Happy half-term! We can’t believe we’ve reached the end of Summer 1 term so quickly.
Targeted training
We’ve the third of five training days in school today. On training days like this, the teachers across Sphere Federation gather together and benefit from training that’s age-specific. This means that teachers in each phase (Early Years, Years 1/2, Years 3/4 and Years 5/6) receive training that helps to support their teaching in specific age groups. Today, teachers have been planning, practising and preparing for three different subjects: PE, DT (Design and Technology) and Maths.
The training our teachers receive was recognised by Ofsted in all three of the school’s inspections:
- ‘Professional development for all staff is exemplary. Leaders have planned high-quality training.’ (Moortown Primary, March 2024)
- ‘The professional development available for all staff is of high quality, and they appreciate the collaborative support shared among the schools in the federation.’ (Scholes (Elmet) Primary, May 2024)
- ‘The school ensures that staff receive regular, high-quality training and development. This contributes to staff having excellent subject knowledge across a range of subjects.’ (St James’ CE Primary, January 2025)
The last two training days are on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 July, meaning the Summer 2 term ends on Friday 18 July.
Uniform update
Every year around this time, we review our Uniform Policy. You’ve told us in previous annual surveys you like to have the policy well in advance so you can start to prepare for the new school year. Read the 2025-26 Uniform Policy. There are a couple of minor changes:
- additional guidance around footwear – choose shoes that are safe to run around for healthy, active playtimes (eg avoid Crocs)
- additional guidance around hair accessories – hair bands, bows and other accessories should be minimal: as small as possible and not too bright
Talking of uniform…
Top tip
Are you thinking of having your child’s ears pierced? Please do this at the start of the summer holidays to allow for healing time. Advisors recommend no earrings are worn for PE. We expect children to remove earrings before the lesson and put them back in after the lesson. This will be carried out by the child. If they’re unable to remove or put their earrings back in by themselves, they must not wear them on the day they have PE.
Brownlee Triathlon
This week, children in Key Stage 2 took part in the Brownlee Foundation Triathlon event. All of the children represented St James’ CE Primary well. They completed the whole course with huge smiles on their faces! The children had to swim, cycle and run their way to the finish line, working together and spurring each other on. We even got to meet Jonny Brownlee, who very kindly took a photo with our school! Thanks to all parents and adults who helped organise the event.
Awe and wonder
At St James’ CE Primary, we welcome visitors to our happy and healthy community. Last week, we were delighted to have one of our grandparents lead our collective worship. Mr Hayward-Giles spoke to the children about his recent adventures to Borneo, an island in the Pacific Ocean. He talked about reconnecting with somebody he hasn’t seen in 60 years and the wonderful welcome he received from their family. The children loved hearing about Mr Hayward-Giles helping out at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and about the wonderful rainforest. The children were in awe and wonder looking at the photographs and listening to the stories. Thank you to Mr Hayward-Giles for telling us all about his adventure.
Finally this week…
Have you completed our annual survey yet? It’ll only take a few minutes.
Have a happy and healthy half-term holiday.