Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to this week’s newsletter, which is absolutely bursting with examples of our pupils’ incredible energy, resilience, and curiosity. It has been a great term of hands-on learning across all age groups. Our youngest learners in Nursery and Reception have been exploring the natural world through bean planting and tractor rides at Grasslands Farm, while Years 3 and 4 have brought design and history to life with sandwich-making and Roman pottery. Further up the school, some of our Year 5 and 6 pupils enjoyed a brilliant day of discovery at the Hovingham Estate, and we also celebrate a phenomenal individual achievement from Ada in Year 5/6, whose determination on her 45-mile charity bike ride has made us all incredibly proud. Finally, as we look to improve our school environment through our new clothes bank initiative, I would like to thank you for your continued support and offer a gentle reminder regarding our school uniform standards—particularly around footwear and keeping our OPA jade green jumpers consistent. I hope you enjoy reading through all of our wonderful updates below!
Ready Steady Grow!
Reception enjoyed a trip to Derwenthorpe Pond as part of their ‘Ready… Steady… Grow!’ topic. They looked for signs of spring and saw different animals in their natural habitats.
Fun on the Farm
Our Reception pupils had a fantastic time at Grasslands Farm. They went pond dipping and found many tadpoles, saw lots of cows and even had a go at riding the tractor!
Bean Planting Competition
Following our topic ‘ReadySteady Grow’ nursery children enjoyed planting beans. We are going to have a competition to see which one will grow the tallest?
A Fantastic Day of Discovery on Hovingham Estate!
Some of our Year 5 and 6s had a great time stepping into the shoes of the team who run a modern country estate! Through a fun, fast-paced carousel of activities, they explored the beautiful Howardian Hills Protected Landscape and got their hands dirty in Gardening by potting their own seeds.
They also learned about local wildlife with the Gamekeepers, discovered how our food is produced in Food and Farming, and explored sustainable woodland management with the Forestry team. To wrap up an incredible day, they even met the Emergency Services to learn how they protect our rural areas. It was a wonderful, hands-on day of learning and adventure!
Classroom Highlights in Years 3 and 4: Chefs and Historians
It has been a busy week of practical learning! Our classrooms have been buzzing with creativity, from the delicious chaos of sandwich-making to the messy fun of recreating ancient Roman pottery. The children showed incredible focus and creativity in both projects. Photos below show our young chefs and historians hard at work! Thank you to IFG, the school’s catering company for their food donations.
Ada does it again!
A massive well done to Ada in Y56LG, who recently completed the grueling 45-mile route of the Great Selby Bike Ride! Despite facing less-than-ideal conditions—including torrential rain and fierce headwinds—Ada showed incredible determination and pushed through to the very end to cross the finish line.
Her amazing efforts raised over £1,000, which will be split between three fantastic causes: Guide Dogs North East, Elmet Lions, and St Leonard’s Hospice. We are incredibly proud of Ada’s resilience and community spirit. (And yes, Ada, you are more than welcome to bring a cushion to sit on in class this week—you’ve certainly earned it!)
School Clothes Bank
You may have noticed that we now have a clothes bank located at the front of the school. It has already been emptied twice since it was installed at the end of January. All money generated from the clothes bank comes straight back to the school. The school council have decided that if we can generate enough funds they would like to buy a replacement piece of play equipment. The more the bank is emptied, the more funds we can raise. Please could we ask that rather than filling up the charity bags that are delivered to your homes, you put them in a black bag and deposit them into our clothes bank instead. It’s your children who will benefit from it in the end as well as contributing to the recycling project.
Sporting Success!
It’s been a busy week where children competed in triathlon and cricketing competitions. Well done to all the children for aiming high and your amazing teamwork.
Cricketers
Triathletes with their medals
Year 6 Hoodies arrive!
Year 6 look amazing in their new leaver hoodies. Fortunately we still have seven weeks to enjoy our time with them before they transition to secondary school.
A Reminder Regarding School Uniform Standards
At Osbaldwick Primary Academy, our school uniform plays an important role in encouraging a shared sense of identity, belonging, and pride across both our school sites. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support in maintaining these high standards. Recently, however, we have noticed a slight slipping in compliance regarding certain uniform elements. We kindly ask all parents and carers to review the following reminders to ensure our pupils remain smartly and correctly dressed:
Footwear: Everyday school uniform must be worn with plain black shoes. Please remember that trainers are not permitted as part of the standard daily uniform.
Jumpers and Outerwear (No Rogue Hoodies!): We have noticed an increase in children wearing non-uniform hoodies, branded sweatshirts, or multi-coloured tops—especially on PE days. If your child needs a layer for warmth, they must wear an OPA jade green jumper or cardigan. Please note that while the official logo version is preferred, a plain jade green jumper from a local supermarket is perfectly fine. The key is keeping the colour consistent and leaving the rogue hoodies and fashion jumpers at home!
PE Kit Days: On designated PE days, children are permitted to wear their PE kit to school for the full day. This must consist of a plain white, round-neck t-shirt and black shorts, leggings, or tracksuit bottoms.
Additionally, we want to remind families about our focus on sustainability and supporting our community. Keep an eye out for our regular Repair & Swap Uniform Events, which are a fantastic opportunity to donate outgrown items and pick up pre-worn school uniform in great condition. If you are in immediate need of spare uniform items in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to the school office in confidence.
Former pupils sign out
Finally it’s a pleasure to follow the progress of our former pupils and these Archbishop Holgate Pupils popped in to get their shirts signed after finishing year 11. Well almost … they have two more weeks of exams and then sixth form beckons. It all started at OPA and we are all very proud.
Have a happy half term and enjoy the lovely weather!
Mr Brown
Headteacher
