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6th February 2026 Newsletter – Tech Free Tuesday, Dance Live, Children’s Mental Health Week and more
A few notes from Mr Applegate
- Over 90 children took part in Dance live yesterday in the Portsmouth Guildhall! They were AMAZING! They came 3rd place out of 7 schools, and won the Best Costumes Award and the Fellowship Award (which is for best attitudes and most kindness shown). We are so proud of them all, and thankful for the team that made it happen – led brilliantly by Mrs Boyle.
- 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! Don’t forget to avoid tech for leisure time!
- We’re aware there has been a lot of rain, and that puddles on the paths are being a pain. Please can we ask you to monitor your children on the way out – splashing and jumping in the puddles on our paths in unhelpful and gets others wet. Thanks!
- A reminder that we’ve had to cancel our Careers Fair due to a lack of businesses and organisations. We’ll aim to rearrange asap.
- Lost property will have a weekly removal – so please do check it regularly. We simply don’t have the space to keep it. We hand back named items, but almost all that we have isn’t named.
Have a great weekend! Mr Applegate
This week’s homework and learning
Agents of Change Home Challenges
Car Parking in Hatch Warren on the School Run
We continue to receive frequent reports from local residents about inconsiderate, unsafe, and sometimes illegal parking during the school run. These behaviours cause significant disruption for neighbours and, in some cases, have led to unpleasant interactions. We urge all parents and carers to park safely and respectfully, reminding them that their actions affect the relationship between the school and the community.
To address these issues, we will be contacting the local Traffic Enforcement Team to increase monitoring and may publish photos of poor parking shared by residents. We teach pupils about respect and responsible behaviour, and we ask all adults to model these same values. Thank you.
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.
- Thursday 26th Feb 6pm – 6:45pm – Link here
Pastoral Drop-In
We will be holding our next pastoral parent drop in on Thursday 12th February from 8.45am-9.45am in the church. The Family Support Service will be attending to present information on the support available to families in Basingstoke. They are able to advise and signpost families on a wide range of issues including challenging behaviour, separation anxiety, parenting courses, sleeping , eating and toileting. Mrs Carrier, Mrs Haynes and Mrs Elms will also be on hand with a cup of tea and a biscuit! Younger children are welcome to attend.
⭐ 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
4M, 1C, 2CL
St Mark’s Photo Reel
Well done to the children from Mindfulness Club for showing such creativity this week.
School Dates, Lunches, and Clubs
Helpful Information
In worship this week…
Music of the Week
NHS Course for Parents
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
