Newsletter 13th February 2026

Dear parents and carers,

Talent Show

For the first time in thirteen years, I have missed the Dr South’s talent show! However, I have been reliably informed that once again the children provided an afternoon to remember. It is always a proud moment  to see the children perform their talents and skills on stage and I hope you enjoyed sharing in this today. Well done to all our children who performed today and to those children who shared via photos the many talents that they have. As always, huge thanks go to the Friends of Dr South’s for organising a wonderful lunch for the children, staff and families. Special thanks go to Mrs Halsey for organising this wonderful event which remains one of the highlights of our academic year.

Swimming Gala results

Last week, eight of our Year 6 children took part in the Kidlington Partnership swimming gala. Mr Gough has now sent through the results and I am delighted to announce that we achieved fourth place in this very close competition. Well done to Alice, Anna, Chloe, Ellie, Ben, Fred, James and Sammy for representing Dr South’s so well.

Talent Show Lunch – thank you from the FODS
Huge thanks to everyone who helped with today’s lunch — setting up, serving children and adults, clearing up, and providing soup and cakes. Your efforts were very much appreciated and helped to raise valuable funds for the school.

World Book Day costumes

In advance of World Book Day in March, the Friends of Dr South’s will be organising a costume sale on Friday 27 February. We would love any donations of dressing up costumes or accessories that your children have outgrown. Please see Kate Shandro or Rebecca if you have anything to donate. Thank you!

Dr South’s Quiz – Saturday 21 March 2026

Join us on Saturday 21 March, from 7.30pm at the Village Hall, for what promises to be a fantastic evening of fun, friendly competition. Enjoy entertaining brain teasers, delicious food and drink, and our ever-popular pudding table. Invite family and friends to form a team of 4–8 people – or we can put you in a team.

Tickets cost £20.00, with an early bird price of £17.50 for tickets purchased by the end of February. Early booking is recommended!  To book tickets, or if you have any questions, please email drsouthsfriends@gmail.com or speak to Mel or Rebecca.

Oak Class Youlbury

Apologies that the letter to secure your place on this trip has not yet been sent out. I will send this letter out in the next few days to enable you to express your wish to secure a place on this trip. In order to secure a place, you will need to pay a £25 deposit via Parentpay. Please make this payment by Monday 23rd February which will enable us to secure our booking.

Staffing.

Today we said goodbye to Mrs Plant as she moves onto take up a new role. Thank you for all your hard work and contributions to the school over the last few years and we wish you well with your new endeavours.

We are currently advertising for a full-time teaching assistant on the My New Term website. If you would like any additional information about this post, please contact the school office

Return to School

The school will re-open after half term on Monday 23rd February.  We hope you all enjoy a good break

Our Christian value for the term is Wisdom.  Ask your children about the story of  the wise king.

 

Dates for the year

We have a church service most terms which all families are welcome to attend.

Our May Day celebrations are at the end of May and this is a whole day event for families to attend if they wish.

Sports Day is for the whole school and begins at 9am and last until approximately 1pm. Parents are welcome to watch and enjoy a picnic lunch with their child after the races if they are able to.

 

Term 4

2/3/2026 –     Beech Class Residential to Yenworthy

13/3/2026 –   World Book Day

16/3/2026 –   Parents consultations

19/3/2026 –   Parents consultations

21/3/2026 –   FODS Quiz Night

27/3/2026 –   Easter service at church 2pm at St Nicholas Church

 

Term 5

13/4/2026 – Start of term

28/4/2026    Oak Class residential to Youlbury

29/4/2026    Oak Class residential to Youlbury

4/5/2026 –   May Day School closed

22/5/2026 – May Day celebrations 9.30 – 3pm approx.

25/5/2026 – Half Term week

 

Term 6

1/6/2026 –   Start of Term

18/6/2026 – Sports Day

1/7/2026 –   Ash and Willow production 1.30pm in village hall

9/7/2026 –   KS2 production 1.30pm and 6pm in village hall

14/7/2026 – Ash Class picnic for parents at Jacob’s Field from 11am approx.

17/7/2026 – Leavers’ Service 1.30pm at St Nicholas Church

17/7/2026 – FODS End of Year Party

17/7/2026 – End of Term

Don’t forget – you can always check term dates at: https://dr-souths.co.uk/term-dates/