Overthorpe C of E Academy
Newsletter - 27.2.26
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
This week, our children welcomed a visit from the Kirklees Road Safety Team, who delivered an engaging and highly important safety message. The session focused on helping children understand how to keep themselves safe when out and about, particularly during the darker winter months. They learned why wearing bright or reflective clothing helps drivers to see them more clearly, reinforcing the simple but vital message: be bright, be seen.
The team also explained the important role of the lollipop person, helping children understand how they safely stop traffic and guide families across the road each day. Most importantly, pupils revisited the essential steps for crossing the road safely — STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK — encouraging them not just to follow the routine, but to actively think about potential dangers before stepping into the road. At Overthorpe, we are committed to preparing children for life beyond the school gates, and learning how to keep themselves safe in real-world situations is a crucial part of that responsibility.
This is me
In this week’s collective worship, we learned about the inspiring George Webster, who was born with Down syndrome and has gone on to achieve remarkable things. We shared his book, This Is Me, where George describes having an “extra ingredient” that helps him truly glow. The children were fascinated to learn that he became the first presenter with Down syndrome on CBeebies — a powerful reminder that disability does not mean inability. During our reflection time, we explored how everyone faces different challenges, but with kindness, encouragement and opportunity, people can flourish and achieve far more than others might expect. As a school, we care deeply about helping our children understand the realities of the wider world with compassion and maturity. We want them to recognise difference not as a barrier, but as something that enriches our communities. Through love, support and high expectations, we encourage every child to believe they can “fly higher than the flock”, knowing they are valued, capable and wonderfully made.
