Parents' Area

Updates

Tuesday 3rd February, 2026

Food Waste

Last week our kitchen recorded a large number of wasted hot dinners.

We believe that some children are ordering a hot dinner at registration and are then changing their mind when arriving in the hall at lunchtime and instead selecting sandwiches.

Please could we ask parents to remind children how important it is to stick to their original meal choice. Teachers will also continue to  remind children of this in class.

This helps us reduce food wastage and ensures the kitchen can prepare the correct numbers each day.

 

Thank you for your support.

Monday 2nd February, 2026

SEND Coffee Afternoon with PODS

On Wednesday 25th February, Newdale are excited to welcome PODS back into school for our final SEND ‘Cake and Cuppa’ session as part of the PINS project. This will take place from  2.15 – 3pm to give time to collect your child afterwards. Mr McFarland will be explaining some of the strategies used in school to support a neurodiverse child that you can also use at home. The PODS team will be available to discuss how they can also support your SEND child outside of school and the clubs, workshops and meetings available to you.
This event is completely free to attend. Please confirm your attendance via Parent Pay and arrive through the school office.
Monday 2nd February, 2026

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!

 

 

Monday 2nd February, 2026

Children’s Mental Health Week 2026

Next week, from Monday 9th February, our school will be taking part in Children’s Mental Health Week, a national event that shines a light on the importance of supporting young people’s wellbeing.

Throughout the week, pupils will take part in a dedicated lesson, class discussions, and assemblies exploring this year’s theme: “This Is My Place.” We will be encouraging children to think about the spaces—big or small—where they feel safe, calm and comfortable. This might be their bedroom, a favourite spot on the playground, or a moment in the day when they feel most grounded, such as when they listen to music or read a book.

To help us celebrate, Thursday 12th February will be a “Comfort Day.” Children are welcome to come to school wearing something comfortable—this could be joggers, a favourite hoodie, or any outfit that helps them feel relaxed and ready to learn.

We’re excited for a meaningful week that helps every child reflect on where they feel secure, valued, and able to be themselves. By exploring the theme “This Is My Place,” we hope pupils gain a deeper understanding of what supports their wellbeing and how they can create positive spaces in their daily lives.

Friday 30th January, 2026

Achievement Assembly

Friday 30th January 2026 

This week Year 6 enjoyed a trip to Shrewsbury Prison where they learned about the history of the prison up until its closure, just 13 years ago. Guides explained how punishments changed over time; they were even locked up in the pillories and cells! Did you know that in Victorian times, you could be imprisoned for many years for stealing a handkerchief? 

 

The Newdale Cup winners who will have a special treat next week:  

Mrs Haymour’s class for really trying to show they are ready for learning and always being respectful to adults 

 

House Points 

This week, Wenlock lead with 327 points. They are closely followed by Severn with 315, Wrekin with 288 and Ironbridge with 282. Well done, Wrekin!  

Achievers of the week: 

Year 6 achievers: Emilia for showing the utmost respect on our year 6 trip to Shrewsbury Prison. She was a brilliant representative of Newdale. Erin for being consistently respectful to everyone that she works with.  

Year 5 achievers:  Niall for always being kind, respectful, knowledgeable, helpful and showing great resilience in Maths when we are looking at new concepts. Lily for really improving her weekly spelling score. 

Year 4 achievers: Mrs Everall’s achiever for always using lovely manners in the classroom and listening carefully to instructions. Mr Stubb’s achiever for excellent effort in her maths and literacy this week as well as being respectful of others. 

Year 3 achievers: Lennon for showing respect towards his books with beautiful presentation and persisting with his handwriting to earn a pen licence. Gianpiero for showing respect by listening to adults and working hard on his chance to shine write.  

Year 2 achievers: Alisha for working hard in every lesson and persevering with her spellings. Jasper for being so respectful to staff and friends. We’ve noticed such a brilliant change in your attitude to learning. Fantastic job, Jasper! 

Year 1 achievers: Manreet for always trying her best and bringing joy to our classroom. Her smile is infectious. Hilda for always being polite and respectful towards both adults and children. Hilda also completed a fantastic Chance to Shine write remembering all the important things needed for ‘good quality writing’.  

Year R achievers: Amirah for amazing focus in Art this term. Miss Hailey’s achiever for amazing effort with their phonics this week.  

 

Readers of the week – these children were entered into our weekly reading raffle: 

Year 6 readers: Amalia for varied and detailed comments every day in her reading diary. Craig for being a brilliant reader. 

Year 5 readers: Damian for reading once or more every day this week and aiming for the platinum award. Hannah always completing her reading tasks with extra effort and detail. 

Year 4 readers: Freddie for a fantastic viper’s question. Ted for reading every day this week and exploring new vocabulary from his book. 

Year 3 readers: Ollie for working so hard at home, it hasn’t gone unnoticed! Libby for trying really hard in her reading and reading every night.  

Year 2 readers: Eve for reading every day and gaining lots of confidence with her reading. Mariyam for trying very hard to read multiple times a week and not giving up! 

Year 1 readers: Darcey for her improved reading at home and being proud of her reading in school. Emily for reading every day this week, trying so hard in Phonics and doing an amazing job in Chance to Shine.   

Attendance Winners 26th – 30th January 2026

Winner of Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3

Miss Hill / Mrs King = 97.59%

Winner of Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6

Mrs Everall = 99%

Friday 30th January, 2026

Spring 1 SEND Newsletter

Dear Parents/Carers,

Please see below our SEND newsletter for Spring 1. As always, if you have any questions or would like some additional support, please get in touch via newdalesendco@taw.org.uk or the school office.

Spring 1 SEND Newsletter

Kind regards,

Mr McFarland.