17.7.26 - Headteachers message to families
Belong, Engage, Enjoy
Headteachers message to families - Summer 2 / Friday 17th July 2026
Belong, Engage, Enjoy!
Remembering Phoebe:
On Wednesday morning, a number of our staff attended Phoebe's funeral to represent the school and pay their respects. The service was a beautiful celebration of Phoebe's life, with many touching memories shared by family and friends.
Phoebe was a valued member of our school community and she will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts continue to be with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
We have created a memory book containing photographs, messages and memories of Phoebe, which is currently being shared around school. We hope to be able to share this with her parents after the summer break as a way of celebrating her life and the joy she brought to those around her.
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Hedgehogs Go Bowling!
Hedgehogs Class had a fantastic trip to Mansfield yesterday for a bowling session. There was lots of fun, laughter and plenty of healthy competition as everyone took part and cheered each other on.
The pupils showed great enthusiasm throughout the visit and enjoyed celebrating each other's successes, whether it was a strike, a spare or simply having a go. It was wonderful to see everyone having such a great time together.
Owls Enjoy Performing Arts Visit to Portland:
Yesterday, our Owls Class enjoyed a visit to Portland to watch their end-of-year Performing Arts Show. It was a lovely morning and, being just a short walk away, provided a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to enjoy a community event.
The show featured a variety of performances, including bands, singers and dancers, all of whom entertained the audience with their talent and enthusiasm. Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were excellent ambassadors for the school throughout the visit.
Transition Afternoons:
We have had two successful transition afternoons this week to help pupils prepare for the changes coming in September. These sessions gave pupils the opportunity to spend time with their new classmates, experience their new class groups and begin to build relationships with the staff who will be supporting them next year.
We hope these afternoons have helped pupils feel excited about the new school year and given them a positive glimpse of what is to come.
It has also been wonderful to welcome our new teachers, Rachel and Jess, who have spent time in school this week meeting their classes and getting to know the pupils. We are looking forward to having them as part of the Fountaindale team and know they will be a fantastic addition to our school community.
Reminder: Colour Run:
We are excited to be holding our End of Year Colour Run on Tuesday 21st July from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Parents are welcome to join us, with access to the school site from 1:15pm.
The event will take place around our outdoor trail and promises to be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the end of another fantastic school year.
To ensure all pupils can take part, there will be two groups:
- Group 1: An alternative Colour Run using bubbles for pupils with particular medical needs or sensitivities.
- Group 2: A traditional Colour Run using coloured cornflour powder paints.
Members of the Senior Leadership Team and Administrative Team will be stationed around the trail, adding colour (or bubbles!) as pupils make their way around the course.
What pupils will need:
- A white T-shirt to wear for the event.
- A change of clothes for afterwards.
- Pupils are welcome to wear goggles or sunglasses to help protect their eyes.
Please be reassured that coloured powder will be applied by adults to clothing and bodies rather than faces. Pupils will also have the opportunity to enjoy face painting before the event if they would like to take part.
Pupils will be able to complete the course alongside their classmates and parents, making this a lovely shared celebration. We have also taken steps to protect pupils' wheelchairs and specialist seating with suitable covers.
To help create a festive atmosphere, classes have been busy producing artwork that will be displayed around the course.
We are looking forward to a colourful, fun-filled afternoon and hope as many families as possible can join us!
Term Dates 2026/27:
Please see below our term dates for the 2026/27 academic year.
Autumn Term:
- Tuesday 1st September 2026 - INSET DAY
- Wednesday 2nd September 2026 - INSET DAY
- Thursday 3rd September 2026 - Pupils Return to School
Half term: Monday 19th October – Friday 30th October 2026
- Friday 18th December 2026 - End of Term
Spring Term:
- Monday 4th January 2027 - Pupils Return to School
Half term: Monday 15th February - Friday 19th February 2027
- Monday 22nd February 2027 - INSET DAY
- Thursday 25th March 2027 - End of Term
Summer Term:
- Monday 12th April 2027 - Pupils Return to School
Half term: Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June 2027
- Friday 2nd July 2027 - INSET DAY
- Wednesday 28th July 2027 - INSET DAY
INSET Dates:
- Tuesday 1st September 2026 - INSET DAY
- Wednesday 2nd September 2026 - INSET DAY
- Monday 22nd February 2027 - INSET DAY
- Friday 2nd July 2027 - INSET DAY
- Wednesday 28th July 2027 - INSET DAY
Weekly Safeguarding Update - Supporting Children's Emotional Wellbeing:
Below are some useful resources that may support conversations with young people:
YoungMinds Parent Hub
Support, advice and practical guidance for parents and carers on a wide range of mental health and wellbeing topics.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
NHS Every Mind Matters
Advice on supporting children's mental health, recognising signs that they may be struggling and where to seek help.
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/
Childline - Feelings and Emotions
A child-friendly resource covering a range of emotions and coping strategies.
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/feelings-emotions/
NSPCC - Advice for Families
Information, guidance and support for keeping children safe and promoting emotional wellbeing.
Remember, a simple conversation can often be the first step in helping a child feel heard, understood and supported.
Have a great weekend everyone! One week to go…
Ben Norman
Headteacher