Dear Parents & Carers, 

It doesn't seem possible that we are already coming to the end of the first half-term, with one more week of term until we have a break. Children and adults alike are battling darker mornings, coughs and colds, and the general tiredness that comes with a busy half-term. What continues to impress me though, is how well our children embrace the routines and structure of school each day. With half-term just around the corner, let's support one another to finish strongly and remember that our team is always here if you need help or advice.

The final day for the Parent Governor ballot papers is tomorrow – Friday 16th October 2026 by 3.30pm.

Next week:

- Parent Evenings – Our consultations are on Tuesday and Thursday of next week, and hopefully you have managed to book a slot online. Do get in touch if you need help booking an appointment. Please arrive through the main school office for your appointment with your child's class teacher, and head to their year group where you can wait for your meeting.

- Please remember to complete the flu vaccination consent that was sent out.  No late applications will be accepted this year. Do get in touch with the school office if you have questions.

- We have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown for our Community Shine Project for Operation Christmas Child. Next week is our final week of collections. Week 5 – Special Gift: cuddly toy, doll, football and pump, toy car, or another small gift. (Remember it will need to fit in a shoebox with other items!) 

We will be coming together as a school community on Monday 9th November to pack our shoeboxes as part of our 'Shine your light' day. Children and staff can come to school wearing bright colours on this day. 

- Just to clarify, parents and carers need to complete both the paper and online data collection forms that were sent out last week. We would be grateful if this could be completed as soon as possible to ensure our records are accurate. The online form link is here: Data Collection Form – Fill out form.

-Green House are the winners of the house points this half-term.  Children in green house can wear their home clothes on Friday 23rd October.

- Year 6 Foxlease Residential payments will be available from tomorrow on your MCAS account.  Please let the school office know if you have any problems finding the payment instalment plan. 

- The final day of half-term is next Friday 23rd October. School starts back on Monday 2nd November. 

Important information & updates: 

- We are approaching that time of the year when winter germs start to do the rounds. It can be difficult to know whether to send your child into school when they are feeling a bit poorly. I have attached a useful guide from the NHS that is to support parents with their decision-making – Is my child too ill for school?

- For information on how to keep your child safe online, or information on how to report harmful content online, please follow this link to our website for more information - Staying safe online.

- Traffic reminder – you must not park on the zigzags, across driveways, junctions or other dangerous places. Please also be extra careful crossing Arundel Road, even if a car has stopped to let you go, as some people are trying to overtake waiting cars and driving on the wrong side of the road. 

- We understand that with the rising cost of living, some families may be experiencing financial pressures. If you are finding it difficult to provide evening meals, please be assured that support is available. If you would like to discuss this confidentially, please contact the School Office and ask to speak with Mrs Darby. We are here to help and support. Please also be aware the eligibility for Free School Meals has changed this academic year and if you think this might be applicable to your household, please follow this link to find out more: Apply for Free School Meals – West Sussex County Council .

- Please join us on Thursday 22^nd October 9.30-11am for our next parent/carer workshop on: Healthy eating, sleep routines and dental hygiene. This session highlights the importance of good nutrition, consistent sleep routines, and dental hygiene. Using a highly visual approach, the workshop introduces each of these three key areas, and provides time for parents/carers to ask questions and share their experiences. Screen time will also be discussed.
Enjoy a tea or coffee and a biscuit while connecting with other parents/carers. Please contact the School Office to reserve your space. 

- Angmering library is hosting ‘Books about Books’, a Story time and Craft event, on Friday 30 October, 11.00am-12.00pm.  See attached flyer for details on how to sign up.

- Thursday 22nd October 2.30 - 3.30pm we are holding a Tapestry drop-in session for parents and carers with children in KS1.

- St Margaret's Church are holding a Light Party on Saturday 31st October 5.30pm.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.

- Activ8 are holding a holiday club during the October half-term.  Please read the attached flyer.

- Please see the attached "Dates for your Diary" which has new dates inserted and highlighted in red.  Please read this carefully so you do not miss any important events. 

Attachments:-  Dates for your diary, After school clubs (Internal and External), Operation Christmas Child letter,  St Margaret's Church Light Party advert, Angmering Library event and Activ8 October Half Term Holiday Club.

With best wishes, 

Mr Lumley 
Headteacher