Newsletters

We believe that our children should have the aspiration and opportunity to ‘Live life in all its fullness’ and ‘Shine like stars in the sky’.
Spotlights from Learning…
 
In Rocket Class this week, the children have continued their learning about Penguins.  The Reception children have worked hard to write a fact about male penguins and how they protect their chick whilst the female penguin is away hunting for food.
Year One children have been creating their own fact file containing all of their knowledge about penguins.  I wonder if they can explain the word 'adaptation' to you?
 
In Comet Class, we have begun work on our retelling of Un Lion à Paris introducing our main character who longs to leave the grasslands in search of adventure.  He gets quite a shock when he arrives at the Gare de Lyon! 
In Maths, the Y3 children have embarked on exploring the 8 times table – it was great to see them making links with their previous learning about the 2 and the 4 times tables.  Even the Y2 children got involved by spotting some helpful patterns.  I wonder if you can tell your grown up what we found out?
 
This week in Asteroid Class, we have been very excited about our cooking and nutrition unit in DT. We have adapted a biscuit recipe on Wednesday to include an additional ingredient: apple, raisins, chocolate, marshmallows and sprinkles. They smelt lovely so Miss Marlow was hopeful that the tasted just as delicious…did they?
 
POEM OF THE WEEK
Mrs Pawson has sent over another poem of the week for us to take a look at:
‘Written in March’ by William Wordsworth.
https://poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/written-in-march
Our word of the week is 'whooping'. The children are encouraged to find out what the word means and perhaps use it in a sentence or explore its etymology.  Their efforts are then displayed in the hall.  Although aimed more at the KS2 children, everyone is welcome to join in.
 
Remember to look out for more details of our learning for the term ahead on our class pages on the school website.

Reminder…
Richmond Castle Trip for Years One and Two
The Y1 & 2 children are really looking forward to their visit to Richmond Castle on Thursday 19^th March.  Please note this trip is now on Parent Pay.  Thank you for your contributions as without these the trip may not be able to go ahead.

Coming up…
BASKETBALL
We are looking forward to welcoming Mr V and the Sporting Influence team into school on Tuesday to run sessions on basketball.  Please ensure that your child has their PE kit in school that day.

PARENT CONSULTATIONS
You are warmly invited to meet with your child(ren)’s class teacher on the afternoon of Tuesday 17^th March to discuss their progress.  If you haven’t already done so, please book an appointment via the email sent out previously.

RED NOSE DAY – Friday 20^th March
Our School Council has finalised arrangements for next Friday’s Red Nose Day.  They would like to invite everyone to:

• Come ready to perform a joke to their class;
• Wear school uniform but with something red eg a sock, hair bobble, badge or other accessory;
• Join in with busy start art activities (prepared by the School Council).

The School Council has organised a prize for the best joke in each class and invite everyone to bring in a donation for Comic Relief.  If you would rather donate online, you can do so by using our JustGiving page here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnd26-st-nicholas-church-of-england-primary-school-west-tanfield
 
AUTHOR VISIT
We are excited to welcome author Douglas Adamson to school on Wednesday 25th March at 2.30pm. Douglas will be speaking to the whole school and reading from his brand-new book, Rubbish: The Little Dog that Became a Street Cleaner. This is Douglas Adamson’s first children’s book, and we are delighted that our pupils will be among the first to hear it read by the author himself. Douglas has previously published a number of books for adults, and we are thrilled he is now bringing his storytelling to a younger audience.
Copies of Rubbish will be available to purchase for £6.99. Books can be pre-ordered or bought on the day, and all copies will be signed by Douglas Adamson — a lovely keepsake and a wonderful way to encourage reading for pleasure.
If you would like to purchase a book, please see below the 3 payment methods:

• Cash or cheques (made payment to: Watershed Consulting) to Miss Marlow who will pass to Douglas before Wednesday
•  
• BACS: with your child’s name as reference

Watershed Consulting
LLoyds Bank, Harrogate
Sort Code: 77 71 31
A/c no: 23704060
We’re really looking forward to this special event and an inspiring afternoon of stories.

JAM MESSY CHURCH – A message from Jane:
JAM is back on Monday 23^rd March after school for the Easter Special!  The children will be thinking about the Easter story and then making all sorts of Easter-related crafts – some old favourites and some new ideas!  Yes, Easter garden making and biscuit decoration are both on the agenda…along with other games and activities.  More details to follow next week…

EASTER SHARING AND CELEBRATION TEA Thursday 26^th March 2pm
Just a reminder that are warmly invited to join us for a special Easter Sharing and Celebration Tea.
During this joyful gathering, we will celebrate Easter together and children are invited to share a special achievement if they wish to.
Your child may pick one personal achievement/award they are especially proud of. This will be a wonderful opportunity to share this with family and friends.
We look forward to sharing tea and treats, as we celebrate the children’s achievements together.
 
 
News from the wider community
NEWS FROM THE BENEFICE
This Sunday there will be a Communion Service for Mothering Sunday, with flowers for mums, grandmas and ladies.  The following week, there will be a family service on Sunday 22^nd March at 9.15.  Please let Miss Mandelson know if your child would like to help with this. SHINE CRICKET
On Tuesday the children took part in a Chance to Shine Engagement Day – a one-day cricket experience designed to give pupils a fun and memorable introduction to the game.  This was run by Yorkshire Cricket Foundation Performance Pathway Coach, Joe Barr, for each class throughout the day.  Please find below further information about children’s cricket activities led by West Tanfield Cricket Club: A message from the Friends:
Our next fundraising event will be a Chocolate Bingo! This will be held in the school hall on Thursday 26^th March at 15:30, immediately after the Easter Sharing and Celebration Tea. Parents and children are welcome to stay and play a fun game of bingo with lots of chocolately prizes up for grabs! 
 
VILLAGE POP-UP BABY BANK
One of our parents is running a pop-up event to give away baby and children’s clothing, toys and essentials to anyone who may need them in the local area.  Please see below for further details:  
RIPON WALLED GARDEN  NETBALL4ALL
Please contact Vicky for further information.  Email - vicky@netball4all.com  Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Updates
From time to time, our children raise worries with us that have stemmed from their online experiences at home.  As well as covering online safety at school, we always endeavour to contact parents directly when specific worries are shared with us.  For more general advice and support, please see below:
Help & advice | Childnet
Please see also details of apps that can help with this on our website and sent via email yesterday:
St Nicholas Church of England Primary School