Overthorpe C of E Academy
Newsletter - 13.2.26
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
Introducing Teddy
In this week’s collective worship, we shared the gentle and thought-provoking picture book Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton and Dougal MacPherson. The story follows Errol and his much-loved teddy, Thomas, who bravely shares that in her heart she has always known she is a girl teddy and would like to be called Tilly. Errol’s response is simple and powerful: what truly matters is their friendship. Through this tender story, children are invited to reflect on the importance of honesty, courage and unconditional acceptance. From a Christian perspective, we explored how Jesus consistently showed love, compassion and dignity to every person he met. As a Church of England school, our vision calls us to nurture a community where everyone feels they belong — a place of knowledge, character and faith to come home to. Engaging with stories like this helps children understand that each person is wonderfully made, deserving of kindness and respect. We approach these conversations in an age-appropriate and sensitive way, ensuring all children feel safe, valued and comfortable in who they are, while also preparing them to live well in a diverse and changing world beyond Overthorpe.
