On Tuesday, they represented our school at Young Voices at the O2 Arena in London – an incredible experience where a choir of almost 9,000 children from schools across the country come together to sing as one. It is the largest school choir concert in the world, and being part of something on that scale is truly unforgettable.

It was a very long day, with us not returning to school until close to midnight, but throughout the entire day and evening the children behaved impeccably. They showed fantastic enthusiasm for all of the singing, threw themselves into the experience wholeheartedly, and didn’t hesitate to show off their best dance moves too! Just as importantly, they listened carefully to instructions from all adults, kept themselves safe in a very busy environment, and demonstrated maturity. They were a real credit to themselves, their families, and our school.

One of the joys of the evening was spotting parents as they arrived in the arena – there were lots of excited waves and smiles! Although once the concert started we couldn’t see you anymore, we could certainly imagine you all dancing away in the stands… just like your children were!

A huge thank you must also go to the staff who attended the trip. Any school visit takes a great deal of organisation, but a trip of this scale requires exceptional planning, care, and commitment. Staff also generously gave up time with their own families outside of school to make this opportunity possible for our children. We truly could not have done it without them, and I am incredibly grateful for their dedication and support.

It was a magical experience and one that I know will stay with the children for many years to come.

Have a wonderful weekend

Vicky Hallett

Headteacher

HOUSEPOINTS                                                                                                      

This week’s housepoints totals:

221

264

216

177

 

ATTENDANCE

Governors have set the attendance target for the school at 97%. The class with the best attendance last week was Year 4. Well done Year 4!

Attendance figures for each class for last week are below:

 

SAFEGUARDING

Worries aren’t “too small”

A key safeguarding message we share with children is that worries should never be kept to themselves. We help children identify trusted adults both in school and at home and remind them that they can talk to us about anything that is making them feel unhappy or unsafe. We want every child to know they will be listened to and supported, and we encourage families to reinforce this message at home.

 

MENU CHANGE – BURNS NIGHT

To celebrate Burns Night there will be a menu change on Monday 16^th January. The Red option will be chicken with gravy pie, and Green will be vegan sausage and gravy. Both options will be served with mashed potatoes, with marble cake and chocolate sauce for dessert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINIBUS DRIVERS

We are so lucky at Bentley to have the use of two minibuses which we can use when we go on school trips, which helps us to keep costs as low as possible. We are looking for new minibus drivers to ensure we can get full use out of the minibuses; grandparents can apply too. The school would pay for the training. If you are interested then please email the office.

 

UNIFORM SHED

Unfortunately the second-hand uniform shed is currently out of action. We will update you when it is reopened.

 

BENTLEY ADVENT TRAIL

We loved being a part of the Bentley Advent Trail this year, and are delighted to let you know that due to the kind donations from everyone who got out and about to see the beautiful windows the organisers have raised over £900 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, a much loved local charity that has supported many families in our community.

 

ADDITIONAL NEEDS COFFEE MORNINGS

Alton Cluster Family Support team are holding informal coffee mornings for parents of children with additional needs in the Alton area:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FROYLE RECREATION GROUND

Froyle Parish Council are looking to improve the facilities on the Froyle rec for everyone. Please give your feedback on the online questionnaire which is available at http://www.froyleparishcouncil.org.uk/rec

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ECO UPDATE

Eco Council – Team Food

This term we shine a spotlight on Team Food who will be tasked with reducing food waste in our school.  Next week the team will attend the Young ACAN Schools’ Eco Conference at Alton College, along with 14 other schools from the area. They will learn about the value of food and come back with some top tips about how to eat for our planet.  The team will then lead our whole-school Food Day on February 25^th, empowering them to spread the word about why food is important and what we can all do to reduce our impact on our planet when we eat. 

Next Wednesday Eco Council pupils in Years 5 and 6 will attend the Hampshire Climate Unity Virtual Conference from the comfort of our school.  The agenda for the morning is really exciting, including workshops on the Solent’s Seahorses and an introduction to the world’s most sustainable football club!

RSPB – Big Schools and Big Garden Birdwatches

This week Year 5 participated in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch during their Forest Explorers session.  With a hot chocolate in hand, the children sat in the school garden and experienced the calm and joy of watching the birds.  If you are looking for a free family activity this weekend, please take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.  It is one of the most important citizen science projects and is free to participate. You just need one hour and a place to sit and watch the birds. For more details, click here. 

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

 

Please note the change of date for Break the Rules Day. And Quiz tickets on sale now!

 

Quiz tickets on sale via www.pta-events.co.uk/bentley

Friday 27th Feb, 7:30pm

£15 per person, includes pizza dinner and quiz

Up to 8 people per team 😀

 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:
• £55

 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