Overthorpe C of E Academy

BELIEVE, ENJOY, ACHIEVE

'Overthorpe is more than a school-

We are the heart of the community.

In our family, we nurture the courage,

And skills to fly higher than the flock,

Whilst always providing a nest,

To come home to.'

TRUST, FRIENDSHIP, ENDURANCE, FORGIVENESS, HOPE

Headteacher - Mr J Mitchell

Senior Leadership Team - Ms L McCarthy (Deputy Head), Ms L Stott (Assistant Head), Mrs S Wood (SENDCo)

Designated Safeguarding lead - Mrs S Wood

Deputy DSLs - Mr J Mitchell, Ms L Stott, Ms L McCarthy, Mrs A Godfrey

Good Luck to our Year 6's

As we reach the end of another wonderful school year, I would like to thank everyone in our school community for their support, kindness and commitment throughout the year. We have enjoyed a lovely final week in school, culminating today in our Year 6 Leavers' Service at church, where we reflected on memories made, achievements gained and the exciting journeys that lie ahead for our oldest pupils.

There have been many highlights during these final days. Our Year 6 production was a terrific success, showcasing the confidence, talent and teamwork of our pupils. Earlier in the week, children in Years 1 to 4 were finally able to complete their Sports Day running races, demonstrating great determination and sportsmanship. We also enjoyed a fantastic attendance assembly yesterday, celebrating the excellent commitment shown by so many of our pupils throughout the year.

We are incredibly proud of the success achieved by our Year 6 pupils in their SATs this year. Whilst SATs are only one small measure of success, the results reflect the hard work of the children and the dedication of our staff. More importantly, we are proud that our Year 6 pupils leave Overthorpe as well-rounded, kind, respectful and hardworking young people who are ready for the next stage of their education. They are a credit to themselves, their families and our school.

As another year comes to an end, I would like to wish all of our pupils, families and staff a happy, restful and enjoyable summer break. I will see you all again in September in my new role as Executive Headteacher and will be passing the mantle of the weekly newsletter into Miss McCarthy's very capable hands.

Thank you for all your support. Have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you all in September.

Best wishes,

Mr Mitchell
Executive Headteacher (from September)

We would like to thank Mrs. Godfrey for her many years of dedicated service to our school. Over the decades, she has been a committed and valued member of the staff team, supporting thousands of children and their families with care, compassion and unwavering professionalism. Her extensive knowledge, flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond for all pupils has been a tremendous asset to the school and has made a lasting difference to the lives of so many. Mrs. Godfrey’s contribution to our school community has been significant, and her presence will be greatly missed by colleagues, pupils and families alike. On behalf of the staff, children and governors, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for everything Mrs. Godfrey has done and wish her a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.

This week, our whole school came together to elect our new Senior Pupil Representatives for 2026–2027. Every candidate spoke confidently in front of their peers, explaining why they believed they would be the right person for this important role. The standard of the presentations was truly exceptional. From well-prepared speeches to carefully chosen music, humorous moments and fascinating facts, each child demonstrated creativity, courage and enthusiasm. We are incredibly proud of every candidate for stepping forward and representing themselves so brilliantly.

Following the whole-school vote, we are delighted to announce that Thomas, Vanessa, Lily, Zahra, Max and Amayah have been elected as our new Senior Pupil Representatives. We know they will be outstanding ambassadors for our school, helping to ensure that every pupil's voice is heard and making a positive difference to our school community. Congratulations to our successful candidates, and a heartfelt well done to everyone who took part. Simply having the courage to stand for election is an achievement in itself, and every candidate should be immensely proud.

As we welcome our newly elected representatives, we must also say goodbye and an enormous thank you to Overthorpe's very first Senior Pupil Representatives: Arabella, Deacon, George, Ella, Belle and Bella. They have been exceptional role models, embracing this brand-new leadership role with enthusiasm, maturity and unwavering commitment. They have represented our school with pride, led by example and worked tirelessly to make a positive difference to our school community. They have set an incredibly high standard for those who follow and leave behind a lasting legacy that will shape this role for years to come. We are immensely grateful for everything they have achieved and know they will continue to be wonderful ambassadors for Overthorpe. Thank you all—you have been an inspiration and will be a very hard act to follow.

We have recently noticed an increase in the number of children riding both bicycles and scooters, including electric scooters, unsafely on the roads and pathways around school. We are also concerned to see that some children are not wearing helmets while riding.

We would be grateful if parents and carers could speak with their children about the importance of travelling safely and responsibly. This includes wearing a properly fitted helmet, being aware of other road users and pedestrians, following the rules of the road, and riding in a considerate manner at all times.

The safety of our children is always our highest priority. We would hate for a member of our school community to suffer an injury, whether as a rider or as a pedestrian. By working together, we can help ensure that everyone travels to and from school safely.

Thank you for your support in reinforcing these important safety messages at home.

Starting again in September

Starting again in September

As another successful academic year comes to an end, the governing body held their final meeting on a very hot evening in school! We began the meeting with a visit to the Joseph Norton Satellite Provision which has recently opened in the top part of the school building. The Headteacher showed us around and answered our many questions. We were pleased to hear how well the children are beginning to settle in and were very impressed with their facilities.

I attended the Yr 6 performance yesterday and it was wonderful to see how confident the children were in their singing and acting. Well done to the staff and children involved!

Finally, the Governors would like to wish the Yr 6 children every success for the future as they move on to High School in September.

In addition, we would like to thank all the staff at the school for their hard work over this past year and wish ‘good luck’ to those staff members who are moving on to pastures new.

A huge ‘Thank You’ goes also to Mr Stone who leaves the school after a very impressive 26 years and to Mrs Godfrey who will also be taking retirement. We wish them both a long and happy retirement.

Mrs J Hopwood

Chair of Governors

Healthy eating is an important part of our school’s commitment to supporting children’s health, wellbeing and learning. When preparing packed lunches, we ask parents to include a balanced selection of foods, such as fruit and vegetables, a source of protein (for example meat, fish, eggs or humous), a starchy food such as bread, pasta or rice, and a dairy item such as cheese or yoghurt. Fruit-based desserts are encouraged, and cakes or biscuits may be included occasionally provided they are not chocolate coated and are low in sugar.

As a nut-aware school, we ask that nuts and nut products are not brought into school. This includes peanuts, mixed nut packs, peanut butter, Nutella, cereal bars containing nuts, cakes containing nuts and foods made with nut-based sauces. Please check packaging carefully, as some products may contain nuts even when they are not obvious ingredients.

To help children make healthier choices, please do not include sweets, chocolate bars, chocolate-coated biscuits or cakes, chewing gum, crisps, sugary popcorn, fizzy drinks, squash, chocolate spread or jam sandwiches. Processed meat products such as sausage rolls, pies and sausages should be limited and included no more than twice per week. Fresh water is available to all children throughout the day and at lunchtime.

For breaktime snacks, we encourage simple healthy options such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, yoghurt, plain crackers, rice cakes and low-sugar cereal bars. Please avoid chocolate, sweets, cakes, biscuits, sugary drinks, crisps and processed meat snacks. Thank you for your support in helping us promote healthy habits and ensure that all children have nutritious food to fuel their learning throughout the school day.

Our full updated policy for packed lunches and breaktime snacks will be put on our school website ready for September.

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School website: https://www.overthorpecofe.co.uk/

Email: office@overthorpe.enhanceacad.org.uk

Tel: 01924 325300

Address: Edge Top Road, Dewsbury, WF12 0BH