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 all come back full of exciting Easter adventures!  We have loved hearing all of their news.
The EYFS children have been learning 'Hey Diddle Diddle' in their Phonics sessions as well as copying some line patterns to develop their fine motor control.  Did you know activities such as playdough, pegging out washing and screwing nuts and bolts are fantastic activities to develop your child's finger and arm strength and are important early steps in the writing process?
The Y1 children have been working hard in Phonics to consolidate all of the alternative graphemes that they have learnt.  Can they explain to you what 'best bets' are and how they help us to make an informed choice when we are trying to spell a new word?

In Comet Class, we have enjoyed catching up after the Easter break and sharing all our news.  We have been excited to learn that a new classmate, Milo, will be joining us in Year Two next week.  We’ve all settled back into our learning well, continuing our retelling of Lion’s adventures in Paris as he has strolled along the banks of the River Seine and visited both the Pompidou Centre and the Louvre. I wonder which Parisian landmark you would most like to visit? In Maths, the Y3 children have been introduced to column subtraction whilst the Y2 children have been recapping strategies for adding two-digit numbers.
 
This week in Asteroid Class, we have successfully completed our History topic on the Tudors, where we explored how religion changed during this important period and learned about the significance of the Spanish Armada during Tudor rule. We encourage the children to share their learning at home—can they tell you which two faiths people followed at that time? We also enjoyed an exciting Virtual Reality workshop, which took us on an incredible journey into space as we revisited our science learning from last year. The children had a fantastic time while deepening their understanding of the solar system and planets. To top off a busy week, the class looked immaculate for their school photographs on Thursday and Miss Marlow was extremely proud of how smart and well-presented everyone was.  A warm welcome to Florence and Tyler who are joining Asteroid Class this term.
 
Reminders…
FOREST SCHOOL
It will be the turn of Asteroid Class to participate in Forest School today.  Please can the children remember to come dressed in their FS kit and bring their PE kit ready to change into in the afternoon.

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS
Please can all those attending clubs on Mondays and Tuesdays remember that they will need their PE kits in school on these days.  It is advised that children keep their PE kit in school throughout the week so that they have it to hand whenever needed.

Coming up…
SPORTS CREW
Sporting Influence will be doing some training for the Sports Crew on Monday 20^th and 27^th April in Years 5 and 6.  They will need their PE kit.  The session will run from 1 to 2.30pm.  There is a 3^rd session to still be arranged.

KS1 SCIENCE WORKSHOP
On Monday 20th April, Emma from Love Science will be visiting to run an exciting workshop with our KS1 pupils, building on their learning from last year about materials. During the session, children will explore a range of fascinating activities, including experimenting with smart materials by using two different types of special paint that change their properties in response to temperature—creations they will even be able to take home. They will also investigate how water behaves when it is modified in the “Floating Water” activity, and discover how materials can change at a molecular level by making slime using PVA. It promises to be an engaging and hands-on opportunity for pupils to deepen their understanding of materials in a fun and memorable way.
 
Y5/6 STRIKING GAMES
On Wednesday 22^nd April, we are delighted that 10 children from Years 5 and 6 have been selected to represent our school at a Striking Games competition taking place at Outwood Academy. The team will be leaving school at 9:00am and returning by 12:00 noon. We are very proud of their achievement and wish them the very best of luck as they compete and showcase their skills. Please ensure that children come prepared with a coat, a drink, and a healthy snack for the morning.
 
JAM MESSY CHURCH
Just a heads up that this term our JAM Messy Church sessions will take place on Monday 18^th May and Tuesday 23^rd June from 3.30-5pm.  More details to follow nearer the time.
 
News from the wider community
NEWS FROM THE BENEFICE
Our next Family Service will be on Sunday 26^th April at 9.15am.  Please let Miss Mandelson know if your child(ren) would like to take part. Please note: There is an error on the Pew News regarding the service in West Tanfield service on the 26^th.  The information above is correct.
 
NETBALL FOR ALL
Vicky Palmer (Head Coach) says “We would love to increase the opportunity for younger girls to get involved and therefore offering free sessions for the remainder of April.” Instagram - Netball4alluk
Facebook - Netball 4 All Uk
Threads - netball4alluk
X - @netball4alluk
Email - vicky@netball4all.com
https://www.netball4all.com
 
Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Updates

SLAPPED CHEEK
Just to let you know that there have been confirmed cases of the ‘slapped cheek’ virus in the school community over Easter.  Please see the following link for guidance on this:
Slapped cheek syndrome - NHS

CHOKING HAZARD
The round shape of whole grapes, sausages, and cherry tomatoes matches a child's airway perfectly; cutting them lengthwise breaks that seal, reducing the risk of a total blockage.  For this reason, we ask that such food items in packed lunches be sliced lengthways to reduce the risk of choking.  Many thanks for your support in helping to keep the children safe.