Start of Autumn 2 Letter from Mrs Scarth
Posted 7th November 2025
Dear parents /carers, 7th November 2025
Welcome Back
We have enjoyed a super first week back and it has been lovely to hear about what the children have been doing during their half-term break, with Bonfire Night and Halloween the hot topic of conversation!
Remembrance Assembly
Today, we observed a one-minute silence of Remembrance led by Jonathan Timmis. He delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking assembly sharing his experience in the military, the importance of remembrance and significance of the poppy. After the assembly, he laid the school poppy wreath at the Crown Sculpture in our school garden along with 3 pupils. Thank you for your donations to the Royal British Legion, throughout this week. Poppy sales will continue on Monday and Tuesday as school will be observing a two minutes silence on Armistice Day.
Should you wish to further explore the valuable work of the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal, please click on the weblink:
Anti-Bullying Week
Monday 10th November marks the start of a busy week in school! It is Anti-Bullying Week; this year’s theme is ‘Power For Good’.
Odd Socks Day always marks the start of the week. It is a fun way for the children to express themselves and celebrate their individuality. If the children would like to take part, please send the children to school on Monday 10th November wearing a pair of odd socks.
During the week, all classes in their PSHE sessions will be spending time thinking about what bullying is, how they can unite to make a difference and how to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.
Children In Need
As well as this, we will be celebrating Children In Need in school on Friday 14th November. All the children are taking part in the ‘Strictly 25 Dance Step Challenge’. We are sure that our children (and staff!) will rise to this challenge. We will be learning five new dance steps each day and putting them together to perform a Cha Cha Cha routine at the end of the week!
And back by popular demand, on Friday 14th November, it’s Pyjamas Friday! Children can come to school dressed in their pyjamas or any Pudsey merchandise they have. If they want to bring their slippers to school to wear indoors, please ensure you also send outdoor footwear for playtimes.
If you would like to donate to this fantastic cause, you can via Just Giving using this link.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/oatlands-junior-school-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
We are all looking forward to a very exciting week in school!
Smartphone Free Childhood
Interest in the Oatlands Smartphone Free Childhood parents' group continues to grow at both the infant and junior schools. If you are interested in finding out more about Smartphone Free Childhood, follow the links to our Parenting in a Digital Age page and the Smartphone Free Childhood website.
Bike Bus
Thank you to everyone who joined the Bike Bus today. Special thanks to Hazel and Ben for all their hard work organising the event and briefing the volunteers and parents who help keep everyone safe.
The next planned Bike Bus will be Friday 21st November. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible joining on your bikes and scooters.
Autumn 2 Calendar of Events
Social Media
Our Instagram account is now live. Follow to find out more about all the exciting things that children at Oatlands Junior School get up to. We will continue to post news stories on our website, to give parents and carers a range of places to find out about children’s learning.
Follow at: Instagram
A polite reminder that our Instagram is for sharing celebrations and not a platform for parents/carers/followers to air complaints or negative comments about our school. Please do contact your child’s class teacher or me if there is something you are unhappy about, so that we can work together to resolve any issue. Thank you.
Parent / Carer Helpers
A huge thank you to all our parent helpers who have supported our pupils in school or accompanied classes on trips. It really does make a difference, and I really appreciate your time and generosity. If you are able to support with any future events, trips or activities, please contact your child's class teacher.
Thank you for your continued support.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Estelle Scarth
Headteacher
