“Encourage one another and build each other up. Thessalonians 5:11

As autumn turns to winter, there has been a strong sense of reflection and community at Bloxham CE Primary. Our value for this half term is Caring a theme that feels especially relevant as we move from Remembrance towards Christmas. Caring is about listening with the heart, showing kindness, and recognising that compassion builds stronger communities.

The Remembrance Trail, displayed across the village noticeboards in November, was a moving example of this spirit in action. Each class wrote poems including reflections about what freedom enables them to do, as well as remembering those who gave their lives for us and for our futures. The children also decorated remembrance stones and crafted beautiful poppies from recycled bottles, combining creativity with respect and environmental care.

We are immensely grateful to the Parish Council for their support in hosting the displays, and to our community partners Bloxham Grove, the village museum, the churches, the Bowls Club, and the Ex-Servicemen’s Club. Their collaboration enabled our children’s work to be shared more widely than ever before, helping us to continue strengthening the links between school and village life. If you were able to take part, please scan the QR code and let us know how much you enjoyed the trail.

Our chosen value of Caring has also linked with our Harvest Festival and with national events such as Children in Need and Anti-Bullying Week, encouraging pupils to reflect on how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference to others. The children have also been thinking about what it means to care for the planet and to live sustainably learning how small, thoughtful choices, from reusing materials to reducing waste, can help protect the environment and build a fairer, greener future for everyone.

At the start of November, we opened our doors for two Open Day events, welcoming families to explore our highly successful Early Years setting as they consider school places for their children. If you were unable to attend and would like to book a tour for a pupil starting in September 2026, please contact the school office at office.3064@bloxham-pri.oxon.sch.uk.

Finally, as Christmas approaches, the message of Caring continues to shape our daily life. Guided by our vision, “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), we hope that our focus on caring will ripple far beyond the classroom inspiring kindness, gratitude, sustainability, and understanding