Latest News
Keep up to date with all the news happening in school
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Year 1 trip - change of date
Mon 26 Jan 2026Please note the Year 1 Southsea trip will now be on the 10th June
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Weekly Update Friday 23rd January
Fri 23 Jan 2026🔥Thank you to all our Year 1 parents who came to our oracy led outcome for our 'Dragons' project this week. The children have enjoyed rehearsing their poems and learning how to present them in clear voices, both live and on film. Their oracy skills went from strength to strength as the weeks progressed and confidence grew as they practised. We hope you enjoyed it as much as Year 1 did!
🔥Year 2 have had a fantastic time experimenting with suitable materials for waterproofing and making their tests fair. We cannot wait to see their finished vehicles and are all asking the question, 'Will the egg make it down the ramp safely?'
🔥Year R have also been very busy learning their phonics this week and there are great discussions about which book they are going to choose to bring home to read and practise their skills.
📚Our Reading Helpers have dramatically decreased this term, and with only 30% of our school now reading the minimum of three times per week at home, we are very concerned that reading is not being practised outside of school. In the past, this has never been a problem for our school, but with more children having access to electronic devices at a younger age, it is one that is now affecting children attending here. Anyone can be a helper reader-some of our volunteers have no connection to the school but wanted a fullfilling role within the community. Background checks are done prior to starting, and we give a familiarisation talk prior to starting. If you, or somebody you know, can give some of their time helping children to practise reading in order to improve, please contact the school office as soon as possible. To develop reading skills, there are no shortcuts, especially with young children. It is a case of Practise, Practise, Practise.
🌺We have had a lot of staff absent since the start of this term, especially through lunchtime. To cover, all teachers and some LSAs have been covering extra time. We have also moved Year R to the big playground earlier than anticipated for lunchtime play. I would like to thank all the staff for the support they have given to me and the school to help it run so smoothly. It has meant that Year 2 lunchtime clubs have been unable to start back this term (which teachers and myself lead), and we will start these as soon as staffing is at full strength.
🎉Next Tuesday (27th January), the MHST team are running an 'Emotional Regulation' workshop at our school at 9am. Parents have had the invite to the workshop, which they need to sign up to. It is open to all parents who have children at BWIS and BWJS.V
🔥Our PTA have released a new Quiz Night date on Friday 20th March. Please look and book using the QR code that was sent out today! Let the best team win!!!
Wishing you all a lovely weekend-our staff are keenly waiting for the finale of a certain TV show tonight-will it be the Traitors or the Faithful who will triumph???
With warm wishes
Mrs Riches
Headteacher
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Weekly Update Friday 16th January
Fri 16 Jan 2026What a wonderfully busy week it has been in school! Despite the grey, rainy weather, the children have brought so much sunshine into our days with their enthusiasm, curiosity, and cheerful attitudes. It has been lovely to see them embracing every learning opportunity across the curriculum.
A particular highlight was Celebration Assembly, where we were treated to some fantastic maths work. The children showcased their growing confidence in bridging through ten, and it was an absolute delight to see how proud they were of their progress. We also enjoyed reading the impressive persuasive writing from across Year 2, with children applying for imaginary jobs in different rescue services—firefighters, police officers, lifeguards and more! Their creativity, passion, and sense of purpose really shone through.
Year R have had an especially exciting week, enjoying our brand new sandpit, funded through the brilliant efforts of our wonderful PTA. Thank you again to everyone who contributed through fundraising—it’s already proving to be a huge hit!
This week also marked the closing date for Year R 2026 applications, and we are pleased to share that our numbers are looking healthy for next year. Thank you for continuing to spread the word about our lovely school community.
A few reminders as we head into another week:
- Parking: Wet weather often means more cars around the school. Please avoid parking on the safety zigzags or double yellow lines, and continue to park considerately around the estate. This helps keep all our children safe.
- Punctual pick‑up: Please ensure you arrive in good time for the 3.10pm pick‑up. Parents should be at school ready to collect, rather than walking up the path after this time. This allows teachers to attend meetings and training promptly. We do not have staff available to supervise children beyond this time, so from next week, late collections will result in children being booked into after‑school club, which will incur a charge to parents.
- Club pick‑ups: If you are running late collecting from a club, please contact the club provider directly, as the school phone is not always staffed at that time.
Our PTA meeting on Monday and the upcoming Quiz Night have been postponed. We will share the new dates with you as soon as they are confirmed.
As always, we are so proud of the children—their resilience in the drizzle, their kindness to one another, and the joy they bring to our school each day. Our assembly around the theme of 'our BADGER value of 'Belonging' this week, sparked lots of conversations and thoughts about how many different groups we belong to in school and outside of school. We always say how special it is in our school for children and staff to be in. Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our community.
We hope everyone has a restful and happy weekend. Stay warm, stay dry, and enjoy a little extra time together.
Warmest wishes,
Mrs Riches
Headteacher
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Mental Health support workshop
Thu 15 Jan 2026
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Weekly Update Friday 9th January
Mon 12 Jan 2026Welcome back after the Christmas break! We hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and a joyful New Year. It’s been wonderful to see the children return with big smiles and lots of energy.
We had a chilly start back to school, and the children were thrilled by the small flurries of snow we experienced. They had great fun trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues and enjoyed playing outside, all wrapped up warm in their coats, hats, and scarves. It was a magical way to begin the new term!
A Magical Pantomime Experience:
This week, we were treated to an amazing pantomime performance of Sleeping Beauty by M&M Productions. The children were absolutely transfixed by the awe and wonder of seeing a live performance by professional actors.
Maleficent was a fantastic ‘baddie’, and the children loved joining in with the traditional pantomime fun—booing her loudly and cheering for the heroes!
A huge thank you to BWIS PTA for their relentless fundraising efforts, which enabled us to provide this incredible experience at no extra cost to families. Your support makes these magical moments possible!Around the School
It has been amazing to walk around the school and see BWIS Learning Values reflected in every classroom. The children have had a fabulous start back and are already deeply engaged in their new projects: designing Wacky Vehicles, f inding Dragon Eggs and reading the traditional tale of The Three Little Pigs.
They’ve told us more than once this week that they “don’t want to go home”—a wonderful sign that our learning has been lots of fun!
📅 Important Dates
Sponsored Bounce Day:
We’re excited to announce that our Sponsored Disco Bounce Day will be happening again in February! We would love everyone to take part, and all funds raised will go towards resources for the curriculum. More details will follow soon—thank you in advance for your support!Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school office.
Warm regards,
Mrs RichesHeadteacher
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Happy New Year to all our lovely families
Wed 31 Dec 2025On the last day of term we held our special ‘Wishing Assembly’, where we gathered in the hall, and lit candles to represent our children’s wishes for the world in 2026.
Their unique perspective of the type of world they would like to grow up in, never fails to move myself and all the teachers in our school. As we reflect tonight, whether celebrating or having a quiet night with family, we wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope you enjoy reading the wishes from BWIS children.
With warm wishes
Mrs Riches
Headteacher
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Weekly Update Friday 19th December
Fri 19 Dec 2025🎄We have had a really exciting end of term at BWIS, and the children have thoroughly enjoyed performing, making and celebrating together
🎄On Monday afternoon, we enjoyed our second Key Stage 1 performance, which was just as magical as Friday's show.
Thank you again to everyone who made this show so special!🎄On Tuesday, it was Year R's turn to shine!
They performed beautifully for their parents, singing all the songs and speaking their parts with confidence. Parents loved watching their first nativity at BWIS.🎄Wednesday was all about Christmas lunch and party fun!
The children were bubbling with excitement all day, and when Father Christmas and his special helper arrived with presents, their faces lit up! Thank you so much to the amazing Tim Dancer from Trojans Rugby Club, who stepped in to 'HO HO HO' with us!Very sadly on Thursday, everything that could go wrong went wrong. Our internet went down, including our telephone lines. The rain came in much heavier than anticipated, including local flooding and we had to make a late decision to cancel our Grandparents service. We are so very sorry for the lateness of this notification and appreciate parents (and grandparents) understanding. We have recorded a little message for all of the parents and grandparents at our school. Please click here.
Friday marked our final Christmas events.
We had our annual Christmas Jumper day and donations from the day from our 200 pupils raised £43.54. We raised £185.61 from our three Christmas collections at the end of the performances. We are going to donate all of the money to the Naomi House Charity, and do further fundraising for our school later in the year. If any families would like to make donations directly to the school, please use the donation button through ARBOR-everything is very gratefully received.We ended the day with our special Wishing Assembly, where the children shared their very thoughtful wishes for the world in 2026-please pop along and see them by my office, when you are next in school.
As we take down the decorations, it’s time for you to start your own celebrations at home. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you on 5th January 2026!
🎅 Merry Christmas from all of us at BWIS! 🎅
With warmest wishes
Mrs Riches
Headetacher
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Weekly Update Friday 12th December 2025
Fri 12 Dec 2025What a busy week we have had this week! Thank you to all the parent helpers who came for our Christmas shopping morning. Our PTA did a fantastic job of organising everyone, and the children had a great time-we hope you all enjoy opening your gifts on Christmas morning.
Year 1 and 2 performed their first Christmas show this morning-it was superb, and I think the story of the lost angel and shepherd will be remembered for a very long time. Monday's performance is fully booked, so please remember to bring your ticket with you when you come.
Year 2 had their brilliant New Zealand Outcome this week-from Hakas to carols, the children have been so busy!
Our school looks so lovely and Christmassy and the children have been very excited. Some children find the lack of routine a little trickier, and this is perfectly normal. We have areas where all children can calm and regulate using Trickbox techniques, which the teachers will remind them of.
Please see the date reminder in the post below for what is happening next week. Some classes are struggling for parent helpers to walk to church on Thursday. Remember if you ae a parent helper, you are the only parents who can stay in the church for the grandparent service.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend.
Mrs Riches
Headteacher
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What's on in December
Tue 09 Dec 2025Here's a reminder what is on over the next few weeks for parents and families!
Wednesday 10th December
Children's Christmas Shopping Bazaar
Shopping lists were sent home on Monday for the Christmas shopping event. You can choose up to 6 family members-please write ages next to aunt/uncle/brother/sister to help our shopping helpers. All will be gift wrapped and labelled ready to go under your tree.
Your child will need: A named carrier bag and the correct amount of money secured in an envelope/purse. It is £4 per gift.
Friday 12th December
9.30am Year 1 and 2 PerformanceThere is a creche available for this performance, which need to be booked at the office. There are no young children (under 12) allowed in the hall and this includes babies/newborns
Monday 15th December
1.45pm Year 1 and 2 Performance
(No creche-There are no young children (under 12) allowed in the hall and this includes babies/newborns)
Tuesday 16th December
9.30am Year R PerformanceThere is a creche available for this performance, which need to be booked at the office. There are no young children (under 12) allowed in the hall and this includes babies/newborns.
Wednesday 17th December
Christmas Lunch and Party afternoon
Children can wear party clothes and sensible shoes to school. Playtimes will be happening as normal, so please make sure their clothes are warm enough for this.
Thursday 18th December
1.30pm Grandparents Service at St Peter's Church
(a reminder that this is for Grandparents only-not parents/aunties/uncles, as there is no room. Please do not turn up, as non grandparents will be politely asked to leave-we have hardly ever had to do this as the majority of our families understand that there is not any room in the church for them.)
Friday 19th December
Christmas Jumper Charity Day
Our suggested donation is £1. This year's charity is the amazing Naomi House, which supports many Bishops Waltham families.
Just a reminder...
We do not charge for our performances (like some schools), but we do have a collection at the end of each performance. This enables us to replenish things for the plays, such as face paint and costumes. We allow parents to record the performance for their own personal use only. Nothing is to be posted on social media, as many children's parents do not want their children on social media/not allowed to be on social media. Parents at Bishops Waltham have been brilliant regarding this, and understand the need to protect children in our school, so please continue with this tradition.
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Weekly Update Friday 21st November
Fri 21 Nov 2025❄️ Chilly Weather
Brrr, it’s been a chilly week! We’re so pleased to see all the children wrapping up warm for school – those cosy hats and scarves are definitely helping to keep the cold at bay.
🔤 Year R Phonics Talk
Our Year R Phonics Talk was very well attended, and it was lovely to hear that parents left feeling more confident about how our phonics scheme, Little Wandle, works. If you have any further questions, Miss Turner is always happy to help.
🎉 Celebration Assembly
We shared some truly smashing learning today in Celebration Assembly- Year 2 wowed us with their volcano poetry, using alliterative phrases, the power of three for repetition, and incredibly descriptive adjectives – just amazing!
- Year 1 impressed us with their Three Billy Goats Gruff story writing and an excellent troll wanted poster, showing real mastery of using media in learning.
A big well done to all our Stars of the Week for your fantastic efforts.
This week, I would also like to give a special mention to Jesse in Hedgehog Class, who created the most incredible sleigh and reindeer center piece at home with his dad. What a work of art! It will look beautiful in his house at Christmas time – well done, Jesse, for your creativity!
🎄 PTA Christmas Events
Our PTA are busy behind the scenes preparing for our Christmas events. In December, we’ll have our Children’s Shopping Bazaar Day, where children can buy up to six presents for family members, then wrap and label them ready for under your Christmas tree. A shopping list will come home the week before so you know what to bring.
📚 Reading Matters
We’d also like to say a huge thank you for a very kind £100 donation from a parent this week, which will help us restock our Home Reader book boxes. We’ve also used commission from the Book Fayre for this. Reading is so important to us as a school, and it was lovely to hear prospective Year R parents comment on our beautiful reading spaces and the ‘real’ books children take home.
Congratulations to Eleanor in Year 1 this week, who was our lucky Reading Raffle winner this week! She was thrilled – it was her first time winning!
📅 Reminder
Monday is an INSET day for staff training as part of our continuous professional development. School will be closed, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday 25th November.
💚 Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds
Don’t forget, our Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds page Health Hearts Healthy Minds (click link) has lots of links to different agencies that can offer support for parents, families, or children. Please take a look if you need any advice or help.We hope everyone has a lovely weekend with their family. Take care.
With warm wishes
Mrs Riches
Headteacher
- Year 2 wowed us with their volcano poetry, using alliterative phrases, the power of three for repetition, and incredibly descriptive adjectives – just amazing!
