We were also incredibly lucky to be visited by Father Christmas himself at this very busy time of year, as well as the gorgeous Christmas Ponies, who were a huge hit with children and adults alike. Thank you to everyone who came along – your support means so much. The grand total raised was £1500, which is a fantastic amount and will make a real difference to the school. A huge thank you as well to our dedicated PFTA committee who helped in so many ways to make the event truly brilliant.

As we approach the end of term, we sadly say goodbye to two much-loved members of staff.
Ms Dorosh will be leaving us to return to Ukraine after being a valued member of our team for the past three years. We thank her sincerely for all she has brought to the school and wish her every success and happiness for the future.
We also say farewell to Mrs P, who is retiring after more than ten years with us. Ten years is a phenomenal amount of time, and she has made a lasting impact on so many children and families. She will be greatly missed by staff and pupils alike. I’m sure you will all join me in wishing her the very best for the future – and we hope she won’t be a stranger.

Meanwhile, the children are busy rehearsing for their Christmas productions, and the excitement is definitely building! We look forward to welcoming families to enjoy the performances soon.

A huge well done to our iRock students, who dazzled us with their end-of-term performances today. Judging by the smiles, singing, and enthusiastic participation, it was a huge success. Thank you to Lizzy from iRock for leading the sessions so brilliantly.

Thank you all for your continued support during this busy and special time of year.

Vicky Hallett

Headteacher

HOUSEPOINTS                                                                                                      

This week’s housepoints totals:

246

401

274

339

 

ATTENDANCE

Governors have set the attendance target for the school at 97%. The class with the best attendance last week was Year 3. Well done Year 3!

Attendance figures for each class for last week are below:

 

GOLD BOOK/GOLD CARDS

 

Well done to those children who were awarded a gold card or were in the Gold Book. We’re very proud of you!

	Gold Book	Gold Cards
Year R	Ava	Ava
Year 1	Felicity	Francis, Ella, Anabelle
Year 2	Henry
Year 3	Gus	Archie, Oscar B, Amelie P
Year 4	Tym	Annika, Erin, Shyanna (x2), George, Rose
Year 5	Abigail	Alla, Savannah, Indianna, Elliott, Harry, Sophia
Year 6	Mollie	Reggie, Kaidy-Mai, Harry, Rafe

 

TT ROCKSTARS

Well done to everyone who took part in last week’s Times Tables Rockstars class competition. Year 4 came in first place and have earned extra playtime, followed by Year 2 in second place and Year 6 in third.

We are also pleased to share that we now have a subscription to another maths website: Arithmagicians. Over the next week, children in Years 1–6 will have the opportunity to explore the site in school and will bring their login details home. Further information will be sent out next week once all classes have had a chance to use it.

 

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Our Christmas Lunch will be held on Thursday 18th December.

Please click here to login in to Scopay by Wednesday 10th December for each of your children to confirm whether they will have a hot lunch that day, or they will bring in a packed lunch. All children will sit together with their class in the hall regardless of their food choice, so will all enjoy the festivities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS CARDS

The Christmas post box is by the office. We know lots of the children like to write Christmas cards to their friends and staff – this is not complulsory! If posting cards in the postbox, please ensure that the envelopes are clearly labelled with the name and class of the recipient.

 

 

INFANT PLAY TICKETS

The tickets for the Infant play performances will be sent out on Monday in book bags.

 

YEAR 6 TRIP TO AMERY HILL

This week, Year 6 visited the DT department at Amery Hill to make their Anderson Shelters. First, the children cut the wood and used glue guns to build the internal structure, thinking carefully about how to reinforce the corners to make their shelters as stable as possible. They then used a range of materials to create the exterior of their designs. The staff were very impressed by the children’s independence and creativity throughout the afternoon. Well done, Year 6!

 

YEAR R 2026 APPLICATIONS

Is your child starting school in September 2026?

If so, come and visit us here at Bentley to find out all about our lovely community-centred, village primary school and to see if we are the right school for your child. Bentley welcomes children from within our catchment area and beyond.

Applications are now open for Year R starters in 2026. If you have a younger child who turns 4 between 1^st September 2025 and 31^st August 2026 (or know someone locally who does) we still have an open event for prospective parents on the following date:


Wednesday 7th January 26 at 9:30 am

 

Click here to book your place.

 

BENTLEY’S LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR

Step Into the Spirit of Christmas with Bentley’s Living Advent Calendar 

Looking for a reason to get outside this December? Wrap up warm, grab a friend or the family, and take a festive wander through Bentley as our village transforms into a Living Advent Calendar!

Just like the traditional advent calendar that reveals a surprise each day, Bentley’s version brings a touch of magic to our streets. From 1st to 24th December, a new Christmas window will be unveiled every day, each one lovingly decorated by a local. By Christmas Eve, there’ll be 24 unique festive displays twinkling around the village for everyone to discover.

It’s the perfect way to enjoy some fresh winter air, stretch your legs, and soak up the Christmas spirit right here in the village. Whether it’s a peaceful evening stroll after dinner or a family weekend walk with a hot chocolate in hand, the trail offers a wonderful way to connect with the community and enjoy the festivities together.

✨ A new window is revealed daily from 1–24 December

✨ Once revealed, each window stays on display until 1st January, so you can catch up on any you’ve missed

✨ You can explore the trail using the printable Trail Map PDF) or follow on Google Maps https://tinyurl.com/3n5t3rbw. A small number of paper maps will be available from the school, shop and pub at the end of November. Follow along on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/1C17P83LFA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

✨ Look out for window numbers and spot your favourites!

✨ Visitors are invited to make a Justgiving donation to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice

https://www.justgiving.com/page/bentley-advent-trail

The Living Advent Calendar is more than just a festive display, it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and togetherness. So this December, pop on your hat and gloves, step outside, and enjoy Bentley at its most magical, one Christmas window at a time. Thank you to everyone taking part.

 

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

A quick reminder that the school photos are still available to buy online.

These make great Christmas gifts for family. Please note that photo prints should be ordered by 12^th December for Christmas delivery. Other products may take longer.

 

HAMPSHIRE PARENT CARER NETWORK

Hampshire Parent Carer Network (HPCN) have some free December events, workshops, and Get Togethers coming up:

 

December Parent Carer Get Togethers

Friendly, informal drop-in sessions offering connection, peer support, and space to share experiences.

• 10 Dec – Basingstoke (10–12pm)
• 16 Dec – Eastleigh (10–12pm) – SENDIASS attending for 1:1 support
• 19 Dec – Alresford (10–12pm)
• 17 Dec – Online Evening (8–9pm)

 

 

 

 

 

Online Workshops 

Burnout in the Lead-Up to Christmas - 17 December, 11am – Online

A supportive session led by Ellie, an Autism & ADHD lived-experience trainer, covering:

• What festive-season burnout can look and feel like
• Why Christmas can be challenging for autistic and ADHD young people
• Preparation and coping strategies
• How families can provide calm, meaningful support

Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in the 14–25 Transition Years - 19 December, 12:30pm – Online

Hosted by Afasic, this session discusses:

• What DLD may look like in teenagers
• Challenges during the transition to adulthood
• Impacts on learning, independence, and daily life
• Ways parents and professionals can support young people

 

ECO UPDATE

Eco Council

Regift-Reuse-Relove Stall

Thank you to everybody who had a good sort out in order to donate items for our Eco Council Regift-Reuse-Relove stall.  We had a lovely selection of books, puzzles and games with a few Christmas jumpers too!  The stall was run brilliantly by 18 members of Eco Council, helping us to raise over £80 for our Pollinator Garden and specifically to feed the hungry birds over the cold winter months. 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest Explorers – Urgent Appeal for Waterproofs!

“There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!”

To help our children enjoy Forest Explorers in all weathers, we urgently need some more donations of waterproof coats and trousers please.  Please bring them into the school office – thank you in advance!  We don’t need any wellies as we now have enough – thank you for all the donations last year!

 

PTFA

Thank you to everyone who came to support the Christmas Fair. What a lovely way to start the festive season!

There’s still hampers to be won! Buy tickets on the way in to each of the school plays. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the play, before collecting your children. 

 You’re Invited to The Bentley Bash!

Join us for a spectacular evening at the beautiful Bury Court, a stunning local venue, as we celebrate in style with music, dancing, food, and fun.

 When?
Friday 15th May 2026, 7-11:30pm

 What’s Included:
• Live band, music & dancing all night long
• Delicious pizza & dessert (included in your ticket)
• Raffle prizes, games & extra entertainment to keep the fun flowing
• Minibus taxi service available to make your night hassle-free

 Dress Code: Dress to impress!

🎟 Tickets:
• £50 if purchased before 1st December
• £55 after 1st December
• Option to pay in two £25 instalments if booked before 1st December (final payment due by 1st February)

 Venue: Bury Court – a stunning local setting that makes the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.

Don’t miss out on what promises to be a night to remember – music, laughter, dancing, and plenty of surprises along the way!

Tickets on sale now!
Www.pta-events.co.uk/bentley