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 EYFS children enjoyed an afternoon outside with Mrs Court and Mrs Johnson. They worked together to create obstacle courses and played some fun games.
The KS1 children had a lovely day at Richmond Castle. Their behaviour was impeccable and Mrs Clegg and Mrs Cornforth were very proud of them. Did your child tell you about the dressing up fun they had?
 
In Comet Class, we have really enjoyed finding out more about Paris and its landmarks as our main character has continued his way around this great city.  A huge thanks to Mrs Cornforth and her family, who visited Paris last weekend and brought back all sorts of souvenirs and information to share with us.  Did you know that our English word ‘souvenir’ is a cognate?  (We have taken this word from the French language – in French, ‘se souvenir’ means ‘to remember’.)  Why do you think we use this word to represent items we bring back from our travels?
 
This week in Asteroid Class, we have been enjoying the sunshine!  It really feels like winter is behind us and spring is on its way.  In class, we have been looking at the 6 wives of Henry VIII and learning who they were, what their comeuppance was and why.  We have also been designing the packaging for our DT biscuits...after they ended up as a bag full of crumbs!
 
POEM OF THE WEEK
Mrs Pawson has sent over another poem of the week for us to take a look at:
‘Hummingbird’ by DH Lawrence.

https://poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/humming-bird 
Our word of the week is 'whizz'.

In this poem, the word whizz captures the movement of the humming-bird rushing through the air as well as the sound it makes. Try saying whizz in a way that emphasises this speed and sound. Say it faster, say it slower, multiply the zeds, try something else – what works best? This kind of word is an imitative word, it imitates the sound the action makes. Can you think of any other words like this?

Another word to explore, suggested by one of our Y3 children this week, is: 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.
Reminders…
RED NOSE DAY – Friday 20^th March
Today is Red Nose Day and our School Council 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
 
LAST CALL…
,,,for Monday’s after school JAM Messy Church session.  Many thanks to all parents who have replied already to book their child(ren) onto this.  Any other responses need to be received by the close of today so that we can ensure we have the correct numbers for catering and resources please. 

END OF TERM
Just a reminder that we break up for the Easter holidays next Friday 27^th at the earlier time of 2pm.  Thank you.

Coming up…
ONLINE SAFETY
Our PCSOs Heather and Charlotte will be coming into school on Tuesday afternoon to remind the children about how to stay safe online.  As part of this work, they will be reminding children about age restrictions and guidance around use of social media.  Heather and Charlotte have also offered to return in the summer term to support parents in keeping their children safe online.  They will have the latest updates on how to do this in an ever-changing digital world.  More information to follow in due course.
 
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.

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 in the school hall.
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.
Please ensure any awards are in school no later than Monday 23^rd March.
 
FOREST SCHOOL
There will be a Forest School session for Rockets (including Y2) next Friday 27^th.  Please can the children come to school wearing their FS kit ready to add wellies and waterproofs on arrival.  Many thanks.
 
News from the wider community
NEWS FROM THE BENEFICE
Many thanks to all the children who have expressed a wish to help with the service on Sunday 22^nd March at 9.15.  All welcome whether taking on a reading or not.
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
Tomorrow, 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:  
WEST TANFIELD CRICKET CLUB  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 last week:
St Nicholas Church of England Primary School