Friday 25^th September 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been another busy and positive week in school, with our children continuing to settle into the new academic year and embracing the opportunities and challenges that each week brings.

Collective Worship – Courage and Perseverance

This week in collective worship, we explored the story of Joshua, who was given an enormous responsibility by God – to lead the people forward into a new chapter.  We thought about how Joshua would have needed courage, faith and perseverance to carry out the task he had been given.  We discussed that courage does not always mean doing something huge or heroic.  Sometimes, courage is simply having a go when something feels difficult, speaking up when something is not right, trying again when we have made a mistake, or persevering when something doesn't come easily.

We have been encouraging the children to think about how they can show courage and perseverance in their everyday lives – in their learning, friendships, on the playground and when facing something that may feel challenging.

Working with the Trust

Behind the scenes, we continue to work closely with the Trust as they take steps to get to know our school, our staff and, most importantly, our children.

This week we have welcomed visits from the Trust's Marketing Director and the member of the team responsible for Estates.  These visits are an important opportunity to share what makes St Anne's special and to begin working together to support the continued development of our school.

Looking ahead, two members of our team will also be involved in Maths Hub work. This will provide an excellent opportunity for the latest thinking and approaches in mathematics to be shared with colleagues, ultimately benefiting the learning and progress of our children.

Secondary School Admissions

A reminder that secondary school applications are now open for parents and carers of children who will be transferring to secondary school next September.  Please make sure you check the relevant deadlines and submit your application in good time.

Reading - Opens doors of opportunity!

Learning to read is one of the most important skills children develop during their primary education.  Reading fluently and understanding what we read opens the door to so many other areas of learning.  It gives children the power to gain knowledge, explore new ideas, develop their imagination and make informed decisions.  Practising reading skills is so important and whilst we recognise that family life is busy, we encourage every child to read at least 4 times a week to become a remarkable reader. Talking about books also has it's place and this can come through:

• a story or picture book
• a comic or graphic novel
• a newspaper or magazine
• something your child has found online
• an audiobook
• a non-fiction book about a subject they are interested in.

The most important thing is to talk about reading.  Please join in each week and see where your conversations about reading take you.  Sometimes a simple question such as "What did you think about that?", "Why do you think the character did that?" or "What did you learn?" can lead to a wonderful conversation. 

Don't forget Wednesday mornings are a time to come into school early with your child and read along with them.

Cross Country

A huge well done to the children who represented St Anne's at the cross-country event today. They showed fantastic determination and perseverance and should be very proud of themselves.  Thank you also to the staff who supported the children and enabled them to take part.

Macmillan Coffee Afternoon

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported our Macmillan Coffee Afternoon with donations.  Every year, I am incredibly grateful for the generosity and kindness shown by our school community. Your support makes such a difference and it is wonderful to see our families coming together to support such an important cause.  Thank you to everyone who donated, is attending, helping and has contributed in any way.

Harvest Festival

Next week we will be celebrating Harvest.  As part of our Harvest celebrations, we will be supporting HOPE on the day, whilst continuing our ongoing support for the Bassetlaw Food Bank.  We are very grateful for any donations that families are able to make. Any additional food donated will be passed on to the Food Bank, helping to support local families who may be experiencing difficult circumstances.

Harvest is always a lovely opportunity for us to reflect on the things we are thankful for, whilst remembering the importance of sharing what we have with others.

🌈 Wraparound Care - Week Commencing: Monday 28^th September 2026

Contact: 01909 473 223 Option 2

💌 Welcome to another lovely week at wraparound care!  Our team are so happy to be spending time with your children. Here’s a peek at all the fun, food, and special activities that we have planned.

🍎 Food & Tasty Treats

🥣 Breakfast Options

Day	Cereals (Low Sugar Options)	Toast Options	Drinks	Fruit Option	Optional Extra	Allergens
Monday	Weetabix Cornflakes Shredded Wheat Rice Krispies Oats (porridge)	50/50 toast with flora buttery and jam	Milk / Water / Apple juice / Orange juice	Banana	Low sugar yogurt or fromage frais	Milk, Gluten
Tuesday				Tinned peaches in fruit juice		Milk, Gluten
Wednesday				Tinned pears in fruit juice		Milk, Gluten
Thursday				Frozen mango		Milk, Gluten
Friday				Tinned oranges in fruit juice		Milk, Gluten

Breakfast is either cereal or toast with yoghurt and fruit as optional extras.

🍌 After School Snacks

Day	Snack	Allergens
Monday	Cheese toastie, apple, cucumber	Milk, Gluten
Tuesday	Spaghetti on Toast, orange	Gluten
Wednesday	Cheese Wrap, raisins, banana	Milk, Gluten
Thursday	Pizza Pittas, raisins, pear	Milk, Gluten
Friday	Egg mayo sandwich, veg sticks, fruit salad	Egg, Gluten

🎨 Next Week’s Afterschool Activities – Around the World

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
3:20–3:40	Snack & Social	Snack & Social	Snack & Social	Snack & Social	Snack & Social
3:40–4:00	Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading
4:00–4:30	Country inspired crafts	Cultural storytelling	Traditional games	Flag making	World snacks

 

News from the Classes

Class Reception

This week, Class Reception have been learning all about families.  Inspired by the story Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson, the children explored who is special to them and enjoyed creating pictures of the people who live in their homes. We were delighted that so many families shared photographs through Tapestry, giving the children valuable opportunities to talk about their families, share their experiences, and learn more about one another.

The children also took part in their first PE lesson, where they learned the importance of finding a space before being introduced to the five basic balances and showed great enthusiasm as they began developing their physical skills and confidence.

Class One

This week, Class 1 have been busy exploring different materials in Science.  Before carrying out their experiment, the children carefully examined a variety of objects and made thoughtful predictions about whether they would float or sink.

The children then tested their ideas by placing the objects in water and observing the results. They were excited to see the results and enjoyed comparing the outcomes with their predictions. Some of their guesses were correct, while others led to some interesting surprises and discussions.

The class were particularly fascinated to discover that not all plastic objects behaved in the same way. Some floated, while others sank, helping the children to develop their understanding that materials can have different properties and characteristics.

Class Two

The children have explored number lines, plotting 10s and 1s and estimating in their maths lessons this week and have really embraced that estimating is about making sensible guesses and the adults in class have seen the children increase their accuracy across the week. In our English lessons, the class have started to look at their new writing topic of Biographies, exploring the features and why they are important. In our History lessons, the children have looked at Victorian classrooms and classroom today and compared what they might find there, the learning the children experienced, as well as the different punishments and they also decided whether they would rather be in a school in the Victorian time or in modern day time. Science this week saw the children explore Animals including humans and the different stages of life. In PE, the children explored the fundamental skill of galloping and used these skills in games.

Class Three

  

Class 3 have had another busy and exciting week of learning and have continued to work hard across all areas of the curriculum. The week started with a special World View Faith Workshop, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. They learned about the Five Pillars of Islam and explored how and why Muslims pray. The children were able to look closely at prayer mats and clothing and used compasses to investigate how Muslims can find the direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah when praying. This was a fantastic opportunity for the children to develop their understanding of another faith through a practical and engaging experience. In English, the children have completed their first piece of independent writing in Class 3! They wrote their own set of instructions explaining how to create a Stone Age cave painting, applying the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout the unit. The children have worked hard to organise their instructions clearly and use the features of instructional writing they have been learning about. In Maths, Class 3 have been developing their understanding of numbers up to 1,000 by comparing and ordering numbers. They have been using their knowledge of hundreds, tens and ones to identify which numbers are greater than, less than or equal to each other and putting numbers into the correct order. In Science, the children have continued their learning about nutrition.  They have explored the different food groups and considered the importance of each nutrient, discussing why our bodies need nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy and help our bodies grow and function properly. In History, Class 3 have been investigating how life changed throughout the

Stone Age. They have compared the development of tools and farming methods over time, considering how changes in technology helped early humans to adapt to their environment and change the way they lived. In Art, the children have been appraising the work of Giuseppe Arcimboldo. They have looked closely at his unusual portraits made from fruits, vegetables and other natural objects, discussing what they notice about his artwork and sharing their thoughts about the choices he made as an artist.

Class Four

This week, Class Four have been learning all about rivers in Geography. The children have been developing their understanding of how rivers are formed and the journey they take from their source to their mouth. They have explored important geographical vocabulary, including source, tributary, confluence, drainage basin and mouth, and have been learning about the ways rivers shape the landscapes around them.  This learning links closely to the Year 4 Geography curriculum, helping them to understand the natural processes that shape our world.

Next week, the children will begin applying their learning to a specific river as part of our South America topic. They will be exploring the Amazon River, discovering its location, the journey it takes across the continent, and its importance to the people, wildlife, and environment of South America.

Class Five

This week in Class 5, the children have been working hard across a range of exciting curriculum areas. In English, they have been developing their narrative writing skills through the inspiring text Cosmic. They have focused on creating engaging stories, using descriptive language and varied sentence structures to entertain their readers.

In Maths, the children have continued to strengthen their understanding of place value, applying their knowledge to increasingly challenging tasks and developing their reasoning and problem-solving skills. Their confidence when working with larger numbers continues to grow.

In Geography, the children have been investigating Fairtrade and exploring how purchasing choices can impact producers and communities around the world. They have enjoyed discussing the importance of fair prices, ethical trade and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

PE lessons saw the children complete their netball unit, where they demonstrated excellent teamwork, communication and sportsmanship. They have developed their passing, movement and game-play skills, showing great determination and enthusiasm throughout the unit. In Music, the children listened to Peter and the Wolf, learning to identify different instruments and considering how composers use pitch and tempo to create mood, represent characters and tell a story through music.

Class Six

 

On Monday, Class 6 met Miss Khan, who works at the Open Centre in Derby.  She came to visit to talk about Hajj. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and means pilgrimage.  It was interesting to learn about this important part of the Islamic faith and its significance for all Muslims. It has been described as a spiritual holiday for the mind and soul.  There are nine steps to Hajj that all Muslims must learn before the visit.

The children learnt that pilgrims begin by changing into ‘Irham’ clothes; these are white and represent equality and purity. Next, Muslims circle the Kaaba (which is in Mecca) seven times anticlockwise. Then, they walk seven times between two small hills to represent a story from the Qur’an where a natural spring appeared to save a baby’s life. This is known as ‘Zam Zam’ water. They then stay overnight, in tents which are provided, in Mina; stones are collected here. The next step is vital; Muslims ask for forgiveness from God at the foot of Mount Arafat. Then there is an overnight stay, literally under the stars, where more pebbles are collected. After that, the pebbles are thrown at three stone pillars which are thought to represent the devil. An animal is sacrificed and the meat is distributed to family, the poor and neighbours. Finally, back at the Kaaba, they circle it another seven times.

We enjoyed trying on styles of clothes that Muslims wear for prayer and Haaj; these show equality and respect.

Congratulations to our ‘Special Mentions’ this week

Class Reception – Children will be joining our Celebration Assembly next week

Class One – Theodora

Class Two – Wilf

Class Three – Eva Ann

Class Four – Emma and Imogen

Class Five – Daisy B and Lilianna

Class Six – George B

A prayer for the week ahead from George and Emily (6):

Dear God,

I hope that everyone keeps trying hard even if they don’t succeed.

Amen

Dear God,

Please help us to never give up even when things get tough.

Amen

Out of School Achievements:

Kickboxing Purple Belts: Oscar (1) Ellie (5)

Caretaker Award: Class Reception get the ‘Feather Duster Award’

Well done to all!

Church Services

10:00am StA@ 10 St Anne’s Together HC with SS, led my Rev Dave

6.00pm StA@6, led by LMM Bev

2026-2027 Attendance

Please use your Arbor App to check your child's current attendance. You can find this by scrolling up on your home page to see this year’s attendance.

Class	Attendance
R	98.02%
1	90.37%
2	91.11%
3	95.47%
4	92%
5	95.34%
6	93.05%
ALL:  94.52%

Finally…

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school and for the wonderful community spirit you show throughout the year.

Have a lovely weekend.

With my very best wishes

Mrs Middleton & the St Anne’s Team

Diary Dates

KEY DATES 2026-2027

Please ensure your children are in school during these times as their data will count even when absent.

Class 6 SATS – Monday 10th May 2027 – Thursday 13th May 2027

Class 4 Multiplication Test W/c 7th June 2027 – 2 weeks

Class 2 in school assessments May 2027 and w/c 7th June 2027

Class 1 Phonics Screening 14th June 2027 -2 weeks

Inset Days Monday 4th January 2027 Friday 12th February 2027 Monday 26th July 2027 Tuesday 27th July 2027 Wednesday 28th July 2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date	Time	Class	Event	Location
			September
28		All	Black History Month Starts
28	AM	4	Swimming	Valley Leisure Centre
29	14:00	All	Harvest Festival Service	Church
30-2		5	Residential	Hathersage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

			October
5		All	Bookfair in Reception Area Swimming	All Valley
5	15:30-18:15	All	Parents Evening	School
6	15:30-17:00	All	Parents Evening
7	16:00-17:30		New Starters Open Evening – for starters 2027/28
9	All day	4	Trip River Study	Perlethorpe
12	AM	4	Swimming	Valley
14	All day	2	Trip to the Victorian School Room	Newstead Abbey
14-16		6	Residential to PGL	Caythorpe Court
16		All	Red Card to Racism – wear something red	School
19-30		All	Half Term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

			November
2	AM	4	Swimming	Valley Leisure Centre
2-3	All day	Reception	Balance Bikes	School
9	AM	All	School Photos Individuals (siblings in the morning)	School
10	15:20-17:00		Open Event for New Parents for Sept 27	School
11	10:30	All	School Remembrance Day Service	Church
12	14:45	All	Class Assembly	School Hall
13	All day	All 1	Children in Need Class trip Emergency Services Museum
17	14:30	All Welcome	Maths Parent Workshop	School Hall
19	All day	6	Trip Holocaust Centre
23	All day	All	Flu Jabs	School
24	All day	Reception and 1	Perlethorpe Nativity Trail	Perlethorpe
25	All day	3	Class Trip to Creswell Crags	Creswell Crags
26	14:30	2	Class Assembly	School Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

			December
3	15:30- 16:45 17:00-18:15	KS1     KS2	Christmas Disco – KS1     Christmas Disco – KS2	School Hall
7			Nativity Week – days TBC
10		All	Christmas Fair – Provisional date	School
11		All	Christmas Craft Afternoon	School
15		Choir	Portland Carols	St Anne’s Church
16		All	Christmas Dinner Day	School
18	14:30	All	Christingle	St Anne’s Church