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

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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

Stop Motion in Wrens

This week was packed with rich experiences for the children, both in and out of the classroom. Pupils took part in events such as the Y4 multi-schools festival, sport hall athletics and “Share a Story” sessions, all of which built confidence, teamwork and a love of reading.

Alongside these special events, there were targeted reading and maths boosters, ensuring children received the extra support and stretch they needed to feel successful and prepared for the next steps in their learning. Visits from external guests and opportunities like New Testament lessons and history activities added extra depth and variety, helping pupils to see learning come alive in different ways.

Throughout the week, our staff team have carefully balanced these opportunities with the routines of everyday lessons so that pupils experienced both excitement and stability in school, as always. Children have been busy learning, engaged and well supported, with their enjoyment and personal development at the heart of everything we have done.

I wish you all a lovely weekend.

Mr Mitchell

Great Joy

This week in worship, our children spent time reflecting on the beautiful picture book Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo. The story follows a young girl who notices a lonely organ grinder and his monkey standing on a snowy street corner night after night. Although she does not have much herself, she offers kindness, warmth and welcome. Her simple act of compassion brings light into a dark moment — reminding us that even the smallest gesture can shine brightly in someone else's life.

Through this story, we explored the importance of community and the belief that even during difficult times, there is always light to be found. The children thought deeply about how compassion is one of the greatest forms of love: it is the choice to see others with gentle eyes, to care, to include, and to share hope where it is needed most.

In our reflections, pupils considered the difference they already make within our school community — through their friendships, their kindness, and the way they look after one another. We also encouraged them to imagine the positive impact they could have as they grow: the ways they might bring light, comfort and joy to the wider world.

This week’s worship nurtured not only understanding, but also the spirit of empathy and generosity. By exploring the themes of Great Joy, our children are learning that they each carry a light within them — a light they can choose to share, helping to build a community rooted in love, hope and compassion.

Congratulations to our pupils who have qualified to attend the prestigious West Yorkshire Finals at Temple Newsam! This achievement is a fantastic reflection of their determination and effort.

Qualifiers

Year 3: Elsie
Year 5: Zara, Suliman, Noah, Lewis, Thomas, Chase

Representing our school at a county-level event is a significant accomplishment, and we wish all our qualifiers the best of luck as they compete alongside hundreds of talented young athletes from across the region at Temple Newsam in the West Yorkshire School Games Finals. Let's celebrate their hard work and support them as they prepare for this exciting challenge!