Week 8: Friday 06 November 2026
Friday 6th November 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back following the half-term break. I hope you all enjoyed some valuable family time and had an opportunity to rest before what promises to be another busy and exciting half term.
This week has been centred around re-establishing routines and expectations across school, whilst also introducing new learning topics in many classes. It has been wonderful to see the children return so positively, ready to learn and eager to engage with their new areas of study.
I also had the opportunity this week to meet with senior leaders from the Mitre Trust to share our School Improvement Plan, and discuss our priorities for the year ahead. One of our key priorities continues to be ensuring that every child enjoys a rich educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom. This connects closely to our forthcoming OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) project, which will transform the way children experience playtimes and outdoor learning.
OPAL Update
Behind the scenes, there has been a great deal of training, planning and preparation taking place ahead of our OPAL launch in January. The aim is to create more engaging, creative and active opportunities for children during lunchtimes.
As part of this new approach, children will be encouraged to have a pair of wellies in school so that they can continue to enjoy outdoor play throughout the year, whatever the weather. If your child has recently outgrown a pair of wellies, please do consider donating them to school. We hope to establish a collection that can be shared with families who may benefit from them in the coming months.
To support the project, we are also in desperate need of a small team of volunteers to help erect a new composite storage shed. We can happily supply tea, coffee and cake for any willing helpers! If you have practical skills and a few hours to spare, please contact the school office.
A Reminder About Outdoor Equipment
We would also like to remind parents that children remain the responsibility of their parents or carers before and after school. For health and safety reasons, children should not use the gym equipment, trim trail or other outdoor apparatus before school.
At the end of the day, please remember that the school gates close promptly, so that children attending our After School Club can use the site safely and securely. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support with these arrangements.
School Value of the Half Term: Responsibility
As we begin this new half term, our school value is Responsibility.
During collective worship on Monday, we explored the many ways that we can show responsibility in our daily lives: responsibility for our actions, our learning, our environment and for one another.
Within Christianity, Jesus demonstrated responsibility through his care and service towards others. The story of The Good Shepherd (John 10), where Jesus describes a shepherd who takes responsibility for every sheep in his flock, caring for them, protecting them and ensuring none are forgotten is an example of this. We discussed how we, too, can show responsibility by caring for others and doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching.
I continue to be incredibly proud of our Collective Worship Leaders. This year's team has shown remarkable confidence and maturity when leading worship. Their contributions help strengthen the caring, inclusive and reflective culture that makes our school such a special place.
Sporting Update
A big well done to our football squad who represented the school this week against St Augustine's. Although the result did not go our way, the children demonstrated fantastic teamwork, resilience, encouragement and sportsmanship throughout the match. We are incredibly proud of the spirit they showed and the way they represented our school.
Looking Ahead to Advent and Christmas
As we move towards Advent and begin preparing for Christmas later this term, we are reminded of the values of hope, joy, peace and love. These values sit at the heart of our school community and are reflected daily through the kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness shown by our children.
As we journey through this special season together, let us remember our school vision:
"Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14
Christmas Fayre Donations
Our Christmas Fayre will soon be upon us on Thursday 10th December, and preparations are already underway. We would be extremely grateful for any donations to support the event. Further information about specific donation requests will follow shortly, but any contribution is greatly appreciated and helps make the event such a success for our children and families.
Important Reminders
Individual Photographs
School photographs will take place on Monday morning. Children should arrive wearing full school uniform.
Toddler and pre-school sibling photographs will be taken in the hall from 8.45am onwards – entry via Harrington Street ONLY. Please note that photographs cannot begin any earlier due to Breakfast Club arrangements.
Breakfast Club and After School Club
A reminder that, in line with school policy, all Breakfast Club and After School Club sessions must be booked and paid for in advance. The school reserves the right to refuse access to these provisions where accounts remain in arrears.
Office Arrangements
Please note that the school office will now close from 1.30pm on Mondays. Whilst Mrs Brightman begins her maternity leave, Mrs Hanson will be working with us for 2- days each week and Mrs Ridout has kindly increased her hours to help support the office team. We thank them both for their hard work and flexibility during this period.
Children in Need
We are raising money for Children in Need on Friday 13th November. Children are invited to wear spots to school, as little or as many as they like. This can be in the form of spotty socks, or any spotty clothing or accessories. It's a fun way to support a great cause together. We are asking children to bring in a £1 donation for Children in Need.
Weather Reminder
The weather has certainly taken a turn this week and temperatures are beginning to drop. Please ensure that your child brings a suitable coat to school every day. Children who access the field may also benefit from bringing a change of footwear, particularly as conditions become wetter over the coming weeks.
Knitted Nativity
Open Event
We are having another open event for children due to start school in September 2027 on Tuesday 10th November between 3.30-5.00pm. This is an opportunity for families to visit school. Please spread the word with families that you know are looking for school places from next September.
Remembrance Sunday
Our school ambassadors will be representing school at St Anne's Remembrance Service on Sunday at 10am, and our children will hold their own service in school on the Wednesday 11th November.
News from the Classes
Class Reception
Class Reception have had a very busy first week back and have enjoyed lots of exciting learning opportunities. The children took part in two fun and active balance bike sessions, where they learnt how to stay safe on a bike while developing their confidence and coordination through a range of enjoyable games and activities. The children also took their learning beyond the classroom with a visit to St Anne’s Church.
Rev Dave welcomed the class to the Church and helped them learn about the traditions and significance of baptism, bringing their RE learning to life through a memorable first-hand experience. In class, the children have been learning about Bonfire Night, exploring why it is celebrated and discussing important ways to stay safe during celebrations involving fireworks and bonfires. It has been a fantastic start to the half term, and the children have shown great enthusiasm in all of their learning.
Class One
This week, Class 1 have been learning about The Gunpowder Plot. They learned why we celebrate Bonfire Night and found out what happened a long time ago in 1605. The children enjoyed listening to the story of Guy Fawkes and learning how the plot was stopped.
To show their understanding, the children put the key events of the story in the correct order and talked about what they had learned. They also used their art skills to print colourful fireworks and create bonfire collages using different materials. Class 1 worked hard and produced some fantastic artwork linked to their learning.
Class Two
This week in Class 2 the children have still continued with their learning of addition and subtraction in maths. They have been adding 3 one-digit numbers together as well as adding by making 10, particularly focusing on our number bonds. The children have also been working on speaking and listening skills, focusing on intonation when reading and using voices for characters. In RE, the children have explored the question ‘Why do Christians believe Jesus was a friend to the friendless?’. The children had some lovely, thoughtful responses to the story of Jesus and Matthew the Tax Collector. In PE, children have started to focus on striking and fielding, learning how to correctly throw a ball over arm. Children in Class 2 have been using the ipads to take pictures and learning about photographs, where we find them, why we need them and how we take them on an ipad.
Class Three
Class 3 have had a busy start to the Autumn 2 half-term. In English, the children have been exploring the features of a non-chronological report, thinking about how information is organised and presented to the reader. They have also been identifying and using action verbs and exploring the verb to be to help strengthen their writing. In Maths, the children have continued developing their column addition skills, tackling calculations that involve exchanging across tens and hundreds. This has required careful attention to place value and accurate setting out of calculations. In Science, Class 3 have been learning about the bones that provide support for our bodies, exploring how our skeleton helps us stand upright, maintain our shape and move. In History, the children have been comparing Bronze Age technology with that of the Stone Age. They have considered how developments in tools, materials and technology improved the lives of prehistoric people and helped communities to change and progress. In RE, the children have been revisiting the Christian belief in the Trinity, exploring what Christians mean when they describe God as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. During whole-class reading, Class 3 have started their new text, The Stolen Spear by Saviour Pirotta. The children have been examining the clues in the text and using their inference skills to make predictions about what might happen next. In French, Class 3 have started a new unit of learning, beginning to develop their vocabulary by learning the names of five different animals.
Class Four
In Science this week, Class Four have begun their new topic all about Sound. The children enjoyed experimenting with a variety of different sounds, trying to identify their sources and work out how they had been made. They quickly began to make the important connection between vibrations and sound, discovering that sounds are produced when objects vibrate and that sound is a form of energy that travels to our ears. There is plenty more exciting investigation ahead as we continue to explore this fascinating topic!
In English, Class Four have begun a new writing unit based on the beautiful book Where the Poppies Now Grow by Hilary Robinson. The children will be learning to write a diary entry, which is a form of recount, imagining what life might have been like for someone living through the First World War. To begin the unit, the children have immersed themselves in the historical context, exploring what life was like during wartime and developing their understanding of the experiences of those who lived through it. Along the way, they have been introduced to new and exciting vocabulary to help them describe events, emotions and experiences with greater depth. We will be building on this knowledge over the coming weeks as the children develop their ideas and work towards writing their own diary entries.
Class Five
Class 5 have a busy and exciting week of learning. In English, they have begun their new journalistic writing unit, exploring the inspiring true story of Hidden Figures. They have been learning about the remarkable achievements of Katherine Johnson and her important contribution to NASA's space programme. The children’s shared writing will focus on how Katherine's mathematical calculations helped prepare for John Glenn's historic orbital spaceflight in 1962, including why he trusted her to check the computer's calculations. In Maths, the children have been developing their understanding of square and cube numbers, investigating patterns and making connections between multiplication facts. They have also been practising multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1,000, exploring how the value of digits changes as they move through the place value columns. In Science, Class 5 have started their new topic, Properties and Changes of Materials. They have been comparing and grouping everyday materials according to their properties and discussing how materials can be classified as transparent, translucent or opaque. The children have enjoyed using scientific vocabulary to explain their observations and thinking carefully about why different materials are suitable for different purposes.
Class Six
This week, Class 6 have been busy with lots of exciting learning across the curriculum.
In English, the children have been researching and writing biographies about Nelson Mandela, exploring his remarkable life and the impact he had on South Africa and the wider world. In Maths, they have been developing their understanding of fractions by comparing and ordering fractions, using equivalence to help identify their values accurately. RE learning has focused on deepening their understanding of the Holocaust through studying survivor case studies. The children approached this sensitive topic with maturity and respect, learning about the experiences of individuals and reflecting on the importance of remembrance. In History, they have been investigating the Battle of Britain, understanding why it was such a significant turning point in World War II and the impact it had on the course of the war. In PE, pupils have been focusing on health and fitness, developing their stamina, strength and understanding of how exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle. In PSHE, they have been Celebrating Difference, discussing diversity, inclusion and the importance of respecting and valuing others.
Congratulations to our ‘Special Mentions’ this week
Class Reception – Mia and Harry C
Class One – Cassian and Alfie
Class Two – Lilly H
Class Three – Betsy and Noah
Class Four – Freddy
Class Five – Daisy B
Class Six – Alessia
Lunchtime Special Mention: Rupert (R) and Sonia (6)
A prayer for the week ahead from Sonia (6)
Dear God,
Please let us be responsible, even when times get rough.
Amen
Out of School Achievements:
Kickboxing grading: Oscar (2), Ellie (5)
Worksop boys and girls club under 10’s man of the match last week Leo (4)
SJR under 10’s Player of the Match: Teddy (4)
Gymnast of the month at her club Dana (5)
Football (training man of the match) and motor cross (2 1st place medals): Jasper (4)
Worksop Dolphins Swimming Gala
Bronze 100m back, silver 50m back, 3 x golds 50m, 100m & 200m freestyle: Emily (6)
Gold 50m fly, 100m fly and 200 IM, Silver 50m back, 50m front, 100m back, 200m back: Dana (5)
Caretaker Award: Class 6 get the ‘Feather Duster Award’
Well done to all!
Church Services
10:00am StA@10 Remembrance Sunday, led by Rev Dave
6.00pm StA@6, led by LLM Selina
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 |
99.59% |
|
1 |
95.67% |
|
2 |
94.33% |
|
3 |
99.63% |
|
4 |
95% |
|
5 |
98.06% |
|
6 |
90.34% |
|
ALL: 96.01% |
|
Really well done Class 3, nearly 100% attendance this week!
Finally…
Bonfire Night Safety
Finally, as we shared with the children this week, many families may be attending Bonfire Night celebrations. If you are planning to do so, we hope you have a wonderful time. Please take care around fireworks and bonfires, follow safety guidance and ensure children remain supervised at all times.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. The partnership between home and school plays such an important role in helping every child flourish and achieve their very best.
Have a wonderful weekend
With best wishes,
Mrs Middleton & the St Anne’s Team
🌈 Wraparound Care - Week Commencing: Monday 12th October 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
|
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, raisins, apple Bourbon biscuit or custard cream |
Gluten, Milk, Sesame |
|
Tuesday |
Beans on toast, banana Bourbon biscuit or custard cream |
Gluten, Sesame |
|
Wednesday |
Cheese wrap, sweetcorn, pear Bourbon biscuit or custard cream |
Gluten, Milk, Sesame |
|
Thursday |
Pasta in a tomato sauce, veg sticks, orange Bourbon biscuit or custard cream |
Gluten, Sesame |
|
Friday |
Scrambled egg on toast, fruit salad Bourbon biscuit or custard cream |
Gluten, Egg, Sesame |
🎨 Next Week’s Afterschool Activities – Outdoor Adventures
|
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 |
Storytelling & Drama |
Character masks |
Short skits |
Puppet making |
Freeze frame drama |
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 |
|
|
|
|
November |
|
|
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 |
6 |
Class Assembly |
School Hall |
|
13 |
All day |
All
1 |
Children in Need – Wear Spots - £1 donation Class 1 trip - Emergency Services Museum |
|
|
17 |
14:30 |
All Welcome |
Maths Parent Workshop |
School Hall |
|
18 |
9am |
All |
Kerry Macadam Coffee Morning – Bassetlaw Behaviour Partnership Drop in session |
School |
|
19 |
All day |
6 |
Class 6 Trip Holocaust Centre |
|
|
23 - 29 |
All day |
|
Parliament Week |
|
|
23 |
All day |
All |
Flu Jabs |
School |
|
24 |
All day |
Reception and 1 |
Classes R&1 Perlethorpe Nativity Trail |
Perlethorpe |
|
25 |
All day |
3 |
Class 3 Trip to Creswell Crags |
Creswell Crags |
|
26 |
14:30 |
2 |
Class Assembly |
School Hall |
|
27 |
All day |
All |
Non-Uniform Day & Rainbow Raffle |
School |
|
|
|
|
December |
|
|
2 |
|
|
Full Governors Meeting |
School |
|
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 |
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 |
|
|
|
|
January |
|
|
1 |
All day |
All |
INSET DAY |
|
|
11 |
All day |
6
R |
Mayan Workshop – in school
Forest School |
Perlethorpe |
|
18 |
All day |
R |
Forest School |
Perlethorpe |
|
20 |
15:00-15:20 |
4 |
Times Table Parents Meeting |
School |
|
21 |
14:45-15:20 |
5 |
Class Assembly |
School Hall |
|
25 |
All day |
R |
Forest School |
Perlethorpe |
|
February |
||||
|
1 |
All day |
R |
Forest School |
Perlethorpe |
|
3 |
All day |
3 |
Class 3 Trip - Bestwood Centre |
Bestwood |
|
8 |
All day |
R |
Forest School |
Perlethorpe |
|
9 |
All day |
All |
Shrove Tuesday |
|
|
10 |
09:00 |
All |
Ash Wednesday |
Church |
|
11 |
2:45-15:20
15:30-17:00 |
1
All |
Class 1 Assembly
Valentines Disco |
School Hall
School Hall |
|
12 |
All day |
All |
INSET Day – No school |
|
|
15-19 |
|
|
HALF TERM |
|
|
22 |
|
R&6 |
National Child Measurement Programme |
School |
|
23 |
|
|
Young Voices |
|
|
24 |
All day |
2 |
Class 2 Trip – National Coal Mining Museum |
|