Hello everyone! 👋
This is the place where you can find out all the latest news from around our school. We’ll be sharing exciting stories, special events, class projects, sports updates, and all the amazing things our pupils are doing every week.

Keep checking back to see what’s new — you might even spot your class or your friends featured!

Welcome to our Latest News page—a window into the vibrant life of our school! Here, you’ll find updates, celebrations, and snapshots of the exciting learning, events, and achievements happening across Severnbanks.

This page offers a glimpse into our school community, but families with children enrolled at Severnbanks will receive a secure login for Class Dojo, where they can access significantly more detailed updates on a daily basis. Class Dojo allows parents and carers to see class-specific news, photos, messages from teachers, and insights into their child’s learning journey.

We’re proud of everything our pupils achieve, and we love sharing those moments with you—whether it’s a science experiment, a school trip, or a celebration assembly. Keep checking back for the latest highlights!

December

EYFS and Key Stage 1 Nativity Performances

Our EYFS and Key Stage 1 pupils were absolutely incredible in their Nativity plays this year! Their enthusiasm, confidence, and talent shone through every performance, making it a truly magical experience for all who attended.

Over 500 visitors joined us across the performances, including parents, carers, invited members of the local community, and residents from nearby nursing homes. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate the festive season and support our children.

The pupils worked so hard to learn their lines, songs, and actions, and their dedication paid off in performances that were both heartwarming and memorable. These events not only showcase the creativity and teamwork of our youngest learners but also strengthen our links with the wider community.

A huge thank you to our staff for their incredible effort in preparing the children and to everyone who attended and supported these special occasions. Moments like these remind us of the joy and togetherness that make Severnbanks Primary School so special.

 

KS2 Pantomime Trip – A Festive Treat!

At the start of the month our KS2 pupils enjoyed an incredible experience when they attended Dick Whittington on Ice. This unique performance brought a classic story to life in a spectacular way, combining theatre and ice skating for an unforgettable show.

The trip was a fantastic opportunity for our children to experience live entertainment, appreciate the performing arts, and celebrate the festive season together. The excitement and joy on their faces said it all – everyone agreed it was a truly memorable day!

We are so proud of how our pupils represented Severnbanks Primary School during the visit, showing excellent behaviour and enthusiasm throughout. Experiences like this enrich learning beyond the classroom and create lasting memories.

  

Annual Christmas Fayre – A Wonderful Success!

We were thrilled to host our annual Christmas Fayre, and what a fantastic event it was! The atmosphere was filled with festive cheer as families, staff, and pupils came together to celebrate the season.

Every class worked hard to create beautiful Christmas keepsakes, showcasing creativity and teamwork. Thank you to everyone who supported the stalls, especially the ever-popular Christmas Cup Stall, which was a huge hit!

We are delighted to share that £1,200 was raised, and every penny will directly benefit our pupils by funding exciting resources and enriching experiences throughout the year. Your generosity truly makes a difference!

Adding to the festive spirit, our school choir provided wonderful entertainment, filling the hall with joyful Christmas tunes. Their performance was a highlight of the afternoon and brought smiles to everyone who attended. We are so proud of their hard work and talent!

Before the end of term, the choir will be taking their music into the local community, visiting several nursing homes to spread Christmas cheer and share the joy of the season with residents. This is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to give back and make a positive impact beyond the school gates.

A heartfelt thank you to our PTFA, amazing staff, volunteers, and families for making this event so special. Your support helps us create magical memories and opportunities for our children.

 

November 2025

The Lantern Parade

On the 23rd November, our entire school community came together to create beautiful lanterns for the annual Lantern Parade. This special event is a highlight of our calendar, bringing creativity, teamwork, and a sense of belonging to everyone involved.

Despite the chilly weather, pupils, staff, and families proudly took part in the parade, lighting up the night with a magical display of glowing lanterns. The atmosphere was truly enchanting, as our lanterns joined hundreds of others to illuminate the streets and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.

A huge thank you to Anna Casserly, who crafted the lanterns for us to decorate, and to everyone who contributed their time and effort to make this event so memorable. Your creativity and enthusiasm helped turn a cold winter evening into a warm and vibrant celebration of community.

   

 

 

Remembrance Day!

Our School Council proudly represented the school at the Memorial Day Parade, honouring those who served with respect and gratitude. 

At Severnbanks Primary School, we believe it is important for pupils to understand the significance of Remembrance Day and to honor those who served with respect and gratitude. Each year, we:

• Learn about the meaning behind the day
  Pupils explore why we mark Remembrance Day, discussing themes of peace, sacrifice, and gratitude through age-appropriate lessons and activities.

• Support the Poppy Appeal
  The school raises funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal by encouraging pupils and families to purchase poppies and related items. This helps pupils understand the importance of charitable giving and community support.

• Observe a Two-Minute Silence
  On the 11th of November, the whole school pauses for a two-minute silence to reflect and remember. Where possible, pupils watch live or recorded broadcasts of national and global commemorative events to connect their learning to the wider world.

• Community Representation
  Our School Council proudly represents Severnbanks Primary School at the local Memorial Day Parade, laying a wreath and paying respects on behalf of the school community.

Children in Need – Thank You!

On Children in Need Day, our school came together to support this amazing cause. Pupils and staff marked the occasion by wearing spots to show their support and raise awareness.

Our School Council did a fantastic job organising a cake sale, which was enjoyed by everyone!

A huge thank you to all pupils, parents, and staff for your generosity and enthusiasm. Together, we raised almost £300 for such a valuable cause, helping children across the UK.

Your kindness really makes a difference – well done, everyone!

Earth Day

On the 7th November, along with the other schools in the trust, we marked Earth Day and encouraged our pupils to think about how they can help protect our planet, each child made a personal pledge—something they can do to make a positive difference to the Earth.

                                                                      

 

October 2025

Harvest Festival Assembly:                    A Celebration of Giving

      

This year’s Harvest Festival celebrations were a truly special occasion at Severnbanks Primary School, as our talented Year 6 pupils led a heartfelt and inspiring assembly celebrating the spirit of gratitude and generosity. With over 150 families in attendance, the hall was filled with warmth, community spirit, and a shared commitment to helping others.

Thanks to the incredible support from our school community, we proudly collected over 200 items for the Forest of Dean Foodbank, ensuring that local families in need will benefit from our collective kindness. The event was a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together—and a shining example of our school values in action.

✋ Showing Racism the Red Card – October 17th ✋

On October 17th, our school took part in Show Racism the Red Card day. Pupils and staff wore something red to mark the event and show that we stand against racism. ❤️

During the week, the children explored:

• What racism is – understanding that it is unfair treatment or prejudice based on someone’s race or background.

• How it affects people – learning why it’s important to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

• What we can do – thinking about ways to challenge racism, support each other, and make our school and community a welcoming place for all.

It was a powerful day of reflection and learning, helping our pupils understand the importance of standing up for fairness, respect, and equality. 🌍✊

💛 Marking World Mental Health Day – October 10th 💛

On October 10th, our school took part in World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about the importance of looking after our minds as well as our bodies.

To show their support, the children wore yellow for the day, bringing a bright splash of colour to the school and helping to spread positive messages about mental health. 🌟

We are delighted to share that the school community raised over £70 for a mental health charity, helping to support important work that promotes wellbeing for children and adults.

Well done to everyone for participating and helping to make a difference — both in raising awareness and supporting a great cause! 💛

                                             

September 2025

 

🐛 Year 5 Welcome New Stick Insects! 🐛

Exciting news from Year 5 — our pupils have been helping to welcome some new stick insects to our school! The children have been learning how to look after and care for their new insect friends, making sure they are happy and healthy.

As part of the experience, the pupils have been:

• Setting up safe and comfortable homes for the stick insects 🏠

• Feeding and observing them carefully 🥬

• Learning about the responsibilities of caring for living creatures 🐛

• Keeping their enclosure clean and tidy 🧹

This has been a wonderful opportunity for Year 5 to develop responsibility, teamwork, and empathy while enjoying these fascinating creatures. 

                   

We can’t wait to see the pupils continue to care for our new stick insects 🌿

🌱 Our New Eco-Councillors Get Busy in the Community! 🌍

We are excited to introduce our newly elected Eco-Councillors! They have already started making a difference by taking part in a local community project.

Over the coming months, our Eco-Councillors will be working hard to help improve the local area. Their plans include:

• Litter picking to keep our streets, parks, and school grounds clean and safe.

• Planting bulbs to brighten up the community with flowers in spring.

We’re incredibly proud of our Eco-Councillors for taking on these responsibilities and helping to make our local environment greener, cleaner, and more welcoming for everyone.🌷♻️

   

News from 2024-2025

Welcome to our School News page for the 2024–2025 school year! 🌟

Here you can see all the stories, celebrations, and highlights from across the school — from classroom learning and special visitors to trips, sports events, and community projects.

We were so proud of everything our pupils achieved throughout the year, and this page shares the wonderful moments that made our school such a happy place to learn and grow.

Take a look to see what we got up to — there was always something exciting happening! 🚀

 

Term 6

Year 6 Trip to PGL

Year 6 had the most wonderful visit to Weymouth; taking part in lots of activities, including the Giant Swing, climbing, archery, campfire and raft building! Lots of children conquered their fears and pushed themselves to try everything! They were a brilliant group and showed lovely manners and behaviour throughout the trip.  

                 

Term 5 

Y6 Author visit

Year 6 were lucky enough to meet Matt Goodyear, the author of both 'The Last Year' and 'The First Year'. These books, written as a poem, tells the story of a child during his last year of primary and first year of secondary. He was a great speaker!

Global Citizenship

Jessica Anderson in y4 has achieved her Gold Global Citizen Award. Well done for being active in the community. She has been working hard on: Showing your care, charity support, Treading Gently on the Earth, Learning a language, Rights respecting and learning more about the natural  world. 

 

Times Table Rock Stars

At Severnbanks, we like to use Times Table Rock Stars (TTRS) for all Key Stage 2 children and now Year 2! The children are so positive about how this helps them remember their timetables. It is recommended to use a little and often approach - only 3 minutes of daily practice makes a difference! We have now been using TTRS for 3 years and can see a huge improvement.

KS2 Chess Competition

28 children from across years 4, 5 and 6 put their names forward to compete in our first school chess competition. Over 3 weeks, the children competed against each other until we had our finalists. There were some amazing games of chess, showcasing both logical and tactical decision-making.

Congratulations to our winners:

Bronze Medals - Rudy and Miles

Silver Medal - Jenson

Gold Medal - Max

Panathlon

A small group of year 4 and 5 children represented the school at the Forest Games Panathlon. We took part in lots of different activities, including; the bean bag throw, boccia, parachute popcorn, new age kurling, volleybat and bowling! We were awarded points for each different activity and this went towards the schools' individual total. During our break session, the children even decided to keep their activity levels up and practised push-ups! Although we were not the winners this time, we had an amazing morning and showed excellent sportsmanship and manners. Thanks to all the Panathlon leaders and the Hartbury College student helpers. 

      

Young Voices

The school choir travelled to Birmingham to attend the annual young voices events. With great excitement and snacks, the event was the pinnacle of the choir's year.

Young Voices is the most amazing live music event for children. There were over 5600 children performing as one huge choir at the Pulse Arena in Birmingham last Thursday. The children learnt 10 new songs to sing together as one incredible choir. We also had the opportunity to listen to the brilliant Young Voices band, MC Grammar and Tommy Blaize as well as watch the very exciting dance group, Urban Strides.

A huge thank you from the choir staff for hours of practising and taking the children. Quote from a very excited child, "This is going to be the best night of my life!." 

 

New Age Curling

A small group from Year 3 and 4 attended the New Age Curling event held in Newent School. They showed real skill and won almost all their matches - we are waiting to hear who the event winners were! Whilst waiting for the next match, the team also had the chance to try table cricket and enjoyed learning a new sport. Over the afternoon, the children demonstrated brilliant sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the event. Well done team!

        

 

Year 5 Class Assembly 

Year 5 invited their parents/ carers and the rest of the school to share their learning. They presented their learning about Parliament Week.

 

They shared their knowledge and understanding of democracy and British Values. They modelled the process of debating and passing new laws!  Our local MP - Matt Bishop sent the class congratulations when he heard about their learning and is looking forward to visiting them in February. 

The next day year 5 were excited to share their music journey. The class have been learning to play the Ukulele for 10 weeks with the support of Glos Music. They performed a concert of many songs showcases the chords and songs. 

 

Anti-bullying week

Our Well-Being champions have continued to shine in their duties this week by leading the Key Stage 2 assembly about anti-bullying. They were so confident in their responsibilities for being true ambassadors for our school.

Children in Need.

A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who came into school dressing 'Cosy for a Quid' for Children in Need. You have raised a tremendous £163 for an important national charity which helps children who really do need our kindness and support. Thank you Severnbanks Superstars!

   

Strength Squad

A new group has started at Severnbanks - Strength Squad! Our aim is to improve core strength, muscle tone and have fun. We hope this will also help our focus during lessons and improve our handwriting. 

 

Term 2 started with Y6 Bike ability

Year 6 are learning to be safer on the roads whilst on their bikes.   A Huge thank you to Mr Deane, our caretaker, for checking the bikes over for the children. 

             

 

 

Dance assembly.

We had the pleasure of Drama Queen's lead Ross come into school to talk to the children about the drama and dance club in the area. Drama Queens is running from  ‘The Hut’ in Berry Hill and the next production is starting in November. 

 

Harvest Festivals

It was lovely to see all the children participate in the Harvest Festivals this year. A hug thank you for the food donations, which went to the FOD Food Bank. For those who could attend in person, thank you for your participation and sharing your enjoyment. 

    

We are Global Citizens.

Harry in Y2 and Jessica in y4 are both working on their bronze award. Both children carried out activities at gone to go towards the award. Harry designed a garden for wildlife, thinking of colours, scents and animals' needs. Jessica completed a recycling challenge. Well done both. 

 

    

 

    

Year 5 are musicians. 

Every year y1 and y5 have additional  whole class music sessions. This term Y5 are learning to play the ukulele. 

 

Mini Police 

For the second year running year 5 pupils are participating in the mini police project.

Mini Police is an innovative police engagement programme, which is delivered in schools by the local Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's).  It is run throughout the academic year, the programme will be for Year 5 children who will be issued with their very own uniform.   Ten of our year 5 children class are  mini police officers.  However, lessons are  delivered to the whole class. 

The aim of Mini Police is to ...................

• Introduce policing as a positive influence for children
• Recognise the benefits of being a good citizen
• Build children's self esteem, confidence and life skills through a variety of activities
• Actively contributing to building a stronger community. 

Eco Schools

Well done to the Eco council and school council for all the hard work and dedication towards the environment. We have been awarded the Eco Green Flag for all the hard work. 

 

 

Year 6 held a book sale to raise money for wellbeing.

Well done y6 enterprise team for selling old books to be able to buy resources for wellbeing. 

    

Thank you to everyone who bought a book or two. 

Year 1 Community garden. 

Year 1 have been out in the garden helping and now reaping the rewards. They are the first class to harvest a crop. They pulled radish and were able to take some home to share with their families. 

      

Tae Kwon Do winner. 

A HUGE well done to Kobey G in y5 for winning a silver medal at the BTC championships.
Kobey has only been attending Tae Kwon Do for 3 months, and he came home with silver in the yellow belt sparring competition.  What a shining Star! 

EYFS Road safety

Starlets and Reception participated in Beep Beep Day. They had a great day learning about road safety. They went outside to use the zebra crossing in our grounds. 

 

Easter disco

A huge thank you to the PTFA for planning the discos. Both EYFS /KS1 and KS2 discos were very well-supported and enjoyed by all. 

      

Easter Bonnet Parade

Wow, what a great display of Easter bonnets again this year. All classes were represented and enjoyed the parade. Thank you to all the parents and friends who stayed to support the parade. 

     

 

 

Remembrance Parade

Head boy/girl and their deputies attended the Remembrance Parade in Lydney on Sunday 12th November. We joined other schools, youth groups and veterans in the parade to remember those who have fought and given their lives so we can live ours.  Other children in school attended parades as part of cubs, brownies, scouts, girl guides etc.