Junior Newsletter
- Mr Davies
- Nov 28
- 4 min read
Monday 17th November 2025
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11)
Headteacher's Update
Representatives from both schools visited the Yew Tree Garden Centre this week for the annual Christmas Tree Dig! Our Year 6 Ambassadors; Rose, Grace, Teddy & Josh and representatives from Otters class; Arabella, Charlie & Seren did a wonderful job of digging up huge Nordman trees for the school halls. We look forward to putting them up and decorating them next week!
A big thank you to Mr Chaffe, Mrs Liriano and Mrs Worthington for supporting us with transport and digging skills! As always we are incredibly grateful to the Yew Tree Garden Centre for their very generous donations to both schools.
Little Pioneers
🌟 Exciting News for Families! 🌟
Little Pioneers Pre-School is opening at St Thomas’ C of E Infant School in April 2026, offering places, initially for children aged 3 and 4.
✅ Beautiful new setting and outdoor space, ready for visits from March 2026
✅ Introductory event: 9th January 2026 at 9:00am – Meet our EYFS Teacher and learn more!
👉 Book your place here:
📅 Registration opens 1st December 2025
To secure your child’s place:
✔ Complete the booking form (available from: adminoffice@st-thomas.hants.sch.uk)
✔ Pay a non-refundable registration fee
We are looking to extend the age-range of our provision later in 2026.
We can’t wait to welcome your little pioneers! 💛
Arriving on Time Matters!
We’ve noticed that some pupils are regularly arriving late for school. When children arrive after lessons have started, it can cause disruption for the whole class and means your child misses valuable learning time and the calm start to the day.
Please help us by ensuring your child is in school before 8:45am so they can settle in and make the most of every learning opportunity. Thank you for your support in giving all our pupils the best start to their day!
St Thomas Infant School Christmas Fair
Christmas Dates
We have a packed programme of events taking place across the Federation in the run up to Christmas. Here are the dates for your diary:
Thursday 11 December, 9.30am | EYFS Nativity Play, 9.30am |
Mon 15th Dec 9.30am | KS1 Nativity Dress Rehearsal |
Mon 15th Dec 2pm | KS1 Nativity Performance to Parents |
Mon 15th Dec 5pm | Lower KS2 Carol Concert to Parents |
Tues 16th Dec 5pm | KS1 Nativity Performance to Parents |
Weds 17th Dec | Infant Christmas Jumper & Lunch day |
Weds 17th Dec 5pm | Junior Musical Extravaganza |
Thurs 18th Dec | Junior Christmas Jumper and Lunch Day |
Thurs 18th Dec 9.30am | Christmas Church Service - pupils only |
Fri 19th Dec | Junior Ambassador Charity Fund Day |
Could you be a Governor?
We have some opportunities for both parents and members of the wider community to join our Governing Body. If you would find out more, please click here.
Safeguarding Matters
Key safeguarding messages for parents
Empower children to speak out: Teach children they have the right to say no and to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried, uncomfortable, or anything happens that makes them feel unsafe
Promote open communication: Have regular conversations with your child about their day, their friends, and what they see online to help them feel comfortable discussing any issues that arise
Establish boundaries: Create clear rules about personal space and online activity to help children understand and respect their own and others' boundaries
Prioritise online safety: Guide children on recognising online risks, understanding safe online relationships, and managing their use of technology and social media
Recognise warning signs: Be aware of potential indicators of abuse or neglect, which can include changes in behaviour, mood, or physical well-being
Know where to get help: Keep contact information for school safeguarding staff, Hampshire Children's Services, and charities like the NSPCC and ChildLine readily available
Work with the school: Understand that we have safeguarding policies in place and designated staff who can offer support.
Report concerns immediately: If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact the police by dialling 999 or for non emergency please contact Hampshire Children Services via the contact details below:
Bags2School
The next collection will be on Friday 23rd January. This time please can all donations be left at the Junior School. Many thanks for your support with this.
Starting Infant or Junior School in September 2026?
Does your child start junior school in September 2026? Do you know someone who is looking for a school place starting in Year R at St Thomas' or in Year 3 at Woolton Hill Juniors next year? Come along to our open morning to meet staff and children and to see our brilliant Federation in action.
Thurs 8th January 2026 @9am
Letting Their Light Shine
Well done to Mia who succeeded at a recent Gymnastics competition. She was awarded a medal for second place in the vault category and another medal for competing. Mia has only been part of this gymnastics squad since September and has made great progress in this short time.
Congratulations to Sofia on her recent success in Gymnastics. She came 2nd on floor routine, 2nd on bars routine and 3rd overall out of around 60 children in her age category, at the Annual KD Gymnastics club competition.
St Thomas' Church
Star Awards
The following children received Star Awards this week! They should all be really proud, well done!
21st November: Millie C, Wiiliam C, Oliver S, Immy H, George M, Freddie P, Bella B, Dylan M, Jack W, Ollie B, Lexie M, Seb L and Teddy W.
28th November: Thea B, George R, Lydia M, George M, Tilly P, Sofia K, Arlo B, Harry D, Tyler W, Leo A, Rosie A, Sebi H, Elodie H and Sofia E.
Life Learning
Resilience
21st Nov: Isa S, Ben N, Mia M, Torin H and Niamh J
28th Nov: George C, Archie C, Christian D, Thomas H and Isla H
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