MAY Orwellbeing (1)

OrWellbeing Newsletter May 2026 May 2026

Your Monthly Guide to Wellbeing at Orwell Park

Orwell Park Safeguarding Team

Jo Coventry-King Designated Safeguarding Lead & Online Safety Lead

Vikki Wiggins DDSL EYFS

Afiah Ntiri-Akuffo DDSL Boarding & Online Safety Lead

Martin O’Brien DDSL & Deputy Head Pastoral

Hayley Lloyd DDSL Lower Prep

Simon O’Malley Head

Caroline Brunt DDSL & Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead

Nick Gibbs DDSL Years 5 & 6

Tristan King DDSL Years 7 & 8

Callum Licence Chair of OPS Committee

Katie Lawson Safeguarding Governor

All of the team are contactable via email at: firstnamelastname@orwellpark.org or by calling the school directly on 01473 659225

BRIGHTER DAYS, STRONGER WELLBEING As we move into May, it has been wonderful to welcome a spell of fantastic weather and all the benefits that come with brighter days and more time outdoors. Across the school, children have been making the very most of the sunshine, embracing the many opportunities that being outside brings for both physical activity and positive wellbeing. Whether it is time spent being active with friends, enjoying fresh air, or simply having space to recharge, the start of the summer term always brings a noticeable boost in energy and mood.

Celebrating the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough this month also feels particularly fitting as his work has inspired generations to appreciate and care for the natural world. His message about the importance of connecting with nature is one that resonates strongly with wellbeing, reminding us all of the calm, curiosity and perspective that the outdoors can offer.

This month we also observe Mental Health Awareness Week, the campaign run by the Mental Health Foundation. It aims to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and promote mental wellbeing.

The theme for this year is “Action”, focusing on taking concrete steps to support mental health. You will see in the coming pages that the Wellbeing Hub have provided lots of resources for parents as well as links to therapy and specialist support.

Sport has also been thriving this term, with all children participating in athletics, cricket and tennis fixtures.

The swimming pool has officially reopened, allowing pupils to make the most of the sunshine while enjoying time in the water. Other highlights so far have included Clay Pigeon Shooting and the Year 7 OPS Challenge distance walk, both encouraging resilience and a healthy sense of adventure.

The final Wellbeing Day of the year was a brilliant success and the pupils really enjoyed their time with local illustrator Kate Rolfe, looking at themes of friendship, emotions, and mental health.

With such a positive and energetic start to the term, May is already shaping up to be a month full of opportunity, adventure and wellbeing in action.

Caroline Brunt Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead

ORWELLBEING IN FOCUS

THE

YES QUEST

At the end of March, pupils were challenged to step outside of their comfort zone and say ‘yes’ to as many different things as possible over the Easter holidays and this half term.

They resolutely rose to the challenge and it has been a joy to hear all about their new experiences.

Catharine Loveridge Growth Mindset Lead ds n ou ’. s e he t t d ‘ur n ar an I le ear’ ‘

n a big I rode o that was scooter my big actually sister’s.

I ro de on an a do sco n a bike ote b r, t ig oo .

I tr ied hig tod h jum ay. p

I created a doll using air dry clay, which I’ve never used before.

What have you said ‘Yes’ to? a s to e y ! d one I sai c s ese che

I invented a board game.

h at b ice ng, n a lo in for h! t t g a I s - no hou t ORWELL PARK

Iw ent c swi old-w mm a ing ter .

ORWELLBEING DAY: EARLY MORNING TAI CHI

ORWELLBEING IN FOCUS

ORWELLBEING IN FOCUS

Online Safety Each month, the OrWellbeing team will share tips, ideas, and guidance to help us all try to navigate the digital world safely.

At Orwell Park, we want pupils to enjoy technology, know how to use it wisely while keeping themselves happy, healthy, and safe.

Understanding the “Looksmaxxing” Trend A growing online trend that parents may hear young people discussing is something called “looksmaxxing.” This trend is particularly popular across social media platforms used by teenage boys and young men, where influencers promote the idea of achieving an “ideal” appearance through extreme self-improvement techniques focused on looks, masculinity, and popularity.

While some content may initially appear harmless - such as skincare routines, fitness advice, or grooming tips - other aspects of the trend can become unhealthy or concerning.

Young people may be exposed to messages that place excessive importance on physical appearance, encourage comparisons with others, or suggest unrealistic standards of attractiveness and masculinity.

Some of the language linked to this trend includes: “Softmaxxing” – non-invasive appearance changes such as skincare, hairstyles, gym routines, or fashion “Hardmaxxing” – more extreme or risky practices, including unsafe dieting, cosmetic procedures, or harmful online “advice” “Mogging” – putting others down based on appearance “SMV” (Sexual Market Value) – ranking people based on attractiveness “Mewing” – a viral trend claiming tongue posture can reshape the jawline

Online Safety Continued Although young people may encounter these terms casually online, repeated exposure can negatively affect self-esteem, body image, confidence, and mental wellbeing. Some content may also promote unhealthy attitudes towards relationships, gender, or self-worth.

Parents may wish to look out for: Increased anxiety or dissatisfaction about appearance Excessive mirror checking or comparing themselves to others online Obsessive focus on diets, exercise, supplements, or grooming Use of unfamiliar online slang linked to appearance rankings Withdrawal, low mood, or reduced self-confidence The most helpful approach is open, non-judgemental conversation. Encouraging children to speak about the content they see online, and reminding them that social media often presents unrealistic and heavily edited versions of reality, can make a significant difference.

In both Life Skills’ lessons and Digital Skills, we continue to support pupils in developing healthy self-esteem, positive relationships, and safe digital habits, while encouraging critical thinking about the content they encounter online.

STAFF PICKS

A monthly media spotlight with a member of the prep school community, brought to you by the OrWellbeing Newsletter!

This month we caught up with Claire Davies, our wonderful Receptionist. Claire joined us in September and quickly became a much-loved member of staff, who is welcoming and friendly to all who arrive in the North Hall.

Book I Couldn’t Put Down

Podcast Pick

What’s the one book you always recommend - or wish you could read again for the first time?

For your commutes, your wind-down, or a moment of inspiration, what podcast do you never miss?

I loved reading The Island by Victoria Hislop. It's a historical family saga set in Crete and the former leper colony of Spinalonga. Whilst it's not a true story the island exists and I visited it on a Summer holiday in Crete, shortly after reading the book.

I have only listened to one podcast. It was one of Steve Bartlett's Diary of a CEO series. It was fascinating, all about how our brains work. Sadly I have never found it since.

Film That Stuck With You What film left a lasting impression and why?

This one is easy...my favourite film of all time is The Railway Children (the original one). I know it word for word and really wanted to call my daughter Bobby after Jenny Agguter's character but it wasn’t to be.

I also enjoy my friend Nicky Pellegrino's novels - they are set in Italy and always involve food two of my favourite things.

TV Show You Binge-Watched (and Don’t Regret) We all have one...What’s your guilty pleasure or proud obsession on the small screen?

I love a binge watch...

Bridgerton, The Hardcastles, The Gilded Age, all period dramas but I also like crime and detective dramas like Ellis and Grace, to name a few. I think I must have almost run out of programmes I've watched so many, so any suggestions for a let me know.

A good Finalwatch..please Recommendation

Music on Repeat Which song, album or artist lifts your spirits or helps you focus?

I listen to most things, especially if I can run, sing or dance along with it.

My first album was Chris de Burgh Spanish Train and other stories..that really dates me because it was released before fame came his way.

Something a Little Different An app, YouTube channel, newsletter, magazine - or even a place - that’s enriching your life right now...

Here's a little secret...I do a 7 minute HIT workout with Lucy Wyndham Read on YouTube everyday.

Is there a media gem or hidden treasure you'd love more people to know about?

I love visiting Edinburgh, both my children live there which is a big incentive to go but it's a fantastic city we love exploring together.

Musings from MOB Martin O’Brien, Deputy Head Pastoral, shares his thoughts on the importance of spirit, the value of the term.

SPIRIT Twenty-six years ago, and with some trepidation as well as excitement, the world ushered in the new Millenium. Here in our own corner of Suffolk we celebrated with festivals, sport, art and music.

The music involved, inter alia, commissioning a new jazz-style cantata from Colchester-based composer Alan Bullard; he chose the title The Spirit of Orwell. In order to give inspiration to his compositional ideas, Alan spent some time visiting the School and its environs.

Perhaps as expected, the music he composed, and the words he wrote, were inspired by the landscape, the river, and the splendid architectural history. However, more important to Alan was the spirit that he saw inside the building, inside the classroom, and between the pupils.

It was the spirit to help each other with Prep, to run the last leg of the cross-country together, to applaud someone on stage, to pick up a tired friend, and to lead through determination. During our Remembrance ceremony in November, standing in chilly and damp weather on the Ha-Ha, I remember those Orwell pupils in the trenches, at the Somme and Ypres, wet through and exhausted, and yet with their spirit alive and undaunted.

The Spirit of Orwell. It is the life force of this community; may it always burn brightly.

INTEGRITY KINDNESS RESPECT COLLABORATION COURAGE SPIRIT

ORWELLBEING IN FOCUS

ORWELLBEING DAY

ORWELLBEING DAY

NATURE CHALLENGE Happy 100th Birthday Sir David Attenborough!

COMING UP IN LIFE SKILLS m r e T r e CORE THEME: m m Su

LIVING IN THE WIDER WORLD

M A Y

EARLY YEARS

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

FEELINGS & SELF-AWARENESS Express needs and feelings in appropriate ways Have an awareness and pride in self as having own identity and abilities

BELONGING TO A COMMUNITY/ DIGITAL RESILIENCE How to care for the environment and why it is important Responding safely to risks that may be encountered online

MONEY AND WORK

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

MEDIA LITERACY & DIGITAL RESILIENCE

BELONGING TO A COMMUNITY

Strategies to identify fake and real news stories Questioning images presented in news stories

What compassion means and why we should show compassion to all animals Compare the needs of different animals

Recognising the different coins and notes that we use Where to keep money safe

YEAR 5 MEDIA LITERACY & DIGITAL RESILIENCE

Staying as safe as possible online Different types of online fraud and the associated risks

YEAR 6

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

BELONGING TO A COMMUNITY

DEVELOPING SKILLS & ASPIRATIONS

COMMUNITY AND CAREERS Goal setting and problem solving in careers and enterprise Strategies for exam revision

About people who have visible differences Negative stereotypes in film and TV and the effect that these can have

Recognising and building personal skills How entrepreneurs solve problems Career aspirations

KEY WORDS: Ambition, goals, compassion, diversity, stereotype, online fraud, pop-up fraud, hacking, scam, ratings, compliance, classifications

Our top ten actions to support good mental health These simple actions may help lift your mood and improve your ability to cope with life. Try a couple and find which works best for you.

1. PLAN SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Making plans for things we enjoy can increase our sense of hope, which is important for our mental health. It could be a plan to sit down with a cup of tea and take a quiet five minutes, or a long-term plan for an ambitious trip. Whether it’s a big or small goal, the important thing is to plan it.

2. EAT WELL

One of the simplest ways to improve mental health is by eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Not only can it support your emotional health, but introducing small habits, such as staying hydrated or having fruit snacks, can help make changes stick easier.

3. GET CLOSER TO NATURE

4. GET GOOD SLEEP

5. GET CREATIVE

6. MOVE REGULARLY

7. TRY MINDFULNESS

8. MAKE TIME FOR FRIENDS

9. BE KIND

10. TALK THINGS OVER WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST

Spending time in nature can boost your mood, lessen stress, and help you concentrate.

Spending time on creative activities is a great way to help ease stress and anxiety. Carve out some time to listen to music, paint, sing, or do whatever you enjoy most.

Beingfully aware in the present moment can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Aim to notice the colour of the sky, the sound of leaves, or the feeling of your feet on the ground.

Bad days happen to everyone. If you’re having a tough time, remember to treat yourself with kindness and understanding.

You’re doing the best you can.

Good quality sleep helps your brain work better, lifts your mood, and is good for your overall health.

Being active can boost your mood and raise your self-esteem.

It’s also an effective stress management technique. Whether you go for a walk, do some yoga, or vigorously clean the kitchen, it all counts.

Having good relationships with others can help you feel like you belong, allow you to share experiences, and receive emotional support.

It’s a great reason to have a catch-up with a friend on the phone.

It can take a lot of courage to tell someone else how we’re feeling or what we’re finding hard. Just talking things through with a person we trust can feel like a relief and make us feel less alone.

Everyone deserves good mental health.

For more tips and information visit mentalhealth.org.uk Registered Charity No. England and Wales 801130, Scotland SC 039714 / Company Registration No. 2350846 VAT Number GB524451857. Registered office: Studio 2, 197 Long Lane, London SE1 4PD. Registered with the Fundraising Regulator.

MIGHTY MAY

The Mighty May calendar offers 31 simple, child-friendly prompts to help children build confidence, take small brave steps, and recognise their inner strength throughout the month. Each day includes a short prompt such as trying something new, speaking up, asking for help, or keeping going when things feel tricky. These gentle ideas encourage children to develop resilience, self-belief, and a sense of pride in their efforts.

MIGHTY MOMENTS CAN...

Promote emotional wellbeing by encouraging children to face challenges and develop confidence in a safe and supportive way.

Support resilience by helping children practise perseverance and coping strategies when things feel difficult.

Build self-awareness by helping children notice their strengths, achievements, and moments of bravery.

Encourage a positive mindset where effort, trying, and progress are valued.

Develop lifelong skills that help children feel capable, confident, and ready to face new challenges.

SHELF AWARENESS!‌ AWARENESS! Books to enjoy and explore together.

Our May recommendations celebrate the wonders of the natural world in honour of David Attenborough’s birthday. These books encourage readers to look closely at the beauty all around them; they spark curiosity, nurture a love of nature, and remind us how important it is to protect the incredible world we share.

For our youngest pupils...

Little People, Big Dreams: David Attenborough - Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara L A beautifully illustrated introduction to the life of David Attenborough and his love of wildlife.

Ideal for Years 1-3...

The Oak Tree - Julia Donaldson

This beautifully illustrated story follows an oak tree through the seasons, showing the many animals that depend on it for food, shelter, and safety. A gentle celebration of nature and the interconnected world around us.

Years 4-6 might enjoy...

Turtle Moon - Hannah Gold

Set on the beaches of Costa Rica, this adventure follows Silver as she discovers endangered sea turtles and the dangers they face. A hopeful story from the brilliant Hannah Gold about friendship, conservation, and protecting wildlife.

For our older pupils...

October, October - Katya Balen October has grown up wild in the woods with her father, far from the busy outside world. But when her life suddenly changes, she must learn to navigate the challenges of the city while holding onto her deep connection with nature.

For Adults...

Raising Hare - Chloe Dalton This beautifully written memoir follows the unexpected bond between the author and a wild hare she rescues and cares for. Thoughtful and deeply observant, it is a moving celebration of wildlife, patience, and reconnecting with the natural world.

Visit from Kate Rolfe As part of Wellbeing Day this term, Years 3 to 8 were treated to a set of workshops from award-winning author and illustrator Kate Rolfe.

Kate began by speaking about her book Wiggling Words, which grew out of artwork she created to express how, despite her deep love of reading and language, dyslexia made reading a real challenge for her. Her powerful reflections resonated with many in the audience. In Wiggling Words, the main character learns to overcome the obstacles the letters seem to create, while also discovering the joy and playfulness of language. Kate explained that she wanted the book to capture both the struggle and the wonder of words — a playground of letters as much as a story of perseverance.

Kate then spoke about her picture book Wolf and Bear. The story gently challenges conventional expectations of friendship, showing how the two characters learn that they can still care for and support one another without always playing together or agreeing to things they do not truly want to do.

Kate also led a draw-along workshop with each group, during which every child created their own wolf and bear characters. The drawings became a starting point for thoughtful discussions about the things that make us feel excited and happy, as well as the importance of recognising situations where we might want - and need - to say no.

It was a wonderful morning - and if you would like to meet Kate in person, she can normally be found working one day a week in the children’s bookshop in Framlingham! https://katerolfe.com/about

HAVE YOU LOGGED INTO THE WELLBEING HUB YET TO SEE ALL THAT IT HAS TO OFFER? IF NOT, PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK HERE.

There are a wide range of webinars available via The Wellbeing Hub Platform, you can join live or watch over the following 2 weeks. Our top 2 suggestions for you are: Supporting children and young people through an incurable family illness and how to have those difficult conversations with Kate Wells, Family Support Service Lead, Ruth Strauss Foundation Tuesday 19th May, 6.30pm Nurturing resilience: Nine ways families and schools can help children thrive with Dr Michael Ungar, Family Therapist, Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience, and Founder and Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University, Canada Wednesday 10th June, 6.30pm

NEW ON THE WELLBEING HUB THIS MONTH PODCAST On the outside looking in: Social anxiety in children and teens with Prof. Eleanor Leigh, Clinical Psychologist and MRC Clinician Scientist Fellow at the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford and Honorary Associate Professor at UCL

PODCAST Adolescent issues for autistic teenagers with Prof. Tony Attwood, International bestselling Author and Clinical Psychologist specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorders

THEME OF THE MONTH: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SKILLS

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 The theme this year is #TakeAction. Here are some resources in The Wellbeing Hub to help support your school during this important week.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND CARERS How our internal dialogue impacts our mental health In this insightful podcast, Alicia talks to Dr Haneyeh Belyani, a Child and Adolescent Therapist and Counselling Psychologist at The Khiron Clinic. They explore the crucial role of maintaining a positive internal dialogue and delve into the profound effects that negative self-talk can have on mental health.

Top tips for protecting your mental health Read our top tips, all proven ways to boost our physical and mental wellbeing.

Mental health matters Our mental health is not a static thing, it is a continuum that we all move up and down, day by day at any point in our lives. Alicia discusses the symptoms, causes, and signs of mental illness, and shares advice on how best to support a young person, if you suspect they have a mental health difficulty.

Protecting your child’s mental health In this episode, the many factors that influence our children’s wellbeing are explored and more importantly, what we as parents and carers can actually do to protect their mental health. Because here’s the thing; we can’t bubble wrap our kids, we can’t protect them from all the ups and downs and challenges of life, but we can equip them with the tools they need to thrive. So, grab a cuppa and tune in to listen to Alicia’s expert advice.

Adolescent nutrition for mental health: Part 1 We talk to Dr Tilly Spurr, a nutritional scientist specialising in adolescence and sport. Tilly works in schools advising staff and students about nutrition and she lectures twice a week at the Chichester Institute of Sports. In part one, we discuss the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet during adolescence, and how to encourage young people to form good nutritional habits.

Part one focuses on nutrition for sport and exams.

Adolescent nutrition for mental health: Part 2 We discuss the link between diet and mental health, specifically the impact of our gut microflora on low mood and anxiety, as well as the foods young people need to be consuming to ensure they get a good night’s sleep and to stay mental healthy.

Part two dives deeper into the relationship between nutrition and mental health.

AVAILABLE SUPPORT

Clear Fear is an app funded by teenage mental health charity stem4 to help manage the symptoms of anxiety.

It was developed by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nihara Krause MBE, in collaboration with young people.

Calm aims to make the world happier and healthier. They’re the number one app for Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation, with over 100 million downloads and over 1.5M+ 5-star reviews.

4

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 The theme this year is #TakeAction. Here are some resources in The Wellbeing Hub to help support your school during this important week.

THERAPY AND SPECIALIST SUPPORT There may be times in life when you need expert support but knowing who to turn to and where to find them can be challenging. We have created a guide to the different talking therapies and a directory of therapy providers so that you can get the support you need when you need it.

TACaccess TACaccess is a trusted solution for sourcing rapid, cost-effective counselling and therapy for children and young people. It's free to register and to use and connects you with specialists who can meet the mental health needs of children and young people.

TACaccess is also available internationally for families abroad who want to access UK-accredited professionals online.

Yes We Can Healthcare Group For various reasons, young adults can become completely stuck in their lives. If other treatments or support have had little to no effect, ‘Yes We Can’ Youth Clinics seeks to be the turning point. Every year, they treat more than 1.000 young people in their national and international clinics, from 13 to 25 years, with mental health issues, addiction and behavioural problems. The treatment programme consists of a 10-week residential treatment programme, followed by a 10-week digital aftercare programme. Since the start in 2011, unconditional warmth, safety and confrontation at the right time are pivotal. Together with other young people (called “fellows”) from all around the world, they will learn to recognise and acknowledge their problems, ask for help and speak out. In parallel with the child’s treatment, parents/carers will participate in an intensive family coaching- and counselling programme.

During the treatment, over 500 highly specialised healthcare professionals work hard to help the fellows and their families turn hopelessness into happiness.

The A-Z of Wellbeing The aim of this A-Z is to suggest things you can do which will positively impact your wellbeing. These techniques are tried and tested, and presented as an A-Z so you can experiment with different ideas until you find the ones which work for you. We are all unique and what works for one person might not work for someone else, so explore, test, and don’t stop experimenting until you find your personal recipe for thriving.

Therapy There may be times in life when you need expert support but knowing who to turn to and where to find them can be challenging. We have created a guide to the different talking therapies and a directory of therapy providers so that you can get the support you need when you need it. Note: you will work directly with your therapist and not via The Wellbeing Hub.

Specialist support We have curated a library of specialists, charities and apps to support you through life’s challenges.

Book a 1-2-1 with a specialist on The Wellbeing Hub We have scheduled a number of One-To-One appointment slots each week, exclusively for members of The Wellbeing Hub. So if family life is a bit of a strain and you need some extra advice, bookings are in 30 minute blocks and appointments are conducted via Microsoft Teams.

Staff wellbeing Lifecan be both rewarding and demanding, and while you may feel the pressure to be a superhero at times, it’s important to remember to care for yourself too. This wellbeing section is here to offer supportive, expert-led resources to help you look after your overall wellbeing whenever you need them.

AVAILABLE SUPPORT

Clear Fear is an app funded by teenage mental health charity stem4 to help manage the symptoms of anxiety.

It was developed by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nihara Krause MBE, in collaboration with young people.

Calm aims to make the world happier and healthier. They’re the number one app for Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation, with over 100 million downloads and over 1.5M+ 5-star reviews.

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Top Tips for Great Revision...

‘Tis the exam season and we can all do with some help when it comes to getting down to some revision. With cricket to play, sunny evenings to enjoy and fun to be had all day long, sometimes it’s hard to stop and make time for those key bursts of revision.

Why not try these ideas to help you get started?

Sit and do nothing for two minutes.

No phone, no music, no thinking. Make it boring on purpose!

Your brain works on comparison so if you go from something really exciting and engaging to studying your brain my struggle to engage. Calm yourself, lower your dopamine levels and then normal tasks like revision will feel easier to get started.

Speed Write down a load of ideas!

Take 60 seconds on a topic - write anything down. Start with whatever comes into your head.

Your brain hates blank pages! But starting with something on a page is easier to get going than with nothing. After sixty seconds of writing anything down, go back and sort, fix and add. It really works!

Study for JUST FIVE MINUTES! Set a timer. After five minutes you can stop, guilt free BUT remember the problem isn’t revising...it’s getting started. A two hour session feels overwhelming but 5 minutes feels easy! Once you start you will find you usually keep going.

INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY!

ORWELLBEING DAY

ORWELLBEING IN FOCUS

FUN IN THE SUN

Nourish to Flourish Benedict’s Law

As many parents may already be aware, new legislation known as Benedict’s Law will come into effect from September, introducing further measures to strengthen allergy awareness and food safety in schools. The changes are designed to help ensure that children with allergies or additional dietary needs are supported safely, consistently, and with greater transparency.

At Orwell Park, the wellbeing and safety of every child is always our highest priority, and much of what Benedict’s Law sets out reflects practices we already have firmly in place across our settings. We understand that for families managing allergies, intolerances, or medical dietary needs, trust and communication are essential. Our Catering and Medical teams work closely with parents and healthcare professionals to ensure that every child’s individual needs are understood and supported appropriately.

This includes: Maintaining detailed allergy and dietary records for all pupils Sharing allergy information carefully with relevant staff members Implementing robust food preparation and supervision procedures Supporting children with additional needs around food, eating, or sensory sensitivities Providing staff training in allergy awareness and emergency response procedures Working alongside healthcare professionals where individual care plans are required We also recognise that food-related needs can extend beyond allergies alone. Some children may require adapted routines, additional supervision, or specialist support at mealtimes, and our staff are experienced in providing calm, inclusive, and supportive environments where all children can feel safe and confident.

We encourage parents and carers to keep us informed of any allergies, intolerances, medical conditions, or changes to dietary requirements as early as possible. Open communication helps us provide the safest and most supportive care for every child.

If you would like to discuss your child’s allergies, dietary requirements, or any additional needs relating to food, please contact our School Nurses, Emily Reed or Kellymarie Toussaint, who will be happy to support you and answer any questions you may have.

ORWELLBEING IN FOCUS

OPPA EVENT

JOIN US FOR OUR

Summer Fete th

FRIDAY 5 JUNE FRO

Wristbands

£20

M 3:0 0 P M Join us for an afternoon of fun Inflatables Laser tag Teachers in the stocks Staff band Face painting Plant sale Traditional games Hot dogs, ice creams & more!

Wristbands can be purchased beforehand from Reception in the North Hall, at the Fete or placed on the school bill.

Pupil Edit Excel, Year 7 Each month, we sit down with one of our pupils to hear about their favourite moments, exciting discoveries and proudest achievements at school.

HERE’S WHAT EXCEL HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE MONTH OF MAY AT OPS!

What’s been your favourite part of school this month and why?

Learning new things: how to blend in painting and also in Maths I’ve been learning simultaneous equations which are difficult but it makes me push myself to try harder. I’ve also loved going swimming with my friends in the lovely outdoor pool! It was actually quite warm!

What’s something new you’ve tried or learned recently that surprised you?

I surprised myself because I have never really tried long jump before and I did a competition recently and came fourth! On OrWellbeing day, we did a teambuilding session and Delphine and I reached 11 crates in height on the crate stack. It was really fun but also a bit scary because you could fall off. (We were in harnesses though! )

What’s one moment this month that made you feel really proud?

I went to the Athletics Suffolk Championships in Bury St Edmunds and came first in Shot Putt with 9m04 and I also came first in the discus with 22m83. I was proud because I beat my personal best by nearly a metre in the Shot. I have been working hard with my coach at Ipswich Harriers and that is paying off.

What’s the most fun or unusual thing you’ve done in school lately?

Last term for Miss A I helped make some Cranes and I enjoyed learning a new skill and it felt really special because it was for Miss A.

Who’s someone in school who made your day better this month and what did they do?

Amelie and Yuyu always make me feel happy no matter how I am feeling by making funny jokes and just being there for me. Also Angie always has time for a chat in the mornings to talk about our play coming up and I enjoy that.

Join us to celebrate the opening of our

OrWellbeing Hub Friday 26th June, 4.30pm

Join us to view the new hub, talk to our team, and learn more about how this exciting initiative will support wellbeing at Orwell Park