Dear parents and carers,

We’re sorry that this week’s newsletter is nearly text-only. Unfortunately, we’ve experienced an issue with the Sway software we usually use to include weekly photographs. It’s a real shame, especially as we have so many fantastic pictures to share with you this week—we hope to be back to our usual format very soon.

As we near the end of the first half of the summer term, there's been a wonderful buzz of activity across the school – from celebrations and competitions to creative and community events.

Year 6 SATs – A Huge Well Done!

We want to extend our warmest congratulations to all of our amazing Year 6 pupils for completing their SATs this week! The resilience, determination, and maturity shown by the children was nothing short of exceptional. Every single pupil should feel proud of themselves – not just for their performance in the tests, but for the way they approached this important milestone with focus and positivity.

A big thank you goes out to our dedicated staff and supportive families who played such a vital role in preparing the children. Your encouragement, extra care, and belief in each child helped make this week feel like a success – regardless of the final outcomes.

Special mention also to the ever-popular SATs breakfast club! The bacon and sausage sandwiches proved to be a real hit, fuelling the children with energy and setting them up for success each morning.

Egg Drop Challenge – Science Fun in Action

Below are some brilliant photos from last week’s Egg Drop Challenge, a highlight of our science enrichment activities. Each class saw fantastic entries with a wide range of imaginative designs. Protective packaging and parachute systems were popular strategies – often used in combination – leading to a very high standard across the board.

Congratulations to the winners from each class who took home their own Science Kits! Runners-up were awarded a chocolate egg, and every entrant received a special certificate to celebrate their creativity and scientific thinking.

 

Opening of the MUGA – A Community Celebration

Today we were delighted to officially open our brand-new MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area)! We were joined by school governors, members of the PTA, and representatives from Taylor Wimpey, whose generous donation helped make this incredible facility a reality.

The ribbon was officially cut by Gareth Twohey of Eternal Lawns, marking the start of a new chapter in outdoor activity and play at Manston.

To celebrate, we hosted a shoot-out competition for our pupils, with an exciting ice cream station reward for the winning house team. A huge well done to everyone who took part – what a fantastic way to launch our new space!

PTA Summer Raffle – Prize Donations Needed

We’re kindly asking for donations of gift vouchers from local businesses to support upcoming events and fundraising efforts at school. These vouchers make wonderful prizes and help us raise vital funds for enriching our pupils’ experiences.

If you or someone you know are able to contribute a voucher from a local shop, restaurant, or service, please get in touch with Miss Thorpe. Your generosity, big or small, makes a real difference—thank you for your continued support!

Leeds Rhinos Tickets & Upcoming Assembly

Thanks to our ongoing partnership with Leeds Rhinos, families are invited to attend the Leeds Rhinos vs. Warrington Wolves match on Saturday 14th June 2025 at AMT Headingley Stadium with 50% off tickets. After the match, fans will be invited onto the pitch to enjoy the ‘Party on the Pitch’ with music from DJ Pat Sharp!

Standing tickets can be booked through the School Shop on Arbor, now open thanks to Mrs Broadley, who has helped make this process much simpler. Seated tickets can be booked online with promo code 25LR093.

We’re also excited to announce that Leeds Rhinos will be visiting Manston for a special assembly after half term, helping to further inspire and celebrate sport across the school.

We hope to see as many families as possible at the game – and we’ll be aiming for that signed Rhinos shirt reward by hitting 80 tickets sold!

Gallery – Life Around School

This week’s gallery would have showcased some of the fantastic hands-on activities taking place across the school:

• Year 6 pupils getting creative with watercolours in their art lessons.

• Year 3 hard at work in class.

• Year 1 children having fun with colourful card weaving projects.

• Year 5 pupils playing football at Colton last Friday

• Afterschool Club making the most of the sunshine with some very messy – and very fun – outdoor activities.