Whitehouse Weekly Bulletin 364

Friday 16th October 2026

A Message from Miss Siddall:

This week I've been visiting lessons with Mrs Hall and we've been particularly impressed to see lots of fantastic music lessons taking place across the school. The enthusiasm and engagement from the children has been brilliant to observe.  It's also been lovely to see that so many of our KS2 children are enjoying listening to stories on the new Vox Blocks – they're proving to be a real hit! A huge well done to everyone who has been reading the recommended reads in KS2, and to our KS1 children who have been enjoying the bedtime bear recommended reads. It's fantastic to see so many children developing their love of reading.

Attendance: Top 3 classes with the best attendance for week ending 9^th October 2026

                                          Lizards (99%)  Hedgehogs (99%)  Jaguars (99%)  

   Whole School Attendance: 97% - Fantastic Attendance!  Well done Whitehouse

Mobile Dental Visits

We are pleased to confirm that as we have had such a good response to the mobile dental unit visiting our school, some additional dates have been arranged.  Sessions will now take place on:

Tuesday 3^rd November 2026                            Tuesday 17^th November 2026

Monday 7^th December 2026                             Friday 11^th December 2026

Wednesday 6^th January 2027                           Friday 8^th January 2027

Tuesday 26^th January 2027

Pride in Place

The Pride in Place programme puts power into the hands of local communities and the Government recently announced that the Whitehouse Ward will be getting £20 million over the next decade and are asking residents to help decide how this will be invested in the area. Neighbourhood Boards, made up of local people will come together to come up with a plan and drive work to make it happen!  Everyone in the community has an opportunity to shape this plan and get involved.  As part of this project, all parents/carers are invited to take part in a survey to share their thoughts.  To do so, please just use the QR code shown.  This is a great opportunity to have a say, so do take a few moments to complete the survey.

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. Well done to you all.

Key Stage 1:

Lower Key Stage 2:

Upper Key Stage 2:

Attendance: Duck Race Winners

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

Children in Need: Message from The House Captains

On Friday 13^th November, the House Captains are holding a pyjama day to raise money for Children in Need.  All children are invited to come to school wearing pyjamas and to give a suggested donation of £1.00 per child.  As the temperatures continue to drop, please ensure that the pyjamas worn are appropriately warm.  We ask that children wear pyjamas with full-length trousers and long sleeves.  Oodies and onesies are also welcome.  Thank you for your support. 

Government Morning Survey: Your Voice Matters!

Whitehouse is taking part in a national study about morning routines, breakfast and before school childcare.  To take the 5-10 minutes survey, scan the QR code.

We need your help.  Independent researchers at Ipsos want to hear from parents/carers about what your family’s morning looks like.  Researchers have worked closely with parents to make sure this survey asks the right questions and doesn’t take up too much of your time.

• The ask: complete a 5-10 minute survey
• The thank you: a chance to win a £100 voucher
• Who: Everyone!  We’d like to hear from you whatever your mornings looks like!

Please complete the survey by 23^rd October 2026.  Your answers will help inform the national rollout of free breakfast clubs.

Lunchtime Company

If you want to know a little more about Lunchtime Co who are our meal providers please see attached details of how to follow them and see what they offer and their latest news. 

We are also pleased to let you know that we have a new Autumn/Winter menu starting when we return from the October Half Term break.  The menu can be viewed on the website at the following link:

https://www.whcps.org/school-dinners/

Accelerated Reader

A big well done to all the children below who have recently received certificates for their reading.  

Year 5: Gurdwara Trip

Year 5 had a wonderful time this week visiting the Gurdwara as part of their RE learning.  The children discovered more about Sikhism, explored the importance of the Gurdwara as a place of worship and learnt about Sikh beliefs, traditions and values.  It was a fantastic opportunity to deepen their understanding of Sikhism and appreciate the importance of respect, kindness and community.  The children responded brilliantly, asked lots of inquisitive questions and enjoyed learning about a different faith and its traditions.

Reception 2027: Open Mornings / Nursery Spaces

If you have a child starting in Reception in 2027, please do book to come along to one of our Reception Open Days where you will be able to meet our Headteacher and have a look around the school.   Please note we also currently have some spaces in our Morning Nursery.  If you are interested in either please contact the school office on 01473 741249 or parents@whcps.org.

A Message from our Attendance Officer

Our next draw for Ipswich Town tickets will take place on Friday 23^rd October, with the lucky winner getting tickets to watch Ipswich Town take on Bournemouth on Saturday 7^th November 2026!

Remember, every day in school is another chance to be in the draw.

Just a reminder that our school gates close promptly at 8.55am and Key Stage 2 registration also closes at this time.  Please make sure you leave plenty of time for your child to get through the gate and walk to their classroom.  We know mornings can be busy, but leaving just five minutes earlier can make such a difference!  It helps children arrive on time, settle into class and get their school day off to a happy start.

Thank you as always for your continued support with attendance and punctuality.  Working together, we can help out children make the most of every school day!

Ipswich Borough Council: Drawing Competition

Calling all young artists!  Do you care about keeping Ipswich clean and tidy?  If so, why note enter the competition by creating a picture showing why it’s important to pick up and bin litter and help keep Ipswich tidy. This is our town and your drawing could inspire others to be proud of where they live too!

The competition is open to primary school aged children who live in or attend school in Ipswich.

Your entry should show one or more of the below:

• Putting your own litter in the bin
• Picking up litter to help keep Ipswich tidy
• Keeping parks, streets and open spaces clean
• Highlight ‘This is our Town’ message which encourages us to take pride in our local area and help care for the environment.

Email a clear photo or scan of your artwork to communications@ipswich.gov.uk and include the child’s name, age, school and parent/carer contact details.  The closing date is Friday 6^th November 2026.  The winner will receive two tickets to the Premier League fixture between Ipswich Town and Brentford on 26 December 2026, where their artwork will be displayed in the official matchday programme for thousands of fans to see!

Dates for the Diary

Monday 19^th October 2026 – Family Breakfast

Monday 19^th October 2026 – Year 3 Local Walk (Badgers Class)

Tuesday 20^th October 2026 – Year 3 Local Walk (Owls Class)

Tuesday 20^th October 2026 – Year 1 Local Walk

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

Wednesday 21^st October 2026 – Year 3 Local Walk (Rabbits Class)

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 3^rd November 2026 – Mobile Dental Visit

Wednesday 4^th November 2026 – Year 4 West Stow Visit

Thursday 5^th November 2026 – New Reception Children’s Tour – 9.30am

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

Friday 13^th November 2026 – Children in Need: Pyjama Day!

Tuesday 17^th November 2026 – Mobile Dental Visit

Friday 20^th November 2026 - New Reception Children’s Tour – 9.30am

Thursday 26^th November 2026 – Flu Immunisations

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

Tuesday 1^st December 2026 - New Reception Children’s Tour – 9.30am

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

Monday 7^th December 2026 - Mobile Dental Visit

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

Friday 11^th December 2026 - Mobile Dental Visit

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)

Wednesday 6^th January 2027 - New Reception Children’s Tour – 9.30am

Wednesday 6^th January 2027 - Mobile Dental Visit

Friday 8^th January 2027 - Mobile Dental Visit

Tuesday 26^th January 2027 - Mobile Dental Visit

Monday 21^st June 2027 to Tuesday 22^nd June 2027 – Year 6 Residential Trip to Mersea