Dear Families
Welcome back to the second half of the autumn term. It is hard to believe how quickly the first part of the year has passed, and already we find ourselves on the journey towards Christmas. Whilst the darker mornings and colder weather are certainly making themselves known, this is always one of the most exciting and memorable times of the school year.
As we return from half term, there is a real sense of purpose and enthusiasm around the school. Children have settled straight back into their learning routines and classrooms are buzzing with activity. This term is always a busy one, with lots of opportunities for children to shine, whether through their academic achievements, sporting events, performances, enrichment activities or the many ways they contribute to school life each day.
As the festive season approaches, we also see some of the qualities we value most at Bishop's Hull come to the forefront. Acts of kindness, teamwork, resilience and consideration for others become even more evident as children work together, support one another and take part in events that bring our school community together. These moments remind us that education is about much more than academic success; it is also about helping children grow into thoughtful, confident and caring young people.
The weeks ahead will undoubtedly be full of excitement and anticipation, but they also remain an important time for learning. There is still so much to achieve before the end of term, and I continue to be incredibly proud of the positive attitudes and enthusiasm our pupils bring to school every day.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. The strong partnership between home and school plays such an important role in helping our children thrive. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Blue Beacon, which celebrates just some of the wonderful experiences, achievements and opportunities that our children have enjoyed since our return.
Mrs Kerry Exon
Headteacher
Attendance Matters
At Bishop's Hull, we want every child to make the most of the opportunities available to them. Excellent attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children achieve their full potential, both academically and socially.
Every school day counts. Whilst an occasional unavoidable absence will happen, missing school regularly can quickly add up. A child with 95% attendance misses almost 10 days of learning across a school year, which is the equivalent of around two weeks of lessons. At 90% attendance, this increases to nearly four weeks of lost learning. These are lessons, discussions, experiences and opportunities that can be difficult to fully catch up on.
Being on time is just as important. Arriving late can mean children miss key instructions, morning routines and important learning at the start of the day. It can also leave children feeling unsettled and less prepared for the day ahead. Even a few minutes late each day soon accumulate into hours of missed learning over the year.
We understand that illnesses and exceptional circumstances do occur, but wherever possible, we ask families to support us in ensuring children attend school every day and arrive punctually. Together, we can give every child the best chance to thrive, develop confidence and achieve success.
Thank you for your continued support in making attendance and punctuality a priority. It really does make a difference.
Otter Darcie Callie
Hedgehog George Beau
Puffin Dylan J Theo
Squirrel Mia Tehan
Dragonfly Arthur Delegates Assembly Team
Kingfisher Amayah Ollie
Well done everyone
***
Well done everyone ***
Remembrance Day
On Wednesday 11th November, our Year 6 children led a thoughtful and respectful Remembrance assembly for the whole school. They guided everyone through a period of silence and shared poems, reflections, artwork and information about the significance of Remembrance Day.
The pupils spoke with confidence and maturity, helping everyone to understand the sacrifices made by service personnel past and present. Following the assembly, the children visited the village war memorial to pay their respects and represent our school community.
We were incredibly proud of the way Year 6 conducted themselves throughout the day. It was a meaningful occasion and a fitting tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.
Odd Sock Day
As part of Anti-Bullying Week, we will be taking part in Odd Socks Day on Monday 16th November 2026.
Odd Socks Day is a fun and colourful way to celebrate what makes us all unique. By wearing odd socks, children can help raise awareness of the importance of kindness, respect and inclusion, while supporting the message that everyone is different and that differences should be celebrated.
We invite all children and staff to come to school wearing their odd socks with their normal school uniform. There is no cost involved, just lots of colourful, mismatched socks!
Throughout the week, children will take part in activities and discussions designed to promote positive relationships and help them understand the importance of standing up against bullying.
Congratulations to Miss Thyer on her recent marriage!
We are delighted to share the wonderful news and would like to send our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the new Mrs Archer-Thyer and her husband as they begin this exciting new chapter together. We wish them a lifetime of happiness, love and special memories. 💐💍✨
Congratulations
〰️
Congratulations 〰️
Year 5 DT: Spaghetti Bolognese Challenge!
The smell of delicious cooking filled the classroom as Year 5 became chefs for the day! As part of their Design and Technology project, the children rolled up their sleeves and made their very own spaghetti bolognese from scratch.
They carefully prepared ingredients, practised their chopping and cooking skills, and worked brilliantly together to create a tasty meal. There was lots of excitement as the dish started to come together, and even more when it was time for the all-important taste test!
The children showed great teamwork, resilience and creativity throughout the session, and many agreed that their finished masterpiece was the best part. Well done, Year 5 chefs!
Year 4 and Year 6 Residentials
Both the Kilve residential (Year 4) and the Red Rock residential (Year 6) are now live on Arbor. Please log in to Arbor to:
Sign your child up for the residential visit
Provide the required consent
Make payments towards the trip
Parents who qualify for Pupil Premium or Targeted Free School Meals may be eligible for a small reduction in the cost of the trip. If you believe you may qualify, please contact the School Office, who will be happy to discuss this with you in confidence.
Girl’s Football
Well done to our Year 5/6 girls' football team, who represented the school brilliantly against strong opposition at a recent inter-school football tournament. The girls achieved an impressive 3-0 victory, kept another clean sheet in a goalless draw, and were unlucky to be edged out 1-0 in two closely contested matches. Their determination, teamwork and positive attitude were outstanding throughout the tournament, and they should all be incredibly proud of their performances. As a result of their impressive performance they have qualified for the area finals to be held next week. A special mention goes to Darcy who narrowly missed out on scoring a hat-trick!
Forest School Resources
A massive ‘Thank You!’ to Tom Sellick - Forestry and Tree Care for his very generous donation of tree stumps and log slices for our Forest School area. The children are already making good use of them at their weekly sessions.
School Readiness Workshop
Street Cricket Opportunities
🏏 STREET CRICKET – AGES 8–12! 🏏
Looking for a fun, active and inclusive cricket session for your child?
Street Cricket with Somerset Cricket Foundation is the perfect opportunity for boys and girls aged 8–12 to get involved, make new friends and enjoy playing cricket in a relaxed and welcoming environment! 🙌
🌟 What to expect:
🏏 Fun cricket games and activities
💪 Build confidence and new skills
🤝 Make new friends
⭐ Develop teamwork and leadership skills
😊 Most importantly – HAVE FUN!
No previous cricket experience is needed! Whether your child is new to cricket or already loves the game, everyone is welcome.
📍 Bridgwater @ Bridgwater College Academy, Tuesday’s 4.45pm – 5.45pm
📍Taunton @ Wellspring Leisure Centre, Tuesday’s 5pm – 6pm
📍Yeovil @ Westfield Academy Sports Dome, Thursday’s 5pm – 6pm
Places are limited, so don't miss out!
👉 Register here: https://somersetcricketfoundation.org/community-programmes/street-cricket/
Light up Bishop’s Hull this Christmas!
The PTA is creating a festive trail map of decorated houses for local children to explore. If your Christmas display could bring a smile on a chilly Christmas holiday walk and you’re happy to hide a laminated clue letter for our mystery‑word competition, we’d love you to join in.
If you’d like to take part, please email your name and address to bishopshullpta@hotmail.com by 22nd November and help us spread some Christmas cheer across the village.
Match Funding
As we look to improve and update our playground spaces for the children, we're exploring every opportunity to boost our fundraising efforts.
Many companies offer ‘Match Funding’ schemes, where they will match the money raised by employees who volunteer or support community fundraising events. This can make a huge difference to the projects we can achieve.
If you work for an organisation that offers ‘Match Funding’, or you think your employer may have a scheme in place, please get in touch with the school office or a member of the PTA. We'd love to hear from you and discuss how your support could help us create even better outdoor spaces for our children.
Dates 2026
November
13th Children in Need (non school uniform day).
16th Odd Sock Day - Anti-Bullying Week
17th Reception New Starters 2027 School Tour, 9.30 - 10.30 am (FULL)
18th Evolution Martial Arts Workshops (all day)
26th School Readiness Workshop - 2.45pm
December
1st Reception New Starters 2027 School Tour, 2.00 - 3.00 pm (FULL)
4th PTA Christmas Fair, 3.30 - 5.30 pm.
8th KS2 Christmas Carol Concert, 6.00 pm.
10th EYFS Christmas Nativity, 2.15 pm.
11th EYFS Christmas Nativity, 9.30 am.
15th KS1 Nativity, 2.00 pm.
16th KS1 Nativity, 5.30 pm.
Rock Steady Concert, 10am
17th Christmas Dinner Day
18th School Christmas Service in Church, 9.30 am/2.00 pm.
21st - 31st Dec Christmas Holidays.
Dates 2027
January
1st Bank Holiday.
4th INSET Day.
11th Reception New Starters 2027 School Tour, 10.00 - 11.00 am.
14th PTA Meeting, 7.00 pm.
26th & 28th Parents’ Evenings
February
12th Non uniform day (children to bring in chocolate for Easter Chocolate
Tombola).
15th - 19th Half Term.
March
4th World Book Day (dress up day).
17th - 19th Year 4 Kilve Residential.
19th Red Nose Day (non school uniform day).
24th The Castle School Community Concert, 6.30 pm.
25th Year 5 Easter Service, 2.00 pm.
26th Mar - 9th Apr Easter Holidays.
April
30th Non uniform day (children to bring a bottle for the May Fayre).
May
3rd Bank Holiday.
6th Year 5 Bikeability.
7th Year 5 Bikeability.
10th - 14th Year 6 SATs week.
18th - 21st Year 6 Red Rock Year 6 Residential.
22nd PTA May Fayre.
25th Sports Day -
KS2: 9.30 am (picnic lunch at 12.00 pm).
KS1: 1.30 pm.
27th Reserve Sports Day (as above).
31st Bank Holiday.
June
1st - 4th Half Term.
7th INSET day.
8th Year 4 Multiplication Table Check Week.
10th Year 5 Bikeability.
PTA Meeting, 7.00 pm.
11th Year 5 Bikeability.
14th Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Week.
15th Tempest Class and Year 6 leavers photographs.
28th Year 6 production to parents, 2.00 pm.
July
1st Year 6 Production to parents, 6.00 pm.
2nd INSET Day.
5th Careers Week.
23rd Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly at 2.00 pm.
Last day of term.
September
24th Tempest individual/sibling photographs
Bishop’s Hull Primary School is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all pupils in our school. If you have a concern about the welfare of a child, please contact safeguarding team. The designated safeguarding lead for our school is Mrs Exon.