8th January 2026 | Issue 291
In the news this week...
In science we have learnt that the muscle on one side of our heart is smaller than the muscle in the other side; this is why your heart tilts to the left slightly. Your heart never takes a break. On average, your heart beats forty two million times a year. Your heart beats faster if you are excited or frightened.
Yesterday we were doing bench ball for PE because of the cold; there was lots of shouting to encourage each other. We had lots of team work and we used our strategic thinking to plan who would be on the benches and who would go up front.
In geography we are looking at mountain ranges and learning facts about specific mountain ranges and the vocabulary about mountains such as summit, tree line, base. The tree line is the highest point above which trees cannot grow because the conditions are too extreme. The higher you climb up a mountain, the less oxygen there is. This makes it harder to breathe. This relates to what we were learning about oxygen and the heart.
Report by Olivia, Rupert and Benjamin
Updates & Reminders
Message from OCC Admissions Team -
We are writing to let you know that applications for Reception places for children starting school in September 2026 is now open. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2026.
We strongly encourage families to apply online via the following link: Reception applications | Oxfordshire County Council
Children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, who are eligible to start school in September 2026.
Key reminders for parents:
- Read the Starting School Guide on the website
- Apply on time – late applications won’t receive an offer on National Offer Day (16 April 2026)
- Update addresses – upload proof of address and inform current nursery/school (if there has been a change)
- Include sibling details where relevant
- List multiple preferences – up to four schools can be selected
Late applications are far less likely to secure a place at a preferred school, so it is important that parents apply on time.
Just a reminder we have children in school with serious allergies please do not send your child in with items containing nuts, this includes chocolate spread, peanut butter and products containing a chocolate filling like Nutella or chocolate bars containing nuts. We have had a few occasions recently where we have found items have been sent into school in packed lunches which contain nuts.
Dates for the Diary
- Thursday 15th January - Deadline for applying for a school place to start September 2026 for Children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022.
- Thursday 15th January - Themed Lunch Day
Message from St Mary's Church
Message from the PTA
Some Dates for your diary for PTA events coming up this term:
PTA Disco - Saturday 7th February 2026 from 5.30-7.30 pm at the Sports and Social club. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Rags2Riches preloved clothing collection - Thursday 26th February.
World Book Day - Thursday 5th March, book collection and sale, and school uniform sale.
Easter Egg Hunt - Sunday 22nd March (TBC)
Remember: Please be aware that we have children in school with serious food allergies. To ensure the safety of all of our children please avoid sending your child to school with anything that contains nuts this includes sandwiches containing peanut butter or chocolate spread.
Useful Links
Here is the NHS Is my child too ill for school information.
As parents and carers, there are ways we can support our children to give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy. Encouraging and guiding a child to think about their own mental health and wellbeing are vital skills you can teach them from a young age. Children's mental health - Every mind matters
