Weekly Bulletin:Friday 7th November 2025
Headteacher’s message to parents/carers
Dear Parents/Carers,
Thank you to our brilliant TSA for organising another successful Fireworks event on Wednesday evening. It was a wonderful evening for the whole school community, as well as raising money for the TSA to fund some of the ‘extras’ of your child’s experiences at school. Currently, the TSA is fully funding the OPAL project at lunchtimes, as well as contributing to swimming costs, Ukulele lessons, Young Voices, Year 6 leavers books and much, much more. Thank you to our hard-working volunteers and visitors to TSA events, who make this possible.
Also this week, Year 6 children started their Bikeability sessions – you may have seen them cycling around school with their instructors. Our children really enjoy these sessions, as well as learning valuable road safety skills for the hilly roads of Walderslade.
In assemblies this week, we learned about celebrations for Guru Nanak’s birthday at the Gurdwara in Gravesend, with photos of the event shared by a staff member who attended. Why not ask your child what they can remember about this celebration? (Clue: it might involve cake.)
We also awarded the very first ‘Golden Welly Boot’ award for play at lunchtime. This was awarded to Hannah in Blue class, who shows such great kindness at lunchtime, often giving her equipment to let others have a go, especially in the digging area. Well done Hannah!
Next week, we have lots to look forward to, starting with Odd Socks Day on Monday. In Odd Socks Day, children can wear their normal school uniform but with odd socks, the crazier the better! Odd Socks Day always takes place on the first day of Anti-Bullying Week, and is designed to be a fun way for everyone to celebrate their individuality, as we are all different. In Anti-bullying Week, we’ll be using the national theme of ‘Power for Good’ for assemblies and class activities, as well as holding the first of this year’s Anti-Bullying surveys for children. More information will follow in next week’s bulletin.
We also have our Autumn Open Afternoons next week, where you are warmly invited to come into school to take part in a lesson in your child’s classroom, with their class teacher. As you’ve probably heard me say several hundred times, community is important to us at Tunbury – we are Team Tunbury. As parents and carers, your role in our school community is so very important! By sharing special events and key information with you, we really do want you to be part of our school, as this helps you and your children to flourish. It also helps us all, because we know that Together Everyone Achieves More. We look forward to seeing you next week – details of dates/times are in the Diary Dates below.
As well as all of this, it’s also Children in Need next Friday! Please read the information further down today’s bulletin from our school councillors.
Have a lovely weekend everyone.
Best wishes
Ruth Austin
Headteacher
Year 6 Residential visit
Last week, a group of 70 Year 6 children experienced the most amazing three days away on our residential trip at PGL in Windmill Hill. Over the course of our stay, the children threw themselves into a variety of different activities designed to support their skills in listening, teamwork and resilience. With many of the activities taking place high off the ground (All Aboard, Trapeze, Giant Swing to name but a few), the children were put to the test. We are so very proud of the huge encouragement they showed each other in tackling these challenges and there was genuine excitement when their friends managed to overcome their fears and push themselves as far as they felt able. Back on firm ground, activities included: Sensory Trail, Archery and Aeroball which allowed children to explore other types of activities and potential talents.
The staff who attended would like to say a huge thank you and well done to all of the children who attended – throughout the stay, behaviour was exemplary and they represented the school in outstanding fashion. In addition, we would like to extend our thanks to Steve Nairn, our Chair of Governors, who volunteered to support on the trip too. We are particularly grateful for the way he interacted with the children, supporting them with compassion and quiet encouragement.
Please see below Steve Nairn, Chair of Governors account:
"As Chair of Governors I would like to write from both an official and a more personal perspective, as one of the fortunate adults who had the privilege of accompanying the group for the whole stay.
It was an absolute pleasure to witness first-hand the enthusiasm, good humour, and boundless support the staff team offered — not just to the children but to each other. The range of activities tackled — from the Trapeze and Zip Wire to Archery, Giant Swing, Sensory Trail, Orienteering, All Aboard, and even the lively disco and campfire songs — demonstrated not only the courage and determination of the children but also the encouragement and reassurance they received at every turn from the adults who accompanied them.
What struck me most was the consistency of care. Whether a child was celebrating a personal triumph at the top of the Giant Swing (or even half-way up) or quietly overcoming a fear on the Sensory Trail, there was always a member of staff there offering a word of praise, a hand of support, or a smile of genuine pride. The staff team's ability to balance high expectations with warmth and humour was wonderful to see.
Equally remarkable was the children’s exemplary behaviour throughout - a testament to the trusting relationships staff have built and the respect the children clearly hold for them.
As a fellow adult on the trip, I felt both privileged and humbled to be part of such a strong, dedicated, and compassionate team. The laughter, camaraderie, and mutual support among staff were every bit as memorable as the children’s achievements."
Notices
New Entrants for September 26: Our first new entrants Stay and Play session is happening next week. Come and explore our Reception classrooms and outside areas on Monday 10th November 3:30-4:30 pm or the next session is on Monday 1st December 9-10 am. These sessions are brand new for this year, for pre-school aged children (aged two and a half or older) to attend with a parent/carer.
Each session lasts an hour and will take place in our Reception classrooms and outdoor learning areas. It's the perfect chance for your child to play and get to know us here at Tunbury. Our friendly staff will be there to guide you and answer any questions you may have. To book please email newentrants@tunbury.kent.sch.uk and include your own and your child’s full name. Please share this post with families who may be interested in becoming a part of Team Tunbury!
Remember that applications for a primary school place are open now and should be made via your ‘home’ local authority.
- Kent residents apply at www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places
- Medway residents apply at www.medway.gov.uk/admissions
See further details below:
The dates of all our events are on our website at www.tunbury.kent.sch.uk/New-Entrants/
To book onto any of these events, please email newentrants@tunbury.kent.sch.uk
Pupil Leadership: We have now completed our Pupil Leadership appointments for this academic year. We received 235 applications for a variety of different roles this year and we would like to congratulate all children who applied and went through the interview process.
Each week of this term, we will communicate our successful appointments to these roles, starting this week with School Council. Our School Councillors also voted on who they would like to lead our council this year and they voted as follows:
Chair of School Council – Heidi
Vice Chairs of School Council – Blake and Tiana
|
Red |
Jack |
Ruby |
Ivy |
|
Blue |
Hannah |
Lilac |
Michael |
|
Lavender |
Isabelle |
Magenta |
Frankie |
|
Yellow |
Freddie |
Turquoise |
Casey |
|
Pink |
Hope |
Indigo |
Harry |
|
Azure |
Ieva |
Crimson |
Heidi |
|
Amber |
Lillie-Eve |
Violet |
Tiana |
|
Sapphire |
Jacob |
Emerald |
Blake |
|
Scarlet |
Henry T |
|
|
Children in Need 2025: On Friday 14th November, we are going to be raising money for Children in Need in school. BBC Children in Need fund vital support for children and young people struggling with challenges caused by mental health, poverty, social inequality and family-related issues. Anything we can do to help support this charity will have a huge impact on the happiness, wellbeing and potential of children and young people across the UK.
Our School Councillors have met this week and decided that they would like children to come to school on Friday 14th November in their own clothes and/ or wearing anything ‘Pudsey’ related for a donation to the charity. In assembly on Monday, we will introduce the ‘Strictly 25 Step Dance Challenge’ which the children will take part in over the course of next week to support Children in Need. If children would like to have a look at this challenge before Monday, they can do so by following this link: Strictly 25 Step Dance Challenge - BBC Children in Need We would be grateful for any online donations and a link for this will be sent out by the school office next week.
Weekly Class Attendance: Our Ks1 winners are Owls and Lavender Class with a brilliant 100%. Amazing work! Our KS2 winners are Violet Class with a fabulous 97.58%.Keep up the great work everyone!
|
Class |
Weekly Attendance Percentage |
|
Owls |
☆100%☆ |
|
Lavender |
☆100%☆ |
|
Yellow |
99.26% |
|
Violet |
97.58% |
|
Indigo |
97.32% |
|
Pink |
96.88% |
|
Lilac |
96.35% |
|
Ruby |
96.30% |
|
Red |
96.25% |
|
Amber |
95.98% |
|
Emerald |
95.83% |
|
Sapphire |
95.83% |
|
Blue |
95.00% |
|
Azure |
93.75% |
|
Bears |
93.27% |
|
Magenta |
93.10% |
|
Scarlet |
92.86% |
|
Crimson |
92.86% |
|
Turquoise |
91.67% |
Tunbury Primary School Facebook: This week on Facebook, we’ve posted about the TSA firework display, our new entrants stay and play sessions and our Poppy Appeal. 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 total of Term 2 are as follows. Congratulations to Rowling Team for a strong start to the new term, following on from their win in Term 1! Today, children in each class made suggestions for the end of Term 2 Team Point Reward, which they will vote on next week.
|
Rowling |
Attenborough |
Holmes |
Hawking |
|
1092 |
927 |
934 |
985 |
Dates for your Diary
Term dates for 2025/26: www.tunbury.kent.sch.uk/Parents/Term-Dates-25-26/
Term 2
Monday 10th November – Anti-bullying week / odd socks day
Monday 10th November - Y5/6 Open Afternoon
Monday 10th November– New Entrants for September 2026: Stay and Play session for pre-school children with their parents/Carers 3.30 – 4.30 pm
Tuesday 11th November - Y3/4 Open Afternoon
Wednesday 12th November - The Astronomy Roadshow Workshop, Year 5
Wednesday 12th November - Y1/2 Open Afternoon
Thursday 13th November - Reception Open Afternoon
Friday 14th November – New Entrants for September 2026: School tour 9 am and 10 am
Friday 14th November – Children in Need - NEW
Wednesday 19th November – New Entrants for September 2026: School tour 12.45 and 1.45 pm
Friday 21st November - Y3 Stone Age Day, dressing up (optional)
Thursday 27th November – New Entrants for September 2026: School tour 9 am and 10 am
Monday 1st December – New Entrants for September 2026: Stay and Play session for pre-school children with their parents/Carers 9 – 10 am
Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th December – Christmas Present Room (TSA)
Tuesday 2nd December – New Entrants for September 2026: School tour 12.45 and 1.45 pm
Thursday 11th December – Year R Christmas Nativity, 2.30 pm
Friday 12th December - Christmas lunch – wear a Christmas jumper day
Friday 12th December – New Entrants for September 2026: School tour 9 am and 10 am
Wednesday 17th December: Year 2 Christmas Performance, 2:15 pm
Thursday 18th December: Year 1 Christmas Poem, 2:30 pm
Thursday 18th December - Carols on the playground Y3 / Y4 - 2.50 pm
Friday 19th December - Carols on the playground Y5 / Y6 - 2.50 pm
Friday 19th December – Last Day of Term 2
Term 3
Monday 5th January - INSET Day - School Closed for pupils
Tuesday 6th January – First Day of Term 3
Tuesday 13th January - Swimming lessons start, Year4, Lilac Class
Wednesday 21st January - Young Voices @ the O2
Friday 6th February - Number Day
Friday 6th February – Bingo Night (TSA)
Tuesday 10th February - Safer Internet Day
Tuesday 10th February - Spring Parent Consultation (3.30 – 6.30)
Thursday 12th February - Spring Parent Consultation (3.30 – 6.30)
Friday 13th February – Last Day of Term 2
Term 4
Monday 23rd February - INSET Day - School Closed for pupils
Tuesday 24th February – First Day of Term 4
Monday 2nd – Friday 6th March - Book Week
Monday 2nd March - Reception Open Afternoon
Tuesday 3rd March - Y1/2 Open Afternoon
Wednesday 4th March - Y3/4 Open Afternoon
Thursday 5th March - World Book Day
Friday 6th March - Y5/6 Open Afternoon
Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th March – Gifts for Her Present Room (TSA)
Friday 13th March - Science Day
Thursday 26th March – School Disco (TSA)
Thursday 2nd April - Last Day of Term 4
Term 5
Monday 20th April – First day of Term 5
Tuesday 28th April – Swimming lessons start, Year 4, Scarlet Class
Monday 4th May - BANK HOLIDAY, School Closed
Monday 11th – Thursday 14th May - KS2 (Y6) SATs Week
Friday 15th May – Colour Run (TSA)
Thursday 21st May – Tunbury’s Got Talent (TSA)
Friday 22nd May – Last Day of Term 5
Term 6
Monday 1st June - INSET DAY – School Closed for pupils
Tuesday 2nd June – First Day of Term 6
Tuesday 2nd – Friday 5th June - STEAM Week
Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th, Thursday 18th June – Gifts for Him Present Room (TSA)
Friday 26th June - Sports Day
Friday 3rd July - Reserve Sports Day
Friday 10th July - End of Year Reports sent home
Saturday 11th July - TSA GlasTunbury
Friday 17th July – Dare to be Different Day (TSA)
Friday 17th July – Year 6 Prom
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 21st November - Turquoise Class Assembly
Friday 28th November - Amber Class Assembly
Friday 5th December - Crimson Class Assembly
Friday 16th January - Lilac Class Assembly
Friday 23rd January - Indigo Class Assembly
Friday 30th January - Pink Class Assembly
Friday 6th February - Emerald Class Assembly
Friday 13th February – Scarlet Class Assembly
Friday 27th February – Violet Class Assembly
Friday 13th March - Lavender Class Assembly
Friday 20th March - Azure Class Assembly
Friday 27th March - Red Class Assembly
Friday 24th April - Ruby Class Assembly
Friday 1st May – Sapphire Class Assembly
Friday 8th May - Blue Class Assembly
Friday 22nd May - Yellow Class Assembly
Friday 12th June – Magenta Class Assembly
Friday 19th June – Bears Class Assembly
Friday 3rd July – Owls Class Assembly
