4th July Newsletter
Article 29
Education must develop every child’s personality, talents, and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
Year 5/6 Fish Pass at Diglis Island
On 25th and 26th June, Year 5/6 visited the Fish Pass at Diglis Island in Worcester as part of their 'Rivers' topic.
The Fish Pass is an engineering project that was undertaken to unlock the River Severn for several species of fish that have become endangered. The locks and weirs that were built along the river to make it navigable 180 years ago have caused the population of some fish to decrease.
During the day, children learnt about the engineering and science behind the design of the structure. They worked in small teams in a marble run type race where they had to build a track that would take the longest to pass through.
The second activity involved a short walk across Diglis Bridge to the site of the fish pass. Here, they were able to go below the surface and view the fish pass from underwater. Some groups were lucky enough to see some fish passing through. The Explorer Volunteers showed some short films with videos captured by the camera system that records the fish pass 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Everyone was hoping to see the otter family whose holt is on Diglis Island. Unfortunately, they were a little shy and stayed hidden.
Matthew (5/6HO): "We have been learning about otters and the River Severn. I liked the underwater glass part because I saw a fish going through. It was interesting."
Jonty (5/6AR): "I enjoyed watching the fish pass through the Diglis Fish Pass. I didn't know anything like the fish pass existed."
Daisy-Rose (5/6MB): "I enjoyed going underwater because we got to see the videos of the otter and the fish."
As a school, we are extremely grateful to the Canal & River Trust volunteers who provided the day free of charge - the only cost incurred was for the coach. The Canal & River Trust are a charity protecting Diglis Island, Diglis Basin and the fish pass and locks. It takes time and funding to keep Diglis safe and beautiful for everyone. Repairing locks, building flower planters for wildlife, clearing fallen trees after storms – they do it all. If you would like to make a donation, please visit: https://giving.give-star.com/online/canal-river-trust/give-today-to-protect-diglis
Cricket Festival
On Tuesday 1st July, Blanford Mere Primary School took part in an exciting Year 5/6 Cricket Festival. The team represented the school with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Although the event was not competitive, they won every game they played. Their teamwork, determination, and positive attitude stood out throughout the day, making the school incredibly proud of their performance. Well done to all involved!
Year 5 Quizmathsters!
On Thursday 3rd July, 15 Year 5 children had a fantastic day at Summerhill School for a maths quiz against other local schools. The quiz involved matchstick puzzles, countdown, building towers, dingbats and a research round about the famous mathematician - Katherine Johnson.
The children represented our school well and really enjoyed the different rounds of the quiz.
Elliot: "I enjoyed the Katherine Johnson round because I liked doing the research at home. It was a nice day out doing maths!"
Amelia: "I liked it because we got to do lots of different maths activities. We also learnt about Katherine Johnson."
Thank You, Peer Supporters!
A big shoutout to our Peer Supporters — thank you for being such brilliant role models and helping so many of your classmates. You’ve done a wonderful job!
Summer Reading Challenge
Looking for a fun activity over the summer? Why not join the library’s nationwide Summer Reading Challenge, “Marvellous Makers”! It’s run by your local libraries and full of exciting reading challenges.
To take part, simply sign up here:
https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone
All the details you need are on the website. Children who join will receive fun challenges and certificates from the library. The nearest library to school is Kingswinford Library, Market St, Kingswinford DY6 9LG. We’d love to see any certificates you earn after the holidays!
Dates
Monday 7th July – Transition Day in new classes
Tuesday 8th July – Year 6 SATs results. These will be sent home with your child.
Wednesday 9th July – Parents evening, if you wish, to discuss report.
Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Leavers Assembly 9.15am/
All reading books/library books collected in.
Friday 11th July – Blanford’s Birthday Bash – 1:15pm to 4:00pm All families’ welcome!
The Year 3/4 KS2 gate will open at 1:00pm for a prompt 1:15pm start, where the children will perform. After the performance, staff will send your child to you if you are able to attend. If not, your child will remain with a staff member for the rest of the afternoon.
Feel free to visit the stalls and support the event, with live music from DPA, Kingswinford, and Summerhill schools throughout the afternoon. You are welcome to leave once you have enjoyed the event, via the Year 3/4 KS2 gate.
A reminder:
- Children should only bring their water bottle.
- If your child is having a packed lunch, please send it in a disposable bag, as they will not be collecting any belongings.
- No book bags are needed.
Monday 14th July – Reception to Year 6 Sports Day
- The KS2 Event 9.15am – 11am
- The Reception/KS1 Event 1.30pm – 3.15pm
Wednesday 16th July – Year 6 Cinema and bowling.
Thursday 17th July – Year 4 Forest School visit.
Friday 18th July – VIP Shared Values Day. School closes for the summer break at 3.15pm
School reopens to children. Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Tuesday 2nd – 26th September – KS2 Swimming. More details to follow.
Wednesday 10th September – ‘Meet the teacher’ Parent Meeting. Save the date. More details to follow.
Friday 12th September – Reception Phonic Meeting for Parents. 9-9.45am. More details to follow.
Monday 15th September – School Photographs.
Friday 19th September – Yr 1 Phonic Meeting for Parents. 9-9.30am. More details to follow.
Friday 26th September – Join us in supporting a great cause and help make this year's event truly special. Come along for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake for a donation Everyone is welcome from 9.00am to 10.15am. Enjoy live performances from our wonderful Music Club throughout the morning. More details to follow.
Have a great weekend.
Mrs Crook and Miss Stanton
