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    • Dunalley News 18/09/26

    Welcome to this weeks, news, information and dates.

    News from School

    We are delighted to share the date of our Open Morning for September Starters 2027.  Families are warmly invited to come along and enjoy a presentation from the Headteacher, followed by a tour of the school led by our enthusiastic and knowledgeable pupils.  We look forward to welcoming families and showcasing all that Dunalley has to offer.

    Help us, to help you

    We kindly ask that you complete the forms sent from school and make payments as soon as possible.  Completing the forms usually takes less than a minute and helps with the smooth running of school for everyone.  We are a small admin team and chasing takes valuable time (hours) which could be spent improving everyone's school experience.  Thank you

    Year 2 Art

    Year 2 have started their art unit of work this term looking at Thomas Bewick and natural print artists.

    They started by finding natural objects to sketch and then this week used similar objects to mono-print with creating repeating patterns and imaginary creatures.

    It has been wonderful to see their creativity and care and attention when sketching and printing.

    See more of our artwork HERE:

     

    Educational News

    Developing Oracy at Dunalley

    This year, one of our areas of focus will be oracy – helping our children to become confident, thoughtful and effective communicators.

    Oracy at Dunalley Cont .. ..

    Oracy is much more than speaking confidently. It is about learning to express ideas clearly, listen carefully, ask questions, explain our thinking, build on others’ ideas and disagree respectfully. These skills support learning across the curriculum and help children communicate successfully with others.

    We will be introducing the Future Ready Oracy Framework, explicitly teaching speaking, listening and communication skills and giving children regular opportunities to practise them across the curriculum. The framework also prepares children to communicate effectively in a changing world, including face-to-face, collaborative and digital contexts.

    Linked to this work, each week we will include a poster in Dunalley News to encourage family talk and discussion at home. We hope you enjoy sharing ideas, exploring different viewpoints and getting everyone talking!

    Ultimately, we want our children to understand that their voice matters and to have the skills and confidence to use it well.

    Let’s Get Talking!
    Here is this week’s starting point for family discussion. Please take some time to share your ideas, listen to each other and explore different points of view. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

     

    Request for Donations

    We are looking to expand the construction and creative play resources available to our children. If you have any unwanted construction kits at home, such as LEGO, Stickle Bricks, Meccano, K'NEX, magnetic shapes, or similar items that are in good condition, we would be very grateful for any donations. These resources provide wonderful opportunities for children to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Please bring any donations to the school office. Thank you for your support!

    Mrs Raybould😊

     

    Important Information for Families - please click the live buttons below, to read more about the contents listed. 

     

    Information for All - Contents: 

    • Meet the Teacher's information now available
    • Grapes – Choking Hazard: please cut lengthways
    • Nut Free School: don't send in peanut butter or nutella
    • Clubs information and start 28th Sept
    • Cheltenham Town Football is now also open to Yr3
    • Attendance & Punctuality are important
    • Absence Reporting by 8.45am
    • End of Day Collection notes to teachers
    • Flu Vaccinations: please give consent

    Information for All

    Meet the Teacher Events

    Information from last week's events is now available: Dunalley Primary School - Curriculum Information Termly 26/27

    Grapes - choking risk

    Nut Free – more than just nuts

    Clubs

    Clubs will run for 8 weeks from Monday 28th September.  Booking forms will be sent out at 6pm today to request your preferences.  The deadline is Monday at 12 noon.  All allocations will be visible on Edulink, under 'Clubs' from 5pm on Friday 25th.

    Football with Cheltenham Town Football is now also open to Year 3!  Booking details below.

    Clubs Information

    Clubs

    We are extremely lucky to have staff who run most of our clubs to provide these opportunities free of charge to our families.  

    Internal Clubs

    Clubs for Autumn 2026:

    Monday - KS1 Choir: until 4:00 - Yrs 1, 2, 3 - singing contemporary and traditional songs and learning rhythm and stage presence

    Monday - Dance: until 4:15 - Yrs 3, 4, 5, 6 - working on group and individual dance skills with performance at conclusion

    Monday - Fantasy Investment: until 4:15 - Yrs 5, 6 - building an understanding of stock markets and company investing with a virtual investment portfolio

    Monday - Football: until 4:15 - Yrs 5 & 6 - preparation for league games

    Tuesday - Drama Club: until 4:15 - Yrs 1 & 2 - working on drama skills of stage presence, enunciation, learning prose with performance at conclusion

    Tuesday - Drama Club: until 4:00 - Yrs 3, 4, 5 & 6 - working on drama skills of stage presence, enunciation, learning prose with performance at conclusion

    Tuesday - Rugby: until 4:15 - Yrs 3, 4, 5 & 6 - touch rugby skills and match play practise

    Tuesday - Yoga: until 4:15 - Yrs 5 & 6 - relaxing and mindful sessions building skills and flexibility

    Wednesday - Environmental Club: Lunchtime - Yrs 3, 4, 5, & 6

    Wednesday - Creative Fun: until 4:15 - Yr1 - Having fun being creative and building fine motor skills at the same time!

    Thursday - Running Club: from 8:00am - Yrs 1 & 2 - building a variety of running skills and stamina through drills and track work

    Thursday - Draw Along: until 4:00 - Yrs 1 & 2 - Enjoying art with supportive examples to follow and have fun with

    Friday - Dunalley Junior Athletes: from 8:00am - Yrs 3, 4, 5 & 6 - Building a variety of running skills and stamina through drills and track work

    Friday - School Council until 4.00 with Elected NEW Class Reps (for info only - runs same dates as clubs)

    External Clubs

    We are delighted to welcome back the following external organisations, who will be running a range of exciting after-school clubs this term.

    To book a place, please contact the club providers directly using the details below.

    Places are still available for Football with Cheltenham Town (Years 1, 2 & 3), so don't miss out!  Now open to Year 3 as well!  Please note the different dates to school clubs.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Staying Safe Online: Making Smart Choices When Gaming

    Online gaming can be a fun way for children to learn, socialise, and relax. However, it is important that children play safely and choose games that are appropriate for their age.

    One concern is that some primary-aged children are accessing games designed for older players. These games may contain violence, strong language, frightening content, or online interactions that younger children are not ready for. Age ratings are there to help families choose suitable games and should always be checked before children play.

    Parents and carers can support safe gaming by:

    Parents and carers can support safe gaming by:

    • Checking game age ratings.
    • Using parental controls and privacy settings.
    • Keeping gaming devices in shared family spaces.
    • Talking regularly about who children are playing with online.
    • Reminding children never to share personal information.

    Children should always tell a trusted adult if something online makes them feel worried, upset, or uncomfortable.

    By working together and having open conversations about online gaming, we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology while staying safe, responsible, and respectful online.

    Attendance & Punctuality

    Children only get one chance at school; making the most of it enables them to succeed and flourish later in life.

    Arriving at school on time is also vital.  Arriving late to school disrupts the child, their peers and teacher.  Punctuality is also essential at the end of the school day and the late collection of children is taken seriously.

    Absence Reporting

    Please inform the school of your child's absence by 8:45am on the day of absence.

    Our preferred method is to report absences via Edulink by selecting Links & Communication > Report an Absence.

    Alternatively, you can call 01264 512391 and leave a message on the absence answer machine.

    To help prevent the spread of infection, children must remain off school if they have a temperature or for 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

    End of the Day Collection Changes

    If your child is being collected by someone different or going home with another child, please send a short note to their teacher on that day.

    If arrangements change during the school day, please email dunalley@dunalley.gloucs.sch.uk or call 01264 512391

    Flu Vaccinations

    Please click on the event in our families calendar or below for full details to give or decline consent.  EVERYONE must complete this form:

     

    Nut Free School

     

     

     

    Information for Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 - Contents:

    • Y4 Swimming starts on Monday. Don't forget your kit
    • Secondary School Open Days dates available
    • Y6 Secondary School Applications are open

    Information for Years 3, 4, 5 & 6

    Y4 Swimming

    Don't forget your kit on Monday!

    The first swimming session will take place on Monday 21st September 2026. The final session will be on Monday 30th November 2026.

    Secondary School Information

    Secondary School Open Days

    Secondary School Open Days – please check their websites for full details

    Pittville School: Pittville School

    Pittville School Open Week will run from Monday 21st September until Friday 25th September and is an excellent opportunity to see our vibrant school in action. Open evening is from 6pm on Thursday 24th September.

    During open week, you can book on to a tour of our school led by the Headteacher or a member of our Senior Leadership Team.

    If you wish to have a tour outside of the days/times please ring the Headteacher’s PA on 01264 650902 or emailing achieve@pittville.gloucs.sch.uk.

    1. Pittville Open Evening Invitation 2026 1.pdf
      PDF File

    Balcarras: Balcarras School

    Open Week: 14th - 17th September

    See website for details.

     

    Cheltenham Bournside School: Cheltenham Bournside School

    Open Evening: Wednesday 30th Sept 5.30 - 8.00pm. 

    See website for other open events.

     

    Cleeve School: Cleeve School

    Open Evening: Thursday 1st October 5.30 - 8.00pm. 

    See website for other open events.

     

     

     

    Pates: Pate's Grammar School - Home

    We are hosting this term’s Open Evening on Tuesday 29 September.  We would be delighted to welcome pupils and their families who are considering options for Year 7 entry in 2028 (current Year 5).

    Book here: www.ticketsource.com/patesgs/t-vxvenkg

     

    Denmark Road: Welcome to Denmark Road High School

    If your child is looking for a secondary school place for September 2027 or 2028, come and join us for our next Open Events on Monday 5th October 8.45-10.30am or Wednesday 7th October 5-8pm. 

     

     

     

    Y6 Secondary School Applications

    Y6 Secondary School Applications

    Year 6 children will bring home information about the secondary school application process next week.  Please make sure you note the 31st October deadline. 

    We highly recommend you read the following document: Secondary School and Academy Admissions and fully understand each school's entry requirements and if your child has a realistic chance of getting a place. 

    When completing your application, you should list up to five schools in order of preference. These are preferences, not choices, and we strongly advise against listing only one school.

    Feel free to pop into school if you require any support with your application.

     

     

    PTFA News

    PTFA

    Dunalley Primary School is lucky to have an active and dedicated PTFA who work tirelessly to organise a variety of events throughout the year. These events raise vital funds that directly support the school and benefit every pupil.

    Find out more about your PTFA: Dunalley Primary School - PTFA

    Pre-Loved & New Uniform

    Please visit the PTFA online shop to view our range of products, which includes pre-loved & new items: Products | Dunalley Primary School PTFA.  We welcome donations of items with the Dunalley logo only.

     

    Community News

    Local Oppotunities

     

     

     

    Dates for your Diary:

    Don't forget to click on the title of the event to find out a little more.  Then click your back button to return to the calendar or newsletter.  

     

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