Overthorpe C of E Academy

Newsletter - 13.6.25

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

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Headteacher - Mr J Mitchell

Senior Leadership Team - Ms L Stott, Ms L McCarthy, Mrs S Wood

Designated Safeguarding lead - Mrs S Wood

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

Chaffinches at Little Deerwood

Headteacher's comment

Good afternoon all

Well done to all of our pupils who took part in the phonics screenings this week – you have made us all incredibly proud with your hard work and determination! Congratulations also to our football team, who finished as the top Kirklees team in our Trust football competition – a fantastic achievement.

This week has been full of exciting learning experiences, including the Kirklees speed limit review on Tuesday and balance bike training for our Year 1 pupils. Looking ahead, next week is Parental Events Week, and you can find full details further on in the newsletter. We will also be sharing a parental survey during the Sports Day events, and we would be incredibly grateful if you could spare just 2 minutes to complete it.

Next week, we have a New Starters event on Thursday after school for our new Reception children joining us in September, and our Year 6 pupils will be visiting Thornhill Community Academy on Wednesday.

Have a terrific weekend, and I look forward to seeing you all next week.

Mr Mitchell.

Current Y5 residential meeting

(This is for current Y5 pupils regarding next year when the children are in Y6)

On Monday 30th June at 5:00pm, Mr Willmott will be doing a presentation for Year 5 parents and pupils about next year's proposed Year 6 residential to High Adventure.

You will be able to find out about the great opportunities for your child at High Adventure and see photos and videos from recent visits. Mr Willmott will also be able to answer any questions you have. The meeting will be in the Year 6 classroom, parents should sign in at the school main reception.

Parent Events Week

As you will be aware, since we outlined dates at the start of the year, next week is our third Parents Events week of the year.

For all year groups, these will be sporting events:

Tuesday 17th - 9:30am - Nursery and Reception Sports Day

Wednesday 18th - 9:30am - Year 1 and Year 2 Sports Day

Thursday 19th - 1:30pm - Year 3 and Year 4 Sports Day

Friday 20th - 1:30pm - Year 5 and Year 6 Sports Day

Looking Ahead to Next Year: Staffing and Class Groupings

As we approach the end of the term, we know that many children and parents are eager to learn about class arrangements for next year. We will be sharing information about which teachers will be with each class towards the end of this term.

We are delighted to announce that all of our current teachers will be staying at Overthorpe in September. In addition, we are excited to be welcoming a new teacher to our team, further strengthening our staff and the support we can offer our pupils.

For our Year 4 children, there will be a change in class groupings as they move into Year 5. After being in the same two classes for both Years 3 and 4, the children will be regrouped for Year 5, and these new groupings will continue into Year 6. This is to help children develop new friendships and prepare them for the transition to high school, where they will meet and work with many new classmates.

When creating the new classes, we will ensure a careful balance of gender, abilities, SEND, and emotional needs. Importantly, all children will have the opportunity to contribute to this process. Next week, they will complete forms to identify their 'close friends.' We will make sure that every child is placed in a class with at least one of their close friends, helping everyone feel comfortable and supported as they move into the new school year.

We look forward to an exciting year ahead and thank you for your continued support!

Summer Fair

Overthorpe Reception Starters 2025

🌟 Parent Stay and Play

📅 Thursday, 19th June 2025
🕞 3:30 – 5:30 PM

Bring the whole family and drop into our Reception classroom for an afternoon of fun, discovery, and connection. Explore our inviting indoor learning spaces, packed with hands-on activities and engaging play areas. Children can dive into arts and crafts, imaginative play, story corners, and more!

While your little ones are busy exploring, enjoy a relaxing chat with our friendly staff over refreshments including juice, biscuits, and delicious buns. This is a lovely chance to get to know the team and ask any questions you may have in a relaxed, informal setting.

🌟 Reception New Starter Transition Morning 🌟
🗓 Tuesday 1st July 2025
🕘 9:00 – 11:30 AM

We’re excited to welcome our youngest learners for a special Reception Transition Morning! This fun and friendly session is designed to help children begin their school journey with confidence and smiles.

Children will have the chance to:
🎨 Explore their new classroom
🧸 Meet their teachers and new friends
📚 Enjoy playful activities and stories
👟 Get comfortable in their new surroundings

It’s a gentle, happy introduction to life in Reception – helping little ones feel right at home from day one. We can’t wait to welcome you and your child for these joyful, memorable sessions! 🌈