2025 Autumn #4

Headteacher’s Message

We have had another successful and busy week at school!

On Monday 15 September, we celebrated International Day of Democracy, and the children have now voted for their Learning Councillors from each class. This group will be working closely with Miss Ralley to represent pupil voice, share ideas from their classes, and help shape learning experiences across the school.

A big thank you to the parents who attended the phonics meeting on Tuesday. Your support with the teaching of early phonics is key because the foundations children build at this stage make such a difference to their confidence and success as readers throughout school and beyond.

On Wednesday, we welcomed Reverend Okeke for his first Collective Worship of the year. He spoke about the importance of trust – trusting ourselves, trusting each other, and trusting God. The children reflected on how trust helps to build strong friendships, supports teamwork, and allows us to feel safe and cared for within our school community. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to pause and think about how trust shapes the way we live out our school values each day.

Also on Wednesday, we were delighted to welcome Year 6 parents to our first Parent Lunch. Thank you to everyone who attended, and to our wonderful kitchen staff for preparing extra delicious meals to make the occasion so special.

We also want to thank Year 6 parents who joined Mr Johnson’s meeting on Thursday after school, where he shared important information about SATs and secondary school.

This has been a big week for partnership working, and we are truly grateful for your continued support in everything we do here at Coalbrookdale.

Jeans for Genes Day

A huge thank you to everyone who supported Jeans for Genes Day today. We are so grateful for the generous donations we received, which will go directly towards helping children and families affected by genetic conditions. Your kindness and support truly make a difference.

This event also gave us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our school value of compassion – thinking about others, showing care, and taking action to make the world a better place.

Thank you once again for your generosity and for helping us live out our values together as a school community.

Coalbrookdale’s Got Talent – Thursday 23 October

We are delighted to announce that Coalbrookdale’s Got Talent will be taking place on Thursday 23 October. The children are already very excited about this event and many have been practising with their friends on the playground!

We would love every child to feel supported and confident to take part. Children can showcase any talent they have – from singing, dancing and playing an instrument, to comedy, gymnastics, magic tricks, or something completely unique. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to come forward, share their gifts, celebrate individuality, and cheer each other on.

This event also links closely to our school values of respect and responsibility – respecting the talents of others, being responsible in preparing and practising, and showing courage in performing in front of an audience. Most importantly, it is about building confidence and celebrating every child’s unique contribution.

Please encourage your child to take part if they would like to – every performance, big or small, will be valued and celebrated.

Coalbrookdales Got Talent

School Photographs

A photographer will be in school on Monday (22 September) to take individual photos of the children and siblings.  Photographs of siblings within school will be taken during school hours along with pictures of individual children.  If you have children with pre-school/younger siblings these family portraits will be taken before school in the hall.  Please come to the main doors from 8.30am.

If your child has PE/after school sports club on Monday, they should come to school dressed in their uniform and bring their PE kit in with them to change in to.

Parent/Teacher Meetings

Parent meeting appointments for children in Reception – Year 5 will take place on:

Tuesday 7 October (3.30pm – 5.30pm)

Thursday 9 October (3.30pm – 5.30pm)

Meetings will be face to face in school and last 10 minutes (if additional time is required by the end of the meeting, this will be arranged for another day).  It will be an opportunity to discuss your child’s strengths and areas of focus.

A link will be sent out towards the end of next week to book online.

Year 6 Parent/Teacher meetings will take place next Tuesday, 23 September (12.30pm – 4.50pm).

Please contact the school office (01952 386620) to book an appointment.

Dinner Accounts

Please contact the school office if you would like to know how much is on your child’s dinner account.

Please note the Telford & Wrekin balance checker information is not up to date.

Friends of Coalbrookdale – Annual AGM – Friday 3rd October, 6:00pm @ The White Hart, Ironbridge

Join us for our Annual General Meeting.

This is a chance to:

• Review last year’s fundraising
• Approve outstanding funding requests
• Meet the charity trustees, parents, and teachers

We look forward to seeing you there!

Online Safety Information session for Parents/Carers

There will be an online information session for parents on Wednesday 1st October 2025 – 4pm – 4.45pm

This session will cover all aspects of children’s online lives and will cover the risks associated, the latest trends and data and guidance on how you can support their online lives.

A link to access the session will be sent out next week.

This session will be recorded and subsequently shared if you are unable to view at the time above.

Moments Matter – Attendance Counts

Highest class attendance for week ending 12 September:  Reception & Year 3

Most improved class attendance from the previous week:  Year 6

Community News – Coalbrookdale Church Organ fundraising

The Eighteenth-Century organ in Coalbrookdale Parish Church is in urgent need of restoration. After over two centuries of faithful service, we risk losing this resource, vital for both our Church and our community.

The frame supporting it is inadequate and the whole structure was in danger of imminent collapse.  Emergency work has taken place – half the 1000+ organ pipes have been removed to prevent further damage and the frame has been strengthened.  This has cost £7,000, but that’s only the beginning. The full cost of refurbishment is £25,000 so we now need to raise the remaining £18,000 to restore the organ to its former glory.

This is a historic organ, privately gifted to the people of Coalbroookdale, then supplemented to give it a richer sound. And it’s in a historic church, built by Abraham Darby IV. Since 1854, local people have participated in christenings, weddings and funerals on this site, and the organ has been a key element.

Will you help us by sponsoring one or more pipes for £10 each? Every pipe you sponsor brings us closer to saving this magnificent instrument. All sponsors will be acknowledged on a commemorative plaque fixed to the side of the restored organ — a lasting thank-you for your generosity.

We’re also inviting local businesses to get involved by sponsoring part of the project, with suggested donations between £50 and £500. In recognition of your generosity, your business name will appear on the organ’s commemorative plaque — seen by hundreds of visitors and worshippers each year; it will also be acknowledged in printed material and at a special celebration event once the restoration is complete.

Whether you’re a local resident, a music lover, or a business looking to support community heritage, your contribution will make a lasting difference.

Please give what you can and help us bring the music back to Coalbrookdale. Your support will ensure the organ continues to inspire worship, celebration and community events for generations to come.

Or by BACS to
Coalbrookdale PCC
09-01-54
98083284

Or via our Crowdfunding site:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/coalbrookdale-church-organ-in-pieces?fbclid=IwY2xjawMz8gBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHuZD8_z4Ag3KseyltIMlcQJfYZgrECaDnBTzDhd1ZItv5ycu8SZfG2dlZwdi_aem_J1lglZYItANwlHHraesmww

Community News – Telford Aqua Swimming Club

Telford Aqua Swimming Club is an inclusive community
competitive swimming club providing teaching, development and
coaching. Click on the link below for more details.

Telford Aqua Swimming Club