Newsletters

Spring 1 2026 Newsletter

Spring 1 2026 Newsletter

{item_alt_tag}

The New Year!

To start the New Year, the children and staff have been focusing on New Year’s Resolutions. The children have shared their ideas by writing them down and posting them in our New Year’s Resolutions box. Their wishes have been read and shared during assembly.

We have had so many wonderful ideas, from working harder on football skills, to spending more time cooking with their families, to thinking about how to build better friendships. Even the staff have shared their own resolutions, which include listening to more music and spending more time resting with their families.

We talked a lot about how New Year’s resolutions can help us enjoy life with our family and friends, while also helping us to develop as good people.

We have now set up a RESPECT box, where the children are writing examples of how they have shown respect at home and at school. Recently, we watched the video below and discussed how Mojo did not show respect. The children gave suggestions about how Mojo could become more respectful.

Watch the video together — what suggestions can you give to help Mojo become more respectful?

Respect (1 of 3) | Social Emotional Learning for kids 

(To support internet safety, please be aware that the attached video is hosted on YouTube. We recommend that an adult sits with your child while accessing YouTube)

{item_alt_tag}

Trains, hot air balloons and cars were the focus of the Poppies’ learning this half term. During PE, they moved like the characters from The Train Ride, stretching tall, swaying side to side and travelling around the space as if they were on a journey.  After watching how hot air balloons move, they talked about how hot air helps them rise. Outside, they worked together to build a train and a hot air balloon, sharing ideas and taking turns as their imaginative journeys continued.

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

The Reception children had a wonderful time making pancakes this week. They carefully cut up their own fruit, practising their knife skills and growing in independence. They took turns helping Miss Bradley with the cooking, watching how the batter changed in the pan as it heated and flipped. Of course, the best part was tasting their delicious pancakes and choosing their favourite toppings! They worked in partners, practising their value of teamwork by sharing, taking turns and supporting one another.

As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, Year 1 focused on understanding their feelings and recognising the signs their bodies give them. They explored how they know when they are feeling happy, thinking about the physical clues such as smiling, laughing, feeling warm inside or having lots of energy. They shared the things that make them happy, including spending time with friends and family, playing outside and achieving something they are proud of. They also discussed how worries can feel in their bodies. They talked about having butterflies in their tummy, sweaty hands, a faster heartbeat or feeling quiet and unsettled. T

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

In PSHE, Year 2 explored what makes a good team. They discussed qualities such as kindness, patience, clear communication and taking turns, recognising that everyone brings different strengths to a group. The children enjoyed taking part in a range of team games, where they communicated, cooperated and supported one another to achieve a shared goal. A particular favourite was Twister, which had them laughing as they stretched, balanced and worked together to follow instructions.

{item_alt_tag}

Let’s Get Reading Together!

                             📚✨ Year 1 Phonics Meeting for Parents ✨📚

We would like to invite all Year 1 parents to a brief information session on the Phonics Screening Check, which takes place in June. This meeting is designed to help you understand the check, why it is important, and how you can best support your child at home.

The Phonics Screening Check is a short, one-to-one assessment in which children read a list of words to their teacher. Some of the words are real and some are “nonsense” words, which helps show how well children can use their phonics skills to decode unfamiliar words. The check is not a test in the traditional sense — it is a calm, supportive activity that feels very similar to every day in-class reading.

Phonics is a crucial building block for reading and writing. Confidence in phonics helps children read more fluently, spell more accurately, and develop a love of books. The screening check helps teachers assess how well children are developing these skills and ensures they receive the right support as they progress in their learning.

During the meeting, we will explain what the check looks like from a child’s perspective, how it is administered in school, and share practical ideas for supporting phonics at home. There will also be time to ask questions.

Meeting times (same information at both sessions):

  • 9:00–9:30am in the hall
    or

  • 3:15–3:45pm in the Snowdrops classroom

We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you there. 

{item_alt_tag}

To have 'good' attendance, the children need to be in school for 96% of the school year. 

Attendance Matters

This term's attendance Pirate Chest has been won by Dandelions class.

Well done, Dandelions- you will all win a treat from our Pirate Treasure Chest!

Attendance is a priority concern as part of our commitment to safeguarding every child. We believe that children can only reach their full potential through regular, full-time education.

Why 96%?
Pupils with 96% or higher attendance gain a significant advantage — that’s at least 62 more hours of learning compared to a child with just 90% attendance.

Attendance will continue to be a focus this year. While messages about attendance can be challenging, we know that children with good attendance tend to have the strongest outcomes in their future.

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Safer Internet Day – 10 February 2026

The internet is a huge part of our children’s world — from learning and gaming to chatting with friends and exploring their interests. Safer Internet Day is a great moment for parents and carers to pause, check in, and help our kids build healthy, confident digital habits.

The children were introduced to Buzz, our Internet Safety mascot. Buzz helps remind them how to make smart and safe choices online.

🛑 Safer Internet Words: STOP, CLOSE, TELL
The children have learned three key words to remember:

  • STOP – if something online makes you feel worried, unsure, or uncomfortable

  • CLOSE – the screen or app straight away

  • TELL – a trusted grown-up as soon as possible

✋ The Hand of Trust
We reintroduced the school’s Hand of Trust, reminding children that they should always have several trusted adults they can talk to if they are worried — at school and at home.

Key messages we repeat often (and encourage you to repeat too):

  • “You are never in trouble for telling.”

  • “You can tell more than one person.”

  • “Grown-ups are here to help you.”

TIPS FOR PARENTS......

🔐 Talk about privacy & safety
Remind children not to share personal information like their school, address, passwords, or photos with people they don’t know. Even older kids benefit from regular reminders.

🧠 Be curious about content
Discuss how not everything online is true or kind. Encourage them to question what they see and to come to you if something doesn’t feel right.

📱 Set healthy boundaries together
Agree on screen time, device-free moments, and which apps or games are appropriate. When children are involved in the rules, they’re more likely to respect them.

❤️ Model positive online behaviour
Children learn from us. Showing kindness, balance, and critical thinking online makes a bigger impact than any rule.

Safer Internet Day isn’t about fear — it’s about empowerment. By staying involved and approachable, we help our children enjoy the digital world safely and confidently, today and every day.

Let’s keep the conversation going 💙

{item_alt_tag}

Join the Friends of St. James Parents Association!

Would you like to make a real difference to our school community? Joining the Friends of St. James Parents Association is a wonderful way to get involved, meet other parents, and have fun while supporting our children’s education.

Tickets for our World Book Day Disco will be available to purchase from Tuesday 10th February. Tickets will also remain on sale after the half-term break, subject to availability. We look forward to welcoming pupils to an enjoyable World Book Day celebration.

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Thank you to all our parents and children for making Break the Rules Day such a success today. We are very grateful for the enthusiasm, generosity, and positive spirit shown by everyone who took part.

We would also like to sincerely thank you for your kind donations. All contributions raised will be donated to Harry’s Pals, via Ben Rowell, who is running the London Marathon in support of this wonderful local charity.

Harry’s Pals provides vital emotional and practical support to families at an incredibly difficult time, when a child has been diagnosed with a severe illness or disability. The charity’s compassion and guidance make a meaningful difference to parents facing life-changing news, and we are proud to support the important work they do.

Phone: 01327 702783
Email: FOSJ@SJIS.inmat.org.uk

You would be very welcome if you would like to attend a committee meeting.

{item_alt_tag}

Please remember to order school lunches by 9.30am. Dolce will send out charges if they are not ordered in advance. 

Our children look so smart in their school uniforms. We do have many items for sale so please ask us if you need anything. 

We talk about road and pavement safety with the children. Support them with getting to school safely by using the zebra crossings.

Our school have a FOSJ account with Skitkins. These labels are indestructible for labelling all items- water bottles, clothes, bags. Please use these details: School fundrasing number to add to orders is 19752, as we gain commission. 

The play equipment is not to be used before and after school.

If you know anyone who may be interested in joining our Poppies class in 2026 or 2027, please see the office for a form. We are already so busy for the coming years.

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}