30th January 2026 Newsletter – Spellings, Mobile Phones and more

A few notes from Mr Applegate

There’s a lot coming up!
  • Papaya online webinar all about helping parents with impact of tech on children. Tues 3rd Feb 7:30pm for 45mins – it’s definitely worth 45mins of your time, and it’s free. Have a glass of something at the same time!,  watch it with a friend, or both!
  • Over 90 children take part in Dance live on Thursday; it’s a huge dance performance at Portsmouth Guildhall. We wish them all the best! And thank you Mrs Boyle for your leadership here :) You are incredible.
  • Children’s Mental Health Week – 9th Feb – a range of activities at school to celebrate and learn what keeps us healthy and safe.
  • Safer Internet Day – Tues 10th Feb – Tech Free Tuesday across Basingstoke! Avoid tech for leisure time.

Have a great weekend! Mr Applegate

This week’s homework and learning

Agents of Change Home Challenges

Spellings at St Mark’s

All parents and carers will have received an email this week from Mrs Rosso and Mrs Chapman.  Please look out for your child’s weekly spellings which will come home on paper and via email.  Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you are having difficulty logging onto Spelling Shed.

Papaya Webinar for all parents

A really helpful webinar to help parents understand the impact of tech and smartphones on children’s mental health, and how to support them. 

Mobile phones…

… have been in the spotlight this week. The tide is turning from debating if they are a problem for children, to finding solutions to keep them safe. Remember, our school rules are:

  • 2025/2026 – Y6 can bring in smartphones and Y5 brick phones, both handed to the teachers; Yrs R-4 no phones!
  • 2026/2027 and onwards – Y5/6 brick phones only, Yrs R-4 no phones!

School Crossing Patrol Update

As yet, Hampshire County Council have been unable to fill the position of School Patrol Officer.  If you or someone you know would like to apply for the post, please see the job advert in the community section below.  We are therefore sadly still without any crossing supervision at the lower end of Woodbury Road.  Please take extra care!

⭐ Weekly Achievements ⭐

⭐ Attendance Updates ⭐

Our target over the year is 97%. Last year’s attendance was 95.8% – above national levels, but we’d like it to be much higher.

Our current attendance percentage is 96% 😮

Weekly Attendance Winners

Penguins, 4SB and 1B

 

St Mark’s Photo Reel

Year 1 creativity club!

School Dates, Lunches, and Clubs

View the full calendar here. Subscribe on either Chrome/ Android or Apple

 

Helpful Information

In worship this week…

Music of the Week

NHS Courses for Parents

Click here for details:

Wednesday 28 January 2026  Anxiety – understanding and strategies to support young people 9:30am – 4pm.

Click here for details:

A free event FOR PARENTS AND CARERS to help families better understand the needs and difficulties that young people can face and how to manage potential issues/concerns they have about their young person.

Community News

Brownies, Guides, Rainbows

Regular Notices

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