In the news this week...

The children in EYFS did a magnificent job of sharing the Christmas story with us all in their super Nativity this morning. The dancing and singing and the teamwork were all wonderful; it was hard to remember that the children are three, four and five years old, given the courage and confidence with which they shared the Christmas story with a hall filled with adults.

Next Tuesday is Christmas Making Day, when children will be doing craft activities in their Forest Groups with their Forest Buddies around school, based on the wonderful decorations that were brought in as part of this term’s homework grids. Children may need to put the things they make, somewhere out of sight so you have a surprise on 25th…

Well, done to the Willow Class Brass Band, soloists and the newly formed band from Oak Class for yesterday’s fabulous concert performed by Key Stage Two pupils to each other.

Oak Class Band- By Year 6

We decided to form a band; we organised ourselves and asked Mrs Terry when we could use the hall to practise. Sophia and Tilly play the piano, Sebastian and Rupert are our brass section and the rest of the class play percussion instruments and sing. We asked our music teacher (Mr Probert) to help us find the sheet music for Jingle Bells. We realised that these notes were for brass instruments so we transposed it for the piano players. We are very proud that all of Year 6 chose to be in the band. Our first performance was at the Key Stage 2 festival of light on Wednesday 10^th December. It went really well, but next time, we are going to sing louder as we felt the singing was a little quiet. 

Report by the Oak Class Band (Year 6)

The whole school community is invited to wear a Christmas jumper on Monday when we have our school Christmas lunch. We support Save the Children’s Christmas jumper fundraising campaign, because this charity was set up for famine relief for children in the aftermath of the second World War. Our Year 5 pupils say “Donate to save the children and change children’s lives today. Your donation will help children get the food, healthcare and education they need. Helping a child in need could transform a child’s life. Together we power possible.” Here  is the link to our Save the Children Just Giving Page.

You are warmly invited to join us on the final morning of term, 19^th December, in St Mary’s Church for the Christmas Service, which Oak Class have planned with Rev’d Sarah.

Please let Mrs Terry or Ms Paterson know if you are able to volunteer as a traffic marshal to help the children to cross the road safely.

Reminder

This week is the final week of sports/activity clubs. After School Care is available Monday to Thursday next week. Term ends for everyone at 3.15pm on Friday 19^th December.

Term 3 After School Activity Clubs

Booking will open Friday 5th December via Scopay and will close at midday on Wednesday 17th December.

Mondays - Multiskills for 6 weeks from 05.01.26 up to and including 09.02.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils with Mr Mawn

Tuesdays - Football for 6 weeks from 06.01.26 up to and including 10.02.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils run by Ignite

Wednesdays - Gymnastics and Dance for 6 weeks from 07.01.26 up to and including 11.02.26, for Year 2 - 6 pupils run by Ignite

Thursdays - Art Club for 6 weeks from 08.01.26 up to and including 12.02.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils with Ms Nightingale

Thursdays - Multiskills for 6 weeks from 08.01.26 up to and including 12.02.26, for Key Stage 1 pupils with The Activators

Fridays - Netball/Basketball for 6 weeks from 09.01.26 up to and including 13.02.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils run by Ignite

Snowflakes

If you would like to dedicate a snowflake to a loved one, the children will hang it on the Christmas Tree for you. Make your donation to Cancer Research online via this link to our Just Giving Page and email the school office with the name of the person to be remembered or your message and we will write it on the snowflake. Alternatively donations and messages can also be dropped into the school office during school hours (Monday to Friday 9am-3pm) or a snowflake can be collected for you to write your own message on until Thursday 18th December.

Just a reminder we have children in school with serious allergies please do not send your child in with items containing nuts, this includes chocolate spread, peanut butter and products containing a chocolate filling like Nutella or chocolate bars containing nuts. We have had a few occasions recently where we have found items have been sent into school in packed lunches which contain nuts.

Message from OCC Admissions Team - 

We are writing to let you know that applications for Reception places for children starting school in September 2026 is now open. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2026.

We strongly encourage families to apply online via the following link: Reception applications | Oxfordshire County Council

Children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, who are eligible to start school in September 2026.

 Key reminders for parents:

• Read the Starting School Guide on the website
• Apply on time – late applications won’t receive an offer on National Offer Day (16 April 2026)
• Update addresses – upload proof of address and inform current nursery/school (if there has been a change)
• Include sibling details where relevant
• List multiple preferences – up to four schools can be selected

Late applications are far less likely to secure a place at a preferred school, so it is important that parents apply on time.

Waddesdon Manor Christmas Project

As our children took part in Waddesdon Manor's Christmas Display project, Waddesdon have made avaliable a code for each child. 

Each code gives you a free child grounds ticket, and half price grounds entry for 2 accompanying adults and 2 extra children (there are ticket options for both members and non-members).  The code will not work when trying to book the house, as it is a grounds only offer. 

If you would like your child's single use code, please email the school office. 

Christmas Craft Bags for sale 

Emma will be selling kids Christmas craft bags at school pick up on Wednesday and Friday. 

For £7 you will get a mega bag of different craft items to help keep your kids entertained in the run up to Christmas  

The bag includes:

EITHER a Wooden Christmas Tree OR Snowman Dreamcatcher 

PLUS: colour-in cone decoration, scratch art decorations, card & envelope, small activity book, stencil (bauble or gingerbread man), Christmas stickers, assorted card and paper, pipe cleaners, lolly sticks, self-adhesive jewels and ribbon

The kids just need to add their imagination (plus pens, scissors & glue). Contents design/colour will vary per bag.

If you won't be there at school pick up then you can order a bag online using the link below: 

Craft bag order form

Or you can pay a visit to The Village Coffee Shop where the Craft Bags will also be available to buy in December.

Save the date for the PTA Disco coming up next term on Saturday 7th February 2026 from 5.30-7.30 pm at the Sports and Social club.