donations, with each mission costing at least £2,300. To support this incredible cause, the class invited the whole school to come dressed with a touch of yellow. Thanks to the generosity of our school community, we raised an amazing £173.60! A huge thank you to all families who donated and helped support this vital service—we are incredibly proud of Year 2 for their enthusiasm, kindness and community spirit. The whole day was a truly memorable and inspiring experience!


 

Year 5 Round-Up
 
Year 5 have been designing and building spaghetti truss bridges, learning how triangular structures add strength and stability. They have explored different designs and tested how well their bridges can support weight. Over the term, pupils will refine their structures, applying problem-solving and teamwork skills to improve their designs.
 
In PSHE, Year 5 have been taking part in yoga sessions focused on relaxation and wellbeing. They have been learning a range of poses, breathing techniques and stretches to help improve flexibility, balance and concentration, while also developing mindfulness skills to support calmness, emotional regulation and positive mental health.
 
In PE, the children have been exploring parkour, using a range of apparatus to practise key skills such as rolls, jumps and vaults. They have shown great focus and enthusiasm while learning how to move safely and creatively. Over the term, pupils will build on these skills by developing them into smooth, controlled sequences.
 
What a week, Year 5! 

Class Assemblies 2026
 
Please note that the list of important dates (further down the newsletter), as well as our website calendar, now contain details of all year group class assemblies. The children really love the opportunity to invite their families in to school to share their learning, celebrate their achievements and entertain you. These assemblies can be such a confidence boost for the children, hep to improve communication and give the children an opportunity to shine, outside of the classroom. While we understand that not everyone will be able to attend due to other commitments, we look forward to seeing you, wherever possible.

Please note these are listed in class order not date order:

Year R – Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Year 1 – Thursday 5th February 2026

Year 2 – Thursday 12th February 2026

Year 3 – Wednesday 11th March 2026

Year 4 – Monday 2nd March 2026

Year 5 – Wednesday 25th March 2026

Year 6 – Wednesday 25th February 2026

 
Families are invited to attend for their child/children's year group only. 
Top Tips for Keeping Children Safe this Winter
 
During winter and the cold weather spells, new hazards can emerge. Child Accident Prevention Trust is sharing their top tips for keeping children safe from serious accidents this winter. Learn more here from the Child Accident Prevention Trust.
Free Family Swim Sessions! 
 
Thanks to a collaboration with Everyone Active, the Family Information Service have an incredible new year offer. Enjoy complimentary swimming this January at one of eight Everyone Active leisure centres:
  • Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Southam
  • Shipston
  • Studley
  • Newbold Comyn (Leamington Spa)
  • St Nicholas Park (Warwick)
  • Bedworth
  • Pingles (Nuneaton).

This offer will be available from Tuesday 6 January until Saturday 31st January 2026. Click here to find out more...


 

Silent Discos in Aid of the Mayor’s Good Causes
 
Two Silent Disco events will take place on Saturday 7th February at Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall, raising funds for the Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon’s Good Causes.
 
Family Silent Disco
Saturday 7 February
2.00pm to 4.00pm
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall
 
This is a family-friendly event suitable for children and adults. Silent discos allow participants to choose their own music channel and control the volume through wireless headphones, making the event accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
 
Adult Only Silent Disco
Saturday 7 February
7.30pm onwards
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall
 
An evening silent disco for adults, with a bar available throughout the event.
 
Tickets can be purchased here:
Family Silent Disco: trybooking.com/uk/FUNX
Adult Silent Disco: trybooking.com/uk/FUIH
General Reminders
 
Parking at Drop-Off and Pick-Up
We are so lucky at Alveston that the Football Club allow all our parents who drive to school to use their car park for drop-off and pick-up. This makes it safer for all our children. Please continue to use the Football Club car park. Please do not park on Knights Lane, Oak Road or any double-yellow lines for pick-up or drop-offs. Please also ensure that you do not stop or park within the zig-zag "Keep Clear" markings. This area is marked to keep the flow of traffic moving and to ensure the safety of all pedestrians.
 
Sickness and Absence
Please let the school office know each day your child is absent from school by calling 01789 293412, option 1, and leaving a message.  You may also email parents3002@welearn365.com. You do not need to contact us daily if your child is sick/vomits. Absences for sickness/vomiting will be recorded 48 hours from the end of the day your child was last sick (i.e. if sick on Sunday, come back on Wednesday; if Tuesday come back on Friday). 
 

Medicines in School
We cannot accept medicines in school without a prescription label and a medical form completed by a parent or carer.  Please ask the school office for more information and/or a form via:

parents3002@welearn365.com


 

Community Interest 
 
We post community events and projects on our website under 'Our Community'. For more information about activities open to you, your family and your local community, please do check the pages regularly:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
You can also find a list of Stratford Food Bank's "MOST WANTED" items right here. Please do take a look and help to support those in need in our local community.
Forest School Dates 

Below are Forest School dates for your diary. The children will need to wear PE kit to school with tracksuit bottoms or leggings and have a long sleeve top such as a hoodie. Wellies and a rain coat/ will also be required: 

Spring Term (1) 

Date

 

Year Group

23.1.25

 

Y1

30.1.25

 

Y2

6.2.25

 

Rec

13.2.25

 

Y6

23.2.25

 

Y5




Important Dates* to Remember  

Key dates for the Autumn Term are HERE!  You can find information relating to term dates here and teacher-led clubs dates here.  

* Please note that all dates published are subject to change/cancellation - please check this page and/or the website calendar regularly:

 

Spring Term (1)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

16/1, 23/1, 30/1, 6/2, *9/2 (Half Term Cup)

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

12th January to 6th February 2026 (inclusive)

 

 

 

Y4 Swimming

 

12/1, 19/1, 26/1, 2/2, 9/2, 23/2

 

 

 

14/1

 

Air Ambulance Day – Wear Something Yellow (£1)

16/1

 

Young Voices Concert 2026

2-5/2

 

Bikeability (Y5)

5/2

 

Class Assembly – Year 1 (9:05-9:25)

12/2

 

Class Assembly – Year 2 (9:05-9:25)

 

 

 

 

 

HALF TERM 16th February to 20th February

 

 

 

23/2

 

Children back to school

25/2

 

Class Assembly – Year 6 (9:05-9:25)

2/3

 

Class Assembly – Year 4 (9:05-9:25)

3/3

 

Class Assembly – Reception (9:05-9:25)

5/3

 

World Book Day!

10/3

 

Learning Together Time (9:05-10:00)

11/3

 

Class Assembly – Year 3 (9:05-9:25)

17/3

 

Parents’ Evening (3:30-6:30pm: face-to-face)

19/3

 

Parents’ Evening (3:30-6:30pm: face-to-face)

25/3

 

Class Assembly – Year 5 (9:05-9:25)

 

 

 

 

 

END OF TERM 30th March to 10th April

 

 

 

13/4

 

Children back to school

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