If there are revisions to the information within the Friday Flyer, we will communicate any changes directly with the parents of the pupils affected, by Parentmail.
Chichester Festival of Music, Dance and Speech
The 2026 Chichester Festival for Music, Dance and Speech has begun, and this week will see Speech & Drama events taking place at Oakwood in the Lyne Hall. We hope all performers enjoy the experience.
Here is a link to the 2026 Programme for the Festival (also available to purchase as a physical booklet for £3 at each event) - CFMDS 2026 Programme
The Speech & Drama Section takes place this weekend, starting on Friday evening at 5pm with Year 5 pupils.
Friday Programme: Due to the rapid turnaround after school we will be offering Year 5 pupils, who are performing, supervision from 4.15pm (and a packed tea) until they are seated in the Lyne Hall with their parent(s) or guardian. Pupils should stay in school uniform, including blazers, as there is no time to change after school.
Saturday and Sunday Programme: Parents of pupils performing throughout the weekend have been sent detailed information and timings for the programme of events.
A reminder that parents are responsible for ensuring that their child registers for each performance and we advise arriving 20 minutes prior to each performance to do this.
Please can all children wear smart performance black. This means dark black/grey/dark blue trousers/ jeans, no ripped jeans or short skirts. If your child has a CFMDS long sleeved T-shirt they may wish to wear this.
Children performing must be accompanied to the Festival events by their parents and will not be supervised by Oakwood teachers during the weekend. Parents are reminded that once their child has performed, they and any family spectators must stay seated until all children have performed within their programme section and the Adjudicator has provided their feedback.
This year the Festival at Oakwood is being supported by a small Cafe, run independently by several of the Oakwood Catering Team, in the Oakwood Dining Conservatory. A range of food and drink items will be available to purchase (cash only). Timings: Saturday 8am-4.30pm and Sunday 8am-1.30pm.

February Half Term Childcare - CLO Deadline

Camp Little Oaks is internally-run by Oakwood Staff, providing holiday care for Oakwood pupils in Nursery and Kindergarten.
February Half Term Booking Form - Deadline to complete is next Friday 6th February

CSS Activities are now taking bookings for ages 4-11+ children (Reception-Year 6+) for February Half Term, Easter, May Half Term and Summer Holidays 2026!
CSS Activities Holiday Camp is an externally-run provider available for all children in the local area.
Chichester Corporate Challenge 2026
The much loved Chichester Corporate Challenge returns this Spring for the 34th time, and Oakwood will be entering Year 5 and Year 6 boys and girls teams, as well as an adult team composed of staff and parents! It is a fabulous event, well organised and has a real community spirit.
Miss Lee has spoken to Year 5 and Year 6 children in school and would love lots of children to sign up to run!
For further information about the Corporate Challenge please refer to the letter sent by Parentmail this week, or visit the Chichester Runners website below.
https://www.chichester-runners.org.uk/corporate-challenge/
If your child (and you!) would like to compete please complete the form below and if you have any questions please contact Yvonne Lee, who is coordinating Oakwood's participation in the event - ylee@oakwoodschool.co.uk
Chichester Corporate Challenge Entry Form
'Here to Help' Upcoming Sessions
Next Wednesday 4th February, 8.45-9.45am
Next week, for the second in a series of six workshops, we are pleased to welcome back Jo Rawlinson, from West Sussex Family Support, who will be running a workshop titled 'Supporting children to understand a change in family dynamics'. The workshop will take place next Wednesday 4th February in the Heritage Room from 8.45am to 9.45am. It is open to parents of any year groups (the first workshop was for EYFS parents) but numbers are limited to 15 in order to encourage open discussion. Please complete the form below if you would like to attend. Please refer to the letter sent via Parentmail with further information about the topics being covered.
Navigating Family Dynamics Workshop - Sign Up
Tuesday 3rd March, 4.15pm - 5.15pm
In March we welcome motivational speaker James Shone, from I Can & I Am. Thank you to those who have already signed up to attend this talk. James will be talking to our senior pupils at Oakwood during the school day, before hosting the parent session.
Mrs Bradbury first heard James speak over 12 years ago and he is an individual who embodies positivity and determination. He firmly believes that mental health is as important as physical health and focuses on helping young people to develop a growth mindset, recognise their strengths and maintain a positive attitude.
As this parent talk takes place outside of the school day, we will be offering complimentary childcare for those who wish to attend.
STAFF INSET DAY Friday 13th February - Pathway Football Camp
A reminder to parents that we have a STAFF INSET day on Friday 13th February.
Pathway football will be once again leading a camp from 8.30am to 1pm for children in Reception to Year 6.
Click here to book: Pathway Football Camp - Friday 13th February
We regret that due to staff training there will be no Camp Little Oaks or CSS Activities Camp available on this day.

Next week's diary
Monday 2nd February
- Library Parent & Child Morning Drop-In Session, 8-8.15am: Please access the Library via the rear door/porch of the main house.
- Little Green Shop Open 8.30-9am: The second hand uniform shop, run by parent volunteers, will be open after drop-off on Monday. More volunteers are very welcome!
Tuesday 3rd February
- Library Parent & Child Morning Drop-In Session, 8-8.15am: Please access the Library via the rear door/porch of the main house.
- 3P Trip to Ford Material Recycling Facility (am only): Next Tuesday, 3P are visiting Ford Recycling Centre during the morning. They will leave promptly at 8.30am and will return to school in time for normal lunch. Pupils should come to school in their tracksuit bottoms and outdoor trainers but their usual top half!
Dresses/skirts/trousers should be brought in, along with normal games kit, so that they can change after lunch. They will take their own water bottles on the trip. - Buildings & Grounds Governor Committee Meeting, 8.30am.
Wednesday 4th February
- Library Parent & Child Morning Drop-In Session, 8-8.15am: Please access the Library via the rear door/porch of the main house.
- Here to Help Workshop with Jo Rawlinson, Heritage Room, 8.45-9.45am: Jo Rawlinson, from West Sussex Family Support, will be running a workshop titled 'Supporting children to understand a change in family dynamics', taking place next Wednesday morning. It is open to parents of any year groups but numbers are limited to 15 in order to encourage open discussion. Please complete the form Navigating Family Dynamics Workshop - Sign Up if you would like to attend. Please refer to the letter sent via Parentmail with further information about the topics being covered.
- "Little City" visit for Nursery and Kindergarten (am only): The ‘Little City’ will be visiting Oakwood next Wednesday for fun sessions of imaginary play in the gym. Nursery and Kindergarten children not normally in on Wednesdays may attend the session - Kindergarten children to arrive at 8.15am and be collected at 11am. Nursery children to arrive at Nursery at 10am and be collected at 11.30am.
- Year 5 & 6 Weekly Sports Fixtures: Please check your child’s SOCS calendar for all fixture details, timings and team selections. Spectators are welcome at all fixtures against other schools, both home and away. Match Teas are served at Oakwood in the Heritage Room during the fixtures.
Netball: U11/U10 v Westbourne House & Ryde (Home): 2.30-4.15pm - please check SOCS for team selections and fixture locations
Netball: U11/U10 Tournament @ Westbourne House (AWAY): 2.00-4.45pm - please check SOCS for team selections and fixture locations
Rugby: U10 Festival @ Boundary Oak (AWAY): 1.30-5.15pm - please note late return time
Rugby: U11 v Ryde (Home): 2-4.15pm - additonal fixture to published calendar, due to last week's cancelled tournament to Ryde
Thursday 5th February
- Ski Trip Meeting for parents and pupils, Herritage Room, 5.30pm: Next Thursday, Miss West is hosting an important ski trip update meeting in the Heritage Room for Year 5 & 6 parents and children who are signed up to attend the ski trip in March.
- Year 3 & 4 Weekly Sports Fixtures: Please check your child’s SOCS calendar for all fixture details, timings and team selections. Spectators are welcome at all fixtures against other schools, both home and away. Match Teas are served at Oakwood in the Heritage Room during the fixtures.
Football: U9 v Westbourne House (Home): 2.30-4.15pm - this for pupils following the Netball/Football Pathway
Rugby: U9 (& U8*) v Churcher's College Junior School (Home): 2.30-4.15pm - *please note, a small number of Y3 children will be selected to play this fixture against Churcher's, as they have some children coming who wish to play non-contact. Please check SOCS for selections.
Friday 6th February
- Little Green Shop Open 8.30-9am: The second hand uniform shop, run by parent volunteers, will be open after drop-off. More volunteers are very welcome!
- Camp Little Oaks - February Half Term Booking Deadline today!
- Year 2 Assembly Presentation, Lyne Hall, from 8.35am: Next week’s assembly will be presented by Year 2. Parents of all Year 2 children, musicians and star badge winners are welcome to attend the assembly in the Lyne Hall at 8.35am. Refreshments for parents will be served in the Heritage Room after assembly.
- Reception Squirrels Outdoor Learning Afternoon: Please can children wear to school a set of warm and comfortable home clothes, suitable for the current weather, as well as their Oakwood green coat and wellies, hats and gloves.
- Chichester Festival (Speech & Drama) at Oakwood for Year 5 pupils, Lyne Hall, 5.00-6.30pm: Please refer to the information at the top of the flyer about the Festival programme starting next Friday. Year 5 pupils, who are performing, will stay at school in supervision from 4.15pm and have a packed tea until they are seated in the Lyne Hall with their parent(s) or guardian. Pupils should stay in school uniform with a blazer.
Saturday 7th February
- Chichester Festival (Speech & Drama) at Oakwood, Lyne Hall, All Day: Please refer to the information at the top of the flyer about the Festival programme starting next Friday. Good luck to all those performing next Saturday.
- Chichester Festival (Strings), The Regis School of Music: Please refer to the information at the top of the flyer about the Festival programme. Good luck to all those performing in the Strings Section of the Festival next Saturday at The Regis School of Music in Bognor Regis.
Sunday 8th February
- Chichester Festival (Speech & Drama) at Oakwood, Lyne Hall, All Day: Please refer to the information at the top of the flyer about the Festival programme. Good luck to all those performing in the Speech and Drama Section of the Festival next Sunday.
Pre-Loved Costume Charity Sale - Thanks
Thank you to everyone who came to the Charity Costume Sale in the Heritage Room last week.
We are delighted to share the totals raised that will be split between our 2025-26 school charities, Keep Me Breathing and The Final Straw Foundation - £268!!
Thank you for everyone's involvement and support.
Sports News & Stars
Prep School Sports Fixtures - Stars of the week!
Well done to the following children for their efforts in their fixtures against other schools this week!
U11 (Y6) Rugby: no fixture this week - cancelled due to waterlogged pitches
U11 (Y6) Netball: Elsie and Tilly
U10 (Y5) Rugby: Atticus and Austin
U10 (Y5) Netball: Skye and Florence D
U9 (Y4) Rugby: no fixture this week.
U9 (Y4) Netball: no fixture this week.
U8 (Y3) Rugby: Elodie W, Ayo, Fraser, Elspeth and Hector P.
U8 (Y3) Netball: Oliva C, Florence and Jackie

Prep School Sports Fixtures on SOCS
Please remember to regulary check your child's SOCS calendar for up-to-date information about forthcoming sports fixtures, the locations, times and team selections
SOCS Parent Login
Oakwood Prep School Sports Instagram Account
If you are not yet following our Instagram account, please check out our Prep School Sports Account - @oakwoodprepsport
Sustainability Snippets and Outdoor Learning
Sustainability
Here at Oakwood, we are proudly taking part in the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch. We have until 23rd February to submit our survey results, recording the bird species we have observed around our school.
This week, Year 5 analysed UK birdwatch data from the past ten years, comparing both the species recorded and the total numbers seen. Through their investigations, they identified a decline in certain bird populations and how frequently these species were spotted over time.
This valuable learning sparked thoughtful discussion about the importance of protecting birds, supporting biodiversity, and safeguarding our vital green spaces. The children shared ideas on how we can all take positive action to help local wildlife thrive.
Some of these suggestions included planting more native plants in our gardens, letting plants go to seed over the winter for food and protecting green spaces and wetlands.
Outdoor Learning
Last week Year 5 and 6 enjoyed soggy Outdoor Learning Sessions!
We used team skills and relied on our senses to complete challenges like 'flip over the tarpaulin' and 'hot chocolate river'. These skills required the learners to focus on their senses as we made it more challenging by removing sight. It helped develop team building skills, collaboration and communication and most importantly it was very fun! We also warmed up by the fire with some delicious sweetened Damper Bread.


Mrs Charlotte Pounds
Acting Head of Outdoor Learning and Year 1 Teaching Assistant
cpounds@oakwoodschool.co.uk
Lunch Menus
Our meals at Oakwood are homemade, using locally sourced food, by our wonderful catering team.
Printable Menu and allergen advice for 2nd-6th February

Weekly Picture Gallery
Watches in school
We view the wearing of watches positively, to develop skills in learning to tell the time and to help with timekeeping throughout the school day. However, our strong preference is that children should have a modest analogue or digital watch, rather than a ‘smartwatch.’
Smartwatches are a great temptation for distraction during lessons, especially as the ever-developing technology allows for increasing numbers of apps, games and features on the watch. They are also expensive, and it can be very upsetting for children and parents if these are lost or damaged in school.
We are aware that a small number of children wear smartwatches with limited functionality, as a reasonable adjustment to their school day, arranged between parents and teachers, but we hope that the majority of our children who like to wear a watch will choose a traditional watch.
If your child wears a smartwatch, all device connectivity must be switched off, and where possible, only basic time functions enabled.
Thank you for your support helping your children to wear suitable watches in school.

Uniform Updates
The Little Green Shop is our pre-loved uniform shop, run by Oakwood Parent Volunteers. Reuse, Recycle and Relove!
Current opening hours: Monday 8.30am-9am and Friday 8.30am-9am
- We are delighted to receive items of uniform for resale.
- Labelled, donated items are sold with 75% returning to the seller and 25% to FOO funds. If any unlabelled items are left at the shop it will be assumed that these are a donation to FOO.
- PDF or hard copies of the T&Cs, uniform labels and master lists are available below or from the school office and in the Parent Section of this website.
Uniform Selling Labels
Terms and Conditions
Master List/Bank Details Form - A reminder that we do have an Astra clothing and shoes recycling bin by the Year 4 classrooms which does generate money for the school's Green Team budget should you have any generic items to recycle.
Prep School Zippies: The traditional Prep School zippies are no longer available to purchase. We are moving over to the Oakwood Bookbags with handy shoulder strap, which are available to purchase from Perry Uniform.
Perry Uniform Oakwood Bookbag link

Tiger Tags Name Labels - Fundraising Opportunity
Tiger Tags is a School Name Tag Supplier, powered by Xmas4Schools who we regularly work with.
We have partnered with Tiger Tags who provide customised name labels in both sticker and iron-on form for all your child's school uniform and equipment. Should you decide to purchase name labels from them (www.tigertags.co.uk), the school will receive a fundraising donation of £1.00 for every order placed.
Please add our unique school ID 2767 on the final page when entering your checkout details
The fundraising potential we have with using Tiger Tags is also a clear bonus and will be a very welcome addition to our other charity fundraising activities.
If you need any further information, please contact the school office (office@oakwoodschool.co.uk) who will be happy to help.

Oakwood Business Directory
Help support local businesses
There are a wide range of wonderful businesses among the parents at Oakwood. Browse the directory below and help support the Oakwood community. Some of the industries our families run businesses within include:
- Business Services
- Design & Marketing
- Home, Garden & Leisure
- Health, Sport & Fitness
Businesses of Oakwood Website and Directory































































