Every Day Matters - attendance is everything, and for children to achieve exceptional outcomes they need to attend school every day. Hyrstmount Junior School were all celebrating when they won the attendance trophies for Half Term 1 across the entire Trust family of schools. Well done to all staff, parents/carers and learners.    You can see from the face of Headteacher, the brilliant Mr Leach just how pleased the school were to win the trophies, which are now in proud display in the main reception.   Our target for everyone in our learning community is 98%. This is because we know illness happens and at times you may be too unwell to attend school. 98% is equal to 4 lost learning days and 28 lessons missed. That is a lot of lost learning time, so although 98% sounds high, in terms of attendance it isn't really as every day matters, so we all need to aim for 100%.   It is also crucial families do not book leave during term time. We know flights are cheaper during term time sadly, but there are 13 weeks a year when you can go overseas during school holiday periods. When children are of school age, a great education should come before saving money on cheaper flights. It is only for the first 16 years of a child's life-then there is much more flexibility. A great education is priceless! So let's all aim for that 98% minimum. Every Day Matters. 

Our Trust choir was magnificent on Friday evening. Despite the wet and windy weather they performed Christmas songs to the backdrop of the stunning Batley Town Hall. It was wonderful to see governors, school staff, parents/carers and our learners all go along to support the choir, and sing along to the well known Christmas hits. Our learners have been practising hard as they were invited back by popular demand to perform at the start of the Batley Christmas lights switch on celebration events. The Healey team looked spectacular in the Christmas themed outfits and they really brightened up the stage!   We even got to meet Santa Claus and make our wish for 2026 and beyond! Thank you Santa for taking time at this incredibly busy point of the year to visit Batley. If you look close enough you may even recognise Santa's Elf! A very special and hardworking Batley lady. It really is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Batley. When done Team Batley for bringing a little bit of festive cheer to our community.    Community Makes Us.