Our children were absolutely brilliant. They competed with determination, resilience and enthusiasm, but what impressed me most was their outstanding sportsmanship. Throughout the morning, children could be heard cheering on their friends, celebrating each other's successes and encouraging one another to keep going. It was wonderful to see our school values of love, courage and community shining through in every event.

I have to say, I was completely speechless by the number of parents who took part in the parents' races! It was fantastic to see so many of you throwing yourselves into the fun and creating such a brilliant atmosphere. You were all amazing! In fact, I have already had several conversations about how we might award house points for the parents' race next year... so you might want to start training now!

Following both the team activities and the races, I am delighted to announce that Wilberforce were our overall winners and proudly held the Sports Day trophy. Their celebrations were made even more memorable with a well-deserved victory line!

Finally, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the morning such a success. Whether you volunteered, lent us equipment, cheered from the sidelines or simply came along to support the children, you all played a part. Thank you also to those parents who took the time to share such positive feedback with members of staff afterwards. Organising an event like Sports Day is a real team effort, and your kind words were greatly appreciated by everyone involved.

Mrs Hallett
Headteacher

HOUSEPOINTS                                                                                                      

The final housepoint totals for the year will be announced at the end of term.

ATTENDANCE

Governors have set the attendance target for the school at 97%. The class with the best attendance last week were Year 1. Well done Year 1!

Attendance figures for each class for last week are below:

 

SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding Through the Curriculum
At Bentley, safeguarding is embedded across our curriculum and school life. From the School Council to Subject Ambassadors, pupils are given meaningful opportunities to share their thoughts and help shape their school experience. Through PSHE, collective worship, and class discussions, we also help children identify their safe and trusted adults in school and remind them that they can talk to any adult if they ever have a worry or problem. Our aim is to ensure every child feels safe, heard, and supported.

 

THANK YOU…

… to the Dougherty, Thompson, Thurman, Proud, Meagher, Green, Lainchbury and French  families who kindly lent gazebos or water carriers for Sports Day.

 

ARITHMAGICIANS

Don’t forget to keep playing and earning points, which can be exchanged for rewards such as house points, extra playtime and even an ice lolly with Mrs Blake.

 

TRELOAR'S ARTS EVENT – CELEBRATING INCLUSIVITY

Our students were delighted to perform at the Treloar's Arts Event, presenting a dance that celebrated inclusivity, friendship, and the importance of everyone feeling valued. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and creativity shone throughout the performance, and they represented our school with pride. Well done to all involved!

 

 

 

 

FRENCH DAY 2026

French Day has been a part of the Bentley calendar of events for many, many years, giving the school community an annual opportunity to celebrate the French language whilst dressed in red, white and blue! This year’s theme was ‘Les Arts’ which enabled classes to explore France through a range of arts such as singing ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ in Year 1.  Other popular Bentley French Day traditions are playing the French game of Pétanque and eating croissants.  This year pupils in Year 6 welcomed all the classes to their breaktime ‘La Croissanterie’ where they exchanged croissants for the words ‘Je voudrais un croissant, s’il vous plaît!’. 

 

LEAVERS LUNCH – 22^ND JULY

Year 6 have chosen their favourite lunch options from their time at Bentley and the whole school can enjoy their special Leavers Lunch with them on the final day of term, 22^nd July. The red option will be Battered Fish, and the Green option will be Cheese and Tomato Pizza. Please note that there will not be any picnic or jacket potato options on this day.

 

WE ARE RECRUITING!

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our fabulous staff team here at Bentley. We are looking for a kind and capable childcare assistant to work in our popular Breakfast Club every morning. This could suit a local person with a part time job or even a grandparent! If you, or someone you know, are interested, please follow this link to find out more: Bentley Church of England Primary School - We are recruiting!

 

HEALTHY STEPS - FREE PARENT COURSES

Hampshire Healthy Families and Hampshire Healthy Steps are delighted to invite you to join our FREE Healthy Steps online sessions, designed to support families with children aged 2–12 years to build healthy habits around food, activity, sleep, and wellbeing.

 

Whether you're navigating tricky bedtimes, fussy eating, toothbrushing battles, or simply looking for ideas to support your family's wellbeing, we're here to help.

 

🌞 Friday Morning Course

📅 Starts: Friday 24^th July 2026
🕤 Time: 9:30am
📚 Duration: 5 online sessions via Microsoft Teams (Please note there will be no session on 21 August)

🎟️ Book your free place:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/healthy-steps-online-5-sessions-from-240726-tickets-1992562154041

 

🌙 Wednesday Evening Course

📅 Starts: Wednesday 29^th July 2026
🕢 Time: 7:30pm
📚 Duration: 5 online sessions via Microsoft Teams (Please note there will be no session on 19 August)

🎟️ Book your free place:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/healthy-steps-online-5-sessions-from-290726-tickets-1992564061747

 

💬 What Parents Have Said About Healthy Steps

"I went specifically to get some ideas to help with sleep, but it was so good to have little manageable weekly steps to take on everything else. Everything feels so much more positive and manageable now."

"Fantastic sessions for all parents – even those who don't feel they need support. There is always something useful to take away from each session. It's also a great opportunity to speak with other parents and get reassurance that you're actually doing a good job!"

"We came away with so many new ideas and approaches that have already had a noticeable positive impact on my family."

 

Our sessions are friendly, supportive, and completely judgement-free. You'll have the opportunity to learn practical tips, share experiences with other parents, and take small, achievable steps towards a healthier family lifestyle.

They hope you'll join them this summer!

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Healthy Steps team at healthysteps@barnardos.org.uk

 

BOOK A TOUR FOR YEAR R 2027

 

SCHOOL PLACES STILL AVAILABLE!

 

NORTH 2 SOUTH SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMP

 

ALTON ARTS FESTIVAL

The Alton Arts Festival returns 3–12 July, bringing music, comedy, theatre and visual arts to Holybourne, Alton and Chawton. It’s a 10-day, multi-arts festival with something for the whole family to enjoy.

Our children's artwork is on show at the Alton Arts Festival Schools Programme 2026 exhibition! Creative work from 18 Hampshire schools is being showcased at Freedom Through Expression on Alton High Street, 3–12 July (Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm). Entry is free. Do go along and see what our pupils have made.

 

🎟️ Tickets are now on sale – explore the full programme here:
https://wegottickets.com/altonartsfestival

🌟 Family highlights

Chris Riddell (Live Event)
11th July 5pm
Enjoy a special event with award-winning illustrator and former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell, a fantastic opportunity for young readers and budding artists.
👉 Book here: https://wegottickets.com/event/696829

Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show
5th July 2pm
Award-winning, sell-out comedy for children packed with facts, nonsense and laughs.
👉 Book here: https://wegottickets.com/event/696129

🎭 Pumpkin Pantos: Alice in Wonderland (FREE event)
4th July 2-3pm Alton Public Gardens
A colourful outdoor pantomime with music, costumes and comedy for all ages.

🎉 Party in the Park (FREE – Festival Finale)
12th July 12noon - 6pm Alton Public Gardens
The festival closes with a relaxed outdoor celebration – live music, food and community spirit. Bring a blanket and the family!

 

ECO-UPDATE