Weekly Update from Mr Burkinshaw

As we reach the final day of the Spring Term, the cold and wintry start to the term seems long ago. Over the term, the children have gained so much knowledge and developed new skills, they have welcomed visitors (human and animal) into the school and had new experiences on school trips. Do take a moment to ask your child about their highlights of the term, and what they have got better at. 

We have had a busy week: on Wednesday, Year 3 stepped back in time at Butser Farm to see how our ancestors lived. On Monday, Year 5 joined the Philharmonia’s 80th-anniversary celebrations at the Royal Festival Hall. Witnessing a world-class orchestra is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through practice and passion. Year 5 and 6 enjoyed a wonderful French performance, ‘Au Pays Des Lutins’, on Tuesday. Well done to our Year 2 Dodgeball team! At this age, festivals are less about the score and more about learning sportsmanship - the art of playing hard but playing fair.

We said a fond farewell to Mr and Mrs Allum, as their time here at Christ Church comes to an end. They enjoyed being the honorary judges of the infant Easter Bonnet parade, and the special guests at the Y4 samba performance. They leave Christ Church with many happy memories and we wish them well on their next adventure.    

We have been reviewing how we communicate with parents - thank you to all parents who either completed the survey or fed back via the parent reps. Over the next half-term you will notice some changes to the weekly update and the emails from the class teachers. 

Finally, I wish you all a peaceful and happy Easter break. Whether you are celebrating the religious festival or simply enjoying the turn of the season, I hope you find time to rest and reconnect as families. We look forward to seeing the children back, refreshed and ready for the Summer Term.

Our School Updates for Parents

Our next Charity Tuesday on 21st April

A heads up that our second Charity Tuesday of the year is the second week back after the Easter Break. We are planning a “5K” walk with the children on a route around the locality in support of one of our chosen charities for this academic year, the National Autistic Society. More details to follow on this at the beginning of next term.

New Government Screen Time Advice

This new advice for parents on the Best Start in Life website recommends limiting total screen time for young children, wherever possible and says: 

• Under 2 years: Avoid screen time other than for shared activities with family that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
• 2-5 years: Try to keep it to 1 hour a day. Less if possible.

The sunnier days do give children the opportunity to spend more time outside, which we know has many benefits, as well as not being on a screen. 

OPAL Update

Well done to Leopard Class, who were the first class to complete our OPAL bingo. Over the holidays, do collect any of the items on the sheet, as we are always happy to receive them. Junior parents may have noticed an increased amount of large loose parts. We are very grateful to Emerey D'Sylva who kindly joined our OPAL team on a collection from several local industrial estates. 

Support Our School through the Governors' Fund

The Governors' Fund is a simple yet powerful way for parents to support the school and enrich every child's learning experience. For example, your donations help provide every Junior child with a Chromebook and allows us to access extra funding exclusive to church schools. Plus, donations can be Gift-Aided, increasing their value by 25% at no extra cost to you. While the PTA organises fundraising events and community activities, the Governors' Fund relies solely on direct donations to support essential school improvements. We’ve made donating quicker, easier, and more convenient so you just click the Donate button on the school website. We ask parents to set up a regular monthly donation to spread the cost and allow the school to plan ahead, but any contribution is greatly appreciated.

Wider Community Updates

Old Emanuel RFC Lions - Bring a Friend Day

Local rugby club, Old Emanuel Lions, is hosting a special event on Sunday 12th April so children can try out rugby and experience what the club has to offer. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Colin Bull Swimming Lessons

Colin Bull swimming classes and private lessons for all ages are held at Downsend School and Epsom College in Surrey. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Friends of Richmond Park Discoverers Event

Please see the attached poster for details of this forthcoming event which will take place on the 8th April.

Family Hub & Children's Centres Summer Programme

Should it be of interest to you, please find attached the Summer programme for the family hub and children's centres, beginning 13th April. 

Useful Links

• Arbor
• Clubs Schedule - Summer Term 2026
• School Instagram

Key School Dates

• Friday 27th March - Term finishes early at 1.05pm (infants) and 1.20pm (juniors). Connect will finish at 5:15pm
• Friday 27th March - Y6 Leavers Donut Sale @ pick up
• Monday 30th March - Friday 10th April - Easter Holiday
• Monday 13th April - Summer Term Starts
• Tuesday 14th April – Reception National Child Measurement Programme
• Wednesday 15th April – Y6 National Child Measurement Programme
• Wednesday 15th April - Y3/4 Choir: Rose Theatre Cluster Concert (pm)
• Friday 17th April – Y1 Phonics Talk @ 2:30pm
• Friday 17th April – PTA Quiz Night @ 7:00-10:00pm
• Tuesday 21st April – Charity Tuesday for National Autistic Society
• Thursday 23rd April – Y1 Trip to Wisley Gardens
• Thursday 23rd April - Lion Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Tuesday 28th April - Y5 & Y6 Soloist’s Concert @ 9am
• Monday 4th May - Bank Holiday (School closed)
• Wednesday 6th May - Class photographs
• Wednesday 6th May – Parents’ Prayer Group (time tbc)
• Thursday 7th May – Y3 Trip to Natural History Museum
• Wednesday 13th May – Reception Trip to Polka Theatre
• Thursday 14th May – Special Seaside Lunch Menu
• Thursday 14th May - Owl Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Monday 18th - Friday 22nd May - Chums Week & Science Week
• Tuesday 19th May - Charity Tuesday
• Friday 22nd May - Eagle Class Worship @ 2:40pm
• Monday 25th - Friday 29th May - Half Term