As a school, we are continually trying to support and equip our pupils with skills that will serve them well in life. As a result, one of the initiatives we use is a Peer Mediation programme. Children in year 5 learn about the role of a mediator and the steps to support other pupils in finding solutions for a variety of minor disagreements. Mediators will not deal with issues from home or that break our school rules. They will be supported by staff on duty at break time and lunchtime. The aim is to increase the pupils’ understanding that disagreements are a natural but manageable part of life and that they can acquire a range of skills to enhance their ability to deal with emotions related to conflict. 

Restorative Conversations are used to work through any incidents where children have been involved in conflict. The conversation takes place if both children agree to the discussion, a member of staff facilitates and the focus is on how to move forward with the situation. The process explores how the incident has made each child feel and the aim is to develop children's reflection, empathy and problem-solving skills. The member of staff holding the conversation only facilitates and stays neutral. This technique focusses on repairing the relationship and complements the Hertfordshire Therapeutic Thinking approach already used within school. Investing in these strategies will hopefully help children to build on their resilience. 

Our Year 6 government, The Frogs that Flip, delivered one of their pledge promises today with their fantastic Pick Your Lesson Day. The event was a huge success and the children absolutely loved it! This morning, all classes were able to vote on the lesson they most wanted to take part in and the excitement across the school was brilliant to see. Some children chose creative activities, while others opted for research based or reading. It was wonderful to watch the pupils fully immersed in their choices.  A huge well done to The Frogs that Flip for organising such a fun, memorable morning.

Year 4, 5 and 6 will be taking part in Relationship and Health Education lessons in the summer term. It is part of our policy to offer parents the opportunity to ask questions and view the resources that will be used in lessons, the vast majority of which is statutory. These meetings will be held online via Teams and links for these are below. 

Upper school – Wednesday 20th May 
Lower school – Friday 22nd May  

Both sports days will take place in the morning (approximately 9-11am) 

Some parents in Year 6 will have had children who have already come up through the school and moved onto secondary school but for others, this may be your first child who has reached Year 6 at Almond Hill. We believe it is important to recognise the hard work, achievements and memories that are made in the time children are here which is why we hold ‘graduations’ for all children in Year 6. It is a wonderful opportunity to really celebrate with families and would love for as many parents to attend as possible. 
 
The graduations will take place in the school hall 2.00-4.00pm on the following days: 

• Tuesday 14th July - 6S 
• Wednesday 15th July – 6C 
• Thursday 16th July – 6W 

More information will be sent, including how to get your tickets, closer to the time. 

I am really pleased to tell you that Richard Pomfrett will be visiting our school again on Tuesday 14th April to work with the children. He will be delivering 2 sessions (one for the lower school and one for the upper school) on this day. Some of you will remember Richard visiting our school previously and delivering invaluable sessions for both parents and children.  

Children in Year 3 will be ‘building a digital toolkit’ in their session. They will explore various tools that children can use throughout their online lives (regardless of what apps and games they use.) They will be looking at the following topics:  

•  Digital footprint 
• Leaving clues behind (sharing personal information)  
• The importance of being kind and respectful online  
• Making healthy online connections (i.e. stranger dos and don’ts) and spotting the signs of grooming 
• Online bullying and hate  
• When things go wrong  

Children in Years 5 and 6 will be ‘taking control of their digital life’ by looking at social media: viewing, sharing, interaction and online information. There will be a focus on the following: 

• Social media pros and cons 
• Understanding content  
• Comparison 
• FOMO 
• Digital pressure 
• Banter vs bullying 
• Algorithm  
• Fake news  
• Mis/disinformation  
• Sharing and bullying 

For more information, please take a look at the following website: https://thestaysafeinitiative.org.uk/our-work/online-safety/ 

I’m pleased to let you know that the booking system for our Cheerleading and Street Dance classes is now open for all pupils and parents. Families can view the timetable and book their child’s place using the link below:  https://lindseypollarddance.com/classtimetable/childrensclasses 
Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage parents to book early to secure their child's space. 

After the fantastic success at The Big Dance Off this month, we are excited to announce that Dance with Dani will be returning for the summer term! Are you looking for a dance club that’s full of energy, fun and fantastic moves? 
Then look no further - book now for next term! 

After-School Club: Advanced Dance 

• For Years 4, 5 & 6 

• Tuesdays – 3:15–4:30pm 

This club is perfect for children who love to dance and want to explore new styles. From jazz and lyrical to street and modern, dancers will try out a variety of genres and grow in confidence each week. No need to be an expert — just come ready to move and have fun! 
Boys and girls are all welcome. 

Cost & Booking 

Each class is £5, payable termly through the ClassManager website: https://my.classmanager.com/dance-with-dani 

Parents will be invited to ‘watching week’ on 7th July to watch all the learned dances.

I hope children are looking forward to Bikeability which will take place 20th-26th April.  It is really important that bikes and helmets are checked before the course starts so please ensure this is done before the first day. This link is a handy guide: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/about-cycle-training/cycle-training-for-children/ and please can we ask that parents/carers watch this short video: How To: Fit Your Bike Helmet 

Bikeability Level 2 Course Information

As of 1^st April 2026, the price of a school meal will increase from £3.45 to £3.55.

Great news! Our application to Tesco Stronger Starts has been successfully selected for the customer vote in Tesco stores  

This has now been extended until the end of APRIL!

We applied for funding to help cover the deficit costs of our pop-up pool and your support could make a huge difference!  

What’s up for grabs? 

1st place: up to £1,500 

2nd place: up to £1,000 

3rd place: £500 

You can vote for us in the following Tesco stores: 

• Broadwater Stevenage Superstore 
• Stevenage Extra  
• Woolmer Green Express 
• Old Stevenage Express  
• Stevenage Chells Express  
• Hitchin Station Lyon Express 

How to vote: 

Simply make a purchase of any value in store and you’ll receive one token per transaction. 

Thank you so much for your continued support — every vote really does count!  

Please spread the word!