Heathlands Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, West Bergholt Parent Portal

${item_alt_tag}$

Date: Friday 6th March 2026

${item_alt_tag}$

It has been another busy and exciting couple of weeks at Heathlands.

We had a fantastic World Book Day, and it was wonderful to see so many children taking part — especially those who came dressed as their favourite book characters. A big thank you to the parents who were able to join us for our Family Reads, which were a lovely part of the day. The children enjoyed a range of book-themed learning activities and a special World Book Day Act of Worship, which included our very entertaining ‘Masked Reader’. Thank you to Mrs Harden for organising and leading such a great day.

There have also been some fantastic learning experiences across the school. Our Upper Key Stage 2 children took part in a World War One Simulator, while Year 6 enjoyed a Mayan Workshop, both of which really brought their learning to life.

Looking ahead to next week, there is plenty more to come. Year 4 are visiting Barleylands, Year 3 are heading out on a village walk, Year 5 will begin their Bikeability training, and our school choir will be performing at Charter Hall. Alongside this, we have also had a number of sporting matches and achievements taking place across the school.

There are also some important notices below, so please do take a moment to read them.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Parent Consultations

Our next Parent Consultation Evenings will take place on Tuesday 24th March and Thursday 26th March.

Following the difficulties we experienced with the booking platform linked to our school website in October, we will be using a different system for booking appointments this time. Bookings will be made through School Gateway, which we hope will make the process much simpler for parents.

I will share further details early next week explaining how to book appointments and when bookings will open.

Parking

I am once again writing to ask for your support with parking considerately around the school at drop-off and pick-up times. Unfortunately, we continue to receive reports of cars blocking residents’ driveways, sometimes even after residents have politely asked for vehicles to be moved, and cars parking on the yellow lines outside the school. Situations like this understandably cause frustration for our neighbours and can damage the positive relationships we work hard to maintain within our community.

If parking close to the school is difficult, please consider parking a little further away and walking the remaining distance. Not only does this help reduce congestion around the school, it also helps keep the area safer for the many children and families arriving on foot.

Each time the school receives a complaint, staff time is taken responding to concerns and speaking with residents. I am always happy to work with our neighbours to resolve issues, but I would much prefer that this time is spent supporting the children and the work of the school.

I therefore ask all parents and carers to show consideration, patience and respect when parking near the school.

Thank you to the many families who consistently park responsibly — your support is genuinely appreciated.

Reading at Home Survey

Thank you so much for all of the responses we have received so far for the reading at home form. We would like to find out a little bit more about your thoughts around reading at home and how we can encourage our children to read more.

If you are able to fill out the following form (and have not yet done so), I would be extremely grateful.

Mrs Brennen

Reading at home – Fill in form

No dogs on the school site

A reminder that dogs are not permitted on the school site, including in the car park and playground and the school office. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all members of our school community.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Netball Success

Well done to our Year 6 Netball Team, who achieved a fantastic 10–4 victory against St John’s Green on Tuesday this week. The team showed great teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout the match, representing Heathlands brilliantly.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the team, and well done to all the players involved.

${item_alt_tag}$

Goodbye and Thank You

This week we say goodbye to two members of our Heathlands team. Mrs Johnston, who has worked in our school kitchen, and Mrs Jezierski from our school office are both leaving us to start new adventures.

I would like to thank them both for their time, commitment and hard work during their time at Heathlands. They have each played an important role in supporting our school and community.

We wish them both the very best of luck for the future.

Welcome to the Team!

We are very pleased to welcome two new members of staff to the Heathlands team. Mrs Bigland, who has recently joined our school kitchen team, and Mrs Francis, who will be starting in the school office next week.

We are delighted to have them both join our staff team and look forward to working with them.

${item_alt_tag}$