With just one week to go until the end of the academic year, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year has passed! There have been so many achievements and successes to celebrate, and we hope to see all of you at our Academic Review Day on Monday 20th July.  We invite you to stay for lunch with your child, please see the menu above.

The recent hot weather has been challenging for both children and staff, and it is something we may all need to become increasingly accustomed to in the years ahead. Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep everyone safe and comfortable.

By the end of today, you will receive the name of your child’s teacher for next year. Our Transition Club will take place on Wednesday 15th July, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Please remember to give permission for your child to attend. Transition Club is for all children currently in Years R to 5.

There will be some changes to our staffing team in September, and everyone is working together to ensure a smooth transition for both children and parents. Our priority is to make sure that every child feels happy, settled and ready for the new academic year. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff—we are always here to help.

Unfortunately, a number of trips and events have had to be cancelled over the past few weeks due to the extreme weather. These are being rearranged for the new academic year. In future, we will aim to spread trips and events more evenly across the school year and keep the final term lighter, reducing the risk of disappointment caused by hot weather.

As another school year comes to an end, we would like to wish all of our Year 6 children every success and happiness as they move on to the next stage of their education. They have had an incredible journey with us and have created many lasting memories for both staff and their friends. We often speak fondly of former pupils when we see them in the community or when they return for work experience and visits. Every child leaves a lasting mark on our school and federation, and we are immensely proud of each and every one of them. Good luck, Year 6—we look forward to following your future successes.

At the end of this academic year, we will also be saying goodbye to several valued members of staff who have made a lasting contribution to our school community.

As previously shared, both Mr Ball, our Head of School, and Mr Killip, Deputy Headteacher across both schools, will be leaving us at the end of the summer term. Throughout their time with us, they have demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism and care, playing an important role in the continued development and success of our schools. Their leadership, dedication and support have had a positive impact on pupils, families and colleagues alike, and their contributions will be remembered for many years to come.

Alongside our Year 6 pupils, who are preparing to begin the next exciting stage of their educational journey, we wish Mr Ball and Mr Killip every success and happiness for the future. We extend our sincere thanks for everything they have given to our school community and know that they will be greatly missed.

After 11 wonderful years with the school, Mrs Williams, our fantastic Nursery Teacher, will be leaving to take up a Senior Leadership position leading Early Years at another primary school. During her time with us, she has taught and inspired so many children, giving them the foundations they need to flourish throughout their education. She has also built strong and supportive relationships with families from the very beginning of their children’s school journey. We wish Mrs Williams every success in her new role.

Mrs Pendry, who currently works in the Nursery at Rangefield, will be leaving the Federation after an incredible 27 years of dedicated service. Throughout that time, she has had a hugely positive and nurturing impact on countless children and families. Thankfully, she will continue working at Buddies Afterschool Club at Forster Park, so many of you will still see her around. We thank her sincerely for everything she has done and hope she enjoys spending more time with her grandchildren.

After seven years at Rangefield, Ms Taylor will also be moving on. During her time with us, she has worked across EYFS and Key Stage 1, meaning many of our older pupils will remember being taught by her. We thank her for her commitment and wish her every success in the future.

Miss Hallett will be leaving to work in a private nursery after successfully gaining her qualification whilst working within Oakbridge Federation. She has supported children at both Rangefield and Forster Park and has always been actively involved in extracurricular activities as well as classroom learning. We wish her every success in the next stage of her career—the children she works with will be very fortunate to have her.Miss Howlin, who joined us last year, will also be leaving to take up a new role continuing to work with children. We thank her for her contribution and wish her every success.

Finally, we would like to thank Mr Trembling for the positive relationships he has built with the children in Year 3 and for supporting them to make excellent academic progress. We wish him all the very best in his new role from September.

You will also receive a letter today outlining our staffing structure for September, including introductions to the new members of staff who will be joining us. I know you will make them feel very welcome as we continue to build the strong relationships that are at the heart of our school community.

Thank you for your continued support throughout another successful year. I look forward to seeing you all at our Academic Review Day on Monday 20th July.

Wishing you and your families a restful, enjoyable and safe summer break.

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday 3rd September.