Dear parents and carers,
Key Stage 2 Production
I am in awe at how wonderful all the Key Stage 2 children were yesterday. To perform in costumes in this heat was a challenge, and they rose to the challenge beautifully to give two spectacular performances without any complaints. I was extremely proud of each and every child as they all performed and sang beautifully. Well done to you all! Huge thanks go to all the staff who went above and beyond to prepare props, costumes and scenery and encouraged the children and ensured that everyone was where they should be. A special thank you goes to Mr Morgan for returning to produce another wonderful show.
Willow assembly
It was a joy to watch Willow Class share their adventures at Farmer Gows with the whole school today in their assembly. They sang beautifully and had learnt their lines so well. Thank you to Miss Griffiths, Miss Clark, Nikki, Jenny and Mrs Robinson for preparing them so well. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Celebration Assembly
Today we congratulated Jack for shared his silver medal that he earned at Woodstock gymnastic competition and also a medal for an all-stars cricket competition. Holly and Sara also shared the medals they had won for competing at Woodstock gymnastic competition – Holly won a gold and two bronze medals and Sara received a gold , silver and bronze medal. Leo TO competed in his first triathlon in Bicester and shared his medal with us. Benji has been awarded a merit for his Grade 1 piano practical and we celebrated his success. Raphael and Hannah have been nominated to become lodge leaders at their Beaver group and shared their certificates and what this entails. Thank you for sharing your achievements with us all.
Reports
End of term reports have been sent out today for all children with the exception of Year 6. There has been a delay in SATS results, so Year 6 children will receive their reports next Thursday or Friday once we have received their results. The report format will include attendance information and comments on reading, writing and maths alongside a general comment. It will give detail of where you child is against age related expectations for all subjects. Reception have a different style of report which details progress made against the Early Learning goals and a separate attendance report is included with their reports. If you would like to discuss your child’s report, please contact your class teacher.
Summer Reading Challenge
On Monday, staff from Oxfordshire libraries will be coming in to launch the Summer Reading Challenge Read to the Beat which we hope many of the children will take part in. More information can be found here. Help | Summer Reading Challenge
Uniform
It is that time of year where you may be beginning to think about uniform for September.
Dr South’s has a simple and inexpensive school uniform which children are expected to wear at all times during school hours. Children need black shoes or properly fitted black trainers. Children should wear clothing from the following:
- Grey or navy blue school trousers or shorts ( not cycling shorts or joggers)
- White, pale blue or navy blue polo shirt or white shirt or blouse
- Grey or navy blue skirt or dress (winter); blue or yellow checked dress (summer)
- Grey, navy or white plain socks
- Navy sweatshirt or cardigan
- Grey, white or navy tights (winter)
For PE Sessions children will need :
- Navy shorts and navy tracksuit pants for winter
- White t-shirt and a navy sweatshirt or tracksuit top
- Trainers or plimsolls
- A small shoe bag for plimsolls /trainers
Uniform does not need to be branded and many of these items can be purchased at local stores and supermarkets. The Friends of Dr Souths also have a large range of good quality second hand uniform which can be purchased from them. Please contact your class rep to access this uniform or attend one of the regular after school uniform sales.
All children will need a water bottle, a hat and a bag. We do have a uniform supplier Dr South’s C E VA Primary School – School Trends. There is no obligation to buy branded items or bookbags unless you wish to.
Nursery children do not have to wear school uniform but may do so if they wish.
Ash Class Picnic
Due to the extreme heat, we have moved timings for this event. Please drop your child off at Jacobs Field at 8.45am ( unless they are in breakfast club in which case Mrs Sellars will walk them up to the field). The children will then harvest the crops they have grown and then will walk back to school. Parents are invited to join us at 11.15 where the children will give a short presentation about what they have learnt at Jacobs Field this term. Please come to the main reception at 11.10 and we will take you over to the Lin Cooper building ready for the presentation.
Parents are welcome to stay for lunch after the presentation ( please bring your own picnic).The children will be provided with a sandwich lunch.
Leavers’ Service – Friday 18th July 1.30pm in the church
All are welcome to this event where we will say goodbye to children leaving us. It is a lovely way to finish the year, so do come if you can.
Transition Morning – Monday 13th July
Children will have the opportunity to experience the class arrangements for next year on the morning of 13th July from 8.45am – 10.30 am. Existing nursery children who are transferring to Reception who are not normally in on that day are welcome to join us, but it is not essential.
ParentPay
As the end of term approaches, please ensure that all balances are cleared on ParentPay accounts as we are unable to carry over any outstanding balances.
Work Experience
This week we have welcomed a former student, Emily Cooke who has returned to school and completed her work experience with us. We also welcomed Emily Wrigley who worked in Ash and Willow Class Thank you both for all your help across the classes this week.
Increase in the cost of a school meal
From September, the cost of a school lunch will increase to £3.10.
End of Year Summer Celebration!
Tickets are now available to purchase on ParentPay for the end of year Summer Celebration which will be held on the field next to the village hall on Friday 17th July (3.30 – 5pm).
The price of £3.50 includes a pork/veggie sausage in a bun, crisps and squash. There will be an array of “garden games” and activities for everyone to get involved in, and adults can purchase drinks at the bar.
Please could we ask for a few volunteers to help with the following:
- Set up: 2.15 – 3.15pm
- Helping with rounders: 3.45 – 4.15pm
- Serving drinks/food: 3.30 – 4.15pm; 4.15 – 5pm
- Clear up: 5.00 – 5.45pm
If you could let Steph Service or Kate Shandro know what you are able to do, that would be great. Thank you so much!
Also, a big thank you so much to those who have already offered to lend us their outdoor games/toys. Any further offers would be fab! Please get in touch with Steph or Kate.
This week we congratulated:
Willow Class : Rosie, for being creative when making her own handbag and showing consideration to others; Louis, for making a beautifully detailed treasure map during our pirate week; Laurie, for good listening on the carpet and for always being kind to others;
Ash Class: Hazel, for being kind and compassionate with the younger children; Matilda, for being a superb role model for the rest of the class;
Oak Class: Alex, for a great performance in our Key Stage 2 play; Holly, for excellent effort in our Key Stage 2 play; Alexander, for showing passion and effort with beautiful acting in our production; Max, for showing hard work and amplifying his voice more and more every time he went on stage;
Beech Class: Henry, for an amazing attitude towards the production and brilliant singing; Elizabeth, for remembering so many different lines and delivering them brilliantly.
Our Christian value for the term is perseverance. Ask your child about the story of Moses and the promised land
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 6
14/7/2026 – Ash Class picnic for parents
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/
1/9/2026 – Inset day
2/9/2026 – Inset day
3/9/2026 – School reopens for children