Riverside News – 16/10/26

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⭐ STAR of the Week ⭐

Leopard: Ronnie N

For enthusiastically taking on the learning challenges all around the classroom. As a brave and eager learner, he consistently strives to challenge himself and aim high in everything he does. Well done, Ronnie!

Zebra: Kyló K

For consistently demonstrating STRIVE during independent learning. He bravely embraces new challenges, steps outside his comfort zone, and takes thoughtful risks every day to let his learning shine. We are so proud of Kyló!

Bear: Chester W

For demonstrating an exceptional commitment to our core school value of STRIVE through your hard work and dedication when learning the story ‘Room on the Broom’ and including actions when reciting it aloud.

Otter: Oliver M

For his excellent writing this week! Oliver did a fantastic job using descriptive adjectives to bring the witch and other characters from Room on the Broom to life! Well done Oliver!

Lion: Harley W

For demonstrating fantastic COMMUNICATION during his phonics sessions this week! He worked so hard to carefully segment and blend tricky sounds, using his phonics knowledge with confidence to write his words independently. Great work Harley!

Seal: Teddie G

For showing fantastic resilience by starting every morning with confidence and bringing a brilliant ‘can-do’ attitude to his whole week. Teddie has shown real strength, walking into class with a smile on his face and throwing himself positively into every single task. Well done Teddie!

Dolphin: Arla H

For showing our STAR value of ACHIEVE by making excellent progress in maths this week. Arla should be so proud of her success in accurately subtracting ones from a two-digit number using a number line!. Well done, Arla!

Tiger: Amieka C

For showing amazing resilience in maths this week, working hard to learn and improve even when making mistakes. You are always working hard to succeed.

Panda: Naomi L

For showing our STAR value of RESILIENCE by working hard to become much more independent during our addition and subtraction unit. She has kept going even when the math was challenging, taking real pride in solving problems on her own.

Turtle: Sienna B

For showing brilliant RESILIENCE during her maths learning. She has kept going even when tasks felt challenging, proving that determination and a positive attitude lead to great progress. Well done Sienna!

Giraffe: Caleb B

For showing our STAR value of ACHIEVE by taking huge pride in his instruction writing, using extra detail and precise expanded noun phrases and confidently sharing his model example with the whole class.

Meerkat: Charlie F
 
For making a fantastic start to Year 5, working hard in every lesson and enthusiastically throwing himself into new experiences like the Viking food tasting and rugby taster session. By putting maximum effort into all of his tasks, he truly demonstrates our Curriculum Driver of AMBITION and our STAR value of STRIVE—keep up the brilliant work!

Rhino: George T

For demonstrating excellent COMMUNICATION by constantly asking pertinent questions during our forces science lessons and working hard to apply higher-level writing techniques in his literacy work. His thoughtful engagement and dedication to improving his writing make him a fantastic role model for our class.

Kangaroo: Jessica L

For demonstrating ambition by setting high expectations for themselves in maths and showing fantastic dedication when learning how to multiply by 10, 100, and 1000.

Koala: Mollie W

For demonstrating fantastic Strive through her eagerness to learn and brilliant participation in every lesson, alongside wonderful Tolerance by always being polite and respectful to her peers and adults. Mollie is a true star!

 

 
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS! 📅

Dates not shown on previous issues are added in RED!

Autumn 1 – 2026

19/10/26 – Parent/Teacher Consultation Booking via SCOPAY Closes 10am

19/10/26 – SRFC Rugby Lessons – Postponed

22/10/26 – Year 4 Egyptian Day

22/10/26 – Flu Immunisation

23/10/26 – PTA Event – Spookathon

23/10/26 – Children break up today

October Half-Term – Monday 26th – Friday 30th October

Autumn 2 – 2026

02/11/26 – Children return to school

03/11/26 – Parent/Teacher Consultations 3:30 – 6:30pm

05/11/26 – Parent/Teacher Consultations 3:30 – 6:30pm

13/11/26 – Children in Need

19/11/26 – Year 5 & 6 Planetarium Visit

19/11/26 – Prospective EYFS Intake Open Evening

20/11/26 – INSET Day – School Closed to Pupils

23/11/26 – INSET Day – School Closed to Pupils

01/12/26 – Christmas Card Box Opens

11/12/26 – EYFS Christmas Productions 9:30 / 1:30

14/12/26 – Year 2 Christmas Productions 9:30 / 1:30

15/12/26 – Year 1 Christmas Productions 9:30 / 1:30

16/12/26 – Christmas Jumper Day

16/12/26 – Christmas Dinner

17/12/26 – Year 3 & 4 Christmas Productions 9:30 / 1:30

17/12/26 – Christmas Post Box Closes

18/12/26 – Year 5 & 6 Christmas Productions 9:30 / 1:30

18/12/26 – Children break up today

Christmas Holidays – Monday 21st December – Friday 1st January

 

Recent Facebook Posts

🚀 Science in action with Year 5! 🍎🧲

Star Power in Year 3 Maths: Putting STAR Values into Action! 🌟🧩

OPEN EVENING

Important Reminder for Parents & Guardians: Safe Parking near School

Please be reminded not to park on road corners or on double yellow lines around school drop-off and pick-up times.

We have recently experienced a few near misses involving children and families. Parking on double yellow lines and corners obstructs sightlines for oncoming drivers and pedestrians, making it significantly harder for children and parents to cross the road safely.

Alternative Parking: Please make use of the Pooles Lane car park, which is FREE and provides a safer, stress-free spot to park before walking over to the school.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and community safe!

Letters

Below are a list of letters, leaflets and posters uploaded to the website this week.

Leaflets/Posters for Parents

Letters sent this week

 

Previous letters, leaflets and posters can be found on the school website Events & Letters > Letters & Parent Meetings

Dinner Menu

We are operating a three week rolling menu. The menus, ingredients and allergen lists can be viewed on our website by clicking here.

Reminders

Reporting Pupil Absence

This is a reminder to all parents/carers that the correct way to report absences is to leave a message on the absence line answerphone daily. If messages are sent by email to the admin email address they will not be registered in time for the morning attendance and you may then receive a call from our attendance team.


Supervision

This is a gentle reminder that parents are responsible for supervising their children and siblings on-site before and after school. 

Please do not allow children to play on the equipment either before/after school. At the end of the day, parents and children should leave the site promptly . This enables us to open up the playground for our other clubs. Thank you.


KS2 Playground
Please note that the day in KS2 does not start until 8:40am when the doors open. Children should not be left unsupervised on the playground before this time. Children should not play on the equipment. Thank you

Team Points

Attendance W/E: 09/10

 

Class

%

1

Rhino

99.10

2

Turtle

98.40

3

Lion

98.30

4

Meerkat

97.40

5

Dolphin

97.10

6

Zebra

97.00

7

Giraffe

94.80

8

Bear

94.70

9

Panda

94.30

10

Otter

92.70

11

Leopard

92.40

12

Seal

92.40

13

Tiger

91.20

14

Koala

90.30

15

Kangaroo

87.30

KS2 Accelerated Reader Word Count

Rank

Class Name

Total Word Count

1st 

Koala

1,460,646

2nd 

Giraffe

682,956

3rd 

Kangaroo

645,370

4th 

Rhino

433,062

5th 

Turtle

353,168

6th 

Tiger

137,042

7th 

Panda

95,740

8th

Meerkat

79,580

Online Safety Guides

Before children have even learnt to read, most can navigate through devices to play games and watch cartoons.

Internet Matters primary school guide helps you to:

  • Get up to speed on popular apps and platforms like YouTube and Roblox
  • Learn more about risks and challenges they might face, from inappropriate content and too much screentime.
  • Find tips and resources to protect them from online harms

Elite Kids Self Defence

If you are interested in finding out more about Elite Kids Self Defence and the sessions they offer, please see the attached flyer for further information.

Krav Maga Elite Website

SEN

Emotional Based School Avoidance Support

SNAP charity has compiled a short guide explaining Emotional Based School Avoidance (ESBA). The guide includes advice and resources to help parents and carers.  

To find out more and access the resources, visit SNAP’s website. 

Image
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Here’s your free copy of the UK’s

 
largest parenting title – Enjoy!
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The Megacentre Community Space

Please see a list of activities that run throughout the week at the Megacentre at their new venue (78a Eastwood Road, SS7 7JP).

Please not you do not need a formal diagnosis to access any of our support.

Unless otherwise stated, sessions take place at our Community Space: 78a Eastwood Road, SS6 7JP.

Here’s a quick guide to what’s on:

Monday Mix
Exclusive soft play for SEND families – plus crafts, football, gaming room, inflatables, laser tag, and more.
 Held at The Megacentre, Brook Road
  No booking required.

Monday – Youth Group

Open youth group for secondary aged children, Games, Crafts & Snacks. Term time only.   No booking required.

Tuesday – Punching for Purpose
Boxing-based sessions to build confidence and resilience.
 5:00–5:45pm (ages 6–15)
 5:45–6:30pm (ages 16+)
 Suggested donation: £7
 Booking required: families@megacentrerayleigh.co.uk

Wednesday – T21 Heroes (for  families & children with Down Syndrome)
First Wednesday of the month: 1:00–2:30pm (under 5s)
Fortnightly sessions: 3:30–5:00pm (ages 5+) – contact us for dates

Wednesday – Midi Mix (SEND club for school-age children)
 4:00–6:00pm
Activities include arts & crafts, sensory play, table football, table tennis, and outdoor games (weather permitting).

Thursday – Your Space – Youth Wellbeing Group

 4:00–5:30pm

Secondary age.  Referral only, please contact us if this sounds like something your child would benefit from

2nd Thursday of the Month – SEND Coffee Morning
 10:00am–12:00pm
Meet other SEND parents, ask questions, and hear from guest speakers on a range of SEND topics.

4th Thursday of the Month – DLA Workshop
Support and guidance for completing Disability Living Allowance forms.

Friday – Mini Mix (Under 5s SEND Group)
A safe, welcoming non-judgemental group for families with younger children who have SEND needs – free play time, no structured activities and no music.  Facilitated by experienced SEND professional.

External Events

OPAL

We are excited to share that we have begun the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) project to enhance the lunchtime experience even furtherfor your children. The aim is to provide more opportunities for creative and active play. 

This section of the newsletter will keep you updated on our OPAL journey, including upcoming developments and ways you can get involved.

Also, if you are having a clear-out, please look out for our donation requests for resources to enhance the playground. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated!


 

Parking Concerns Around School

We kindly remind parents and carers that any parking issues in the local area can be reported directly to Chelmsford City Council. This helps ensure concerns are logged correctly and sent straight to the enforcement team.

To report a parking issue:

  1. Visit the Chelmsford City Council website.

  2. Click ‘Parking & Travel’ on the homepage.

  3. Select ‘Parking Restrictions’.

  4. Click ‘Report a Parking Issue’.

Your report will go directly to the council’s Enforcement Team, who will respond to you directly.

Thank you for helping us keep the area around the school safe for all.