Half term highlights

🌟 Half Term Highlights: A Warm Welcome and Wonderful Wins!

As we wrap up a busy and exciting half term, we’re reflecting on all the brilliant moments that have made this one so special. From new beginnings to big achievements, there’s plenty to celebrate!

👋 Welcome to Our New Starters

We’ve absolutely loved welcoming our new Reception and Nursery children, along with new faces across other year groups. It’s been heartwarming to see how quickly they’ve settled in and started to thrive. Their confidence is blossoming already, and it’s a joy to be part of their journey. We’re so proud of how they’ve embraced school life — here’s to many more milestones ahead!

🧸 Nursery Spaces Available

As some of our 2-year-olds transition into the 3-year-old setting, a few nursery spaces have opened up. If you’re planning ahead, now’s a great time to put your child’s name down. While we don’t currently offer holiday care, families can split their funding to make the most of our fantastic early years provision. We’re also exploring the possibility of year-round care and will keep you posted. If you have any questions, Mrs Wood is always happy to help.

📚 Curriculum Adventures

This half term has been packed with hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences across the school:

• 🦷 Nursery and Reception had a special visit from the dentist and learned all about keeping their teeth clean and healthy.
• 🏛️ KS2 welcomed an archaeologist, explored British democracy with a Parliamentary Education visit, and even met our local MP!
• 🤟 The HANDS team taught sign language, helping children develop inclusive communication skills.
• ✡️ A representative from the Jewish Board of Deputies joined us to enrich our RE lessons with insights into Judaism.
• 🌳 Infants have been enjoying Forest School, connecting with nature and building resilience.
• 🚌 Year 1, Year 2, and Reception went on exciting trips to Haigh Hall, Martin Mere, and the farm — sparking curiosity and joy.
• 🎭 Our clubs have been buzzing with energy: Dance, Football, Gardening, Keyboard, and Brass have all been popular picks.
• 🎼 Year 4 have started learning to play the clarinet — a fantastic step into the world of music.
• 🥐 European Day of Languages was celebrated with a French-themed breakfast in our free breakfast club.
• 🚲 Our Bike It Breakfast encouraged healthy habits and eco-friendly travel.
• 🌐 Digital Citizenship Week helped children understand how to stay safe and respectful online.
• 🗳️ School Council and Eco Council elections were held, and our newly elected representatives have already begun their important work.

🎃 After-School Fun

We’ve also had some magical moments outside the classroom! Children enjoyed a lovely autumn pumpkin pick, adding a seasonal sparkle to the term. Our school disco was a hit — full of dancing, laughter, and great tunes. And Film Club has been a cosy favourite, giving children a chance to relax and enjoy stories together after a busy day.

📅 Attendance Matters

We know this half term has brought its fair share of seasonal bugs, and we’re grateful for your continued efforts to keep attendance strong. Everyone should now have received a text with your child’s current attendance percentage and how it fits within our green, amber, red system.

If your child’s attendance is amber or red, there’s still time to improve it. Please remember that arriving on time is just as important — school starts at 8:45am, and arrivals after 9:05am count as unauthorised absence.

When attendance drops below 90%, it can mean nearly four weeks of missed school over the year — that’s a significant amount of lost learning. These gaps can affect progress, confidence, and social development. Every day counts, and even small improvements can make a big difference.

🎯 Attendance Targets & Raffle Winners

Our attendance target for all children is 97%, which equates to no more than five missed days across the school year. This level of attendance helps children stay on track with their learning, build confidence, and form strong friendships.

Attendance below 92% is considered at risk, and below 90% is classed as persistent absenteeism. We’re here to support families in improving attendance wherever needed.

A huge congratulations to our attendance raffle winners this half term! Children with 97%+ attendance were automatically entered, and this time the prizes included toys and fun activities to enjoy at home. Next half term, we’ve got an even bigger surprise in store — so let’s keep those attendance numbers climbing!

If you'd like to learn more about the fun we have enjoyed this half term then do check out our school newsletter. Garswood Primary and Nursery School: Newsletters

Now let's do it all again - but this time Christmas is in our sights!

Pamela Potter

Head teacher