St Aldhelm's Academy

Yesterday, we said goodbye to one of our most longstanding and dedicated employees. 🧡
After an incredible 27 years of service, Mrs Brenda Hutchinson, our Pastoral Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead, is retiring and beginning a new chapter.
Over nearly three decades, Brenda has been a source of care, guidance and support for countless students, families and colleagues. Her dedication to our school community has made a lasting impact, and while we will miss her enormously, we are excited for her as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
As she leaves us, Brenda wanted to share this heartfelt message:
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Dear Students, Parents/Carers and Colleagues,
After 27 wonderful years, the time has come for me to retire and begin a new chapter in my life. While I am looking forward to what lies ahead, leaving a community that has been such a significant part of my life is not an easy decision.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of my journey. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside so many dedicated staff, supportive parents and carers, and, most importantly, the incredible young people who have walked through our doors over the years.
To the students, thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives. Whether I have been there to celebrate your successes, support you through challenges, or simply listen when you needed someone to talk to, each of you has left a lasting impression on me. Watching young people grow in confidence, resilience and ambition has been the greatest reward of my time here.
I have many fond memories that I will cherish forever.
To parents and carers, thank you for your trust, support and partnership. Working together to help your young people thrive has always been at the heart of what we do, and I have valued the relationships we have built over the years.
Thank you for trusting me when times were difficult.
To my colleagues, past and present, thank you for your friendship, kindness and unwavering commitment to supporting our students. I have been fortunate to work with some caring and passionate professionals.
Over the past 27 years, I have seen many changes, but what has remained constant is the strength of this school community, working together to support young people reach their potential. I feel incredibly proud to have been a small part of that journey.
As I retire, I leave with a heart full of gratitude, wonderful memories and immense pride in all that we have achieved together. Thank you for making my time here so special.
I wish all our students every success and happiness in the future, and I know that the school will continue to go from strength to strength.
With sincere thanks and very best wishes,
Mrs Brenda Hutchinson
Pastoral Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead
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Thank you, Brenda, for your unwavering commitment, compassion and dedication over the past 27 years. You have made an immeasurable difference to so many lives, and your legacy will remain part of our school community for years to come.
💐 We wish you a long, happy and fulfilling retirement. 💐
🧡

✨ WOW! What an incredible way to end the term and school year! ✨

Our one-night-only production of Annie was a complete sell-out and a huge success. The talent on stage was simply outstanding, and we couldn't be prouder of everyone involved. A massive shout-out to our Performing Arts team, Mr Westgate and Miss Trivett, for delivering what was probably our best production yet! 🎭⭐

Tuesday's Sports Day gave all Houses one final chance to gain those crucial points towards the House Cup. The team spirit, determination and camaraderie on display were fantastic to see. 🏆💪

And then came everyone's favourite – the Colour Run! 🌈 The laughter, smiles, and colourful chaos made for the perfect finale to the year. A huge thank you to the PE team, led by Mrs Quickfall, for organising such a brilliant event and ensuring the day ran with precision from start to finish.

👏 Thank you to our entire SAA community for another fantastic year. Your support, hard work and enthusiasm make our school such a special place.

☀️ We wish everyone a safe, restful and enjoyable summer, whatever your plans may be. We'll see you all in September!

🌟

🎉 Final Week of Term!

Here's what's happening next week:

🌟 Monday – Rewards Day Longleat trip or on-site reward activities 🎢🍦 (Ice cream van available during P5!)

🏃‍♂️ Tuesday – Sports Day & Colour Run Don't forget your water bottle! 💧 ⚠️ Students can only participate in the Colour Run if a signed waiver form has been returned. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Tyss4n6sxa

🎊 Wednesday – Celebration Day
✅ Celebration Assemblies
✅ Tutor Activities
✅ Attendance Prize Draw 🚲

👕 Non-Uniform Day- in exchange for non uniform, a minimum £1 donation is requested in memory of Mrs Jones, supporting Macmillan Caring Locally 💚

⏰ Early Finish- School closes at 12:00pm on Wednesday.

Thank you for your continued support. Wishing all our students a fantastic end to the term! 🌞✨

🌈🎉 COLOUR RUN 2026! 🎉🌈

Get ready to finish Sports Day and the school year in a burst of colour! 🏃‍♂️💨

📅 Tuesday 21st July
⏰ Period 5

Join us for an exciting Colour Run, where students will complete a fun course while being showered with colourful powder along the way! 🌈✨

✅ To take part, ALL students must be registered in advance and have a completed parent/carer waiver form. This has been sent to all parents and carers.

What to bring:

👕 Old clothes you don't mind getting colourful
👟 Suitable footwear
🕶️ Sunglasses (compulsory)
💧 Water bottle
🧺 Spare clothes and/or a towel

🎊 Don't miss this fun-filled end-of-year celebration! We can't wait to see everyone crossing the finish line covered in colour!

🌈🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️✨

🎭 Don't wait for tomorrow... book your tickets today! ☀️

Our Summer Show Annie is happening 15 & 16 July, and there are still tickets available via TicketSource.

Come and see why everyone's got a reason to smile! 😊

🎟️ Get your tickets now!

☀️ Summer Term Updates ☀️

With the warm weather set to continue until the end of term, students may attend school in either full school uniform or PE kit.

👕 If the PE rugby top is too warm, students may wear a plain (or predominantly plain) T-shirt instead.

Please ensure that any alternative clothing remains appropriate for a school environment and suitable for learning.

💧 Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each day. Cold water fountains are available on site to help everyone stay hydrated.

📢 School Closure Reminder – Tuesday 14 July

School will be closed to pupils on Tuesday 14 July for the funeral of Mrs Jones.

📚 Home learning will be available via the school website: https://staldhelms-academy.co.uk/Updates-key-information/

🍎 Students eligible for Free School Meals will receive a voucher by email on Tuesday.

✅ School will reopen as normal on Wednesday 15 July.

Thank you for your continued support.

☀️🧡💧

☀️ Hot Weather Uniform Adjustment ☀️
As the latest weather forecast is now predicting higher temperatures than were expected last week, pupils may wear their PE kit to school for the rest of this week instead of their normal school uniform.
Please remember to send students with a water bottle, and a hat and sun cream for PE.
Thank you for your support. 🌞

⚽ England v Mexico – Attendance Reminder 🏫
We know many families will be excited to follow England’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico at 1:00am on Monday 6 July.
Please remember that normal attendance and punctuality expectations remain in place, with all students expected to attend school on time and ready to learn.
Staying up to watch the match is a family choice and would not be considered a valid reason for absence or lateness.
Thank you for your continued support in promoting excellent attendance. We look forward to welcoming all students to school as normal on Monday morning. 💙
⚽📚

🎨🎉 BASEFEST IS THIS FRIDAY! 🎉🎨
Parents and carers, don't forget you're invited to BaseFest on Friday 3rd July, 3.15pm–4.30pm!
Come and celebrate a year of creativity and achievement by exploring the fantastic work our students have produced in Art and Technology. You'll also have the opportunity to view our students' impressive GCSE final pieces.
✨ See the exhibitions
✨ Try some activities yourself
✨ Celebrate our students' success
🍴 Food will be available from Catering – food tokens can be purchased via ParentPay.
🎟️ The PTA will also be there with:
🍬 Sweets
☕ Refreshments
🎁 Tombola
👕 Pre-loved uniform (these stalls will be cash only)
We look forward to welcoming you for a fun afternoon of creativity, community and celebration!

🎨✨ Art & Photography Trip: Paris 2027 ✨📸
🗓 Friday 12th – Monday 15th February 2027
We’re excited to invite all our Year 8, 9 & 10 students to join us on an unforgettable artistic, cultural and social adventure in the beautiful city of Paris.
🌟 Trip highlights include:
🖼 Le Louvre
🎨 Musée d’Orsay
⛪ Sacré-Cœur
🏰 Notre Dame
🖌 Modern Art Museum
🏛 Arc de Triomphe
🗼 Eiffel Tower
🚤 River Seine Cruise
This is a fantastic opportunity to explore world-famous art, architecture and photography inspiration in one of Europe’s most iconic cities.
📧 A detailed letter has been sent to parents/carers via email.
📍 Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!