Weekly Bulletin:Friday 12th June 2026
Headteacher’s message to parents/carers
Dear Parents/Carers,
What a wet and windy week - it’s been a record streak of indoor rainy lunchtimes this week! We’re sorry that we had to postpone our Opal open afternoon yesterday due to the bad weather, but we hope that you can join us on the new date next week on Wednesday 17th June. Please register at Opal Afternoon - International Day of Play – Fill in form if you are joining us.
Huge congratulations to our football team for taking part in last week’s Mini Youth Games football tournament at Anchorians. Our team of 10 Year 6 children did us proud, winning 3 and drawing 2 of their 8 matches, with strong performances throughout the day. Although they got soaking wet at times, they showed fabulous teamwork and togetherness, as you would expect from any group of Tunbury children. Well done! Thank you to Mrs Stallard and Mr Trotter for leading the team on the day.
A massive well done to the class and school winners of our David Attenborough inspired nature videos, from last week’s STEAM week. Judged by our Science Ambassador Jason, the school winners were Jessica in Violet class for KS2 and Emilie in Blue class for KS1. Jessica’s video was about the three-toed sloth, the slowest mammal on the planet. Emilie’s video was about her two cats, who purr so loudly when they are happy, they sound like tiny tractors. Fabulous! You can watch all of the winning videos on our Facebook page.
Have a lovely weekend everyone.
Best wishes
Ruth Austin
Headteacher
Notices
Sports Day guidance for Friday 26th June:
- We’re looking forward to Sports Day in a couple of weeks. We’ve booked lovely weather for the day!
- KS2 Sports Day is in the morning, family picnic at lunchtime and KS1 Sports Day is in the afternoon.
- On Sports Day, all children come to school already wearing their PE kits.
- Timings are the same as in previous years – see table below.
- At Sports Day, you are welcome to take photos/videos of your own children, but please remember that these are for you only and not to be shared online or on social media, as we do not have permission for any wider sharing.
- During Sports Day there will be two portaloos for visitors (not for Tunbury children) on the lower car park, by Forest School. Tunbury children (not visitors) will use the KS1 toilets, by Pink class, during the day.
|
9.35-9.55 |
Playground gate open for entry* |
|
9.50-11.30 |
KS2 Sports Day (for all children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) Sports activities rotating around the field in year group stations, followed by races on the track. |
|
11.30-11.45 |
Playground gate open for entry/exit* |
|
11.45-12.30 |
Family Picnic For Reception and Key Stage 1 children, you will collect from classroom doors at the start of the family picnic, as you do at hometime. Key Stage 2 children will come out onto the field in their classes and be dismissed to you. At the end of the family picnic, a bell will be rung and all Tunbury children will return to their classes. Families will be able to sit together on the field – please bring your picnic blankets and food (no footballs/frisbees, BBQs, alcohol). You can bring picnic food as a whole family or send children in with their own packed lunches to eat with you. During the Family Picnic, we ask children to remain around the edges of the field and not play with or move the Sports Day equipment which is left out ready for the afternoon events. School meals on this day will be ‘Picnic Bags’, which can be ordered using the normal school meals booking system. Please order this by Monday 22nd June and also let us know that you require this picnic lunch on the form detailed below. Children who do not have family members present will be supervised by school staff during lunchtime. Alternatively, if you cannot attend and wish your child to join another family group for the picnic, you must tell us in advance for safeguarding purposes, using this link: Please take all your rubbish/recycling home with you. Thank you. |
|
12.30-1.00 |
Playground gate open for entry/exit* |
|
1.00-2.45 |
FS/KS1 Sports Day (for all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) Sports activities rotating around the field in year group stations, followed by races on the track. |
|
2.45 |
Optional early collection for all children, using normal home time arrangements. This should be at around 2.45, but will happen 15 minutes after the end of FS/KS1 Sports Day. Teachers will have a class register to show which children have been collected early. Children who walk home alone will only be able to leave school without an adult at 3.15. |
|
3.10/3.15 |
Normal home time arrangements for remaining children. |
|
* If you wish to arrive or leave school at other times throughout the day, please enter/exit via the front gate. |
|
Gifts for Him: The TSA are hosting their annual Gifts for Him room next week on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th June. The children will have the opportunity to buy special gifts over the course of the two days. Please send any money to school in a labelled envelope with your child’s name, class and the amount enclosed.
School uniform reminder: School uniform reminder: We have noticed this term that standards of school uniform have begun to slip, particularly with an increasing number of children attending school wearing trainers instead of black school shoes. Whilst we recognise that we are approaching the end of the school year, we would like to kindly remind parents and carers of our school uniform expectations. Please ensure that children come to school wearing black school shoes each day, unless there is a specific reason agreed with the school. From next week, any child who arrives at school wearing trainers will be asked to change into a pair of school plimsolls for the duration of the school day. Their trainers can then be changed back into at home time.
Wearing the correct uniform helps to promote a sense of belonging, pride and readiness for learning. By working together on this, we can continue to foster a positive and purposeful learning environment for all children.
If you are experiencing any difficulties with obtaining the correct uniform, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. We are always happy to help and support families wherever we can.
World Cup Day Lunch: Please see details below. This lunch can be booked and paid for via SchoolGateway in the usual way.
Strive Holiday Club: Looking for a fun way to keep your child active this Summer holiday break?
Strive PE and Sport August Multi-Activity Camp at Tunbury is now open for booking! https://pbbl.uk/3P4KxRs Designed for children aged 5–11, their teacher-led camps are packed with sports, games, and exciting activities to keep children moving, laughing, and making new friends — exclusively for current Tunbury pupils only.
Why children love Strive Holiday Club camps:
• A huge mix of fun sports and optional themed activities
• A great place to make friends and build confidence
• Sibling & FSM discounts available
Music lessons, Singing and Keyboard: We are delighted to continue developing the music provision at Tunbury School in partnership with The Math Music Academy, offering both individual singing and keyboard lessons for pupils.
Learning a musical instrument is about far more than music alone. Research from the Department for Education has shown that children who participate in musical learning often develop stronger concentration, faster reaction times, improved memory and greater confidence. Music also supports social development, creativity and self-expression.
Studies have demonstrated that children receiving musical training can perform significantly better academically, with many pupils achieving higher outcomes in subjects such as Maths, English and Science compared with their non-musical peers. Singing and keyboard lessons help strengthen important neurological pathways that support learning across the whole curriculum.
To give children the opportunity to experience lessons first-hand, The Math Music Academy will be offering FREE 15-minute trial sessions during the week beginning 18th June.
During the trial sessions:
Singing
- Basic vocal warm-ups and exercises
- Note recognition activities
- Introduction to songs and repertoire
Keyboard / Piano
- Introduction to the keyboard
- Basic fingering and hand positioning
- Simple musical activities and exploration
Students who choose to continue lessons will also have opportunities to:
- Perform in school concerts and performances
- Build confidence through live music-making
- Work towards graded examinations with the ABRSM and Trinity examination boards
To arrange your child’s free trial lesson, or if you would like any further information, please contact our music teacher, Sophie Hyde sophiehyde@aol.com
We look forward to helping your child discover the joy and benefits of music.
Music lessons, iRock: We are pleased to share that spaces in iRock bands are available now to book for September! At iRock, children experience the excitement of being in a real band, learning instruments, playing songs they love and building confidence through music. Led by passionate and professional Band Coaches, the fun and inclusive in-school sessions help children develop teamwork, resilience and musical skills in a supportive environment.
Every term ends with a live concert performance for family and friends, giving children the chance to shine like real rockstars and celebrate everything they’ve achieved.
Full details on how to sign up can be found here.
You can also contact iRock at info@irockschool.com, or 0330 174 2655, if you have any questions.
Apprentice TA vacancy: We are looking to recruit an Apprentice Teaching Assistant for September 2026. For full details, please visit Apprentice Teaching Assistant at Tunbury Primary School – Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK
Weekly Class Attendance: This is a weekly feature on our bulletin to highlight and celebrate good levels of attendance. This week we’ve had some amazing attendance. Our KS1 winners are Bears and Red class with a brilliant 100%. Our KS2 winners are Ruby and Sapphire with another amazing 100%! Absolutely amazing work, keep it up!
|
Class |
Weekly Attendance Percentage |
|
Bears |
☆100%☆ |
|
Red |
☆100%☆ |
|
Ruby |
☆100%☆ |
|
Sapphire |
☆100%☆ |
|
Lavender |
99.58% |
|
Magenta |
99.11% |
|
Turquoise |
99.11% |
|
Azure |
99.04% |
|
Scarlet |
98.81% |
|
Owls |
98.08% |
|
Indigo |
97.41% |
|
Emerald |
96.67% |
|
Pink |
96.55% |
|
Violet |
96.37% |
|
Blue |
95.42% |
|
Lilac |
95.11% |
|
Amber |
94.71% |
|
Crimson |
94.64% |
Tunbury Primary School Facebook: This week we’ve posted about last week’s STEAM week, our Year 6 cohort taking part in the MYG football tournament and the special visitors we’ve had in Year 5. Please take a look at Tunbury Primary School | Chatham | Facebookand follow us to keep up to date with all things Team Tunbury.
Team Points: Our first totals of Term 6 are as follows. Congratulations to Attenborough team for taking a narrow early lead. It’s a long way to the end of term though, so many twists and turns to come!
|
Rowling |
Attenborough |
Holmes |
Hawking |
|
1321 |
1333 |
1210 |
1154 |
Dates for your Diary
Term dates for 2026/27: www.tunbury.kent.sch.uk/Parents/Term-Dates-26-27/
Term 6
Monday 15th June – New Entrants meeting (for parents of children due to start in Year R in Sept) 3.30-4.30 pm
Tuesday 16th June – Year 5 visit to Wildwood
Tuesday 16th June – Year 4 Open afternoon
Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th June – Gifts for Him Present Room (TSA)
Wednesday 17th June – UN International Day of Play – Opal Open Afternoon 2 pm (postponed from last week) NEW
Thursday 18th June – Year 2 Open afternoon – 2 pm
Wednesday 24th June – Tempest Photographers: Class group photos
Thursday 25th June – Year 3 Open afternoon – 2 pm
Friday 26th June - Sports Day
Monday 29th June – Tuesday 7th July – Bikeability Cycle training for some of Year 5 pupils
Wednesday 1st July – Stay and Play session for New Entrants 12.45 or 1.45
Thursday 2nd July – TSA Summer Disco: Year R & 1, 2-3pm / Year 2 & 3, 3:15-4:15pm / Year 4, 5 & 6, 4:30-5:30pm
Friday 3rd July - Reserve Sports Day
Monday 6th July – Year 5 Open afternoon – 2 pm
Wednesday 8th July – Whole school transition day, followed by Open Classroom sessions 3.15-3.45
Wednesday 8th July - New Entrants transition sessions at 9.30 or 1.00
Thursday 9th July – Year 3 visit to Wingham Wildlife Park (please note 4 pm return time)
Friday 10th July - End of Year Reports sent home
Saturday 11th July - TSA GlasTunbury
Wednesday 15th July – New Entrants class visits / parents’ phonics workshop: 1.45 pm
Thursday 16th July – Year 6 Production: 2pm and 6pm
Friday 17th July – Dare to be Different Day (TSA)
Friday 17th July – Year 6 Prom
Monday 20th July – Year 6 Open afternoon – 2 pm
Tuesday 21st July – Year 6 Leavers' assemblies: Emerald - 9am / Violet - 9:45 am / Crimson - 10:30 am
Tuesday 21st July - July end of term/ academic year
Class Assemblies
Class assemblies will be held in the school hall on Friday afternoons. Parents/carers and family members from each class are warmly invited to join us in school for these events, as our children love to share their learning with you. Please come to the front of the school and wait outside the hall entrance doors. You will be invited in at just before 2.50pm. The assembly will begin at 2.50pm and last for about 10 minutes, finishing in time for you to collect your children at the end of the school day, as normal.
Friday 12th June – Magenta Class Assembly
Friday 19th June – Bears Class Assembly
Friday 3rd July – Owls Class Assembly
