Whitehouse Weekly Bulletin 320

Friday 12th September 2025

A Message from Miss Siddall:

It has been a real pleasure to visit the classes in school throughout the week and see the children enjoying their learning.  I have seen the children using the ‘Whitehouse Way’ – showing courage, perseverance, reflection and responsibility to support them in their lessons.  If you would like the chance to see any of the work your child has already completed, there will be an opportunity next week during the ‘meet the teacher’ sessions which take place straight after school on different days throughout the week - please see the section below for the timetable.     

Assemblies

The theme of our assemblies this week was the Women’s Rugby World Cup. (UNRC: Article 31: I have the right to play and relax and do things like sports, music and drama).  Maybe you could watch one of the upcoming matches on TV together as a family, or if you are feeling energetic even try and play a little bit of rugby in your garden or the local park!

School Photos

We are pleased to let you know that we have our school photographer coming into school on Monday 15^th September to take individual photos of our children.   Please remember to send your child in wearing their full uniform and looking their best.  If your child was due to have PE that day, please ensure they come into school in their school uniform instead of their PE kit.

Meet the Teacher Sessions

We are pleased to inform you that we have our ‘Meet the Teacher’ sessions coming up very soon.  These take place after school and give parents/carers the opportunity to come into the classroom and have a chance to speak to the teachers.  Please note the session times are:

Monday 15^th September:  Year 3

Tuesday 16^th September: Reception and Year 6

Wednesday 17^th September: Nursery, Year 2 and Year 5

Thursday 18^th September: Year 1 and Year 4

Suffolk SENDiass

Do you have a child with SEND needs?  Are you aware of Suffolk SENDiass?  This is a service available to residents of Suffolk who may need some confidential and impartial information, advice and support.  To contact them or view their services, please see their website:

https://suffolksendiass.co.uk/

Awards

As you may be aware, the children are encouraged to follow ‘The Whitehouse Way’ in school to help them in their learning and in becoming good citizens. Our ‘Wonderful Week’ awards this year will be given as a recognition that the children have worked very hard in one of these areas:  Courage, Perseverance, Reflection or Responsibility.  This will be shown in the colour coded lists below. We are so proud of our children at Whitehouse and their wonderful achievements.  Well done to you all.

Key Stage 1:

Lower Key Stage 2:

Upper Key Stage 2:

4YP Charity: For Children and Youth

4YP are a local charity based in Ipswich who organise a range of activities and events for young people to help them make new friends, learn new skills, get creative and explore other things that are important to them.  

They are currently holding a group for girls in Years 4, 5 and 6 on a Thursday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm and have some spaces.  The group runs at the 4YP Hub based in Lower Brook Street, Ipswich. 

If this is something you feel would help your child please contact Chloe on chloe.stanford@4yp.org.uk.  

Attendance: Duck Race Winners

Well done to the winners of our Duck Races last week:

Brick Festival

The Brick Festival is taking place on Saturday 20^th September at Inspire and is a must for all LEGO fans!  The day allows you to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and have fun, no matter what your age.  We know many of our pupils have attended in the past and had a wonderful experience.

There will be a chance to view new LEGO selections, watch lightning-speed building competitions, mini-figure hunts, and even an area to build some of your own creations as well as purchase LEGO blocks, sets and LEGO themed items. 

If you are interested please note you need to book, as the event is always a sell-out.  You can book a space at www.IpswichBrickFestival.com.

Suffolk Parent Carer Forum (SPFC)

SPFC are another resource for families of SEND children and offer a number of training courses and forums which offer support and assistance. 

They are currently reviewing their website to determine how well it works for the families who use it.  If you would be interested in being part of this online focus group it will take place on Thursday 25^th September from 10.00am to 2.30pm.  Please see the following for more information https://suffolkpcf.co.uk/events/.

Dental Appointments

We know what a struggle it can be to find an NHS dentist for your children and have been informed this week that Staffa Lodge Smile Clinic on Norwich Road are currently accepting children on their lists.  Please see below for further information.

World School Milk Day: Competition

To celebrate World School Milk Day which takes place on 24^th September, ‘Cool Milk’ who deliver milk to many schools, including Whitehouse, have introduced a new competition that your child might like to take part in.

The children have been invited to design their own milk bottle using a template which can be accessed at the link below.  Completed designs can be dropped into the school office so we can submit entries.  The winning school will receive a visit from an Olympic Athlete!

https://coolmilk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WSMD-MILK-BOTTLE-TEMPLATE-2025.pdf

Dates for the Diary

Monday 15^th September 2025 - Family Breakfast 8.00am

Monday 15^th September 2025 – School Photo Day

Monday 15^th September 2025 – Year 3 Parent/Carer Reading Session – 2.30pm

Monday 15^th September 2025 – Meet the Teacher – Year 3

Tuesday 16^th September 2025 – Meet the Teacher – Year R and Year 6

Wednesday 17^th September 2025 – Meet the Teacher Year Nursery, Year 2 and Year 5

Thursday 18^th September 2025 – Meet the Teacher Year 1 and Year 4

Friday 19^th September 2025 – Year 6 Earthquake Workshop

Monday 22^nd September 2025 - Family Breakfast 8.00am

Monday 29^th September 2025 - Family Breakfast 8.00am

Friday 3^rd October 2025 – SMSC Day: Learning to Learn

Monday 6^th October 2025 - Family Breakfast 8.00am

Monday 13^th October 2025 - Family Breakfast 8.00am

Monday 13^th October 2025 – Year 6 SATs Info Sessions for Parents/Carers – 9.00am / 4.30pm

Tuesday 14^th October 2025 – Autumn 1 Project Showcase – Years Nursery, 1, 3 and 5

Thursday 16^th October 2025 – Autumn 1 Project Showcase – Years Reception, 2, 4 and 6

Monday 20^th October 2025 - Family Breakfast 8.00am

Monday 27^th October 2025 – Friday 31^st October 2025 – Half Term Holiday

Friday 7^th November 2025 – Tour for new Reception Children (starting Sept 2026)

Thursday 13^th November 2025 – Tour for new Reception Children (starting Sept 2026)

Friday 28^th November 2025 – Reports Home to Parents/Carers

Monday 1^st December 2025 – Tour for new Reception Children (starting Sept 2026)

Tuesday 2^nd December 2025 – Online Parents/Carers Evening – 3.30pm to 5.30pm

Thursday 4^th December 2025 – CET Christmas Concert

Tuesday 9^th December 2025 – Nursery Nativity Event

Thursday 11^th December 2025 – Reception Nativity Play

Thursday 11^th December 2025 – Online Parents/Carers Evening – 3.30pm to 6.30pm

Tuesday 16^th December 2025 – Autumn 2 Project Showcase – Years Reception, 2, 4 and 6

Thursday 18^th December 2025 – Autumn 2 Project Showcase – Years Nursery, 1, 3 and 5

Friday 19^th December 2025 – Last day in school before Christmas

Monday 22^nd December 2025 to Friday 2^nd January 2026 – Christmas Holiday

Monday 5^th January 2026 – PD Day (School closed to Children)

Tuesday 6^th January 2026 – First day back for the children

Monday 22^nd June to Tuesday 23^rd June 2026 – Year 6 Residential Trip to Mersea