As we dive into November, school is very busy indeed. I wanted to take a moment to share some key updates and exciting events happening at Nettleham Church of England Aided Junior School.

First and foremost, I want to focus on our children and the incredible progress that they are making. Thank you to all parents and carers who attended parents' evenings and SEN reviews – it was so good to see everyone and discuss our pupils' growth and achievements.

Our school clubs are going brilliantly and are incredibly popular this term. The energy and enthusiasm are wonderful to see.

We have several important dates coming up that I'd like to highlight:

• Monday 10^th November and Tuesday 11^th November see our first Premier Education Power Up days – a new, exciting innovation which will see lots of first-rate physical activity and education in school. All children need their PE kits with them on these days.
• Friday 14th November is Children in Need Day, and we have an exciting, sponsored Pudsey Hunt planned. Children need to collect sponsors (with the forms to be returned at the latest by 19th November) and can come in non-school uniform with a 'wear it bright' theme. They will also need outdoor shoes for the Pudsey Hunt. A £1 donation is requested for non-uniform and will also give entry to the Pudsey dance celebration, with classroom activities available as an alternative.
• Also on Friday 14^th November, our PTA Disco runs from 6pm to 7:30pm. Tickets are £3.50 and include entry, a hot dog, and drink. We'll cater for dietary requirements, so please let us know if your child needs an alternative hot dog etc. The night will feature lots of fun, including sweets, toys, face painting, and tattoos, so children should bring some extra cash on the night.
• The week commencing 17th November is Anti-Bullying Week. We'll be marking this with assemblies and activities that show children how they can use their 'Power for Good'.
• On Tuesday 18th November, our school photographer will be with us to take individual and sibling photographs. Please ensure your children are prepared for this and looking lovely.
• On Friday 28th November, we're hosting a Dress Down Day. Children can come in non-uniform and are asked to bring a donation or prize for our Christmas Fayre raffle – perhaps wine, chocolates, toiletries, or other treats for our luxury hampers.
• Monday 1^st December sees our Year 6 having an amazing Rainforest Explorer Workshop experience in school.
• Our annual PTA Christmas Fayre will take place on Friday 5th December from 5pm to 7pm. We'll have our usual range of stalls and refreshments, including some absolutely brilliant stalls created entirely by our pupils. We look forward to seeing you there.
• On Tuesday 11th December and Friday 12^th December at 6pm, our amazing Year 3 pupils will perform their annual festive play for families. We'll be in touch about ticket bookings soon, but please mark this date in your diaries.
• Our Christmas Carol Service, led by our staff, will be on Tuesday 16th December at 6pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to join us and share some Christmas magic.
• Wednesday 17th December is our Christmas Party Day. Children can come to school in party clothes and bring items for a shared party lunch. There will be no hot meals on this day, and class teachers will provide specific guidance about party lunch contributions.

A quick note about parking: please be considerate when parking outside school and put the safety of our school community and neighbours first at all times.

As we enter winter, I'd like to remind everyone about cold weather clothing. One of the great things about life is that there are always surprises around the corner, not least of all the weather! Please ensure children have appropriate clothing should things take a cold turn.

With very best wishes