Dear Glebe Families
As we reach the end of another incredibly busy and joyful half term, I would like to take a moment to thank our whole school community for the enthusiasm, support and positivity that continue to make our school such a special place to learn and grow.
This half term has been filled with memorable experiences, exciting opportunities and moments of pride across the school. Our children have thoroughly enjoyed visits from different faith groups as part of their learning about Islam and Hinduism, helping to deepen their understanding of diversity, respect and the shared values that unite us all. These experiences have beautifully reflected our commitment to British Values and celebrating the rich cultures within our wider community.
We have also welcomed families into school for a range of parent workshops and enrichment opportunities, alongside our ever-popular lunchtime events which continue to bring children together in creativity, teamwork and fun. Thank you to all parents and carers who joined us and supported these occasions.
Educational visits have once again brought learning to life, from adventurous outdoor experiences at Call of the Wild to the awe and wonder discovered during our trip to the Natural History Museum. These opportunities create lasting memories and inspire curiosity far beyond the classroom walls.
Music has truly filled our school this half term. Our Musical Monday celebrations, supported through the Essex Greater Music Hub and on Thursday we showcased the confidence and talent of our choir. It was a privilege to host schools from across the local area for the rehearsal of the SEESMA Junior Music Festival. The excitement, collaboration and joy of performing together created an atmosphere that was simply unforgettable.
Of course, no summer half term would be complete without our much-loved summer picnic and sports afternoon. It was wonderful to see children laughing, competing with determination and encouraging one another so warmly. The sunshine, smiles and sense of togetherness perfectly captured the spirit of our school community.
Looking ahead to next half term, we have many more milestones. Our Year 4 pupils will undertake their long-awaited Multiplication Tables Check after working so incredibly hard to master their times tables, and our Year 1 children will complete their Phonics Screening Check with growing confidence and resilience. We are also very much looking forward to welcoming our new Reception families as they begin their journey with us ahead of September.
The start of next half term also brings the much-anticipated Friends of Glebe Summer Disco – always a fantastic event and a brilliant way to begin another exciting few weeks together.
Thank you once again for your continued support, encouragement and partnership throughout this busy and rewarding half term. We are enormously proud of everything our children have achieved.
Wishing all of our families a happy, restful and sunshine-filled half term break.
Warm regards
Mr Clarke
Headteacher
Certificates
A huge well done this week to:
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RBC: Fletcher G & Evelyn N |
RS: Maeve W & Tom M |
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1D: Finley B & Bella T |
1P: Henry B & Ariella M |
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2A: Teddy Y & Zachary C |
2N: Finlay S & Elsie M |
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3MH: Sullivan D B & Bobby L |
3VB: Alice T & Myla S |
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4A: Cohen B & Isabelle D |
4L: Blossom F & Nora B |
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5R: Archie D & Emily C |
6/5P: Orea-Mae K, Lottie G, Pippa F |
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6CH: Leo L & Jenson F |
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Attendance: Our school target is 97%
Year to date 94.3%
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: 95% | 3VB: 98.3% |
| RS: 98% | 4A: 86.6% |
| 1D: 88.2% | 4L: 92.1% |
| 1P: 98.1% | 5R: 94.8% |
| 2A: 97.6% | 6/5P: 91.4% |
| 2N: 92.5% | 6CH: 89.3% |
| 3MH: 90.5% |
This week, the class with the highest attendance was 3VB with 98.3%. Well done! The attendance reward will be coming your way.
Bikeability for Children in Year 5 from September 2026
A reminder to our current Year 4 parents (Year 5 in September) to complete the Bikeability expression of interest form by 9.30am on Monday 1 June.
Please indicate whether your child is interested or not interested in taking part during the next academic year, as we require a response from all parents.
Year 5 (from September 2026) Bikeability – Expression of Interest – Fill in form
News from EYFS
This week in Reception, the children have continued their learning around the topic Under the Sea and have been listening to the story Somebody Swallowed Stanley. The children have been thinking carefully about how sea animals might feel when there is rubbish in their oceans and have discussed the importance of keeping our seas clean and safe for marine life.
In Maths, the children have been exploring sharing and grouping. They have used practical resources and counters to group objects fairly into different sized groups, talking about how many objects are in each group.
We are sure you will agree that the children did a fantastic job at their first school Sports Day and had lots of fun! Thank you to all the parents who came along to support the children and help make the event so special.
News from the Resource Base
RBR: This week we have begun exploring explanation writing. We received a letter from Wallace, who desperately needs our help after somebody stole all of his invention ideas, blueprints, and explanations of how his machines work!
He has asked the children to become inventors themselves by designing new machines, creating detailed plans, and writing explanations about how their inventions work. Before beginning this exciting task, we focused on identifying the key features of an explanation text so that the children are ready to combine their creativity with clear, organised writing.
In Maths, we have moved on to dividing decimals by integers. The children have continued to build on their understanding of place value and are becoming increasingly confident when applying these skills to more challenging calculations.
It has been a fantastic week of creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking.
RBH: This week in English, we have been using talk for writing in preparation for writing our own biographies. The children have worked hard to learn the text and towards the end of the week they have had a go at writing their own biography about Florence Nightingale.
In Maths, we have been continuing our work on fractions looking closely at 1/2, ¼ and 1/3. The children have learnt that a fraction must be made up of equal parts. They have been finding fractions of shapes as well as groups of objects and numbers. We have begun to use ‘numerator’ and ‘denominator’ for the parts of a fraction. The children have all shown resilience and have grown in confidence with their learning this week. As a challenge over half term, I challenge the children to find fractions in everyday objects/items at home. Enjoy!
RBN: This week in English, we have been writing our narratives about finding a magical object. The children have been using their text map and box plan to rehearse their narrative orally before recording it as their Hot Task (independent write). They have been practising their use of prepositional phrases, powerful vocabulary, use of noun phrases and trying to extend their sentences.
In Maths, we have been continuing our work on fractions looking closely mixed numbers and improper fractions. They have been discussing how to convert from one to the other and have been applying this when adding fractions together. They are increasing their confidence in explaining what a fraction is and what the digits involved mean.
During the half term, see if you can find an object which could be used for a story. What magical powers could it have to capture a reader’s interest? Watch out for sharing of food, games and items at home where you could apply your knowledge of fractions.
Fortnightly Focus – Norms (from 1 June)
During the first fortnight, our focus is on strengthening a calm, respectful and inclusive school culture where every child feels safe, valued and ready to learn. Staff will consistently reinforce clear routines, positive relationships and high expectations in every classroom and around school. Pupils will focus on kindness, attendance, behaviour for learning and taking pride in their school community. Parents can support by encouraging punctuality, positive attitudes and strong communication between home and school. This work aligns closely with key inspection priorities around behaviour and attitudes, attendance, safeguarding, inclusion and personal development, ensuring that all pupils experience a culture where they can thrive academically and socially.
25-29 May – Half term.
1 June – Children return to school.
2-4 June – Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (morning). *updated*
2 June – Class 6/5P parent lunch.
2 June – Reception trip to Barleylands.
3 June – September 2026 Reception intake welcome meeting at 2.30pm, KS1 hall.
4 June – 6CH parent lunch.
4 June – FOGP summer disco.
5 June – 4L non-uniform day (golden ticket prize). *new event*
7-10 June – Year 6 PGL Bawdsey Manor residential.
12 June – Junior Music Festival.
16 June – Year 4 Walk to Rayleigh (afternoon). *new event*
18 June – Year 6 Aviation WW1 simulator.
19 June – Father’s Day event.
23 June – Meet the teacher event, 3.30pm-4.30pm.
26 June – Year 6 transition to Sweyne Park School.
26 June – FOGP summer fete.
1 July – Nursery sports morning and picnic.
2 July – Year 4 Harry Potter day. *new event*
3 July – District sports at Garon Park.
7 July – Year 6 production to parents at 5.00pm.
9 July – Year 6 production to parents at 2.00pm.
14 July – iRock concert for parents at 9.15am, KS2 hall.
17 July – Year 6 Glebe fest leavers’ event.
20 July – Year 6 leavers’ assembly to parents at 9.00am, KS2 hall.
Find the signs in action on Glebe’s social media pages.
