Dear parents and carers,
We have reached the end of the Autumn term which has been incredibly long and busy. Thank you for all your support with the many events that have taken place throughout the term. On behalf of all the staff, we would like to say thank you for your generosity and kindness shown to staff at Christmas which is much appreciated by us all. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
New Term
School will re-open on Monday 5th January 2026 for Term 3.
After School Club
The booking form for this is on the school website and has been sent out via email today. If you wish to book a club, please complete the form and return to the office via email. Clubs with limited spaces will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Christmas Bazaar
The children had a wonderful time choosing their Christmas gifts. Huge thanks go to Mrs Halsey and her elves (Mrs Jaggard, Miss Turner and Miss Halsey-Jones) who work so hard to provide this magical opportunity for the children. Thank you to everyone who kindly donated the lovely range of gifts that make this experience possible.
No Waste Noel
A huge thank you goes to the children who joined us at Exeter Hall last Saturday to sing carols for the No Waste Noel Eco Market event. They performed beautifully and received great applause from the audience. Thank you to parents for giving up time at the weekend to bring your children along to support this event.
Thank you from FODS
Thank you to everyone who has supported FODS Christmas events this term – by attending the film night and wreath-making event, buying Christmas trees and jumpers, or coming along to the Christmas disco. We were particularly grateful to the many parent volunteers who helped at the disco – your support made a real difference. Thanks to this term’s fundraising, we have already raised more than £4,000 (total to be confirmed in January), which is a brilliant start to the year and will really benefit the school. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!
ParentPay
Thank you for your help with keeping your accounts up to date. As we approach the end of the term, please could you check your ParentPay accounts and clear any outstanding items such as cookery, trips and swimming.
Applications for places in Reception
The application process for Reception places for children starting school in September 2026 is now open. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2026. Even if you have a child already at the school, this also applies for younger siblings. Families need to apply online via the following link: Reception applications | Oxfordshire County Council
There is a Starting School Guide on the website. National Offer Day is 16th April 2026.
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.
18/12/2025 Inset day – school closed
Term 3
5/01/2026 Start of term
22/01/2026 FODS meeting at 7.45pm
13/2/2026 – Soup lunch and talent show – Village Hall from 1.00pm
16/2/2026 – Half term week
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
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/