Junior Newsletter
Updated: Oct 6
Friday 2nd October 2026
Psalm 46:1–2
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.
Headteacher's Update
Following applications, voting and teacher panel meetings we have this week announced our Pupil Leadership roles for 2026-27. We were so impressed with both the standard of applications and also the number of children applying to play a part and take up a role. We feel very blessed to have such committed, dedicated and creative children at Woolton Hill. Thank you for supporting your child(ren) to apply.
Many of the roles were oversubscribed and we have spoken repeatedly with the children about how not everyone can always be successful, we do sometimes miss out on getting things we want and have to be resilient to bounce back after a disappointment. We feel this is a valuable life lesson. We also reminded the children that there are many opportunities in the Federation to take part and be in a leadership role and so to keep trying and in future years, providing they are a good role model, they will be successful.
We wish all our new Pupil Leaders success in their new roles and we look forward to working alongside them over the year.
As you will be aware it is the National Year of Reading. Reading continues to be one of the most important things children can do to support their learning. A love of reading helps children develop vocabulary, imagination, confidence, and understanding across every area of the curriculum.
We encourage all children to read regularly at home, whether independently or with an adult. Just ten minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference and help foster a lifelong enjoyment of books. Why not share a book each night with your child as a calm end to the otherwise frantic day.
Courageous Advocacy: The West Berks Food Bank
Written by Millie.C (School Councillor for Ash class):
The West Berkshire Food Bank is a project working towards relieving hunger in our local area. The Food Bank is part of the Trussell Trust network, supported by the Greenham Trust, which works to tackle food poverty and hunger in our local community as well as across the UK. In 2025/26 the West Berks food bank in the Trussell Trust network provided distributed 72,328 meals, supporting 2,965 households and feeding over 3,087 children. As a School Council we want to help raise awareness of food poverty and help those in need in our local area. Did you know that 90% of the food distributed by foodbanks in the Trussell Trust network is donated by the public. The donations they get are vital to them being able to give everyone referred a balanced, nutritious supply of food.
If you want to donate you can!
Donate to our Harvest Festival collection on Tuesday 6th October.
Donate at your local supermarket collection point.
Donate to the really local food collection box in Douglas Ride, Woolton Hill.
Well done Millie for writing this article to raise awareness of food poverty and Ollie B (School Councillor for Oak class) for his PowerPoint presentation about the foodbank. Our new School Councillors have been quick to take on the concept of Courageous Advocacy and are working in school to teach their classes about food poverty and support the Harvest Festival donations. They really hope this year's collection will be record breaking!
Attendance Matters
At The Schools of Woolton Hill Federation, we place great importance on good attendance and punctuality. Arriving at school on time helps children start the day calmly, confidently and ready to learn. The first few minutes of the school day are often used for important activities, instructions and learning tasks, meaning that even a short delay can result in children missing valuable opportunities.
Being punctual also helps children develop positive habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Arriving on time demonstrates responsibility, respect for others and a commitment to learning. It allows children to settle quickly, maintain friendships and make the most of every school day.
Thank you to all families who support us by ensuring children arrive promptly each morning. Your partnership helps create the best possible start to the day for every child.
These are the class attendances for September 2026 - we target attendance of at least 96%.
Class | Attendance to Date |
Hawthorn | 96.8% |
Hazel | 98.3% |
Ash | 96.9% |
Oak | 97.1% |
Safeguarding Updates
A reminder that if you ever have a concern about a child you can report it directly to Hampshire Children Services:
Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 0300 555 1384
Reminders
A reminder to all families that the Gym equipment machines are not for access before or after school please. This is because our staff are not there to supervise and ensure the equipment is using in line with our school Risk Assessments. Please support us by not letting any children access the equipment at these times.
Scholastic Book Fair
This will take place at the Junior School w/b 20th October.
Upcoming Events
Christmas Events
We have now set dates for the following Christmas Events - please add them to your diary.
Thursday 3rd December @ 5pm at Junior School. Musical Extravaganza:
Thursday 17th December: Junior School Christmas Jumper Day & Junior School Christmas Lunch.
Friday 18th December: Junior School Ambassador Fundraising Day (Last Day of Term)
INSET
Half term is w/b 26th October.
Monday 2nd November is a Federation INSET Day.
Pupils return to both schools at 8.45am on Tuesday 3rd November.
Pupil Premium
If you are in receipt of any of the following your child may be eligible for Pupil Premium which may provide support to help you with the cost of uniform, school trips etc as the school will receive additional funding from the Government for your child. If you think you may be eligible please click here to check. Thank you.
Income Support
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Universal Credit.
Support from NASS (National Asylum Support Service) under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
the guarantee element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual income of no more than £16,190
Working Tax Credit run-on
Your child may be eligible for Pupil Premium which will provide support to help you with the cost of uniform, school trips etc as the school will receive additional funding. If you think you may be eligible please click here
Friends Of The Schools of Woolton Hill
Tickets are now on sale for the The Friends Annual Quiz 🎉
📆Friday 13th November at Woolton Hill Village Hall
⏲ Doors open at 7pm
❓Quiz starts at 7.30pm
Your tickets include a bottle of wine and a grazing board to share per table, so you can eat, drink and put your general knowledge to the test! The bar will be open throughout the evening (cash and card payments accepted).
It's always a brilliant evening and a great way to support the Friends of Woolton Hill Schools and help us continue raising funds for the children.
GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER AND BOOK YOUR PLACES BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!!
Facebook Page
Details of the activities we are doing are always posted on our Facebook page. So that you don’t miss out on the up to date information, make sure that you join our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17nbptqZaE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Wildlife Pond Project
Please continue to spread the word. If you would like to donate please click on the below link or please share the link with friends, family or businesses that you know who may be willing to contribute.
Details of the wildlife pond project and how the fundraising is going can be found on the PTA section of the School website, along with events that we are running.
Click here to visit the PTA page. https://www.schoolsofwooltonhill.com/pta
Dates For Your Diary
AGM – Monday 19th October @ 5:30pm
Quiz Night – Friday 13th November
Santa Run – Saturday 5th December
Circus – Sunday 20th June
Pre-loved uniform
We have a record of the preloved uniform stock that we have and this can be found via the below link.
If you spot something that you would like, just message Lottie Sheppard on 07825 829277 to purchase it. If you have out grown items that are in good condition, please drop these off to either school office and these will be collected. The uniform items that we can take are cardigans, jumpers, and PE kits.
Get Involved
As a friendly group of volunteers we are always looking for people to join our team, whether it is to help out with one off events or more regularly, any help is greatly appreciated. Support the Friends so that we can support our schools.
Email us at Friendsofwhjs@gmail.com
Starting Infant or Junior School in September 2027?
Does your child start Junior school in September 2027? 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.
Let Your Light Shine
Congratulations to Sofia who has been enjoying much success in Gymnastics. At the recent South Regional Championships she won a silver medal on beam and passed her level 7 exam. Last week Sofia qualified for the national finals. We all wish her the very best of luck for this competition.
Well done to Frankie who, while playing golf at the Academy in Basingstoke, managed a hole in one from 100 yards - which in itself is a rare occurrence!
Star Awards
The following children received Star Awards this week! They should all be really proud, well done!
25th September: Ella M, Hazel T, Thea S, Lily J, Rohan P, Bjorn D, Jacques M-C and Lottie C
2nd October: Tereza K, Felix F, Ellis D, Thea B, Henry R, Kayden L, Ben N and Poppy R
Life Learning
25th September: Artie E, Layla D, Mollie F and Georgie W
2nd October: Kayden L, Ben N, Poppy R and Henry R
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