SCHOOL NEWS & Key Dates
HEADTEACHER MESSAGE
With the sun shining again (at long last!), please, please make sure jackets and jumpers are clearly named. The children head outside at lunchtime, run around to warm up, then ditch their jumpers and often forget them at the end of break.
We regularly end up with 20-plus jumpers — and only about half of them are named, which makes returning them very tricky!
Thank you so much!
WORLD BOOK DAY
Our World Book Day celebrations were truly wonderful this year!
The children amazed us with their creative and imaginative costumes, bringing so many beloved book characters to life around the school. We were also delighted by the fantatsic entries in the Hard-Boiled Egg Book Character Competition- the creativity, humour and attention to detail were incredible, and it was very difficult to choose wnners.
Throughout the week, the children also produced some awesome illustrator-style artwork, showing real care and creativity as they explored how pictures help tell a story.
To top it all off, each class learnt a poem to perform in assembly, and the children did a brilliant job sharing them with such confidence and enthusiasm.
It was a joyful celebration of books, creativity and a shared love of reading across the whole school.
MISS CRUM AS A READER
My love for books began when I was very young, as my mum and dad took turns reading a range of bedtime stories to my sister and I. Those cosy bedtimes sparked a love of stories that has stayed with me ever since.
Once I learned to read independently, there was no stopping me! On many occasions, I would get into trouble for hiding on the landing and reading well past my bedtime. I adored the Harry Potter series - the top left photograph shows me receiving the final book for my 10th birthday. Other childhood favourites included Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo, Wonder by R J Palacio and A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.
As an adult, my love of reading is just as strong. My favourite place to read is on a sunny beach, where I can completely lose myself in a book. My Kindle has been a game changer for travelling - endless books in one small device, much to my sister’s annoyance as I can happily sit in silence for hours on holiday! If I’m not by the sea, then reading with a coffee and a slice of cake is a very close second.
As Year 6 teacher, I love sharing books with my class. This year, my favourite class read has been The Nowhere Emporium by Ross Mackenzie. Thanks to recommendations from the children, I have also enjoyed The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow and The Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill.
If you have any brilliant book recommendations, please come and share them with me.
Happy reading, TPS!
SHOOTING STARS FESTIVAL
On 5th March, 14 girls from Year 2 and Year 3 attended the Shooting Stars Festival at TGS.
The festival provided an opportunity for the girls to take part in a variety of football activities inspired by Disney stories, including The Lion King and The Incredibles.
The girls had a fantastic time and approached each activity with enthusiasm. They demonstrated excellent teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout the event, and represented the school very well.
ELMERS ROLE PLAY AREA
This week, we set up our brand-new role play kitchen in Elmers’ classroom.
The children have loved exploring the space, using their imaginations to cook meals, set the table and work together in their very own kitchen.
It has already inspired lots of wonderful conversations, teamwork and creative play!
YEAR 5 AND 6 WOODLAND WEDNESDAY
The children have made the most of the sunshine while exploring the woodland environment and developing their outdoor learning skills and learning about different types of fungi.
They learnt about King Alfred’s Cakes, discovering how this distinctive fungus grows on dead wood and was traditionally used to help carry embers from place to place. The children also identified a fungus that grows on silver birch trees, known for its medicinal properties, and discussed how it has been used in herbal remedies.
They also learnt about campfire safety and explored different methods for lighting a campfire, including the traditional technique using flint and stone.
Two lovely sessions of sunshine, outdoor learning and teamwork.
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.
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
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
|
|
DATE | YEAR | START | END | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RED NOSE DAY | 20 MARCH | ALL | ||||
| PTFA EASTER DISCO | 24 MARCH | 1-6 | ||||
| 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 | ||||
