We’re fast approaching the end of half-term, marking the half way point of the school year. Despite the dark and cold mornings (this morning being one of them!), it’s lovely to see our children coming in happy and healthy with a smile on their faces.
2026-27 training days
Last week, we let you know that the 2026-27 holidays are in our school calendar. We can now confirm the five training days are all confirmed and in the calendar, too. They are:
- Tuesday 01 September 2026
- Friday 02 October 2026
- Friday 23 October 2026
- Monday 07 December 2026
- Friday 28 May 2027
There are three in Autumn 1 half-term because this is a long half-term (eight weeks), giving children a chance to have a couple of longer weekends to rest.
Bird watching
Also last week, we mentioned the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Our Year 3 children wasted no time in getting involved…
A happy and healthy place to work
As well as welcoming helpful constructive questions, comments and concerns, every year we invite you to complete a survey. We do the same with staff – sometimes just teachers and sometimes all staff. Here are a couple of comments from this year’s survey of teachers:
- ‘Regular check-ins are meaningful and consistently followed up. I feel listened to and supported, and I feel strongly that wellbeing is viewed as a priority in our school. Introduction of new initiatives is workload-friendly.’
- ‘I really appreciate the personalised feedback/support/challenge… I feel valued as a part of the team at St James’ and the wider Sphere Federation. This has a positive impact on my wellbeing’
St James’ CE Primary is a happy and healthy place to learn and also to work!
Happy, healthy and safe
Do you have to use a car to drop off and collect your child? The best way to travel to and from school is to walk, scoot or cycle. If you do drive, please remember to drive and park up with respect and care…
Hallfield Lane is being used so much for parking:
- sometimes residents can’t get out of their own driveways
- emergency vehicles would not be able to access if needed
- it’s dangerous for families who are walking to and from school
If you park on the double yellow lines or zigzags anywhere round school, this causes danger to our children, pedestrians, and other drivers. Please don’t park on them or across the road from them. Read more about these road markings and the law.
Freemans Way and Ceres Road are both alternative roads to park on, This will help congestion on Hallfield Lane (and walking at least park of the way is healthier, too!).
We know that the lack of parking is frustrating but please help us to keep the environment safe, our children safe and show that we consider the residents who live around school. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
You might want to report a problem to Leeds City Council – the more who do so, the more likely something will be done. We suggest using the link to Report a Traffic Management Issue – it only takes a minute.
Charging, remissions and outstanding payments
We’ve recently updated our policy. Check this out, especially if your child attends wraparound care, after-school clubs or Nursery, or has tuition for an instrument. Main updates are around what we do if we’re waiting for a payment for these services.
Have a happy and healthy weekend.