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- Open Morning Success!
- OPAL Play Update
- Why OPAL Play is Amazing for Our Children
- 2026 Look Who's Talking competition
- PTFA News & Updates
- Exciting News – A New Dunalley Website is Coming!
- Thank You for Supporting Children in Need
- Christmas Lunch
- Uniform Shop - At School
- School Photos - Individual portraits for all children plus sibling photos
- Y2 Poppy Sewing with families
- Soup Making with families
- Mexican Food with families
- Christmas Celebration
- PTFA - Christmas Fair
We were delighted to welcome so many prospective families to our Open Morning on Wednesday.
Several of our pupils took on the role of tour guides, confidently showing visitors around our school and grounds.
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive—full of praise for the guides’ confidence, knowledge, and the pride they showed in Dunalley.
It was wonderful to see our children take the lead and represent the school so brilliantly.
We will host another Open Morning on Tuesday January 6th 9.30am - 11.30am
Unfortunately, OPAL Play could not go ahead today. While we usually enjoy outdoor play in all weathers, we always take weather warnings seriously—and today’s forecast for Storm Claudia meant it was safest to stay indoors.
As part of our commitment to Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL), children normally have access to the school field, sandpit, forest school, and other exciting areas every day—except in extreme conditions like today.
To help children make the most of these enriching experiences, please ensure they come to school each day with:
- A waterproof coat
- A change of shoes suitable for outdoor play (we recommend wellies, and we have several pairs available in our Welly Bank if needed).
These items help ensure every child can fully participate in OPAL activities, stay comfortable, and enjoy the outdoors safely.
Thank you for your continued support in making outdoor learning a joyful part of every school day!
Why OPAL Play is Amazing for Our Children
At Dunalley, OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) is more than just playtime—it’s a key part of your child’s development. OPAL helps children stay active, build confidence, and develop social skills, all while enjoying the outdoors. It sparks creativity, supports wellbeing, and makes learning fun and inclusive.
Here’s a fun fact: a child who starts in Reception and leaves at the end of Year 6 will spend the equivalent of one whole year enjoying OPAL play! That’s a year of fresh air, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
Why OPAL Play Matters:
✅ Improves physical health and fitness
✅ Reduces stress and boosts happiness
✅ Builds teamwork and social skills
✅ Sparks creativity and imagination
✅ Encourages independence and confidence
✅ Supports classroom learning
✅ Inclusive for all abilities
2026 Look Who's Talking competition
We are very excited to be taking part in the 2026 Look Who's Talking competition.
Please read the information on the poster to learn more about the competition and how your child can take part. It is important that they feel confident speaking in front of a large audience and are passionate about their speech.
Class heats will be taking place the week beginning 1st December 2025.
If your child would like to take part in the competition, please ensure they are prepared and ready to perform their speech by this date. Thank you.
PTFA Annual General Meeting
- Chair/Trustee - Katie Hey (Year 3 parent)
- Treasurer/Trustee - Phil Duroe-Richards (Year 3 & Year 4 parent, School Business and Finance Administrator)
- Co-Secretary/Trustee - Hayley Flaxman (Year 1 & Year 4 parent)
- Co-Secretary/Trustee - Kayleigh White (Nursery & Year 1 parent)
- President - Mrs Godfrey - Head Teacher
- Vice President - Mrs Byrne (School Business Manager)
We’re looking for Committee Members/Trustees or committee Volunteers (not Trustees) to take the lead on things like:
Exciting News – A New Dunalley Website is Coming!
We’re currently working on a brand-new Dunalley Primary School website. Our aim is to make it just as intuitive and user-friendly as our current site. (Unfortunately, our current provider is closing down.)
As part of this exciting process, a photographer will be visiting school on Tuesday 25th November to capture the true feel of Dunalley on a typical school day.
If you have opted for your child’s photograph not to be used on our website, please rest assured that we will ensure those children are not included in any marketing photographs.
If you need to update or change your photographic consent, we kindly ask that you do so now.
Thank You for Supporting Children in Need
A huge thank you to all our families for getting involved with Children in Need today!
Once we have the final total of funds raised, we’ll be sure to share it with you.
It’s such a worthy cause, and we truly appreciate your support in making a difference.
Christmas Lunch – Thursday 18th December
Our Christmas lunch will be served on Thursday 18th December.
Families can book now via School Grid.
Please make sure your booking is completed by Monday 1st December.
PTFA Uniform Shop
Our PTFA runs a Pre-Loved and New Uniform Shop to support families and promote sustainability.
How to Order
You can order items online via the PTFA’s SumUp Store. Once your items are ready (usually within a couple of days), you’ll receive an automated email. You can then collect your order from the box in the school reception.
In-Person Shopping
Keep an eye on the school newsletter for dates when the PTFA opens the shop for in-person browsing. They’re also happy to open by appointment (subject to volunteer availability). To arrange a visit:
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Leave a message at the school office
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Or email: [email protected]
Pay-As-You-Can
The shop operates on a pay-as-you-can basis. If your child or family needs uniform but cannot donate, please contact our Family Support Worker, Miss Alway:
Shop Online
Donations Welcome
The PTFA gratefully accepts donations of:
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School cardigans
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School jumpers
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School fleeces
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School dresses
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School book bags
Please ensure all items are washed and in good condition. Donations can be dropped off in the box at the school reception.
Need school uniform without the hassle or high cost? Our PTFA has a fantastic range of pre-loved items ready for you to browse. They’ll prepare your selections for easy collection from school — it’s all designed to make life simpler for families.The PTFA are also happy to open up the shop on an appointment basis. Leave them a message at the school office or drop them an email ([email protected])
The shop operates on a pay as you can basis. Please contact [email protected] if you are in need of uniform but not in a position to donate.
School Photos - Individual portraits for all children plus sibling photos
20
Thu
20 Nov 2025
27
Thu
27 Nov 2025
1:30 PM to 3:15 PM
27
Thu
27 Nov 2025
1:30 PM to 3:15 PM
27
Thu
27 Nov 2025
1:30 PM to 3:15 PM
5
Fri
05 Dec 2025
2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
8
Mon
08 Dec 2025
2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
10
Wed
10 Dec 2025
2:15 PM to 3:15 PM
10
Wed
10 Dec 2025
2:15 PM to 3:15 PM
This is an informal afternoon for families to enjoy some Christmas songs in the hall before heading to class to celebrate the children's work this term.
10
Wed
10 Dec 2025
2:15 PM to 3:15 PM
12
Fri
12 Dec 2025
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
12
Fri
12 Dec 2025
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
12
Fri
12 Dec 2025
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM



