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

Harvest at Thornhill Parish Church

Yesterday we enjoyed a truly special Harvest Service together. Our Senior Pupil Representatives were wonderful role models throughout, and we were so proud of all the KS1 children for their thoughtful poem, as well as every child who stood up to read so confidently. The singing was simply beautiful and really captured the spirit of the occasion. A huge thank you goes to Ms Stott and Rev Deb for organising such a super service, and to all parents and carers for your generous harvest contributions.

Looking ahead to next week, we wish the very best of luck to all children taking part in the cross-country competition on Tuesday. On Thursday, we are very much looking forward to welcoming families into school for Parents’ Evening. Please come into school via the main entrance; all teachers will be based in the school hall for appointments.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend.

Mr Mitchell

It's a No Money Day

This week’s collective worship focused on understanding the struggles some families face, particularly around access to food, and how we can support one another through acts of kindness and generosity. We shared the book “It’s a No Money Day” by Kate Milner, which tells the story of a child and their family as they navigate the challenges of not having enough money for food and the need to visit a foodbank. The story helped the children to recognize that for some, daily life can be difficult, and that foodbanks play a vital role in supporting families in need.

This theme linked to our church visit and the Harvest Festival Service, where the children were invited to bring a donation for our local foodbank. Through this, we encouraged the children to think about the importance of helping others and the impact of even small acts of kindness. It was a meaningful opportunity for our school community to reflect on the values of generosity, empathy, and supporting those who are struggling.

After consultation with staff, we are trialling a new approach. This will involve:

One evening rather than two.
Session 1 - 3:30pm - 6:00pm (2.5 hours)
Session 2 - 6:30 - 9:00pm (2.5 hours)
All appointments being 10 mins as per usual
All appointments in the school hall

You should have all received letters for this with which to book your slots. Should you have not received a letter, please speak to the front office.

Yesterday's Harvest Service was a beautiful reflection on the themes of growth, purpose, and community. Led by Reverend Debbie Nash and our Senior Pupil Representatives, the service reminded us of the importance of nurturing the potential within ourselves and sharing our gifts with others.

The theme of the service focused on the idea that each of us is like a seed — full of potential and purpose. Just as a seed grows into something much greater than its small beginnings, we too are called to grow into the people God has created us to be. The service emphasized that we are not just here to grow for ourselves but to also help and support others. It encouraged us to be people who lift others up, offer kindness, and make a positive difference in the world around us.

The service also touched on the responsibility we all share in caring for our beautiful Earth and looking after the communities we are a part of. With God’s help, we can overcome challenges, bless others through our actions, and reach greater heights, just like the conker — strong, resilient, and capable of soaring beyond what we imagine.

It was a thoughtful and inspiring service, reminding us all to live with love, generosity, and an awareness of the incredible potential that lies within each of us.

We would like to thank all of our families for the generous donations of food and essential items, which will make a real difference to those in need within our community.

A huge well done to the children, who led the service so confidently. Their wonderful singing filled the church with joy and their exemplary behaviour made us all proud. It was a lovely opportunity for the whole school community to join together in thankfulness and celebration.

As many of you will be aware, Overthorpe’s school uniform has remained consistent for a number of years. Any significant changes to our uniform would always involve full consultation with parents, and would be made in line with Department for Education (DfE) guidance for schools, ensuring that our approach remains both fair and affordable for all families.

If you receive any correspondence from adults in school regarding uniform, please be assured it is simply to alert you to aspects of school uniform that may not be in line with the school’s policy.

We are pleased to announce one optional adjustment to our uniform: pupils are now able to wear plain black trainers (without coloured or white markings or soles), as well as traditional black shoes. This means parents may choose to purchase just one pair of plain black trainers for both school and PE, helping to reduce costs and create a more flexible and practical option for families. Of course, if you wish to continue sending your child in all black school shoes, as has been the case for many years, that choice remains entirely up to you.

As always, should any uniform adaptations be needed due to SEND or medical reasons, please contact us so that we can discuss and agree adjustments for your child.

Thank you for supporting a uniform policy that is both inclusive and responsive to the needs of our school community.

As we settle into the term, we’d like to remind parents and carers of our school uniform policy. Wearing the correct uniform helps our pupils feel part of the school community and ensures everyone is dressed safely and appropriately for learning.

Everyday Uniform: