On Friday 23^rd November, Class 4 experienced their first Thrills and Skills workshop of the year. These workshops, delivered by the Thrills and Skills for Life team, aim to develop the team building skills and confidence of our children through a range of fun, safe and exciting experiences within the school grounds. For their first adventure, Class 4 were adorned in camo-cream and military uniform (much to their amusement) and challenged to complete a rescue operation drill with precision and effective communication. Upon the instructions of ‘the Boss’, children surveyed their surroundings for threats, supported a ‘casualty’ on a stretcher, transported the ‘casualty’ across short distances and responded to incoming threats by dispersing from risk zones (a personal favourite) and regrouping when safe with haste. The children were so spectacular that they demonstrated their rescue mission to Mrs Cunliffe at the end of the afternoon, who couldn’t believe what they had managed to achieve. We look forward to our next Thrills and Skills mission which is just a few short weeks away!

On 15th November we enjoyed a special assembly, Jayamini de Silva joined us to explain how she and her family celebrate Diwali. During the assembly we looked at traditional Diwali items. A member of staff was also dressed in a sari – the children were fascinated by the way in which this was assembled. At the end of the assembly, several pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions which they did politely and with great interest. The assembly was followed by a range of workshops across different year groups, whereby the children were able to make traditional Diwali items.

 

On Friday 9th November, we made our annual visit to the war memorial to pay our respects to the young men from the village who had lost their lives in war. The service was opened with a reading from Captain Lynne. The Reverend Paul Tyler then continued with prayers of remembrance. A two minutes silence then took place which we all honoured. Members of the Royal British Legion read out the names of the young men as all of the children placed crosses on the war memorial. After a final prayer we returned to school.

 

The children were excited to show their artwork to family members at our first West Cornforth Primary School Art Exhibition, which took place on Wednesday 7^th of November.

Huge thanks to the team of Year 6 children, who escorted visitors around the displays and for the fantastic comments they collected in our visitors book.

We are so proud of how the children have contributed to their art lessons this term. Keep up the enthusiasm!

Classes 5 and 6 are studying The London Eye Mystery. The main character, Ted, is very interested in the weather – particularly storms. We decided to take the opportunity to investigate a storm first hand. As Storm Callum hit the North East, Classes 5 and 6 went outside to collect evidence of the storm. We created word mats to describe our experiences in the storm. These are going to help us to produce a ‘Storm Newspaper’ which will be available in the library.

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Our eCadet team has been busy teaching each class about how to stay safe online, especially with the holidays approaching. They have gathered ideas from Year 1 to Year 6 and then pieced together a poem for children and parents. It will be on our newsletter this week.

A Poem to Stay Safe

 

Click safe every day,

Remember to do everything the right way.

Keep your devices password protected,

Always keep them securely connected.

Being smart on the phone is the right choice,

Don’t give trolls a reason to use their voice.

Keep in touch by using your phone,

Forget the unknown, tell your parents if you’re alone.

Always stay safe while playing online games,

Keep it secret (everyone’s names).

Keep your details private,

This needs to be deliberate.

Never say your password,

Or people could find you in the real world.

If you speak to someone you don’t know,

Leave and go to phone your home.

Try to be safe in every way,

Even when you are on holiday.

Don’t reveal the dates you are away,

You could be robbed, you’d have to pay.

Let these examples guide you,

Not just in school, but in everything you do.

 

By Ellie, Katy, Joe, Keaton, Madison, Caitlin, Harvey, Sienna and Ava-May (the eCadets)

 

 

Mrs Hodgson took the first group of adventurers to Hardwick Park this afternoon.  The children had a great time and thankfully the rain stayed away! The mini bus visits are a reward for improved attendance, positive attitude and good behaviour.

On Tuesday 6th February, we are taking part in Safer Internet Day in school. All classes will be taught by the eCadets, with the theme of creating an internet superhero! Children will come to school dressed as a superhero of their own choice.

Mrs Smith and Mr Hay have achieved the first part of the Rainbow Flag Skilled Teacher Award. School meets the criteria for recognising and consistently challenging HBT language and behaviours. Staff challenge all aspects of homophobic bullying.

Next steps: Organise the LGBT Ambassador Project Package.