Easter Raffle

This year’s Easter Raffle is now live on ParentPay.

Tickets are ÂŁ1 each and must be purchased via ParentPay. Please ensure you buy all tickets you would like as only one transaction can be made.

The raffle will close on Tuesday 24th March at midday and the lucky winners will be drawn on Wednesday 25th March.

Good Luck everyone!

 

How Arbor Uses AI to Support Our School

At Newdale, we use the Arbor Management Information System (MIS) to help manage pupil information securely and efficiently. Arbor now includes optional AI‑powered tools that help staff complete tasks more quickly — such as data analysis, drafting messages, or finding information inside the system.

Below explains clearly how AI processes data, where it goes, and how Arbor keeps your child’s information safe.

  1. Your Child’s Data Remains Protected

Arbor confirms that any student or staff data processed by Arbor AI is not stored, not retained, and not used to train AI models. [support.ar…cation.com]

Only the minimum information required to complete a specific task is processed.

  1. How the AI Process Works

When a member of staff uses an AI feature in Arbor:

  1. Arbor checks permissions
    Arbor first checks what information the staff member is allowed to access within the MIS. [support.ar…cation.com]
  2. Only necessary data is sent for processing
    Arbor sends only the data needed for that specific task to the AI model (for example, attendance numbers for a summary). [platform.s…areone.com]
  3. AI produces a result
    The AI generates an output — such as a summary, draft message, or data insight — and sends it straight back into Arbor MIS.
  4. Data does NOT leave Arbor systems permanently
    Arbor operates within UK‑hosted environments and maintains strict agreements to ensure data is handled securely and legally. [platform.s…areone.com]
  1. Fully Compliant With UK Data Protection Laws

Arbor states that all AI features comply fully with:

  • UK GDPR
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)

This ensures data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. [support.ar…cation.com]

  1. No AI Decisions Affect Students Automatically

AI in Arbor is used only as a support tool.
It helps staff by providing suggestions, summaries, or draft information.

All decisions affecting students — including attendance, safeguarding, behaviour, or academic matters — are always made by school staff, not by AI.

  1. What AI in Arbor Can Do

Examples of helpful tasks Arbor AI supports include:

  • Drafting messages for staff to review
  • Creating quick summaries about attendance or learning
  • Helping staff find information quickly
  • Offering guidance when setting up school processes
    [platform.s…areone.com]

These tools save staff time so they can focus more on children and learning.

  1. What AI in Arbor Does Not Do
  • It does not make decisions about children
  • It does not store or keep copies of your child’s information
  • It does not use school data to train external AI systems
    [support.ar…cation.com]

A Gentle Reminder About Dogs at the School Gates (front and back)

We kindly ask parents and carers not to wait directly outside the school gates with their dogs, even if the dog is calm and well‑behaved.

While many children love animals, some pupils experience significant anxiety around dogs. For these children, even seeing a dog—no matter how friendly—can feel overwhelming before they have even stepped into school.

Thank you for your understanding

The Newdale Team

 

Comic Relief – Red Nose Day 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.

Parents/carers can donate using the following link

Comic Relief Nose Day 2026

 

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 for your support.

World Book Day Magic at School!

What an amazing World Book Day we’ve had today! Our school was filled with colour, creativity, and excitement as children and staff arrived in their fantastic book and numbers-themed outfits. From heroic adventurers to whimsical storybook favourites, it was wonderful to see so many characters brought to life in our corridors.

Throughout the day, everyone took part in a range of fun, book‑related activities, celebrating the joy of reading and the power of imagination.

A huge highlight was our “Spudtacular” Potato Character Competition!  The entries were incredibly inventive, and it was brilliant to see how creatively the children transformed their potatoes into beloved characters. In class, children voted for their favourite potato characters. Miss Cook and Miss Macfarlane then looked at all the entries as they decided which potato would gain first prize for each year group. Please see attachment to see our winners.

The overall year group winners have won a book token to buy a new book of their choice; second place runners up have received an edible Easter treat.

We also enjoyed a hugely successful Book Swap, with children eagerly choosing “new-to-them” stories to take home. It was fantastic to see so much excitement around sharing and discovering books.

 

Thank you to all the children, families and staff for the enthusiasm, effort and joy you brought to the day. Fun was had by children and staff alike, making this a World Book Day to remember!

Look out for more information about how we will be celebrating ‘Get Caught Reading Month’ in May. We will be asking for photographs of children reading in different places. We look forward to seeing some unusual entries!

Here’s to celebrating stories today and every day!

Miss Cook and Miss Macfarlane

 

Potat

Potato Competition

Playground donations needed

We would be very grateful for any children’s items you no longer need that could help enrich play during break and lunchtime. We are especially looking for things like footballs, tennis balls, hoops, skipping ropes, or small trikes and bikes that the children can enjoy outdoors. Picnic blankets are also a good option if you have any spare!

 If you happen to have other suitable play equipment in good condition, we would be delighted to make use of it. Your donations make a real difference to the children’s play experiences and are truly appreciated.

Thank you for your support.

Supporting Young Carers in Telford Schools

Do you have a child who helps care for a family member or friend with an illness, disability, or mental health issue?

If so, your child might be a Young Carer! Young Carers often take on extra responsibilities, like helping with household chores, personal care, or emotional support.

At Newdale, we want to support our Young Carers and ensure they have the help they need to thrive. That’s why we’re working with Telford & Wrekin Council and other local organisations to identify and support Young Carers in our school community.

If you think your child might be a Young Carer, please get in touch with us. We can offer

– Support with schoolwork and attendance

– Emotional support and guidance

– Access to local resources and services

– Opportunities to connect with other Young Carers

To find out more or to let us know about your child, please contact Mrs Millington in the school office or our pastoral manager, Mrs Byrne Corbett.

Let’s work together to support our Young Carers in Telford! 🌈