Summer 1 Newsletter
May, 2026
As we head into the home straight towards the summer holidays, we would like to take a moment to reflect on what has already been a very busy and successful term.
We are immensely proud of the children in Year 6 and the way they approached their SATs. They conducted themselves with maturity, resilience and determination, and were a real credit to themselves. Our sincere thanks also go to all of the staff who have supported them throughout their journey – their hard work and dedication is truly appreciated. I am very much looking forward to celebrating with Year 6 on the upcoming residential to Gullivers.
I would also like to say a big well done to our Year 2 children, who have been completing their non-statutory SATs assessments. They have approached these with impressive maturity and a positive attitude, and we are extremely proud of them too.
Wishing all of our families a happy, healthy and restful half term.
Mrs Rawes and Mrs Batty
Attendance as at 22.05.26
Our Attendance to date is: 95.6%
Authorised Absence: 3.2%
Unauthorised Absence: 1.2%
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and Mrs Blades
After almost nine years at Pollington-Balne, Mrs Blades has decided that it is an appropriate time to start a new chapter with her family. We are grateful to Mrs Blades for her many years of service to Pollington-Balne and for the positive impact she has had on our school community. We wish her well as she focuses on her next steps.
Farewell - Mrs Burton
Due to ongoing personal circumstances, Mrs Burton has been absent from school and, sadly, is unable to return at this time. We understand this has been a very difficult decision for her, and she will be greatly missed by the whole school community. We would like to thank Mrs Burton for her dedication and contribution, and we wish her all the very best for the future.
Meet the Governors and SLT
Our next Meet the governors and SLT session will take place after Sports Day on 11th June.
We will be holding another SLT Drop in session on 2nd July 2026. Don't forget to sign up to meet with the team for a 10 minute chat which is from 3.30 to 4.30pm.
We hope to see you there.
Oak Class
This month Oak class have been learning about spring. We have been on a spring walk, collecting signs of spring including: dandelions, daisies and buttercups. We turned our collections into beautiful pictures. Our favourite blossom was the horse chestnut, it has tall flowers called candles.
Thank you for your support.
Mrs Batty & Mrs Bodle
Maple Class
Maple Class have been thoroughly enjoying their Science learning in our Light and Dark unit, exploring how shadows are formed and how they change throughout the day. Taking advantage of the lovely weather, the children went outside to investigate their own shadows, observing how size and shape changed depending on the sun’s position. Working together, they demonstrated our Christian value of friendship by partnering up to draw around each other’s shadows and create fun shapes.
Miss Yates and Mrs Firth
Ash Class
This half term in Ash Class we have been busy with lots of exciting learning across the curriculum.
In History, we have been learning about castles. We explored why castles were built, who lived in them and the different features used to protect them. The children have enjoyed discussing how castles have changed over time.
In Science we have been investigating changing materials. The children explored how materials can change shape through twisting, bending, stretching and squashing. We also discussed which changes can be reversed and which cannot.
In RE we have listened to Gospel stories and thought carefully about the good news that Jesus shared with people. The children discussed ways we can follow these messages in their daily lives, focussing especially on this half term's value of Friendship.
Finally in our writing topic we have been writing letters based on the book 'The day the crayons quit'. We focussed on the features of a letter, including greetings, questions and endings, The children have really been focussed and enjoyed all their learning - well done Ash Class.
Mrs Stone and Mrs Poskitt
Willow Class
Willow Class showed fantastic effort and determination during the Mini Marathon! Everyone gave it their best, supported one another brilliantly and represented the school wonderfully. Most importantly, they had a great time and should all feel very proud of how well they did.
Mrs Jones and Mrs Evans
Arbor Parent App
If parents/carers want to change any pupil details held on our MIS system, you can request this directly on Arbor.
If you have any issues with meal payments please do not hesitate to contact Ms Warren via the school office.
Further information about Free School Meals can be found on the website. If you are entitled to free school meals please apply for this even if you child is in Reception, year 1 and year 2 receiving universal free school meals. Further funding helps us to support your child in school as well as receiving a free school meal.
Sports
This half term we have been very competitive with sports.
We have taken part in the swimming gala and came a very close second (photo finish) to Snaith School - we had to have a judge's recount to make sure! Congratulations to Caitlin for receiving an overall swimming award for the best swimmer on the day.
Cricket has been very successful with both mixed 3 & 4 boys taking part and the girls also playing and finishing in 2nd place.
Well done and thank you to all that took part. Here's looking to a busy summer term with more events to come. So please keep a look out for more information and events.
Birch Class
In Year 6, Birch Class, the children have, of course been doing their SATs. And we are super proud of them. However, our learning has gone far beyond tests! We have been working hard to write a persuasive letter in English, using the features of Key Stage Two grammar and punctuation (SATs may be over, but our assessments are not - yet!).
In Geography (see photos) we became water engineers and used junk modelling outside to create landscapes. We then used these to investigate water basins, making oral predictions about where rain water would flow to and how we could further develop the landscape to prevent flooding and enable building development.
In computing, we have been building on our knowledge and understanding of computer programming to make 3-D modelling images of desk tidies with accurate and purposeful measurements, while we also continued our computer based artwork to enhance our photo montages (based on the work of David Hockney). We can't wait to share them!
Miss Habbishaw and Mrs Firth
Safeguarding Information from North Yorkshire
Safeguarding Advice for Parents and Carers: Viral “Squishy Toy” Trend |
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SAFEGUARDING ALERT |
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Letters of Thanks
Academics Supply Teacher
I just wanted to get in touch and mention that Rob had a lovely morning with you today!
He passed on feedback that the school was great, the children were really well behaved and the staff were so supportive!
SO I just thought to let you know, as it is always lovely to hear positive feedback!
Emily Clayton
Primary Education Consultant
Dear Mrs Rawes,
As you know I was in School yesterday for the rogation service. I just want to say how impressed I was with the lovely atmosphere in the School as I waited for the children to arrive (I was early). Members of the staff as they passed through reception stopped to speak. Those who knew me had a few words with me even though they were busy. As we went outside for the service the children were well behaved.
The short time the service lasted including the short walk as we sang along went so well (at least I felt so).
It was a lovely time and I enjoyed it immensely.
Congratulations you have a great staff and after being involved in the School for some years (I was vice-chair of governors for some years and chaired the finance group) the atmosphere in school was lovely and the team were a real credit to you.
Best wishes
Rev. Peter Warren
Reminders
School Uniform
We would like to remind all families of our expectations regarding school uniform. Recently, we have noticed that standards have begun to slip. This has had an impact on children’s sense of pride in themselves, their work and their identity as members of our school community. We are keen to address this early so that it does not lead to a decline in behaviour.
Wearing the correct uniform helps children to feel part of our school family and supports a positive, inclusive environment. It also reduces the likelihood of unkind behaviour or misunderstandings, including any accusations of bullying.
Please ensure that your child attends school in the correct uniform at all times, including appropriate PE kit. Footwear should be plain black school shoes. Jewellery is not permitted, with the exception of small stud earrings and watches.
Hair accessories should be simple and in keeping with school uniform; large bows are not appropriate. For PE, children should wear navy blue PE shorts of an appropriate length and suitable trainers. If your child wears shoes with laces, please ensure they are able to tie these independently.
We appreciate your continued support in maintaining our high standards.
Fidget Reminder
A reminder that fidgets are used as specific adaptations for children on the SEN register, and only when agreed with the SENCo.
Children should not bring fidgets into school unless there has been prior arrangement and it is part of agreed actions on a Termly Support Plan. The purpose of a fidget is to support concentration, therefore it must be small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and must be completely noiseless.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Toys / Swaps Reminder
Please do not allow your child to bring toys or items for swapping into school.
These can often lead to disagreements and disputes, which we are keen to avoid in order to maintain a calm and positive learning environment.
Please see dates for the diary for key term dates and the calendar for all events: