Whitehouse Weekly Bulletin 358

Friday 4th September 2026

A Message from Miss Siddall:

I would like to offer a very warm welcome back to school for the start of the Autumn term.  I hope you have had a wonderful summer with your family. If you would like the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, there will be a chance to meet them later in September. As usual, there is lots of interesting learning to look forward to over the coming term and some of our year groups have trips already planned, so keep a look out for letters coming home soon. A reminder of the timings of the school day are detailed below for you. Children who arrive at school after 8.55am will need to enter via the school office, as the gates are closed promptly to allow teachers to begin lessons.

School Timings

As lots of our children have moved in to new Key Stages, please find below for your information a reminder of the start and finish times for our year groups:

If you have more than one child to drop off to classrooms, please start with your oldest child to prevent them arriving to class late.  Again, when collecting, please collect the eldest sibling first and then make your way down the school year groups to the youngest child.

School Photos

We are pleased to let you know that we have our school photographer coming into school on Monday 14^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.

Breakfast Club

Our breakfast clubs are proving as popular as ever this year.  Please remember if you want your child to attend, you need to book a space.  This can be done via Arbor or at the school office.  The cost is £1.00 per child, per day and must be paid in advance.  You need to enter via the KS1 playground and enter through the back door of the Marlow Road hall, where a member of staff will greet your child and sign them in. 

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 directly 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 14^th September:  Year 1 and Year 3

Tuesday 15^th September: Reception, Year 2 and Year 6

Wednesday 16^th September: Nursery

Thursday 17^th September: Year 4 and Year 5

School Dinners

A reminder that the price of school dinners has increased slightly to £2.72.  This will be for both hot dinners and pick and mix options.  Children who have moved into Year 3 and above will have to pay for their school dinner unless they are eligible for free school meals.  If you think your child may be eligible you can apply online at the below link: 

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-meals-uniforms-and-trips/apply-for-free-school-meals. 

Rules around Free School Meals have changed from 1^st September 2026, so if your family receives Universal Credit, please make sure you apply if you have not already.  If you need some assistance please come and speak to the School Office team who will happily assist.

If your child has a dinner money debt we would ask you to kindly ensure this is paid off immediately and pay for any further dinners in advance.

Message from Mrs Sharkey: Attendance Officer

Welcome back everyone!  As you can see ACE (Attend Class Every Day) Bear has had a wonderful summer!  It has been so lovely to hear what you have all been up to this summer.  As we start the new term, we would like to gently remind families that every school day really does count.  Regular attendance helps children feel settled, stay connected with their friends and make the most of their learning and all the wonderful experiences school has to offer.

We also understand that sometimes getting to school every day can feel difficult.  If you have any worries or concerns that may be affecting your child’s attendance, please know that you are not alone.  Our team are here to listen, understand and support you.  Please get in touch with us as early as possible so we can work together to find the right support for your family.  There is always someone to help.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support in helping your child arrive at school on time, ready to learn and ready to shine.

Contact Details

Can we please ask that if any parent/carer has changed their address, phone number or email that you please inform the office as a matter of urgency. It is very important that we have the correct information so we can reach you in the event of an emergency.  Thank you.

Parking

As we move into the new school year, we would like to remind parents/carers the importance of ensuring they are parking safely and considerately in the area around the school site. As you will be aware the start and end of the school day is very busy with many cars and pedestrians near the site.  Please do think about whether it would be possible for you to leave the car at home and walk to collect your children.  We would also ask you to please be considerate to the residents living near the school and do not block the access to their homes when parking.  Also, please be aware the car park is not for use by parents/carers, unless they have a blue badge which must be displayed.

Family Breakfasts

A reminder that our popular Family Breakfasts are starting again on Monday 14^th September 2026. This is a lovely way to start the school week, as parents/carers are invited to come into school at 8.00am and enjoy a simple, free breakfast with their children.  Please come in via the Key Stage 1 playground on Marlow Road, where Mrs Gotts will meet you and show you where to go.  We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

Dates for the Diary

Friday 11^th September 2026 – Non-Uniform Day for Ruby House

Monday 14^th September 2026 – Family Breakfast

Monday 14^th September 2026 – School Photos

Monday 14^th September 2026 – Meet the Teacher: Years 1 and 3

Tuesday 15^th September 2026 – Year 4 Dental Nurse Visit

Tuesday 15^th September 2026 – Meet the Teacher: Reception, Years 2 and 6

Wednesday 16^th September 2026 – Meet the Teacher: Nursery (11.30am)

Thursday 17^th September 2026 - Meet the Teacher: Years 4 and 5

Monday 21^st September 2026 – Family Breakfast

Monday 28^th September 2026 – Family Breakfast

Monday 5^th October 2026 – Family Breakfast

Monday 12^th October 2026 – Family Breakfast

Monday 19^th October 2026 – Family Breakfast

Tuesday 20^th October 2026 - Autumn 1 Project Showcase: Years N, 1, 3 and 5

Thursday 22^nd October 2026 – Autumn 1 Project Showcase: Years R, 2, 4 and 6

Friday 23^rd October 2026 – Whole School SMSC Day

Monday 26^th October 2026 to Friday 30^th October 2026 – Half Term Holiday

Tuesday 10^th November 2026 – Year 3 Stone Age Visitors

Friday 27^th November 2026 – Reports Home to Parents/Carers

Tuesday 1^st December 2026 – Online Parents/Carers Evening 3.30pm to 5.30pm

Tuesday 8^th December 2026 – Nursery Nativity

Thursday 10^th December 2026 – Reception Nativity

Thursday 10^th December 2026 – Online Parents/Carers Evening 3.30pm to 6.30pm

Tuesday 15^th December 2026 – Autumn 2 Project Showcase: Years R, 2,4 and 6

Thursday 17^th December 2026 – Autumn 2 Project Showcase: Years N, 1, 3 and 5

Friday 18^th December 2026 – Last day of the Autumn Term

Monday 21^st December 2026 to Friday 1^st January 2027 – Christmas Holiday

Monday 4^th January 2027 – PD Day (School closed to the children)

Tuesday 5^th January 2027 – Spring Term (first day back for the children)