Gazette 21/11/2025

Headteacher’s Message

Dear Glebe Families

What a week it’s been!  We kicked off the week with a thrilling boys’ football match on Monday, followed by the girls’ match on Wednesday.  I’ve heard both matches were packed with action, sportsmanship, and some seriously skilful play!

We also had the pleasure of launching Bikeability this week, and I must say, I’ve been so impressed with the feedback we’ve received.  The children’s behaviour, listening skills, and cycling prowess have truly stood out, a fantastic start!

We do want to apologise again for any inconvenience caused by yesterday’s emergency school closure.  Thank you so much for your understanding and support during this time.  Following expert technical advice, we unfortunately had no option but to close the school to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our whole community, whilst essential maintenance took place, as we were unable to operate fully.  Please be assured that such decisions are always a last resort and will never be taken lightly.

We know many of you were looking forward to the discos, and we’re working with the Friends of Glebe to ensure that no one is financially disadvantaged.  Rest assured, we’ll arrange for the children to have a ‘wicked’ party at another time!

As the weather has certainly taken a turn for the colder this week, we hope you’re all wrapping up warm and making the most of a cosy weekend ahead.  Whatever you’re up to, we wish you all a fun-filled, restful weekend with your families!

Warm regards

Mr Clarke

Headteacher

Updates

Certificates

A huge well done this week to:

RBC: Fletcher G & Lottie-Rose Y

RS: Eden T & Tom M

1D: Dorothy M & Reuben O

1P: Albie B & Henry B

2A: William S & Violet P

2N: Lucy W & Evie T

3MH: Maisie P-T & Johnny L

3VB: Amelia B & Elsie M

4A: Polly M & Amelia N

4L: Cillian W & Havana-Rose S

5R: Henry F & Ethan S

6/5P: Alex G, Mia G, Orea-Mai K

6CH: Jack N & Albie M

 

 

 

Attendance: Our school target is 97%

Year to date 94.9%

We expect pupils to be in school everyday.

We will not authorise term time absence except in exceptional circumstances and where appropriate, Essex County Council will issue fines.

Classes:

RBC: 99.1% 3VB: 93.5%
RS: 97.7% 4A: 91.6%
1D: 75.3% 4L: 97.3% 
1P: 96.1% 5R: 88.2%
2A: 93%  5/6P: 95.2%
2N: 87.2% 6CH: 97.3%
3MH: 95.5%  

This week, the class with the highest attendance was RBC with 99.1%.  Well done!  The attendance reward will be coming your way.

 

News from the Resource Base

The children have continued with their current topics in English and Maths this week.  Staff have commented on their hard work and resilience throughout their tasks.  It is pleasing to see the children developing their confidence alongside learning which resources they can use to support their learning to work independently.  They have truly shown Glebe’s LEARN values.

As we say goodbye to one of the Resource Base children, we wish them the best of luck in their new school.  Therefore, our sign this week is Good Luck.

News from EYFS

This week, we’ve had a wonderful time exploring the theme of birthdays!  The children have been busy with lots of creative activities, including making decorations, designing and painting birthday cakes, and even crafting sparkly playdough cakes.  They’ve also worked on creating their own birthday cards, practising their phonics skills to write messages, and learning how to lay out a card properly.

In literacy, we focused on birthday invitations.  Using the book Kipper’s Birthday, the children learned about the important details to include in an invitation, such as who, what, when, and where.  They then had the chance to create their own invitations to practice these skills.  And to add even more fun to the theme, we also learned a popular party dance!

In maths, we’ve been working on recognising the numbers 4 and 5 and  groups of 4 and 5 objects without needing to count them one by one.  Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons was a big help in making this concept come to life for the children, and they had a great time connecting the story to their learning.

It’s been a week full of creativity and fun, and we hope your child has enjoyed these activities as much as we have!  Thank you for your continued support.

Influential Figure – Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking was a world-famous British scientist who helped us understand amazing things about space, black holes and how the universe began.  Even though he developed a serious illness when he was a young man and used a wheelchair for most of his life, he continued to study, write and inspire people all over the world.  His determination and curiosity showed that great achievements are possible when we keep asking questions and never give up.

Music Moment

Our music moment this week was Beethoven – Symphony No. 5.

Fortnightly Focus on Norms: Linked to the British Value of Respect

Theme: Respect and Making An Impact for Disadvantaged Pupils

Overview: This fortnight, our focus will centre around the British value of respect, a cornerstone of how we interact with others and work together as a community.  We will link respect to our ongoing commitment to making a tangible impact on the learning experiences of our disadvantaged pupils.  This will involve actively anticipating potential barriers, finding solutions to overcome them, and always striving to provide exceptional quality in everything we do.

Key Goals:

Anticipate Problems: Proactively identify challenges faced by disadvantaged pupils, whether in terms of access to resources, emotional wellbeing, or learning gaps.

Find Solutions: Collaboratively come up with effective strategies and interventions that allow us to meet the needs of these pupils, ensuring they feel respected and supported.

Provide Exceptional Quality: Deliver high-quality teaching, tailored support, and a nurturing environment where every pupil is treated with dignity, kindness, and fairness.

How can you support your child during this focus?

Encourage Respectful Behaviour: Discuss what respect means at home and how it can be shown in various situations, whether it’s respecting peers, teachers, or school rules.

Be Proactive in Communication: If your child is facing challenges, reach out to teachers early so we can work together to address any issues before they become bigger obstacles.

Support Learning at Home: Encourage good habits such as time management, organisation, and a positive attitude towards school.  These habits are key to overcoming challenges and ensuring a smooth learning experience.

Reinforce Positive Solutions: Celebrate the small successes when your child finds solutions to difficulties in their work or personal challenges.  This will help them build resilience and confidence.

Key Dates 2025/26

w/c 24 November – Year 5 & 6 bikeability (group 2 & group 3).

27 November – Choir at the Rayleigh Christmas Lights Switch On Event 4.00pm to 6.30pm. 

28 November – Year 4 British Museum trip.

2 December – 9.15am iRock concert for parents.

4 December – RB Sarah’s Creative Kitchen trip.

5 December – RB Online Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas carol service celebration at school.

9 December – 9.30am Year 3 & 4 Christmas performance for Year 3 parents.

10 December – 9.30am Year 3 & 4 Christmas performance for Year 4 parents.

11 December – 9.30am Year 1 & 2 Christmas performance for Year 1 parents.

12 December – 9.30am Year 5 & 6 Christmas performance for Year 5 parents.

12 December – 2.15pm Year 1 & 2 Christmas performance for Year 2 parents.

15 December – FOGP Elf Emporium and Santa’s Grotto.

16 December – 9.30am Year 5 & 6 Christmas performance for Year 6 parents.

17 December – Christmas dinner and jumper day, including FOGP pantomime.

18 December – 9.30am Nursery Christmas performance.

19 December – Non-uniform day – Wear fluffy socks and bring in board games.

19 December – 9.30am Reception Christmas performance.

22 December to 2 January – Christmas holiday.

5 January – Children return to school.

Caterlink Lunch Menu

Sporting Reports from Mr Acquah

Basketball Tournament – Friday 14 November

 

The Castle Point Basketball Tournament took place at Waterside Farm, bringing together twelve schools for a competitive and energetic day of basketball.  Our team performed with determination and consistency throughout the event.

 

In the group stage, we played five matches, achieving a strong set of results: Won 3; Drew 1; Lost 1.

 

These performances secured us a place in the knockout rounds.  In the semi-finals, we faced the team that would go on to win the tournament.  It was a tightly contested match, and despite a committed effort from the whole squad, we were narrowly defeated.

Following the semi-final and subsequent placement match, our team finished in a very respectable 4th place out of 12 schools, a result that reflects both teamwork and consistent performance across the day.

 

Overall, the tournament was a great experience for the players, who demonstrated skill, resilience, and excellent sportsmanship throughout.

 

Boys’ League Fixture Football Match vs Grove Wood – Monday 17 November

 

Our latest league fixture against Grove Wood proved to be a thrilling, end-to-end encounter, showcasing excellent football from both sides.  From the first whistle, the team played with energy, confidence, and real determination.

 

We scored two outstanding goals, including a spectacular long-range strike from Henry, who launched a cracking effort from near the halfway line that stunned both players and supporters alike.

 

Grove Wood responded well, and the match continued at a fast pace with chances at both ends.  Thanks to some fantastic saves from our goalkeeper, we stayed firmly in the game during key moments.

 

The match finished 2–2, a fair reflection of the commitment and quality shown on the pitch.  Overall, it was a hugely exciting game and an excellent team performance that the players can be proud of.

 

Girls’ League Fixture Football Match vs Grove Wood – Wednesday 19 November

 

Our league fixture against Grove Wood girls was an entertaining and highly competitive game of football against a very strong opponent.  Despite the challenge, our girls rose brilliantly to the occasion and delivered a performance that went far beyond expectations.

 

From the first whistle, it was clear just how much progress the team has made in such a short period of time.  Their teamwork, determination, and growing confidence shone throughout the match.

 

We may have lost 3–1, but the scoreline doesn’t reflect the spirit, effort, and quality shown by the team.  They gave an excellent account of themselves and should feel extremely proud.

 

A special mention goes to Amelia, who scored an outstanding goal and, at times, took on the whole opposition with her skill, bravery, and pace.  Her performance was a real highlight of the match.

 

Overall, it was a hugely encouraging display and another strong step forward for the team.

 

Sign of the Week

Find the signs in action on Glebe’s social media pages.

 

Spotlight on Safeguarding

Friends of Glebe Primary

Rayleigh Community Events

Deanes Holiday Camps

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