Head Teacher's Newsletter - April 2026

Thank you for your support over the last term. Thank goodness it finally feels like Spring weather- wise!

Apologies that the Newsletter is a bit later this month. As you can see, we have been working with one of our governors behind the scenes to modernise the newsletter and make it mobile-friendly.

We’re working on improving our communication with parents so I hope the new format of the Head Teacher’s Newsletter is a positive step. We’ve also tried to embrace graphics and photos to communicate our messages more simply. More to come in this area.

Value of the Month – Generosity

We often think of generosity as giving money so firstly thank you so much to parents who donate to the Coldfall fund. We are spending the money on:

Thank you so much, these exciting new provisions will help the children, teach them so much and give them lots of fun.

One of the things I remember studying at University was gift exchanges in the Pacific Islands. Basically, these generous acts helped to build relationships through appreciation, reciprocation and fostered enhanced well-being for all. It’s a fine quality worth celebrating and sharing.

Parent Volunteers and Dress Code

We are so grateful to all of the volunteers who generously help out with reading, trips, special events, mystery readers etc. As a school, we are proud of our diverse and inclusive community, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome, respected, and safe when they are on our premises.

We kindly ask that all parents and visitors are mindful of the clothing they choose to wear when onsite. As a general guide, we ask that adults visiting the school broadly follow the same principles we have in place for staff dress. This includes clothing that is respectful, non-provocative, and appropriate for a setting where young children are present.

We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain a positive and respectful environment for all members of our school community.

Thank you for your understanding

Waste

We are working with the North London Waste Authority (NWLA)this Year to reduce Waste. Children have learned about the circular economy and turned plastic shopping bags into bunting for our playground and Summer Fair (See below).

Coldfall Gate

All decisions concerning the school and its children are made by myself and the senior team whilst considering the following 3 principles (we call them pillars):

1. Purposeful Leadership
2. Outstanding Provision
3. Protecting Childhood

Protecting childhood is in our minds when we ask parents not to be on their mobile phones at pick up and drop off. It’s also why the Coldfall gate is closed throughout the day and all access has to be via the Everington Road entrance. Quite simply the Everington Road entrance has a double gate and an exit button and therefore the possibility of children leaving the site is reduced. Our decision to limit access to this gate only is to protect and safeguard the children. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause parents but please be aware that no exceptions will be made. Office and other staff enforcing these expectations are simply following instructions so please follow this request respectfully and without question.

Lost Property

I would estimate about 200 to 300 items are sitting unclaimed in the school because they have not been labelled. This must run into thousands of pounds worth of lost items.

Quite simply: if you name it (clearly) we can give it back. If you don’t, it is a waste of your money and lots of people’s time. We want to spend our time at work educating, helping and supporting your children.

You can order labels from Stikins who kindly give the school a small commission if you use our school fundraising number: 4762

https://www.stikins.co.uk/

OPAL

Right now, In the lower playground, children are designing and painting pebbles. This is a grounding and mindful activity that helps wellbeing and regulation. Meanwhile, in the Mud Kitchen children have created giant sculpted mud eggs, which will gave our high-energy students some proprioceptive input to help them regulate their emotions.

See the graphs below which show our records of behaviour concerns since we started OPAL in November 2024. You can see the downward trends.

As you will remember we extended the lunch hour by an additional 15 minutes per day. I’m pleased to note that, to date there has been no negative impact on our academic outcomes from the Autumn to Spring term:

Staff News

We welcome back Miss Kemal and Mrs Newey after their maternity leave. Miss Kemal will be taking over from Miss John’s who welcomed her first child on 27th April – Good Luck! Mrs Newey will be working in partnership with Mrs Barac in Eagle Class. We say a huge thank you to Miss Ade Da Silva who has loved and looked after Eagles since the start of the year. We wish her the best of luck at her next school with all our love.

Easter Egg Design Competition

We are so proud of Ilina who won first prize in the Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward Easter Egg design competition. What a fantastic young artist!

Well done also to Lydia and Frankie in Reception who were runners up. Your designs were really lovely.

Assemblies

May 1st – Kestrel Class

May 8th - Kingfisher Class

May 15th - Kookaburra Class

May 22nd – Flamingo Class

Diary Dates

Summer Performances

Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of each performance.

Monday 1st June 15.00 – Year 1 African Music Concert – Lower Hall

Tuesday 2nd June 09.15 – Pelican Class Ukulele Concert – Lower Hall

Tuesday 2nd June 14.45 – Puffin Ukulele Concert – Lower Hall

Wednesday 3rd June 09.15 – Peacock Class Ukulele Concert – Lower Hall

Thursday 18th June 14.45 – Year 5 Gospel Concert – Lower Hall

Monday 22nd June 14.45 – Year 3 Recorder Concert

Wednesday 1st July 18.15 – 19.15 Choir and Junior Chorus Concert

Sports Days

You are invited to come and watch your child's sports days:

8th June - Reception 9.15am and Nursery 11am

9th June - Year 1 and 2 9.15am

10th June - Year 3 and 5 9.15am

11th June - Year 4 and 6 9.15am

Exhibition Evening – 9th July

Year 6 ball – 10th July 6-8pm

Year 6 Shows all starting at 6pm:

• Wren – 13th July
• Toucan – 14th July
• Woodpecker – 15th July

With best wishes,

Ewan Marshall

Head Teacher