Dear Glebe Families
As we reach the end of another incredibly busy and rewarding half term, I would like to take a moment to reflect on just how much our pupils have achieved over the past few weeks.
Our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils took part in Bikeability training, developing essential cycling skills and, importantly, learning how to stay safe on the roads. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow across the sessions, and the instructors commented positively on their focus, resilience and responsible attitudes. These are life skills that will serve them well beyond the school gates.
We were also immensely proud of the children who represented the school at the Dance Festival. Their energy, teamwork and commitment to rehearsals truly paid off in a fantastic performance. In addition, there have been numerous football fixtures this half term, with both participation and success to celebrate. The determination shown by our teams have been exemplary, and we are grateful to staff and families who continue to support these opportunities.
Community spirit has been at the heart of school life too. Our Wicked Singalong Live event in the hall was a joyful occasion, bringing everyone together in song and celebration. A huge thank you to the Friends of Glebe for organising the ever-popular school discos – the children had a fantastic time and these events continue to be a highlight of the term.
Year 6 have also been engaged in important learning beyond the classroom, with police presentations throughout January covering key themes around safety and responsibility. These sessions culminated in our wonderfully vibrant Crazy Hair Day, which was embraced with enthusiasm and imagination across the school.
It has been a half term filled with opportunity, achievement and memorable moments. Thank you for your continued support – it makes such a difference.
We wish all of our families a restful and enjoyable half term break. We hope you find time to relax, recharge and perhaps enjoy some early signs of spring together. We look forward to welcoming the children back refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead.
Warm regards
Mr Clarke
Headteacher
Certificates
A huge well done this week to:
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RBC: Aria D B & Jamie B |
RS: Olive B & Poppy F |
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1D: Finley B & Bella T |
1P: Ernie B & Freddie K |
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2A: Seb S & Ahlia N |
2N: Charlie W & Rosie G |
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3MH: Lewis R & Charlie W |
3VB: Jessica F & Lewis H |
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4A: Olive W & Billy B |
4L: Thomas G & Lara C |
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5R: Archie D & Leo H |
6/5P: Heidi P & Archie H |
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6CH: Albie M & Ria-Mae C |
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Attendance: Our school target is 97%
Year to date 93.9%
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: 91.9% | 3VB: 96.2% |
| RS: 98.8% | 4A: 90.7% |
| 1D: 95.5% | 4L: 96.9% |
| 1P: 98.1% | 5R: 92% |
| 2A: 91.9% | 5/6P: 91% |
| 2N: 93.8% | 6CH: 95.2% |
| 3MH: 99.3% |
This week, the class with the highest attendance was 3MH with 99.3%. Well done! The attendance reward will be coming your way.
Glebe Close
We kindly ask parents to be mindful of where they park along Glebe Close, following a concern that vehicles have been parked across resident driveways. Thank you for your co-operation and support.
FOGP Crazy Hair Day
Thank you to everyone for your cash donations today, we raised £161.20. We’ve also received lots of online donations via FOGP. If you haven’t already donated and would like to do so, please use the link: Friends of Glebe (FoGP)
News from EYFS
We have had a very busy week in Reception. We have enjoyed learning about Chinese New Year and the animals of the zodiac through the story of The Great Race. The children re-enacted the story using animal masks. They also drew a picture and wrote about their favourite part of the story, as well as making dragon and lantern crafts.
In maths, we have been learning about measure and using the language of height, comparing when something is tall or short. We compared who was the tallest and shortest in the class, and we used cubes to build towers so we could compare their heights.
We all enjoyed the disco yesterday afternoon. The children loved wearing their party clothes, joining in with the games, dancing, and the snow machine!
News from the Resource Base
RBH: In English this week, we started with a bit of role play where Akeyo had lost his dog – we had to write a story about it, independently. The children then started to learn a story about a lost hen called Mondi. We went on to learn about different types of sentences. These are statements, exclamations, questions and commands. The children have become confident in identifying the different types. Perhaps your adult can tell you a sentence and you can tell them what type of a sentence it is.
In Maths we have continued our topic of money. We have been making the same amounts with different coins and notes. The children have also been comparing amounts and they have been using their knowledge of coins to play shops, making sure they use the right coins or notes when they buy something. We finished the week off by making a pound with different coins. Can you tell a grown up at home two different ways to make a pound?
RBR: This week we have begun applying our knowledge of equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions to add and subtract fractions. The children grasped this quickly, so we will soon be moving on to multiplying and dividing fractions.
In English, the children have written their newspaper articles about the evacuation of children during World War II. They carefully highlighted key information from their research and used this to support and structure their writing. Using the success criteria, they ensured they included the punctuation we have been focusing on over the past two weeks, including colons, semi-colons, dashes, and both direct and indirect speech.
We have also finished reading How Do You Deaf? in guided reading. The children thoroughly enjoyed the book and are now very excited for Kerry’s visit next half term.
RBN: The children have thoroughly enjoyed exploring nonsense poetry this week. We looked at Nursery Rhymes and a range of nonsense poems including ‘In the Ning Nang Nong’. The children have used their poetry map to rehearse ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’. They have explored performing the poem using volume, pace, tone and expression. They worked hard on their own performance and then used their own skills to reflect on other’s performances. Well done to them all.
We have been exploring area and perimeter this week. This has been challenging. We are working hard to remember that area is the space taken by the 2D shape and the perimeter is the total distance around the sides of the 2D shape. Please practise this and discuss this at home.
Wishing you all a wonderful half term.
Influential Figure – Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was an influential scientist whose ideas changed the way we understand the world. Born in Germany, he later moved to other countries and eventually settled in the United States, bringing his knowledge and skills with him. Einstein’s work shows how curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving can lead to important discoveries that benefit everyone. His story helps children see how people who move between countries can share ideas and talents that help science, learning, and society grow.
Music Moment
Our music moment this week was Rhapsody in Blue – George Gershwin.
Fortnightly Focus: Ambition
Our fortnightly focus encourages everyone to be ambitious, challenge their thinking, and learn about future careers. Through daily reflections and reminders, our parents and staff are encouraged to support our children to set goals, embrace challenge, and understand how learning links to real-life opportunities. Together, we are building confidence, curiosity, and aspirations for the future.
Day 1 – Ambition
Reminder: Ambition starts with believing you can succeed.
Prompt: What is one goal you want to work towards this term?
Day 2 – Challenging Thinking
Reminder: Mistakes help our brains grow.
Prompt: What did you find tricky yesterday, and what did you learn from it?
Day 3 – Learning & Careers
Reminder: Every job uses skills learned in school.
Prompt: Can you name a job that uses reading, maths, or teamwork?
Day 4 – Ambition
Reminder: Big dreams are built from small steps.
Prompt: What is one small step you can take today towards your goal?
Day 5 – Challenging Thinking
Reminder: Trying again is part of success.
Prompt: What could you do differently if something feels hard?
Day 6 – Learning & Careers
Reminder: Learning helps open doors to future careers.
Prompt: What subject do you enjoy, and where could it lead?
Day 7 – Reflection
Reminder: Take pride in effort, not just results.
Prompt: What are you proud of this week?
Day 8 – Ambition
Reminder: Ambition means aiming high and staying positive.
Prompt: Who inspires you to do your best, and why?
Day 9 – Challenging Thinking
Reminder: Challenge yourself to think in new ways.
Prompt: Can you solve a problem using a different strategy?
Day 10 – Learning & Careers
Reminder: Careers change, but learning lasts a lifetime.
Prompt: What new skill would you like to learn?
Day 11 – Ambition
Reminder: Your attitude can help you achieve great things.
Prompt: How will you show determination today?
Day 12 – Challenging Thinking
Reminder: Asking questions helps deepen understanding.
Prompt: What question can you ask today to help you learn more?
Day 13 – Learning & Careers
Reminder: People in all careers keep learning.
Prompt: Ask a parent, carer, or staff member about the skills they use at work.
Day 14 – Celebration & Reflection
Reminder: Growth comes from effort, challenge, and learning.
Prompt: What have you learned about yourself over the last two weeks?
16 February to 20 February – Half term.
25 February – Young Voices.
27 February – Year 6/5 Duxford Imperial War Museum visit.
2 March – Essex Vibrations workshop for RB children. *new date*
5 March – World Book Day.
6 March – Year 3 visiting Holy Trinity Church, 1.30pm-2.45pm.
9 March – KS2 children at Sweyne Park School for the matinee performance of Beauty and The Beast (afternoon).
11 March – African drumming workshop for Year 2. Performance to parents 11.30am-11.45am, KS2 hall.
13 March – FOGP Mother’s Day event.
18 March – Online parents’ evening from 1.20pm to 6.30pm.
19 March – RBR Colchester Zoo trip.
20 March – Red Nose Day.
23 March – Class photographs.
24 March – iRock concert to parents at 9.15am, KS2 hall.
26 March – Year 2 Hyde Hall trip.
27 March – Author visit for RB children. *new date*
Big well done to Lara for an amazing achievement in her gymnastics squad. She achieved County Grade 2 with a distinction, and placed 4th on vault and bars – what a superstar! We’re so proud of you, Lara. Keep shining!
Our latest league fixture against Our Lady of Ransom proved to be a thrilling, end-to-end encounter, showcasing the team’s football skills. From the first whistle, the team played with energy, confidence, and real determination.
We were 1-0 up at half time, but I felt it wasn’t a true reflection of our dominance. In the second half, the team continued to attack with verve, and this time, took most of the chances created. In the end, we had 5 different scorers in a 5-0 win.
Even though Our Lady of Ransom did have some breaks in play, they came up against a strong defence marshalled by Jack and Oliver P. When they managed to get past the defence, our goalkeeper made sure that nothing went past him.
The team is on a roll after having back to back wins. Our next match is against Rayleigh Primary, on 2 March. I hope the winning streak continues!
A massive thanks to the parents who braved the cold weather to support the children.
Find the signs in action on Glebe’s social media pages.
