Weekly Newsletter

Author Visit – The Family Tree

On Thursday 5th February 2026, we will be visited by local children’s author and parent at Broomfield House School, Yasmine Anane, for a talk about her new book called The Family Tree to children from R3’s to Y2. The Family Tree is a heartwarming tale celebrating kindness, inclusion and, above all, the beauty of differences.

All Books will be provided by The Kew Bookshop. If you would like to order your book in advance please click on this link: The Family Tree. Yasmine will be signing any purchased copies.

“When Mole sets off in search of his family tree, he discovers that true family and friendship aren’t about looking the same – they’re about the love we share with those around us. This heartwarming story celebrates kindness, inclusion, and the beauty of our differences, making it perfect for bedtime reading”

It promises to be a wonderful experience for the children in R3’s through to Year 2 and will hopefully encourage their love of reading.

Winter Water Safety Reminder

We are very lucky to live and learn in an area close to the River Thames, which is a wonderful part of our local environment. However, we would like to remind families about the importance of water safety, especially during cold weather. Rivers and icy water are extremely dangerous, cold water shock can happen in water below 15°C and the Thames is often much colder in winter. The River Thames typically drops to between 3°C and 9°C (37°F – 48°F) during January and February. Please remind children never to go near rivers or onto ice and if someone does fall into cold water, they should lie on their back and float to help them stay safe.

Below are the upcoming Cross Country fixtures in which the Broomfield Red Team will take part. Mr Pache has contacted all parents of children who have qualified.  

What to Wear: 

• Games kit: Children should wear their school games kit. 

• Hoody and sports coat: Please bring a hoodie and a sports coat to wear before and after the race. 

• Trainers: Suitable running trainers are essential. 

• Named water bottle: For hydration. 

• Base layers: For warmth, as there may be waiting periods. 

• Running spikes or football boots: Recommended due to potential muddy conditions. Spare trainers and socks should also be brought. 

Dukes Cross Country

Red Team (Years 3 – 6)

 Details: 

• Red Team: Years 3 – 6  

• Date: Thursday, 29 January, 2026  

• Location: Putney Heath, SW15 3TU. 

• Time: We will depart from school promptly at 12:45pm and return around 4:00 – 4:30pm. 

• Race Information: Each race will be a relay in which 4 runners, one at a time, run around the course completing one lap each of 750m (team relay). The course consists of mostly grass and hard ground. 

Parent Attendance: Parents are welcome to attend the event to cheer on their children. Parents are asked to stay in the designated area on the day. 

ISA Cross Country

Red Team (Years 3 – 6)

Details: 

• Red Team: Years 3 – 6  

• Date: Friday, 30 January, 2026 

• Location: Sherfield School, RG27 0HU 

• Time: We will depart from school promptly at 8am (please make sure you arrive at school just before 8 am) and return around 3pm for normal dismissal. 

• Race Information:  

The races will take place as follows: 

9:00am – Arrival and Registration 

10:20am – U9 (Year 3-4) Girls Race 1500m 

10:40am – U9 (Year 3-4) Boys Race 1500m 

11:00am – U11 (Year 5-6) Girls Race 2300m 

11:20am – U11 (Year 5-6) Boys Race 2300m 

The top 10 runners from each race will qualify for the National finals which are due to be held at Himley Hall, Himley Road, Himley, Dudley, DY3 4DF 

Parent Attendance: Parents are allowed to attend. A separate correspondence will be sent out to parents in advance of the Competition, which clearly outlines the procedures and related safeguarding information for spectators who wish to attend. 

OVS Cross Country

Red Team (Girls in Years 3 – 6)

Event Details: 

• Date: Monday, 2 February, 2026  

• Location: King George’s Field, Richmond, TW10 7RS 

• Time: We will depart from school promptly at 1:45pm and return around 4:00pm 

• Distance: Each year group will run a 650m course 

Parent Attendance: Parents are welcome to attend the event to cheer on their children. Parents are also able to pick up their child from the event. 

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Semi-Final

We are delighted to confirm that pupils in Years 4 to 6 will be attending the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup semi-final as part of their games session on Wednesday, 28 January.

The match will be held at Brentford’s GTECH Community Stadium and will feature Gotham FC vs Corinthians FC, with England Lioness Jess Carter taking part. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to experience high-level women’s football and to watch elite athletes competing on an international stage, which we hope will be both inspiring and memorable.

Key information:

• 📅 Date: Wednesday 28 January
• 📍 Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford
• 👧🧒 Who: All pupils in Years 4–6
• 🍽️ Pupils will have lunch at school before we depart
• 🕒 Collection from school will be at 3:30 pm (not 4:30 pm)

If your child requires after-school care, please inform the school office in advance so arrangements can be made.

Kit and clothing:
Children should attend school in their full games kit and bring warm clothing, including hats, gloves and scarves, as we will be seated in the stadium.

We are very grateful for this opportunity and feel it will be a fantastic sporting experience for the children.

Open Class Coffee Morning – Years 1 and 2 

We would like to invite our parents in Year 1 and 2 to come for our Open Class Coffee Morning on Friday 30 January. The Open Class morning gives parents the opportunity to see their child’s daily routine and classroom environment. Then, parents are invited for coffee with some of our SLT team to discuss any questions you may have. 

January

Parent Talk: How to help your child to find the right balance

February

Dinosnores at the Natural History Museum (age 7-11)

Join us for a night of exploration and adventure among the Museum’s most incredible creatures. This will be a sleepover you’ll never forget. After setting up camp in one of the amazing galleries you’ll be treated to an evening of awesome activities with plenty to learn and discover along the way. You’ll have the chance to explore the Museum by torchlight, participate in an interactive activity with two Victorian palaeontologists and dig deeper with an educational science show presented by a Museum scientist.

5 night stay at Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort (age 0-5)

13th – 18th April 2026 (booking closes at the end of January)
Prices starting at €1,520 for a family of 3
For families with children aged 0-5

The family-friendly beach resort is set within a protected natural park overlooking the beautiful Martinhal Beach in the western Algarve. They have designed a package exclusively for Dukes Education families which includes a Dukes Education led beach and forest school programme.

Dukes Plus Webinars

What Drama Schools Look for in Applicants – 28^th Jan

Will AI Take My Dream Job? – 3^rd Feb

What to Do if You Didn’t Get an Oxbridge Offer – 4^th Feb

Articles

NEW: Hidden Quarters

Looking for something a bit different? We have been zooming all over town to seek out some lesser-known gems for you to explore. Enjoy discovering these historic and slightly odd new finds with your families.

Winter Sports

Children’s book donations are welcome! Please bring into school from next week onwards. There are collection boxes in the atrium.