Dear Parents and Carers,

As we continue to move through ‘Summer 1’, I want to take a moment to recognise the positivity, kindness, and determination your children bring to school each day.  Their enthusiasm continues to shape our community and strengthen the ‘St Anne’s family’.

Over recent weeks, several of our subject leaders have taken time to speak with pupils, look at the work taking place across their subjects, and reflect on how well children are engaging with their learning.  These conversations and reviews give us valuable insight into pupils’ understanding, the progress they are making, and the areas where we can continue to strengthen our provision.  All of this contributes to ensuring that our curriculum remains purposeful, ambitious, and rooted in the needs of our children.

Our School Vision and Christian Ethos

Our school vision, “Let all that you do be done in love” from 1 Corinthians 16:14, is at the heart of everything we do. It guides our relationships, our expectations, and the way we nurture every child. Our aim is to develop the whole child—spiritually, mentally, and physically—within a caring Christian environment.  This means that the provision we offer collectively enables children to explore their own beliefs, develop a strong sense of self, and grow into compassionate, thoughtful individuals.

As a Church School, Collective Worship provides valuable opportunities not only to reflect on current events in the world but also to explore stories from the Bible.  Through these stories, children learn what Christians believe, what values can be drawn from them, and how these teachings relate to their lives today.  Equally, through RE lessons, children develop an understanding of other faiths and of those with no faith.  They learn to recognise similarities and differences between belief systems, all of which contributes to a deeper appreciation of the value of respect—for themselves, for others, and for the wider world.  As we continue to support the children to recognise the diversity of the world in which we live, if your family celebrate festivals within other faiths and you would be willing to share your experiences – please get in touch!

Eco‑Committee and Environmental Learning

Our Eco‑Committee continues to make impressive progress towards achieving their Eco Award.  Their commitment to improving our school environment is clear, and they have now created a focused action plan to guide their next steps.  As stewards of the planet, their emphasis on energy saving around school is already having a noticeable impact.

Next week also marks the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, whose lifelong dedication to protecting the natural world has inspired generations.  The children can learn so much from his example—his curiosity, his respect for nature, and his belief in the power of collective action.  To celebrate, we will be holding a cake stall, and children are encouraged to come to school wearing different clothes (dress up as an animal, nature or a bright colour to mark the occasion.  Contributions to the stall are very welcome.

Staff News

After 18 years of dedicated service, Mrs Sprigg will be leaving us at half‑term to begin a new chapter in her life.  During her time here as a teaching assistant, she has worked with countless children and families, offering unwavering support. Her contribution to our school community has been immense, and she will be greatly missed by pupils, staff, and parents alike.  We wish her every happiness for the future.

🌈 Wraparound Care

Week Commencing: Monday 4^th May 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	Turkey, mayo & sweetcorn wrap, tomatoes, orange	Gluten, Egg
Tuesday	Beans on toast, cucumber, banana	Gluten
Wednesday	Cheese & tomato toastie, apple	Milk, Gluten
Thursday	Tuna mayo sandwich, sweetcorn, pear	Fish, Egg, Gluten
Friday	Scrambled egg on toast, carrot, fruit salad	Egg, Gluten, Milk

🎨 This Week’s Afterschool Activities

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	Weather Art	Rain Experiments	Wind Games	Weather & Feelings	Weather Quiz

News from the Classes

Reception

This week, Class Reception went on a multi‑sensory dinosaur hunt around the school grounds.  After inventing their own story, the children used a special camera to see dinosaurs walking across the school field!  The children then wrote their own description of a dinosaur.   In maths, they have been learning how to add two numbers by counting on from the largest number.  

Class One

This week, some of Class 1 visited Retford Oaks to take part in a multi-sport festival. The children had a great morning, taking part in games such as tennis, agility and basketball. They enjoyed learning new skills and had lots of fun.

In Maths, Class 1 have been developing their counting skills, counting in 2s, 5s and 10s.  It has been so wonderful to see how their skills have developed.  They are now confidently counting in 2s, 5s and 10s, and use this to help them solve problems and calculations. They are enjoying counting as they line up in class or get ready for home, any chance they get to count in multiples, they are counting.

Class Two

In Class 2, children have been looking at mass, volume and capacity in maths, weighing and measuring objects, as well as using the four main operations to compare mass, volume and capacity.  In English, children have explored the use of similes in their writing as well as listening to rainforest sounds and using their imagination to write things and animals they might find in the jungle to help with their descriptions they are writing.  In Topic, we have explored the country Australia and its territories, finding out facts about each of these.  In Science, the children have been looking at animals and their similarities and differences.  The children continued to explore the apparatus in gymnastics, learning how to do a stretch, jump half-turn.  They explored forward rolls on the benches and mats, using hoops to boomerang back to themselves and continuing to practice their cat leaps.  In RE, the children were talking about Moses, learning that he was an important leader.  In Fluency Bee, the children were adding two more onto different numbers, and showing different ways they can represent this.

Class Three

 

 

This week, Class 3 have been busy exploring many exciting topics across the curriculum. In English, the children have been writing non-chronological reports about tsunamis, researching fascinating facts and using key features such as headings, subheadings, and technical vocabulary.  In Maths, the children have started our unit on money, learning about pounds and pence and practising how to add, subtract, and solve real-life money problems.  In Geography, Class 3 have been studying earthquakes, learning about what causes them and how people can stay safe during and after an earthquake.  The children practiced the stop, drop and roll technique that they could use in the event of a real earthquake.  In Design and Technology, the children have been developing their practical skills by measuring and cutting wood carefully to create the structure for their catapults.  In whole class reading, the class have been thoroughly enjoying our text, ‘Escape from Pompeii’, and have loved discussing the story, characters, and the dramatic events of Mount Vesuvius.

Class Four

Class 4 enjoyed a wonderful, sunny day on their recent trip to Gainsborough Old Hall.  The children took part in numerous engaging activities both indoors and outdoors, making the most of the historic setting.  They explored the impressive building, sketched its striking features, and learned about what life was like for the servants and staff who worked in the hall.  

One of the highlights of the day was stepping back in time to role-play the grand banquet held during a visit from Henry VIII.  It was a memorable experience for all, filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and hands-on learning.

  

Class Five

Class 5 have had another busy week.  They have continued their work towards the Archbishop’s Young Leaders’ Award, focusing on unexpected leaders in the Bible.  They shared and discussed the stories of David and Esther, drawing on skills and qualities that make them both inspirational leaders, as well as thinking about how they can learn from their thoughts and actions.  In maths, they have completed their learning on statistics, looking at 2-way tables and timetables. English work has focused on the Greek myth ‘Medusa’, where they have written detailed character descriptions.  In history, they have researched the Ancient Greek City-State of Athens, looking at the Pnyx and what happened there.  In computing they have begun their earning on Vector drawing, using lines and shapes to build up an image.  The Sports Leaders also supported KS1 at an event outside of school.  What a week of hard work!

Class Six

Class 6 have been very busy this week and have produced some fantastic work.  In English, the children have been writing a narrative based on our class text ‘Holes’.  This has been a real Class 6 star piece, with the children confidently including lots of Class 6 writing features such as varied sentence structures, rich vocabulary and accurate punctuation.  Their effort and pride in this piece has really stood out.  In maths, the children have been securing their understanding of shape and angles.  They have been applying their knowledge to a range of questions and problem-solving activities, showing growing confidence and accuracy.  In science, we have been exploring the different parts of the heart.  The children have enjoyed learning about how the heart functions and how it supports the circulatory system, with some great discussions taking place.  In PE, the focus has been on developing gymnastics skills, working on balance, control and sequencing movements.  The children have shown excellent focus and determination throughout the lessons.  It is great to see the children persevering with their SAT’s revision and making sure they are being the best they can be.

Congratulations to our Stars of the Week this week

Well done to all pupils who received certificates this week.  Your hard work, positive attitudes, and kindness continue to make our school a wonderful place to learn.

Class Reception – Theodora and Eleanor

Class One – Freya and Phoebe

Class Two – Rowan and Lilly S

Class Three – Joshua

Class Four – Laurel

Class Five – Thomas and Georgiana

Class Six – Toby and Keira-Leigh

Tidy Classroom Award: Class 1 – Well done!

Lunchtime Stars: Harry N (1), Teddy (3), Aza (3)

Awards Within School

Sports Leader Training (Class 5): Evan, Emily, Alexander

Gymnastics

Explore Apparatus Level 1: Lewis (4)

Explore Apparatus Level 2: Charlie (4), Eden (4), Drew (4), Oliver (6), Sophie (6)

Explore Apparatus Level 3: Laurel (4), Dana (4)

Out of School Achievements:

KS1 Multi Sport Festival: Zachary (1), Belle (1), James B (1) Wilf (R), Grace (R), Freddie (1), Milo (1), Penny (1), Iasmine (1), Ki Ki (1)

Dojo Warrior Award: Jack F (2), Nicole (6)

Taekwondo Green and White belt: Pippa (3), Toby (R)

Star of the Week at Young Performers Dance: Lilly H (1)

Poppy Appeal Award: Eleanor (1)

Well done to all!

Church Services

10.00am SH@10Together, led by Milly, Parables of Discipleship: Matthew 7:24-27 – The Wise and Foolish Builders.

6.00pm StA@6, led by Revd Edith

2025-2026 Attendance

Class	Attendance
R	93.1%
1	92.96%
2	98.41%
3	93.65%
4	92.65%
5	97.03%
6	98.52%
ALL: 95.56%

Please use your Arbor App to check your current child’s attendance.  Scroll up on your home page and you will see it for this year. 

Here are a few facts about attendance percentages and what that equates to in relation to days off.

100% - no days off

97% - 5 days off

95% - 9 days off

90% - 19 days off – persistent absentee

80% - 38 days off – is the same as 8-weeks lost

Regular school attendance makes a real difference to children’s learning, confidence and wellbeing. Here are a few key things we’d like all parents and carers to know:

1. Coming to school is a legal responsibility

Once children reach compulsory school age, parents and carers are required by law to make sure they attend school every day, unless there is a genuine reason such as illness. Schools record attendance every morning and afternoon and are expected to follow up on absences.

2. Primary school is where good habits begin

Children in primary school generally have better attendance than older pupils, but this early stage is crucial.  Attendance habits formed now often continue into secondary school, so arriving every day really helps set children up for long‑term success.

3. Small amounts of absence can quickly add up

Missing just one day of school every couple of weeks adds up to around 10% of the school year. This level of absence is called persistent absence and can have a significant impact on learning, friendships and confidence.

4. Illness isn’t the only reason attendance is affected

Most absences in primary schools are authorised (for example, due to illness). However, unauthorised absence – such as holidays taken during term time – can still seriously disrupt children’s learning and may lead to further involvement from the school or local authority.

5. Being in school supports learning and safety

When children attend school every day, they benefit from consistent teaching, strong routines, and daily contact with trusted adults.  Regular attendance also helps schools to spot and support any concerns early.

Thank you for working with us to give every child the best possible start.  If you ever need support with attendance or have concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to us – we are here to help.

Increasingly, time is being taken away from having to do home visits in relation to attendance as part of overall safeguarding procedures and national expectations for school attendance.

Prayer from Jack and Ruby (6)

Dear Lord

Help us to be honest and always tell the truth in any situation.

Amen

Dear God,

Help us to embrace the ‘wow’s’ in our lives and to share them with our family and friends.

Amen

Wishing you a warm Bank Holiday weekend.

Mrs Middleton & the St Anne’s Team

Diary Dates

Key Dates to Remember in the School Year
			Key Statutory Weeks (Assessment)
			Year 6 SATS Week – Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May 2026 Year 1 Phonics Screening – Monday 8 June 2026 (2 weeks) Year 4 Multiplication Check – Monday 1 June 2026 (2 weeks)
Please ensure your children are in school during these times as their data will count even when absent.
Looking Ahead
May	4	Bank Holiday – NO SCHOOL TODAY
	8	Eco Day (David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday) – dress up as an animal, nature or a bright colour. £1 donation to wildlife charity.
	14	Spring Bank Disco – KS! 3.30-4.30pm, KS2 4.45-6.30pm
	11-15	SATS Week – Class 6 Christian Aid Week
	21	Reception Class Assembly – 2:45 pm in the hall
	25-31	Half Term
June	1-4	Y6 Bikeability
	1-12	Y4 Statutory Timetables Test Fortnight
	8-12	Y1 Phonics Screening & Year 2 Assessments
	8	Admissions Governors Meeting
	9	Y5 Ancient Greek Workshop in school
	10	Meeting for New Starter Parents 6:00 pm
	15	Big Talk Day (RSHE Education) – whole school
	17	Finance Governors Meeting
	18	Y1 Class Assembly – 2.45 pm in the hall
	17-18	Father’s Day Secret Sale afterschool
	22	Drumming Concert (for parents / carers of children who do drumming in school) – 2.30pm
	22-26	Sports Week
	23	Sports Day – KS1 AM & KS2 PM
	25	Y6 London Trip
	30	School Photos Strategic and Development Governor Meeting
	1	Whole School Transition Day
	2	Y4 Class Assembly – 2.45pm in the hall
July	8	Full Governors Meeting
	9	Summer Fayre – 2.30pm
	16	Open Afternoon – 2.15 pm
	24	Leavers Assembly 2:00 pm in Church