World Book Day – Stories that Add Up

On Thursday 5th March, the children at Newdale will be celebrating World Book Day, alongside NSPCC Number Day.

Children will enjoy a range of fun activities that combine the magic of stories with the power of numbers. They can:

  • Take part in maths-themed reading challenges
  • Solve story-based puzzles and problems
  • Explore books that bring maths to life

Dress-Up Theme:
Children are welcome to dress as their favourite book character or get creative with a maths-inspired costume (numbers, shapes, patterns – let their imagination run wild).

Tree Danger

Please can we ask parents and children to be extra careful when walking around by the top gate area due to the fallen tree.

This was reported straight after the snow storm however we are yet to receive an inspection of the tree from the local authority. We have reported it again.

We have noticed children playing on and around the tree, please can we ask parents to ensure children stay away from the area as we are concerned about the stability of the tree.

Arbor

Please can we remind any parents that have not yet signed up to the Arbor app to please do so to ensure you are receiving regular communication from school. The app has replaced our previous text message service so is therefore being used to share any updates and important information with parents.

An email was sent at the start of this half term with instructions on how to set up the app. If you require this email to be sent again, please get in touch with the school office.

Thank you

Donations

Reception classes are creating new play areas in our outside space. 

Can you help us with donations of the following items?

  • Construction vehicles: diggers, dumps trucks etc.
  • Builders costume/dress up items: yellow hats, hi vis, tool belts.
  • Small play traffic cones or coloured sports cones. 
  • Small plastic or metal play wheelbarrows.
  • Sand toys: buckets, spades, sieves & moulds.

All donations will be very much appreciated and can be dropped off at the school office or directly to reception classrooms before or after school. 

 

Thank you

Red Nose Day – Friday 20th March 2026

Newdale will once again be taking part in Red Nose Day on Friday 20th March 2026.

Children are invited to dress down for the day and wear red if they wish.

Details on how to donate will be shared closer to the date.

Please see link below regarding how to purchase a red nose.

The Red Nose | Comic Relief

Please note that school will not be selling red noses.

 

Thank you

It’s National Storytelling Week!

This week, we’re celebrating the magic of stories—how they spark imagination, build confidence, strengthen language skills, and create special shared moments between children and their families.

To help bring the joy of storytelling into your home, here are some simple and fun ideas you can try together:

 

  1. Read Together—Little and Often

Just 5–10 minutes of shared reading each day can make a big difference. Snuggle up with a favourite book, choose a new library read, or let your child select the story—they love having ownership!

 

  1. Tell Stories From Your Life

Children adore hearing stories about you! Share memories from your childhood, funny moments from your day, or stories passed down from your family. This models storytelling and builds connection.

 

  1. Create Your Own Stories

Encourage your child to invent characters, settings, or silly plots. You might start a story and let them finish it—or swap turns sentence by sentence!

 

  1. Storytime Without Books

Try storytelling using:
– Toys (teddies make great storytellers!)
– Pictures or family photos
– Objects in a “story bag” that your child can pull out to inspire ideas

 

  1. Listen to Audiobooks or Story Podcasts

Perfect for car journeys, winding down before bed, or quiet moments. Hearing expressive storytelling can help build vocabulary and imagination. CBeebies Bedtime Stories

 

  1. Act Out a Favourite Story

Choose a well-loved book and turn it into a mini performance! Children can act, draw, or use puppets to retell parts of the story.

 

  1. Visit the Library Together

Let your child explore and choose books that excite them. Many libraries also host storytelling sessions—perfect for this week!

 

Why Storytelling Matters

Sharing stories helps children to:

  • Build vocabulary and language skills
  • Develop creativity and imagination
  • Understand emotions and relationships
  • Strengthen listening and communication
  • Enjoy reading as a lifelong habit

 

We’d Love to Hear From You!

If you try any storytelling activities at home this week, feel free to share a photo, a drawing, or a note about what you and your child enjoyed most. Let’s celebrate the joy of stories together!