Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been an incredible few weeks at school, filled with moments that perfectly capture our core values of aiming high, being kind, and being safe. From the quiet focus required for our Forest School work to the thoughtful empathy shown during our visitor workshops, our pupils continue to shine. Whether they were aiming high by contributing scientific data to a national survey, showing kindness and respect toward our four-legged visitors, or learning how to keep themselves and others safe in the community, our children are proving themselves to be true ambassadors for our school. We hope you enjoy reading about their recent adventures and the wonderful spirit they bring to our classrooms every day.
Paws for Thought: Year 5 & 6 Meet Guide Dogs UK
Our Year 5 and 6 classrooms were filled with excitement this week as we welcomed some very special four-legged guests and their handlers from Guide Dogs UK.
The children took part in an interactive workshop focused on the life-changing impact these dogs have on people living with sight loss. From learning about the rigorous training a puppy undergoes to understanding how a harness acts as a bridge of communication between dog and owner, our children gained a profound new perspective on accessibility and independence.
We were incredibly proud of the empathy and thoughtful questions our pupils showed. A huge thank you to the volunteers (and the dogs!) for such an inspiring day.
Nursery: Join Our Stay and Play Sessions
Our Stay and Play sessions are in full swing, and the atmosphere has been buzzing with energy! Designed for our youngest learners and their families, these mornings are about more than just toys; they are about building the foundations of our school community. Watching the children gain confidence in the classroom setting—while having a direct line of support and friendship with other local parents—is a highlight of our week. Check the school calendar for our next date; we’d love to have you join the fun.
Stay & play sessions will recommence after February half term on Tuesday & Friday mornings every week for 20 minutes (9.00-9.20am).
Tropical World – Year 3 and 4 Trip
Our Year 3 and 4 pupils traded the classroom for the rainforest this week during an exciting trip to Tropical World. The children explored diverse habitats, spotting everything from meerkats to crocodiles while bringing their science and geography topics to life. It was a fantastic opportunity to observe exotic wildlife up close.
Kid’s Art Gallery – Your chance to enter
A reminder… You have just two weekends left to get your artwork ready for the YorKAOS 2026 exhibition at SPARK: York this February half- term.
For more information see below:
Your Child’s Attendance Matters
Forest Schools: The Great Birdwatch
After carefully constructing bird hides around the school grounds, our Forest School pupils took part in the Great Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.
By staying tucked away in their handmade shelters, the children were able to spot blackbirds, woodpigeons and robins in their natural habitat.
Staying Safe & Kind Online
At Osbaldwick, we empower our pupils to be safe and be kind in every environment—including the digital one. With recent data showing that 75% of primary leavers are now online gamers and many children are accessing social media apps like WhatsApp and TikTok before the age of 13, parental guidance is more vital than ever.
Early access to these platforms increases the risk of encountering inappropriate content. To help protect your child, we recommend these four steps:
-
Check Age Ratings: Many popular apps have a minimum age of 13. Discuss why these limits exist and ensure the games your child plays are age-appropriate.
-
Use Parental Controls: Explore settings to restrict content or turn off chat functions on consoles and tablets.
-
Manage Interactions: Talk to your child about who they are talking to online. Practice how to block and report unkind behavior together.
-
Create an Action Plan: Ensure your child knows exactly who to speak to if they see something upsetting.
Open, honest communication is the best tool for digital safety. If you need support with privacy settings or online concerns, our team is always here to help.
Mobile Phones in Schools
A reminder to parents that we appreciate your support with our ‘No Mobile phone use in school policy’ We know some of our older children have phones to check in when returning to and from school, however school policy is that any phones which are brought into school must be handed in to class teachers for safe keeping at the start of the school day and collected at the end of the school day. They are locked away and are not to be accessed. This is simply to safeguard all our children and minimise class disruption.
Key Dates
Reception Book Cafe – Tuesday 3rd March
World Book Day – Thursday 5th March
School Association Disco – Thursday 12th March
4.30-5.30pm Nursery, Reception, Y1 & 2
5.45-6.45pm Yr3-6
Red Nose Day – Friday 20th March
Parents Evening
This is week beginning 16th March. Paper copies will go out on Friday 13th February so please look in bags to select an appointment with the teacher.
Have a Great Half Term
We wish you all a wonderful, safe, and restful week ahead, and we look forward to seeing the children back on Monday 23rd February.
