We’ve had a fantastic first half term back at school! The children have returned full of energy and enthusiasm and it has been wonderful to see them so engaged in their learning and activities. Over the past few weeks, they have enjoyed a wide range of exciting experiences — from building confidence and road safety skills in our cycling workshop, to sparking imagination through storytelling assemblies. Our younger children have also shown great courage and resilience during their swimming lessons.
Global Goals
The children have been working hard on their pitches following our Global Goals Day. Each class has explored different ideas linked to the UN Global Goals and is preparing to present their suggestions for our school’s focus this year.
Just a reminder - We are looking forward to sharing these with you on Friday 24th October at 2.45pm, when the children will also take part in a vote to help us choose our global goal focus, actions, and charities for the rest of the year.
Swimming
Looking ahead to next half term, it will be Key Stage 2’s turn for swimming lessons. Sessions will take place at Woggle Goggle, and children will travel there and back by coach. Please ensure your child brings their swimwear and a towel each week. We’re looking forward to seeing our older pupils develop their confidence and swimming skills in the pool. If you have not yet filled out the form please could you do so before the start of the next half term - KS2 Swimming form
Theatre by the Lake
On Friday 21st November the whole school will be going to the Theatre by the Lake to see the Wizard of Oz, we will be leaving school at 9am. The show will be at 10.30am and then we will have lunch and spend the afternoon in Keswick. Please could you send your child with a packed lunch on this day or order one via School hub.
We are asking for a voluntary contribution from parents of £10 per child to help cover the costs of the bus and the performance tickets, if you are able to please make payment via School Hub and ensure you provide consent via this online form: https://forms.office.com/e/0GKMQuHcyp
If your Nursery child does not usually attend on this day but you would like them to go please let Mrs Olsen know and she will add them onto our booking.
Lockdown Procedure
Next half term, we will be practising a lockdown procedure with the children. This is something that all schools are required to do. The practice will be carried out sensitively, using a low-level scenario for example a loose dog on the field to help children understand what to do if we ever needed to move into lockdown.
We will focus on staying calm, getting into school safely and quickly, and following adult instructions. Please be reassured that this is a precautionary safety measure, and we will ensure that it is explained carefully and appropriately for all ages.
Reminders
A few helpful reminders for our school community:
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Parking: Please do not park in the school car park at any time, including drop-off and pick-up. This helps keep our children safe.
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Library Books: Please could you ensure that your child's library books are left in their bookbag, so that these can be changed on a weekly basis. If they are not in the book bag they will not be changed.
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Dogs: For safety reasons, please do not bring dogs past the wooden gate onto the playground.
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Clothing: As the weather gets cooler, please make sure that all clothing is clearly labelled and that all children have a coat in school.
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PE Kits: We will be sending all PE Kits home at the end of half term. Please ensure that your child brings their PE kit back to school ready for next term.
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Appointments: We understand that it is not always possible to get appintments outside of school times, if there is no other option please ensure that you provide the office with proof of appointment. So that we can approve the absence.
Dates
Tuesday 4th November: Year 5/6 Save a Life
Thursday 6th November: Reception Phonics info evening for parents - 3.30pm - 4pm
Wednesday 5th November: First Swimming for KS2
Wednesday 5th November: Reception & Yr 6 Height & Weight check
Monday 10th November: Nasal Flu Immunisation
Tuesday 11th November: Year 1 Phonics info evening for parents - 3.30 - 4pm
Thursday 12th November: Reading Evening 5pm - 6pm (more info to follow)
Thursday 12th November: Parents Internet Safety Workshop Q&A 5pm - 6pm (more info to follow)
Friday 14th November: Children in Need
Monday 17th November: Year 4, 5 & 6 Kirkcudbright Planetarium
Friday 21st November: Theatre by the lake trip, whole school - Wizard of Oz
Friday 28th November: Child initiated independent learning showcase 2.45pm
Friday 12th December: Christmas play 9.30am & 5.30pm
Wednesday 17th December: Winter Wonderland
Thursday 18th December: Christmas Lunch
School will finish normal time on Friday 19th December, please note there will be no after school club on this day.
Clubs
Volunteer
At Armathwaite, we truly value our volunteers—parents, grandparents, and community members—who make a big difference in children’s learning. Volunteering is enjoyable, rewarding, and a great way to get involved in school life.
Volunteers help with:
- Reading with children
- Afterschool clubs
- Outdoor Learning sessions
- Educational visits
You can volunteer regularly or whenever you’re available. If you're interested, let us know—we’d love your help!
Easy Fundraising
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Please register using this link – just click sign up -
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Kids Eat Free
