Weekly Word
We’ve started the term with a real bang – there’s been so much happening in school already!
Our staff week began on Monday, when every member of the team attended our Trust Conference. The day was opened by Major Scotty Mills, a former Royal Marine, whose inspirational journey of resilience, teamwork and belonging set the tone for the day and truly motivated our teams.
Staff then took part in a range of workshops – to name but a few – on effective reading delivery, emotion coaching, SEND provision, and computing. It was a fantastic day of professional learning and reflection, and our staff have returned full of ideas to help us continue improving teaching and learning across our schools.
It was also wonderful to see so many of you at Parents’ Evening this week. We loved sharing the incredible work your children have been doing, and I want to say a big thank you for all the kind words and positive feedback you shared. Your encouragement means a great deal to us all.
Today, Edge and Windmill Classes have been out on an educational visit to Severn Valley Country Park, learning all about the environment and our local landscape. Meanwhile, Year 6 enjoyed their first swimming session, showing great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout.
We’ve also had a musical buzz around school as many of our children became Rock Stars, starting their Rocksteady Rock Band sessions on guitar, singing, keyboard, and drums – what an exciting way to build confidence and creativity!
A special welcome goes to our new Year 1 teacher, Miss Laura Edwards, who has made a brilliant start at Much Wenlock Primary. The children have had a wonderful first week with her in their newly named class, Tilia.
The name Tilia comes from the lime tree, which has a special connection to Much Wenlock. Dr William Penny Brookes, a key figure in the town’s history, encouraged the planting of lime trees (Tilia platyphyllos) across the area. They continue to grow in local woodlands, including Wenlock Edge, and were once used by monks at Wenlock Priory to produce honey and wax.
Our oldest class, Linden, is named after another type of lime tree, creating a lovely link between the two. This connection reflects our children’s journey through school – from Tilia, where they begin to take root, to Linden, where they grow strong and ready to branch out into the wider world. Together, these names celebrate growth, community and our deep Much Wenlock heritage.
It’s been an inspiring start to the term, and we’re looking forward to everything that’s still to come!
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs HJ
Headteacher
Stars of the Week
Stars of the Week
Spring: Phillipa, Gracie
Tilia: Elijah
Priory: Paisley
Edge: Ronnie, Khaleesi
Windmill: Rory
Abbey: Chloe R, Presley
Linden: Laurie, Archer
Star of the Week: Mrs Howell-James
🌟 Star of the Week: Mrs Howell-James 🌟
This week’s Star of the Week is our very own Mrs Howell-James, who was nominated for three awards at the 3–18 Inaugural People Awards – the Accomplished Award, the Resilience Award, and the Belonging Award.
What makes these awards even more special is that they are voted for by colleagues from across all schools in the 3–18 Trust, recognising those who make an exceptional difference within their communities.
We are absolutely delighted to share that Mrs Howell-James won the Belonging Award! 🏆
Rachel works tirelessly behind the scenes, going above and beyond in ways that are often unseen but felt by everyone around her. Her compassion, determination, and belief in every member of our community have transformed Much Wenlock Primary School into a place where children and staff alike feel valued, supported, and proud to belong.
This is what was said about her:
“Rachel needs to be recognised for the success she is driving and the improvements she has made in such a short space of time at MWPS. Her vision, passion and drive are exemplary. Through hard work, commitment and a deep inner strength, she has shown resilience and courage and should feel incredibly proud of the difference she is making, along with her new team, for the pupils in their care.”
“I am nominating Rachel for The Belonging Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to creating inclusive, nurturing spaces where every child feels valued and connected. Rachel’s vision for her school goes far beyond Head teaching — she builds environments that celebrate individuality, foster mutual respect, and encourage a strong sense of community. Her thoughtful approach to school culture ensures that all children feel safe, seen, and supported.”
“From the way she designs her learning spaces to the language she uses and the relationships she builds, Rachel consistently prioritises belonging. She creates opportunities for every child to contribute meaningfully, and her warmth and consistency help even the most reluctant learners feel at home.”
“Rachel’s influence extends beyond her own Head role. She models inclusive practice for colleagues and contributes to a wider culture of care and connection across the school, trust and local community. Her commitment to equity and empathy is evident in everything she does, and she inspires others to lead with compassion.”
“Rachel has faced several significant challenges since she started and has not let any of them break her. She is resilient, passionate, strong and compassionate. MWPS and the wider Trust are better places with Rachel in them.”
“She has transformed the school’s culture – investing time in every member of staff, unlocking their strengths and passions, and building a positive, collaborative team. Families now feel listened to, staff feel empowered, and children are thriving.”
Congratulations, Mrs Howell-James – this award is so richly deserved. We are all incredibly proud of the difference you continue to make every day for our pupils, staff, and families. 💛
Next Week – important events
Good morning!
Next week we have several important events taking place in school, and we wanted to share the details with you in advance.
Anti-Bullying Week – Monday 10th November
We will be launching Anti-Bullying Week by inviting children to wear odd socks on Monday 10th November to celebrate individuality and inclusion. Throughout the week, pupils will take part in assemblies and lessons to help them understand what bullying is and why it’s important to stand up against it. Further information about activities during the week will be shared shortly.
Remembrance Day – Tuesday 11th November
On Tuesday 11th November, children will be learning about the significance of Remembrance Day and will join in a two-minute silence at 11am. Poppies are available to purchase from the school office for those who wish to contribute.
Children in Need – Friday 14th November
To support Children in Need, pupils are invited to come to school in their pyjamas on Friday 14th November. We kindly ask for a small cash donation to be sent in with your child on the day; their class teacher will collect it in the morning. All funds raised will go towards this important cause.
Emma Nicholas
Deputy Head and SENCo
Abbey Class Trip to Enginuity
As a reminder, Abbey will be going to Enginuity on Tuesday 11th. Please consent and pay for the trip on Arbor if you have not already done so. If a school packed lunch is needed, please email the office: info@wps.318education.co.uk with your choice of ham, cheese or tuna ASAP.
Parent’s Lunch for year 3
Next week, Wednesday 12th November, is year 3’s parent lunch. If you haven’t done so already, please head to Arbor and buy a ‘lunch’ in the school shop.
Year 1 and 2 Parent Lunch: 19th November – Available in Arbor now
Reception Parent Lunch: 26th November – Available in Arbor now
Friday After School Club Change
Dear Parents,
I am writing to inform you about some changes regarding our Friday after school club. Unfortunately, we have found it necessary to discontinue the Friday sessions of the after school club. This decision has not been made lightly, but it is no longer financially viable to continue running the club on Fridays due to the lack of bookings. There have been many weeks where no children were booked in, yet we still needed to staff the club, which has posed a financial challenge.
However, we are pleased to inform you that the Creation Station and Chess will still be available on Fridays until 4:15 pm. You can book your child in for this activity, ensuring they have a fun and engaging time until 4:15pm. Please note that after this point, there will be no provision or adults available to supervise the children.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Much Wenlock Primary School
Much Wenlock Town Christmas Fayre
Please see this message from the team organising the Town Christmas Fayre:
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We’re looking for a few more Marshals to add to our wonderful team of volunteers. You would ideally need to be available to fill a 2 hour slot. If you have a few hours to spare on the day of the Fayre – Saturday 6th December – then please email
marshals@wenlockchristmasfayre.org.ukor direct message us your name and contact number. Even if you can only spare an hour, please get in touch.
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Free Parenting Groups from Shropshire Parenting Team
The Parenting Team will be delivering free Understanding Your Child and Understanding Your Child SEND – from toddler to teens – groups from January 2026 (poster attached).
These 10 week groups aim to:
• Promote understanding of children’s behaviour within the context of developmental issues
• Promote the development of parent/child relationship
• Increase confidence and self-esteem in both parents and children
• Give parents a strategy for repair when things go wrong
• Promote reflective, sensitive and effective parenting
We are also offering free SLEEP TIGHT and Sleep Tight with SEND groups from January and February 2026 (poster attached).
These 5 week workshops cover:
• Recognising the role of sleep hygiene to improve sleep
• Identifying causes of sleep issues and appropriate practical strategies to try
• Completing sleep diaries and identifying potential sleep issues
PHSL Oct 2025
Sleep Tight Poster All
Understanding Your Child Poster All