Newdale’s Got Talent in Year 6

Year 6 enjoyed watching their classmates audition for Newdale’s Got Talent. We can’t wait to find out which acts have made it through to the next round!

Easter Raffle

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

Tickets are £1 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]

Online Safety letter – Year 6

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are writing to make you aware of a number of recent incidents involving some of our Year 6 pupils not being as mindful as they should be when using the internet and online platforms at home. While many children use technology confidently, they do not always recognise the risks or understand how quickly situations online can escalate.

To help us keep all pupils safe, we are asking for your support with the following:

  • Regularly check your child’s online activity, including the apps, games, and websites they are using, as well as any messages or group chats they are part of.
  • Have open conversations at home about online safety, including how to behave responsibly, how to respond if something makes them uncomfortable, and why it is important to speak to a trusted adult if they are unsure about anything they see or experience online.
  • Review privacy settings together and ensure your child only communicates with people they know in real life.
  • Remind them that their actions online have real‑world consequences, just as they do in school or in the community.

We continue to teach online safety as part of our curriculum and address concerns as they arise, but your involvement at home makes a significant difference. Working together helps ensure that children develop the awareness, resilience, and good judgement they need to navigate the online world safely.

If you have any questions or would like further guidance on supporting your child online, please contact the school office or follow the link from the NSPCC below.

Thank you for your continued support.

Keeping children safe online | NSPCC

 

Kind regards

 

Miss Cook

Headteacher

Newdale Primary School and Nursery

🌟 Newdale’s Got Talent is Coming! 🌟

Get ready, Newdale… because the stage is set, the lights are waiting, and we are beyond excited to announce that Newdale’s Got Talent is officially returning!

This dazzling event is the perfect chance for our amazing children to shine and share their wonderful talents. Whether it’s telling hilarious jokes, playing the piano, showing off football tricks, dancing, singing or something totally unique—we can’t wait to see what they bring to the stage!

Please use ParentPay to nominate your child to take part in the class auditions for Newdale’s Got Talent which will take place on the following dates:

Reception – Year 5 – Friday 13th March 2026

Year 6 – Wednesday 11th March 2026 (please note, there will be no nature walk for Year 6 on this day)

Please confirm on ParentPay what talent/skill your child will be sharing and if they will be using any equipment/costume for their act.

All children who are nominated will take part in class auditions for their chance to progress to the next round.

More details regarding the semi finals and the grand final will be shared in the coming weeks.

We cannot WAIT to see the talent Newdale has to offer this year!

 

 

Newdale’s Got Talent in Year 6

On Wednesday 11th March, year 6 will have the opportunity to audition (if they would like to) for Newdale’s Got Talent. We would like the children to come prepared with their act already finalised so that they can perform for their peers. The children will then vote for the act that they would like to put forward into the quarter finals.

Please note, the acts need to be able to be performed on the stage in the school hall for the final performance. The children will need to bring in any accessories/ equipment that they require (within reason). Please speak to class teachers if unsure.

Due to auditions, the nature walk has been postponed. We will re-schedule this for later in the term.

Kind regards,

Year 6 Team

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