Safer Internet Day 2026

On Tuesday 10th February, we took part in Safer Internet Day 2026, with each key stage joining in activities focused on staying safe online. In Key Stage 2, the children explored AI in more depth, discussing potential dangers as well as how it can be used sensibly to support our learning. In Key Stage 1, the children watched Smartie Penguin and learnt the important message, “Before you tap and click, you need to stop and think and tell someone,” helping them understand why it’s essential to use safe and trusted websites.

Year 3’s Brilliant Bread‑Making Morning

Year 3 had a wonderfully busy Wednesday as the whole class worked together to bake around 20 loaves of bread. Daisy and Max shared how much fun the experience was, while Susanna told us, “I felt nervous, excited and happy at the same time but it was so much fun.” Dallas explained that the recipe called for flour, yeast, salt and water, and Aphaia and Harrison described how sticky the dough became as everyone got stuck into kneading it by hand. Austin reminded us that the second knead needed extra care so the air wasn’t knocked out. Casper reported that “my group’s dough was smooth and soft,” and Annabelle noticed their dough felt cold until it warmed up on the radiator. Maisie explained how each group shaped their dough into a ball, and Beatrice said everyone could choose whether to score a cross or stripes on top. Freddie told us the loaves baked for about 20 minutes in a very hot oven, and Maxwell said the smell while they cooked was delicious. Summer added, “I felt so cheerful when I was making bread because it smelt so good.” Thomas summed up the morning perfectly, saying it took all morning but was great fun.

Meanwhile, Lara and Beatrix were busy making crackers, producing four batches with different flavours. Beatrix explained that they named one batch “the ultimate” because it included every topping: salt, sesame seeds, dill, oregano and poppy seeds. Maxwell rounded things off by sharing his verdict: “the crackers, in my opinion, were 8 out of 10.”

All about dragons

In year 4, we have been looking at non-fiction texts and identifying the key features. We then planned our own non-chronological report about dragons, using subheadings so the reader can easily find the information they need. Elizabeth said, “We spent a couple of weeks planning and writing out our first draft of our text. We then wrote our final version on lined paper, cut them out and arranged them on big sheets of paper. We added our own pictures of dragons too”. Kiran added, “When everyone had their final piece, we stapled them together to make a giant dragon non-fiction book”. Our book is available in our library for any dragon enthusiasts to read.

Gymnastics Showcase

On Monday 9^th February thirty-one Key Stage 2 pupils chose to take part in Launton’s Gymnastics Showcase. The gymnasts planned their sequence to music which included rolls, jumps, inverted movements, individual, partner and group balances.

All groups performed with confidence and demonstrated both creativity and control.

Well done to all performers.  

“I really enjoyed the dance with gymnastics because I was with my friends.  I think we were smooth and calm.” (Robyn, Chestnut class)

“I loved it! The most fun part was when we showed it to everyone.  I knew everyone would cheer me on!” (Rebecca, Chestnut class)

“It was really fun to do and watch other people do amazing gymnastic and dance routines.” (Leia, Willow class)

Mental Health Support Team

After half term, Cat Hughes and her colleagues from the Schools’ Mental Health Support Team (part of Oxfordshire NHS) will be putting on two workshops, one for our Year 6 pupils on the theme of transition, and one for parents and carers. If you would like to join us on Friday 6^th March, for the parents and carers workshop on supporting children, please email the office by midday on Thursday 5^th March to book a place. All our parents and carers are welcome, whatever age your child is.

World Book Day is on Thursday 5^th March

We will be promoting our love of reading and celebrating the wonderful impact that books can have on lives. The PTA will be hosting their annual fantastically successful and enjoyable pre-loved book sale in the from garden from 3.15pm on Thursday 5^th March. Please give any books that you wish to donate, directly to the PTA. There will be an exhibition in the hall of the children’s entries in the World Book Day Puppets Competition.

Reminder to Parents - Please ensure that packed lunches contain food which is cut appropriately we have seen an increase in grapes and olives in lunch boxes which have not been cut which causes a choking hazard. We have also started to see other foods including mini eggs in lunch boxes which again are known to be a serious choking hazard. Please see below some information regarding the risk of choking.

Term 4 After School Activity Clubs

Bookings have now closed. There are still spaces at Football, Gymnastics and Dance and Netball/Basketball. Please email the school office if you would like to add your child to one of the available clubs.

Mondays - Golf for 5 weeks from 23.02.26 up to and including 23.03.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils with Mr Mawn

Tuesdays - Football for 5 weeks from 24.02.26 up to and including 24.03.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils run by Ignite

Wednesdays - Gymnastics and Dance for 5 weeks from 25.02.26 up to and including 25.03.26, for Year 2 - 6 pupils run by Ignite

Thursdays - Art Club for 5 weeks from 26.02.26 up to and including 26.03.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils with Ms Nightingale

Fridays - Netball/Basketball for 4 weeks from 27.02.26 up to and including 20.03.26, for Key Stage 2 pupils run by Ignite

Lunchtime Clubs

Choir - Wednesday for pupils in Years 1-6, no booking required with Ms Ryman in Cherry Class.

Parent Teacher Meetings (Nursery to Year 6)

Parent Teacher Meetings will be held on - 

Monday 2nd March

Tuesday 3rd March

Wednesday 4th March

Booking will open via your parent login for the school website/school life app on Friday 13th February and will close on Friday 27th February.

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.

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We hope you all enjoyed the Disco on Saturday night. It was great to see all the children dancing their hearts out to the fabulous DJ Pulsation Roadshow and all the parents having a chat and a boogie too. 

We are delighted to announce that we raised an impressive £576! Which equates to TWO NEW LAPTOPS! Thank you all so much for your wonderful generosity.

Save the date for the Easter Egg Hunt on the afternoon of Sunday the 22^nd March. 

If you could spare a couple of hours to help with the egg collection or leaflet distribution around the village then please get in touch with the PTA. We couldn't put on this event without our lovely group of volunteers and your help is massively appreciated. 

Preloved Cuddly toys and Books and clothes 

We are collecting cuddly toys for a teddy tombola at the Easter Egg hunt and books for the World Book Day book sale. If you have any preloved cuddlies or children's books you no longer want then please pass them on to the committee.

The next Rags 2 Riches preloved clothing Collection is on Wednesday 25th February. If you’re having a clothes sort out in the next few weeks then please save your good quality, unwanted clothes to give to Rags 2 Riches. 

Your PTA trustees are:

Lucy Crawford (Yr 3)

Emma Austin (Yr 2 and 4)

Catherine Ravensward (Reception and Yr4)

Jill Bali (Yr 2 and 4)

Charlotte Noakes (Yr1 and 4)