Last year Mrs Lyons and Miss Andrews held a drop-in session for parents on the topic of online safety. Although the session was not very well attended (we know parents are busy) they had prepared lots of really useful resources to support parents with a range of online safety issues. There are a significant number of online parental guides available to help families navigate what can be a confusing and risky online world. There are many more for aspects such as broadband and search engines as well as many more resources for different gaming sites, social media platforms and a range of devices. Please take a look at the following website or speak to Mrs Lyons in person if you need any assistance.   

https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/?paged=1  

We carried out a whole school pupil survey in the summer term. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) have reviewed all of the results and made plans for whole school and individual responses. Whilst we are never complacent and there is always work to be done, we were pleased overall with the results where I believe our work in recent years, particularly on diversity and mental health, can be seen to be having a positive impact on the children.

Please do take a moment to look at the results: 

I know most parents are pretty clued up these days about what Top of the Hill is all about however some have been asking for further information and it can be quite tricky to explain exactly what you need to gain that all important badge because it is all about being the best person you can be and this is slightly different for everyone. I thought it would be a good idea to share with you what we teach the children so you can understand and support your children on their journey. It is truly possible and valuable for all children achieve the Top of the Hill status if they work hard enough at it.   

November is the beginning of Cut Your Carbon month! – a free carbon-cutting challenge, which takes place across November. Last year, 2431 schools and nurseries completed over 200,000 carbon-cutting actions. Together, they saved more than 500,000 kg of CO2E — the equivalent of driving over 2m miles in an average family car! This year, learners can help cut even more carbon by taking the challenge and completing six simple actions at home with their friends and families.  

There will be certificates for the children who bring back their completed checklist at the end of this month and we will also be able to calculate, celebrate and action our carbon emissions as a school! Let’s do this Almond Hill Team Eco! 

On Tuesday, we had a visit from local Councillor Doug Bainbridge. He was having a look at our school and all the wonderful things we do here. I am really proud to share his feedback with you. It is always brilliant when external visitors can see how fantastic the school and our children are.  

‘Thank you allowing me to come in today. It was truly very humbling for me to see those wonderful children and listening to their hopes, dreams and aspirations. I was nearly in tears on more than one occasion. I would love to be a school friend and help in any way I can. Thank you for the best couple of hours I have spent in months’ 

Our open evening for prospective parents will be on Thursday 13th November where we will welcome lots of families to look at our wonderful school. This is supported by Year 6 children who act as ambassadors for the school and show families round. We always receive positive feedback about this event and are really looking forward to this year’s open evening. 

The vaccination team will be in school for a ‘mop up’ visit in the afternoon on Wednesday 12th November. If your child didn’t have their vaccine on the first visit and you haven’t given consent (or declined) click here Vaccination UK Immunisation. The form is available in 10 languages— select yours when it opens. 

Year 5 are leading our 'reverse advent calendar' this year again where we collect food to donate to a food bank (Foodshed). A foodbank is for people in need that need food and other items. They need things like canned food, dried food and food that lasts a long time. Some people are amazing because they give food to the homeless and those in need. Please bring in food to your classroom during November to help those in need. Bring in tinned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, toilet roll, toothpaste, chocolate, presents like books or pencils and even small toys. Thank you. 

Written by Miss Porter and Joey in 5P 

If you missed the CGP deadline which was on Monday 3rd Novemebr, you can still order these yourself directly from the supplier https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/ or via Amazon, Waterstones or World of Books. 

If you need to check whether we have received your order you can see this on School Shop under ‘Payments’ and then ‘Invoices’. Books will be ordered and sent home to families within the next two weeks. 

These are now live and ready for you to order. Proof cards have been dispatched to school and will be given out as soon as possible but digital proofs can be viewed online using the codes given out on school photo day.  

THE DEADLINE FOR FREE DELIVERY TO SCHOOL IS: TUESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2025 

Should anyone have trouble in placing an order, they can contact DSP directly via email dsp.enquiries@gmail.com 

Please note, as this is advanced notice, the dates and times are subject to change but we will of course only do this if it is unavoidable.  Further information to follow.