SCHOOL NEWS & Key Dates
HEADTEACHER MESSAGE
I seem to comment on the weather every time I write, but honestly, it really is a joy to see the sun shining and to have our field open again for the children to enjoy at breaktime. Year 3 were especially lucky this week, making the most of the sunshine during their Woodland Wednesday activities.
You may have noticed the new 20mph signs around the roads near school. We have also had law enforcement present, and this will continue over the coming weeks. Please drive and park considerately, not only for our neighbours but, most importantly, to help keep all of our children safe.
On a completely different note, we are pleased to remind you that we have access to resources from FACE Family Advice Online Parenting Courses | Face Family Advice. Their online courses are designed to be completed at your own pace, helping to build confidence and provide practical strategies for supporting children, including those with more challenging behaviours. I would strongly encourage you to make use of these—there are certainly times in all our parenting journeys when expert, practical advice can make a real difference. These resources are completely free for our families.
Finally, let’s hope the sunshine continues as we head into the final week of this short half term. House Day promises to be great fun, with activities in the morning and our sponsored fun run in the afternoon. Any donation, however small, is greatly appreciated as we support Mr Moody on his marathon journey and raise funds for the Youth Sport Trust, a cause from which our school benefits greatly.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mrs Hunter
MR & MRS ROBERTS
I would also like to take a moment to recognise two very special members of our school community, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. Mr. Roberts first introduced himself a nearly two years ago, kindly giving his time to read with our Year 6 children. Before long, Mrs. Roberts joined him, and now they are both in school twice a week, most weeks. With the warmer weather returning, we are also looking forward to seeing Mrs. Roberts back out with the children, planting up the front planters once again.
We are incredibly fortunate to have them as part of our school community. Their generosity has enriched our school in so many ways—from the Roberts Room and the beautiful flowers by the gates last year, to the planters at the front entrance, which will be planted soon, now the weather is warmer. For the children, however, it is the time spent reading, gardening, and listening to the infamous Marvin the Alien stories (a Year 6 prerogative!) that truly makes a difference.
Their support extends even further. Mr. Roberts has joined our governing board as our named safeguarding governor, helping to ensure our policies and procedures continue to keep all children safe. He will also be sharing an update in a future newsletter, offering his perspective on all things TPS.
CARE HOME VISIT
Elmers enjoyed a special school trip to a local care home this week. The children sang some of their favourite nursery rhymes, accompanied by a parent helper on the guitar, which was greatly enjoyed by everyone. They also asked the residents questions about what school was like when they were younger and shared some stories together.
We finished our visit with a biscuit and juice while continuing to chat with the residents. It was a lovely opportunity for the children to connect with the local community!
CROSS COUNTRY COMPETITION
We took 14 children to Chapel Gate on 17th March to compete in the Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 Cross Country competition.
The Year 3/4 race covered a distance of 1.5km, while the Year 5/6 runners tackled a challenging 2km course. All of the children showed fantastic determination and sportsmanship throughout.
We are especially proud to celebrate some brilliant individual achievements, with 3rd and 7th place finishes in the Year 3/4 race, and an impressive 5th place in the Year 5/6 race.
Well done to everyone who took part – a great effort all around!
YEAR 5 SCIENCE
Year 5 had a fantastic time in the wildlife area during their Science lesson this week. The children explored how animals build their homes and worked creatively in groups to design and make their own nests using natural materials.
It was wonderful to see their teamwork, problem-solving, and enthusiasm as they tested which designs were the strongest and most secure. A fun and hands-on way to bring learning to life!
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
On 10th March, we took eight children to the Year 4 Football Tournament at Chapel Gate.
The team played four matches, winning three and losing one.
It was a fantastic effort from all involved, and they finished second overall. A great achievement and a proud moment for the team.
YEAR 3 & 4 WOODLAND WEDNESDAY
Woodland Wednesday has been full of hands-on outdoor learning and adventure over the last two weeks.
Last week, Year 4 developed their survival skills by working in pairs to light fires using a ferro rod. They showed great teamwork, patience, and perseverance as they practised this tricky skill.
This week, Year 3 enjoyed cooking toast over the fire and took part in a nature hunt, exploring the woodland and discovering the environment around them.
It was a fantastic session with lots of enthusiasm, learning, and smiles all round.
WOODLAND WEDNESDAY DATES
Please see below the Woodland Wednesday Schedule for the Summer Term.
On their specific dates, the children will need to wear appropriate clothing, including waterproofs if the weather is due to be wet – please be aware they may get mucky, so old clothing would be best, and some spare clothes to change into following the activity in the event of wet weather is also advised.
BREAKFAST AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUB BOOKING
Booking is compulsory for both Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club. Due to limited spaces, a place must be booked before the session begins.
Bookings can be made via your child’s Arbor account and must be completed at least 48 hours in advance of the session.
SCIENCE FAIR
This year’s theme is ‘Curiosity: what’s your question?’ leaving lots of room for individual ideas and thoughts.
SPONSORED RUN
We are incredibly excited to share some inspiring news with you about a very special member of our wider sporting community – Dan Moody, Sports Partnership Manager and School Games Organiser – who is taking on the huge challenge of running the London Marathon to raise funds for the fantastic Youth Sport Trust.
Dan is truly one of the hidden heroes of our PE provision. As the Strategic Lead for Sports Development for Twynham Learning, he has spent the past 12 years leading the Christchurch School Sport Partnership, organising and delivering the incredible sporting events and opportunities our children enjoy across Christchurch. Many of the competitions, festivals and enrichment activities our pupils participate in simply wouldn’t happen without his dedication, energy and passion for giving every child the chance to experience the joy and benefits of sport.
Last Friday, we were delighted to welcome Mr Moody into school to speak in assembly. The children were absolutely buzzing with excitement to hear about his marathon training journey – the early mornings, the long runs and the determination it takes to prepare for such an iconic race. They are incredibly proud to be part of his journey and we hope that seeing his commitment and resilience will inspire many of them to follow in his footsteps in years to come.
Dan is aiming to raise £2,500 for the Youth Sport Trust – a super-worthwhile cause that we all massively benefit from. The charity works nationally to improve children’s health, wellbeing and life chances through sport. Their work supports schools like ours to provide high-quality PE, develop young leaders, promote inclusion and ensure that every child can experience the positive impact of physical activity.
Our Year 6 Leadership Team came up with the fantastic idea of TPS taking part in a sponsored run, and we have decided to tie the two events together to support Mr Moody in his challenge.
We will therefore be holding a whole-school sponsored run and pledging all funds raised to support Mr Moody and the Youth Sport Trust.
The sponsored run will take place on House Day (26th March) in the afternoon. Children will run in their year groups and complete laps of the school field. Each child will complete a maximum of 10 laps, with lap distances adjusted according to age groups so that everyone can take part successfully and safely.
Your child will receive a paper sponsorship form to collect sponsors. Please note that we are only able to accept cash donations.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our children to show determination, teamwork and community spirit while raising money for a cause that has such a positive impact on their own sporting experiences. We hope you will join us in cheering them on and supporting Mr Moody as he takes on this incredible challenge.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE
Whatever your views on Enid Blyton, she remains one of the most successful and widely read children’s authors of all time. With over 600 million books sold worldwide and translations into more than 90 languages, her stories have inspired generations of young readers. Spanning adventure, mystery, fantasy, school stories and tales for younger children, her work has long been a cornerstone of childhood reading.
A new live-action film adaptation of The Magic Faraway Tree is set to be released on 27th March. For many parents and grandparents, these stories will hold a special place in their own childhood memories. The upcoming Easter break could be a lovely opportunity to visit your local cinema and share this magical world with your children—perhaps sparking a new generation of readers and a fresh love for these classic tales.
CLASS ASSEMBLIES
We are delighted to invite Parents and Carers to view their child's Class Assembly.
Please arrive by 2:45pm and enter via the School Hall entry door.
Details of the dates they will take place are provided below.
| 30 April | Year 4 |
| 14 May | Year 3 |
| 11 June | Year 2 |
| 18 June | Year 6 |
| 25 June | EYFS |
| 2 July | Year 1 |
BOURNEMOUTH BAY PARTNERSHIP
We are pleased to announce that we now offer full time and part time teacher training courses.
Our part-time teaching course offers a route into teaching for people balancing work, training, and family life. The course structure supports part-time employment, enabling you to maintain financial stability while developing your teaching career by training with Bournemouth Bay Teacher Training Partnership.
Bursaries are available for both training routes in eligible subjects.
FOLLOW TPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Did you know TPS has accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter?
We keep these pages up to date with the latest news and events, so may serve as a handy reminder for parents.
If you would like to follow us on social media you will find the links to our Facebook and Twitter Accounts on our website homepage, at the top of the page. You will find a QR code below which will direct you to our Instagram page.
PTFA NOTICES
TRAIN HARD PARKOUR
Looking for a fun, active activity for your child? Train Hard Parkour offer sessions for children aged 6–10 and 10–14 at Twynham Primary School, and are offering Twynham families 50% off their first session using the code TWYNHAM50. You can book at www.train-hard.org
ALADDIN AT THE REGENT CENTRE
The magic of pantomime returns to Christchurch as Highcliffe Charity Players proudly present the timeless classic Aladdin! Having enchanted audiences for over 50 years, Highcliffe Charity Players are the original Christchurch pantomime group, delighting generations of families with their spellbinding performances. In 2026, their much-anticipated next production has moved from its traditional January slot to an exciting Easter season at the Regent.
Step into a world of adventure, comedy, and dazzling spectacle as Aladdin takes you on a journey filled with mystical genies, daring heroes, hilarious antics, and, of course, plenty of audience participation! Featuring a talented cast, stunning costumes, toe-tapping musical numbers, and high-energy choreography, this pantomime promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for the whole family.
With matinee and evening performances, there are plenty of chances to join in the magic, whether you’re young or simply young at heart! Don’t miss the chance to soar on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin, boo the wicked Abanazar, and cheer for love and laughter to triumph!
Gather your family and friends for an egg-citing Easter adventure with Aladdin! Book your tickets early and be part of the magic that has made Highcliffe Charity Players the heart of Christchurch pantomime for over five decades.
https://theregent.co.uk/event/97845
VACANCIES
To review all of the current Twynham Learning vacancies please follow this link.
https://www.twynhamlearning.com/187/staff-vacancies
KEY DATES
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DATE | YEAR | START | END | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTFA EASTER DISCO | 24 MARCH | 1-6 | ||||
| SATS INFORMATION EVENING | 25 MARCH | 6 | 6PM | |||
| HOUSE DAY | 26 MARCH | ALL | ||||
| LAST DAY OF TERM | 27 MARCH | ALL | ||||
| EASTER HOLIDAY | 30 MARCH - 10 APRIL | ALL | ||||
| FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL | 13 APRIL | ALL | ||||
| SCIENCE FAIR | 17 APRIL | 3,4,5 & 6 | 2:30PM | 3:00PM | ||
| YEAR 4 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 30 APRIL | 4 | 2:45PM | |||
| MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY | 4 MAY | ALL | ||||
| YEAR 3 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 14 MAY | 3 | 2:45PM | |||
| HALF TERM HOLIDAY | 25 MAY - 29 MAY | ALL | ||||
| INSET DAY | 1 JUNE | ALL | ||||
| CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS | 3 JUNE | ALL | ||||
| PTFA LOCAL LITTER PICK | 7 JUNE | |||||
| YEAR 4 RESIDENTIAL TRIP | 9-10 JUNE | 4 | ||||
| YEAR 6 RESIDENTIAL TRIP | 10-12 JUNE | 6 | ||||
| YEAR 2 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 11 JUNE | 2 | 2:45PM | |||
| PTFA DOUGHNUT SALE | 12 JUNE | ALL | ||||
| YEAR 6 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 18 JUNE | 6 | 2:45PM | |||
| PTFA MUFTI DAY | 19 JUNE | ALL | ||||
| EYFS CLASS ASSEMBLY | 25 JUNE | EYFS | 2:45PM | |||
| YEAR 6 TRANSITION DAY | 26 JUNE | 6 | ||||
| SPORTS DAY | 2 JULY | ALL | ||||
| YEAR 1 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 2 JULY | YEAR 1 | 2:45PM | |||
| PTFA ENTREPRENEUR FAIR | 3 JULY | ALL | ||||
| PTFA SUMMER DISCO | 14 JULY | ALL | ||||
| LAST DAY OF TERM | 22 JULY | ALL | ||||
| SUMMER HOLIDAY | 23 JULY - 28 AUGUST | ALL | ||||
