Newsletters

Newsletter 32 – Friday, 22nd May 2026

{item_alt_tag}

Headteacher Message

Hello all,

I hope you are well. This is the last time the newsletter will be sent on a Friday. This is because we have had a team of data analysts looking at our digital footprinting (I am making this bit up!) and it turns out we are not optimising our interactions and, to put it simply, a lot of you are not reading it.  This does make sense. In a straw pole, I asked myself why I never read the newsletters from my daughter's secondary school on a Friday, (Apologies to both headteachers, I will try harder). It is because Fridays are busy, and it does not fall high on my list of things to do.  Now, if the newsletter was sent on a Wednesday, then I am more likely to read it as there seems to be less online noise on a Wednesday. Anyway, to cut a long story short, we are going to be moving to newsletters on a Wednesday; it is worth a try!  

This week was a significant one for Darell Primary School as Corinne Thomas, our Reception and EYFS lead, was invited to present at a conference at the University of Roehampton.  She was presenting to teacher trainees and, unbeknown to her, the top education bods of the college. The feedback was incredible. The head of Primary Education, the Programme Lead for the Early Childhood Degree and a Froebel associate (I am not sure what this last one means, but it sounds important), could not praise Corinne enough, and it is lovely to get recognition for the excellence that she delivers every day at Darell School. I would go as far to say it is outstanding practice, and we are lucky to have her.  Please continue to spread the news regarding the excellent start that Darell Nursery and Reception provides for children beginning their school journey. You are our best advocates and most impactful marketing tool. 

Below we have some wonderful art work from our Year 5's with top tips on how to enjoy time with your families in the local areas this half term. 

                    

Have a lovely half-term in the sun. Remember the first Monday is an INSET day so we will see all of you back bright and early on Tuesday morning.

Joe Porter 

Free Communication Clipart Pictures - Clipartix  Communications Sent Home

  • Headlice Information Letter - Nursery 

  • Borough Sports - Selected Students 

  • PE/ Tennis Next Term - Year 3 

  • Bikeability - Year 6

Diary Dates

Walton Firs Residential- Y6
8:00am – 4:30pm
from 19 May until 22 May
19
May
May Half Term
8:00am – 3:00pm
from 25 May until 29 May
25
May
Y5 & 6 Catch up Swimming
1:15pm – 3:00pm
from 14 Apr and on Wednesday each week until 15 Jul
27
May
Inset Day - Pupils do not attend
8:40am – 3:20pm
01
June
Borough Sports
9:00am – 4:00pm
03
June
Y5 & 6 Catch up Swimming
1:15pm – 3:00pm
from 14 Apr and on Wednesday each week until 15 Jul
03
June
Y6 Orange Tree Theatre Workshop
9:00am – 11:30am
05
June
Y6 - Orange Tree Theatre Trip
1:15pm – 3:20pm
08
June
Sports Day - Nursery, Reception, Y1 & Y2
9:15am – 11:30am
10
June
Y5 & 6 Catch up Swimming
1:15pm – 3:00pm
from 14 Apr and on Wednesday each week until 15 Jul
10
June

The Reading Corner

Welcome to our weekly section of the newsletter all about reading. Every week, we will share a question (or two) with you about the book your child is reading in school. Please use these questions to help you find out a little more about what your child has been reading in school and continue to develop their love of reading.

Reception - From our story, 'Kind,' what kind things do you do each day? Why is it important to be kind? (the message from the story is, because it feels nice, it’s a good idea and ‘we’ll make a better world.’ 

Year 1 – Where is the saguaro cactus found? (the desert) What is special about the saguaro's flowers? (They bloom for a single night once a year.)

Year 2 - What do you think is going to happen to the polar bear in Leaf? Why?

Year 3 - Can you create your own myth starring your mythical creature? 

Year 4 -  : In the book ‘Dungeon Runners’ do you think that Kit is going to get together a team to compete for a place in the league? Why or why not?

Year 5 -  Do you like poetry? Why/why not? What is your favourite poem that we have read this week?

Attendance

Overall, school attendance this week was 94%. Our target is 97%.

Well done to Year 6 for the highest attendance of 99% this week. 

Let's do our best after half term!

 

 

EYFS Star of the Week

Reception

Harper - for showing enjoyment in everything you do and for being a kind friend to everyone in your class.

KS1 Star of the Week

Year 1

Chalott and Liza –  for brilliant mathematical thinking when exploring which nets fold to make an open-topped box. Fantastic problem solving and teamwork!

Year 2 

Sofiia & Lia - for your excellent team work in art this week whilst making your stick mask!

 SRP 1

Ru - for listening to instructions and waiting for his turn during turn taking games. Well done, Ru!     

KS2 Star of the Week   

SRP 2

Caleb - for power walking back to school after swimming and for being such a good role model. 

Year 3

Cole - for being aspirational for yourself and your learning in English this week! You have enjoyed creating your mythical creature and have worked hard on character description. Well done, Cole!

Year 4

Kai - for making an extra effort this week to listen carefully to both the teacher and the pupils and to answer questions in class.

Year 5

Tilly - for her kind and supportive nature to other children in the class who might be finding something challenging.

Year 6

Caitlin - for being the best junior receptionist this week. You are wonderful, thank you!

Patrick - for handling this week like a pro, you've adapted to change with a smile on your face. We are proud of you! 

Sheila -  for completing work experience with such passion. You've been amazing, thank you! 

 

What's going on in the community?

Useful Links

     darell.school

 

darell.richmond.sch.uk

 

Arbor Parent Portal - darell-primary.uk.arbor

 

 

School Uniform Shop - The Shoe Station