School News 23rd June 2026
- rpurshouse
- 10 hours ago
- 8 min read
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Headteacher's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
This month we have been proudly focusing on our core value of Determination, and I am delighted to share just how brilliantly our children have embraced this in so many different ways.
Our Healthy Eating Week was a wonderful success. Every child had the opportunity to make their own healthy snack in school, showing determination as they learned new skills and made positive choices for their wellbeing. We were also thrilled to welcome a chef from our catering company, Miquil, who delivered an exciting and informative assembly. The children were highly engaged and inspired to think more carefully about the importance of a balanced diet. Healthy Eating in Reception! Healthy Salads! A Healthy Eating Week to Remember! A Tasty Design & Technology Challenge in Year 6!
We also marked Refugee Week, where our focus was on the theme of Courage. This linked beautifully with our value of determination, as the children explored what it means to face challenges with strength and compassion. Our Magnificent Day of Welcome was a highlight, filled with meaningful activities centred on kindness and inclusion. Small acts of thoughtfulness were seen across the school, demonstrating the caring nature of our community. A particularly special moment was our visit to the City of Wolverhampton Mayor, where we proudly shared the work we have been doing. Day of Welcome in Reception! Sharing Stories for Refugee Week Refugee Week - Visit to the Civic Centre Live Assembly with Michael Rosen
It has also been an exciting time as we took part in the Wolverhampton Commonwealth Games baton celebration. We were honoured to receive the baton from St Luke’s School and then pass it on to St Teresa’s School, symbolising teamwork, responsibility, and determination across our local community. Goldthorn Park Welcomes the Commonwealth Games Baton 2026
Sport has provided another fantastic opportunity to demonstrate determination through our Trust ‘World Cup’ tournament, which we were proud to host here at Goldthorn Park. Our pupils showed incredible perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the competition, which culminated in an exciting final decided by a penalty shoot-out.
Finally, as part of our Reading for Pleasure enrichment, our children were captivated by a theatre performance of Alice in Wonderland. This magical experience not only brought a much-loved story to life but also encouraged imagination and engagement with reading in a truly memorable way.
I am incredibly proud of how our children continue to show determination in all that they do—whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or as members of our wider community. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs R. Purshouse
Headteacher
Together we learn, lead and grow.
School Games Mark Award – A Proud Achievement
We are absolutely delighted to share the wonderful news that our school has been awarded the School Games Mark for 2025–2026 — our second award celebrating the continued strength of our school sport provision.
The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme, launched in 2012 and facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust. It recognises schools for their commitment to developing competitive sport both within school and across the wider community. We are incredibly proud to have been recognised once again for our ongoing dedication in this area.
This award is particularly meaningful as it not only acknowledges the wide range of sporting opportunities we provide for our children, but also highlights the quality of our enrichment provision and the breadth of our after-school clubs. Our pupils benefit from an inclusive and engaging sports offer that encourages participation, teamwork, resilience and enjoyment.
This achievement reflects the hard work and enthusiasm of our staff, especially Mrs Ward and Mr Ford, the commitment of our pupils, and the continued support from you as parents and carers. Together, we are creating a culture where all children are encouraged to be active and to thrive.
Once again, we are extremely proud of this accomplishment and look forward to building on this success in the year ahead.
PSQM Award - Primary Science Quality Mark
We are incredibly proud to share the fantastic news that Goldthorn Park Primary has been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) at Gilt level.
This nationally recognised accreditation, led by the University of Hertfordshire, celebrates a school’s commitment to excellence in science leadership, curriculum design, and high-quality teaching and learning. Achieving the Gilt level award is particularly significant, as it reflects not only our strong provision but also the impact of our work and the outcomes for our pupils.
For over a decade, the Primary Science Quality Mark has supported schools in providing children with a strong foundation in science—opening doors to exciting future opportunities. This award recognises the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm and achievement of our children, as well as our commitment to continuous improvement in science education.
The PSQM assessors commented:
“The school should feel proud of the work you have done and equally I hope you both feel equally proud of the hard work and commitment of the staff and children in raising the profile of the subject. Everyone involved should be very proud of the positive difference they are making to children’s learning and of their commitment to continuous improvement in primary science education.”
We are extremely proud of this achievement. It is a testament to the strength of our curriculum, the passion of our staff, and the positive outcomes our children are achieving in science.
Parent Voice - share your thoughts
Thank you to all the parents who have already completed the parent survey. If you have not yet had the opportunity, please take five minutes to answer the questions that will help shape our school’s future development.
Your voice is important to us, and we are committed to ensuring that your views inform our future planning. For example, in Summer 2025, many parents highlighted the importance of increasing opportunities for Physical Education. In response, we have strengthened our provision, and these efforts have been recognised through achieving the Association for Physical Education Quality Mark—a fantastic accomplishment for our school.
It is now time for our Summer 2026 Parent Survey, and we warmly encourage you to share your views once again—what we are doing well and where we can improve further. Together, we can continue to shape an outstanding experience for all pupils and look ahead with excitement to what 2026/27 will bring. The survey will close on Friday 3rd July 2026, so please take a moment to make your voice heard.
Summer 2026 Parent Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6F2HR7P
Finally, please remember that our door is always open. Leaders are available at the start and end of each day, and we are always here to support you and your children.
Safeguarding: Free Parent Webinar: Supporting Your Child Online
Trying to keep up with technology can feel like an impossible task for many parents. That’s why we’re pleased to share a free webinar from the Equilibrium Project, designed to help families navigate the digital world with confidence.
The session focuses on building “digital resilience”—supporting children to develop the skills they need to use technology safely and positively.
You’ll learn:
Simple, practical ways to talk to your child about their online experiences
How to create a safe space for open and honest conversations
Ways to guide your child without conflict, restrictions or resentment
This is a great opportunity to gain helpful advice and reassurance in supporting your child in today’s digital world.
To take part, please use the link provided on the leaflet.
Safeguarding: Water Safety Awareness Message from West Midlands Fire Service
During the hot spell over the late May Bank Holiday weekend and half-term holiday, there were a number of tragic incidents around the country, many involving young people. The forecast over the coming weeks is for temperatures to rise again.
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe around water please be aware of the following:
· Of all drownings in 2025, 57% took place in inland water – canals, rivers, lakes, ponds – the type of bodies of water we have lots of in the West Midlands.
· Even if the weather is warm the water may be cold, causing your body to go inro cold water shock.
· If you fall into water Float to Live – put your head back, float on your back and keep yourself stable by using small movements of your hands.
· Once you are stable you may call for help or swim to the bank if it is feasible.
· Do not go into the water to save people or pets. Call 999 and ask for the Fire Service.
For more information about staying safe around water please visit the West Midlands Fire Service water safety page (https://www.wmfs.net/safety/water-safety/) or the RNLI Education Resources page (https://rnli.org/youth-education/education-resources).
The Importance of Good Attendance
Regular school attendance plays a vital role in every child’s learning, progress and overall development. Children who attend school consistently are more likely to achieve strong academic outcomes, while also developing essential skills such as resilience, good routines and confidence that support their future success.
At Goldthorn Park Primary School, we are committed to working in close partnership with our families to ensure every child attends school regularly, arrives on time and is ready to learn each day.
We are incredibly proud that attendance has improved in every year group over the past two weeks—this is a fantastic achievement. Well done to all our children and families for your continued effort and commitment. Let’s keep it going!
Key Attendance Information
Attendance below 96% is considered low
Attendance below 90% means a child is classed as Persistently Absent
Ms Tolley
(Deputy Headteacher & Attendance Lead)
Whole School | 94.04% |
Year Group | Attendance % |
Reception | 92.28% |
Year 1 | 93.22% |
Year 2 | 94.10% |
Year 3 | 94.79% |
Year 4 | 93.18% |
Year 5 | 94.78% |
Year 6 | 94.12% |
Community Updates:
School has been asked to share this information with you about the Summer Club on offer at Elston Hall Primary School Summer 2026:
Autumn Term 2025 Term Time: Monday 1st September 2025 - Friday 19th December 2025
Monday 1st September 2025 - INSET Day school CLOSED to children
Tuesday 2nd September 2025 - INSET Day school CLOSED to children
Autumn Half Term - Monday 27th October - Friday 31st October 2025
Spring Term 2026 Term Time: Monday 5th January 2026 - Friday 27th March 2026
Spring Half Term Holiday - Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February 2026
Monday 23rd February 2026 - INSET Day school CLOSED to children
Summer Term 2026 Term Time: Monday 13th April 2026 - Monday 20th July 2026
Monday 4th May 2026 - Bank Holiday school CLOSED to children.
Thursday 7th May 2026 - Polling Day School CLOSED to children (apart from Year 6 a.m.)
Half Term Holiday Monday 25th May 2026 - Friday 29th May 2026
Friday 19th June 2026 - INSET Day school CLOSED to children
Wednesday 24th June 2026 - Year 4 Assembly.
Thursday 25th June 2026 - New to Year 3 Parent meeting
Monday 29th June 2026 - Year 4/ Year 6 Bikeability
Tuesday 30th June 2026 - Year 1 Trip.
Friday 3rd July 2026 - Year 3 Trip
Tuesday 7th July - KS1 (Year 1 & 2) Sports Day 10:00
Tuesday 7th July - UKS2 (Year 5 & 6) Sports Day
Wednesday 8th July 2026 - Year 4 Violin Concert 9:15 parents invited
Wednesday 8th July 2026 - Goldthorn's Got Talent
Thursday 9th July 2026 - AM Nursery Sports Day
Thursday 9th July 2026 - PM Nursery Sports Day
Thursday 9th July 2026 - Rocksteady Concert 10:00 parents invited
Tuesday 14th July 2026 - Year 6 Summer Production 10:00/ 1:45
Wednesday 15th July - Year 5 Trip
Wednesday 15th July - LKS2 (Year 3 & 4) Sports Day 10:00
Wednesday 15th July - Reception Sports Day 2:15
Thursday 16th July 2026 - Year 6 Leavers Assembly 9:00
Thursday 16th July 2026 - Nursery Graduation AM/ PM
Thursday 16th July 2026 - Year 6 Prom 2026
Monday 20th July 2026 - INSET Day school CLOSED to children