Hello families,
It has been an action-packed start to the half-term, including two non-uniform days and a real buzz around school.
I have to start with the Fireworks — what an amazing event! A huge thank you to everyone who led, volunteered, supported, and attended. It was a fantastic evening and a brilliant reminder of what a strong, supportive community we have at Heathlands. The children also loved our fireworks-themed day in school, with lots of creative activities inspired by the colours and excitement of Bonfire Night.
This week has also been our Remembrance Week at Heathlands — a deeply meaningful time for our whole school. Throughout the week, children took part in thoughtful learning and reflection during our Acts of Collective Worship, honouring those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
We began with a whole-school Remembrance Service, where pupils showed the utmost respect and maturity. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity as children from all year groups came together to remember and pay tribute. Their engagement was exemplary; it was clear they genuinely understood the significance of this moment in our school year.
A particular highlight was our Remembrance Prayer Space, which every child visited. The space offered a range of carefully designed activities to encourage reflection, peace, and gratitude. From writing prayers and messages to creating visual tributes, the children engaged with real sensitivity and depth. Together, the service and the Prayer Space provided meaningful opportunities for our pupils to connect with the importance of remembrance — values that will stay with them long beyond this week.
Our KS2 children have also been rocking their times tables in Times Table Rock Stars’ Battle of the Bands. In just five days, an incredible 500,000 questions were answered, with around 80 pupils joining our lunchtime club each day. The effort, speed, and enthusiasm have been amazing — and so many children have now turned their Studio heatmaps green! Next week (Tuesday–Thursday), we’ll be taking on the rest of the country in England Rocks, so please keep encouraging your children to log in regularly. A quick reminder that children in KS1 can build their number confidence using Numbots, which is also available through the app.
A huge thank you as well for supporting the clarification around not having dogs on the school site — it has made a real difference for those who were finding this challenging.
Please don’t forget that we have our Classwork Celebration next week on Wednesday 19th November, from 3:30pm–4:30pm (doors close at 4:20pm). Further details can be found here:
https://www.heathlands.essex.sch.uk/news/?pid=23&nid=1&storyid=40
Finally, as the weather continues to change, please make sure your child comes to school with a waterproof coat each day.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend when it arrives.
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