Newsletter 4.9.26

Dear Parents/Carers,

A warm welcome back to the new academic year!

Firstly, I would like to extend a special Marus Bridge welcome to all our new children and families. We are looking forward to getting to know you over the coming term and ensuring that every child feels safe, happy and successful each day. Please all give your children a huge well done for such a fantastic start to the new term. We have been delighted to see children looking so smart and settling so quickly into their new classes.

💻 School Website and Communication

I will aim to write to you on a fortnightly basis, but there are other ways in which we share information and celebrate our children. Firstly, all statutory information can be found on our website, including key dates, term dates, policies, links to the Rowan Learning Trust website, school lunch information and a range of useful advice and guidance. ParentMail will continue to be used for important messages, bookings and payments.

Over the next few weeks, teachers will share key information about class routines and learning for the term ahead via SeeSaw. We use this for class updates, celebrations and to respond to quick queries. (As you will appreciate, staff are not expected to respond in the evenings or on weekends/holidays). If a longer conversation is ever required, please arrange a call back through the school office. As a reminder, our school leaders are also available to support you if required:

👩‍🏫 Mrs Atkinson – Deputy Headteacher
👩‍🏫 Mrs Boffey – Assistant Headteacher (also leading Upper Key Stage 2 until Christmas)
👩‍🏫 Mrs Miller – Early Years Lead
👩‍🏫 Mrs Riley – Key Stage 1 Lead (Years 1 and 2)
👩‍🏫 Mrs Capstick – Lower Key Stage 2 Lead (Years 3 and 4)
👩‍🏫 Mrs Howsley – Upper Key Stage 2 Lead (returning at Christmas)

Miss Evans is our school SENDCO and Mrs Bish our pastoral manager (family liaison and support). Please don't hesitate to get in touch.

📅 Autumn Parents' Evening

Our first Parents' Evening of the year will take place on Monday 19 October and Tuesday 20 October. Details about how to book appointments will be sent via ParentMail later this month.

✅ Start of Term Reminders

🏷️ Please ensure all uniform, coats and water bottles are clearly labelled.

🚗 Please park safely and considerately, avoiding local residents' driveways.

🛝 Please encourage children not to play on school equipment before school.

📚 Reading

Teaching children to read, so that they can read to learn and experience the joy of books, remains one of our most important priorities. Thank you for supporting reading at home. Those few minutes spent reading together can make a huge difference.

📝 Statutory Assessments

Certain year groups complete National Curriculum statutory assessments during the academic year. This is a way of measuring the school's effectiveness. Guidance about these can be found in the link below.

🔗 National curriculum assessments: information for parents - GOV.UK

⭐ Attendance

Excellent attendance continues to be a key priority for the Government, OFSTED, the local authority and our school. Thank you for your continued support in helping children attend regularly and arrive on time each day. Every school day counts, and being in school gives children the very best opportunity to learn, enjoy and achieve their potential.

🍽️ School Lunches

Don't forget that school lunches are free for all children from Reception to Year 2 and remain excellent value from Year 3 onwards. Our meals are tasty, well balanced and can make mornings a little easier for busy families too. If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

🌈 Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to another fantastic year together at Marus Bridge!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mr Aldridge
Headteacher