I hope you had a wonderful, restful half term and managed to do some exciting things with family and friends. 

After many years of dedicated service to our school community, Mr. Walker, our caretaker, retired this week. Mr. Walker has been an integral part of our team, always going above and beyond to ensure the school grounds and facilities have been safe, clean, and well-maintained. His hard work and commitment have made a positive impact on the daily running of the school, and he will be greatly missed by both staff and learners. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Walker for his years of service and to wish him all the best in his retirement. 

Mrs Wall has also moved onto pastures new this week. I know that many of you will have met with Mrs Wall on numerous occasions and I am sure you join us in wishing her well in her new endeavour. We are in the process of securing a replacement. In the meantime, please ensure SEND queries are sent to ppsoffice@hessleacademy.com.  

As of next week, we would like learners to come to school in PE Kits on the days that they have PE. This is to ensure they have maximum opportunity to participate in the physical activities and time is not wasted changing. They will stay in their kits for the remainder of that day.  

As part of our commitment to keeping all students safe, we would like to remind everyone that packed lunches should not contain any nuts or nut-based products. This includes items such as peanut butter, nut bars, and other snacks that may contain traces of nuts. We have students with severe nut allergies, and even trace amounts can cause serious health risks. Your cooperation in ensuring that all packed lunches are nut-free is greatly appreciated and helps us maintain a safe environment for all. 

This week, 2 very exciting projects were completed – we have a beautiful new EYFS outdoor area and our Eco Flag is now flying high near the allotment area. Well done Mrs Smith and team for your achievement. Speaking of Mrs Smith....... 

A message from Mrs Smith -  

Following on from our last collection of plastic lids, we were pleased to have achieved 34000 points! This meant we were able to order one table and 6 chairs for our outside area! Please keep collecting for us to access more of these brilliant items and help the planet in the process. 

Additionally, on Tuesday 26th November, we have a Bags2School collection, if you have any bags, please drop off at school by 9am. Thank you. 

Have a wonderful weekend and we will see you next week.  

Mrs Preston

Head of School

With 2 weeks remaining of this half term, we have completed another jam-packed week of learning at Penshurst. 

World Mental Health Day took place on Thursday and the school was awash with bright, sunny yellow. Thank you for supporting with this.  

Once again, we have had a few reported cases of headlice – this time in a Year 1 class. Please check your child’s hair and treat accordingly if you notice anything. 

Next week, we have 2 significant events taking place: 

• Progress Evenings will take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings – If you haven’t done so, please remember to book your appointments (please see letter previously sent) 

• Nursery Stay & Play session – please see letter to book your place to attend 

Have a super weekend.  

Mrs Preston

Head of School

We have finally reached the end of the Year 4 swimming lessons (taking place over the last 2 weeks), and I am told that all have had a wonderful time.  

Also this week, flu vaccinations were administered to children from Reception to Year 6. If your child missed their vaccination for whatever reason, a follow up session is due to take place shortly - further information to follow. 

On Tuesday after school, I had the pleasure of attending the Year 6 Boys Football tournament at Wolfreton. Whilst we didn’t win the overall tournament, I was so impressed with how well the boys played and how they cooperated impeccably as a team. I had a little tear in my eye when I witnessed Blu from Year 6 shake the hand of the organiser and thank him before we left. Now that’s sportsmanship! 

We have had a few reported cases of headlice in our Reception class over the last 2 weeks. Please check your child’s hair and treat accordingly if you notice anything. 

This week, I had to check the CCTV camera footage. Whilst doing so, I witnessed parents scooting back down the path and somebody vaping. Unfortunately, I could not identify them to address in person, so this is a gentle reminder that both of these are prohibited as aim to set a good example for our learners. Thank you for your cooperation.  

Next week, please remember that individual photographs will be taken on Thursday 3rd October. Please refer to your previous letter for more details.  

I hope you have a super weekend and I look forward to seeing you next week.  

We have finally reached the end of the Year 4 swimming lessons (taking place over the last 2 weeks), and I am told that all have had a wonderful time.  

Also this week, flu vaccinations were administered to children from Reception to Year 6. If your child missed their vaccination for whatever reason, a follow up session is due to take place shortly - further information to follow. 

On Tuesday after school, I had the pleasure of attending the Year 6 Boys Football tournament at Wolfreton. Whilst we didn’t win the overall tournament, I was so impressed with how well the boys played and how they cooperated impeccably as a team. I had a little tear in my eye when I witnessed Blu from Year 6 shake the hand of the organiser and thank him before we left. Now that’s sportsmanship! 

We have had a few reported cases of headlice in our Reception class over the last 2 weeks. Please check your child’s hair and treat accordingly if you notice anything. 

This week, I had to check the CCTV camera footage. Whilst doing so, I witnessed parents scooting back down the path and somebody vaping. Unfortunately, I could not identify them to address in person, so this is a gentle reminder that both of these are prohibited as aim to set a good example for our learners. Thank you for your cooperation.  

Please accept our apologies as due to staffing issues, Mrs Smith was unable to monitor the cycle to school event this week. Further information and rearranged dates will be sent out shortly. 

Next week, please remember that individual photographs will be taken on Thursday 3rd October. Please refer to your previous letter for more details.  

I hope you have a super weekend and I look forward to seeing you next week.  

Mrs Preston

Head of School

I can’t believe that we are at the end of the second week already. How time flies when you are enjoying the company of wonderful learners! 

As you are aware, we started our new timetable of lunch starting 10 minutes later this year. As with everything new, we were well aware that we may not get it right first time, and we have had some teething issues as we work hard trying to find the best pattern in order to ensure a swift yet adequate turnaround in the dining hall for the learners. Please be patient with us until we get this just right. 

Another change is the opening of our school gates at 08:35. So far, this has been successful as it means that the majority of our learners are in at 08:40 and can promptly start their morning activity. Please note that the doors still open at 08:40. 

In order to avoid large gatherings on the school property, we would ask that when you have collected your child at the end of the day, you refrain from using the apparatus on KS2 as this cannot be supervised by Penshurst staff and there is a risk of accident. Thank you for your cooperation. 

A reminder that Year 4 swimming lessons begin on Monday. Children should come to school in their school uniform and bring with them their swimming kit (swimming costume/shorts, goggles (if required) and a towel) in a separate bag. They will be changed in separate boy / girl changing rooms and will always be supervised. If your child is in the later group, they will not arrive back until approximately 3:10 dependent on traffic. 

The chill is really starting to set in now. Wrap up warm and have a lovely weekend. 

Mrs Preston

Head of School

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