Dear Woodpeckers Parents and Carers,
Welcome back! I hope you and your family had a fantastic summer and are feeling refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead. It’s been such a joy to see the children settling back into the school routine so smoothly—they’ve made a brilliant start!
For those of you I haven’t had the chance to formally meet yet (perhaps we’ve just exchanged smiles across the playground!), I’m Miss Jones, and I’m absolutely delighted to be teaching your children this getting to know both you and your child better in the coming weeks.
The wonderful Woodpeckers team remains the same as last year, with Mrs. Butler and Mr. Walker continuing to support the class. Their consistent presence helps create a warm, nurturing, and stable environment where every child can thrive.
We’re kicking off the term with our whole-school book, The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field. This charming and uplifting story about building confidence and embracing change is a perfect way to start the year. It will spark thoughtful discussions in the classroom and help children reflect on their own feelings and experiences as we begin this new journey together.
Our topic this term is Incredible India, and we couldn’t be more excited! From exploring vibrant cultures and fascinating traditions to learning about the diverse landscapes and rich history, this topic promises to be engaging and thought-provoking. We’ve attached a topic web for you to see what’s in store.
Reading for pleasure is a key focus here at Suckley, and we’re keen to help every child develop a love for books. Your child will have access to a range of books throughout the week, and we encourage them to always have one they’re excited to read. This year, we’re adding a fun new twist to the Golden Ticket system: when children complete a full page in their reading records with at-home reading, they’ll receive a small prize in our Friday assembly and be entered into a half-termly raffle!
Spelling practice is done daily during morning skills each week in school, these are handed out every Monday so please ensure your childs spelling book comes into school each day. For home support, all of this year’s spellings have already been set on Spelling Shed. These will update weekly, giving your child plenty of opportunity to build confidence and consistency in their spelling.
We’re also thrilled to welcome back Charlie for our PE sessions, which will take place every Monday afternoon. Please make sure your child’s full PE kit is in school each day, and that long hair is tied back for safety.
Forest School sessions will continue to take place on Wednesday afternoons. These outdoor adventures are a wonderful opportunity for the children to explore, learn, and connect with nature. Please ensure your child comes to school wearing long sleeves and and has wellies in school ready to go. You are now reqired to provide your child with their own waterproofs so please ensure these are in school prior to our first session on Wednesday 17th September.
I truly believe that strong communication between home and school makes a world of difference to a child’s learning experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to check in, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the school office. I’m here to support both you and your child every step of the way.
Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your child’s learning journey — it’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. I’m really looking forward to all the exciting things ahead and to making this a happy, successful, and memorable year for the Woodpeckers class.
Let’s make it a fantastic term!