February 2020 Newsletter

Dear Parents/Carers,

Its February already! Thank you for your continued support of the school; as always your positive comments and appreciation go a long way as the staff work incredibly hard for our children. Constructive criticism is very welcome too – we are always striving to improve and your suggestions are invaluable.

Mental Health

Our PHSE sessions over the next 10 weeks will focus on The GREAT DREAM – Giving, Relating, Exercise, Awareness, Trying new things, Direction, Resilience, Emotions, Acceptance and Meaning. We hope our children (and you) at home will use these strategies to improve your personal wellbeing and mental health. See www.actionforhappiness.org

Residential trips for Y5 and Y6

It would be wonderful if all our children could access these experiences. If you are worried about the cost of the trips please see Mrs Wilson as we can be flexible over payment plans.

If you are worried about medical conditions, staff are fully trained to dispense medicines and can be trained specifically for needs of children. All staff at the centre are first aid trained as well as a school first aider for each trip. Again, please see Mrs Wilson and we can discuss your child’s needs.

World Book Day – 6th March 2020

We love to celebrate reading! The date has changed to the Friday 6th Marchdue to children being out on trips on the 5th March – suggestions for costumes below.

Nursery – Traditional tales – 3 Little Pigs, Elves and Shoemaker, Little Red Riding Hood etc.

Reception/Y1- traditional tales or any Julia Donaldson characters

Y1- Julia Donaldson characters or any favourite book

Y2 – Jack and the Beanstalk or any traditional tales or a favourite book.

Y3/4- The Tempest – Wizard, mythical fairy/sprite, magical monster or any Shakespearean characters.

Y5 – any characters linked to space – astronauts, planets, stars or any favourite book.

Y6 – Macbeth characters – witches, kings, princes, queens or any of Shakespeare’s characters.

World book day linked trips and experiences.

Monday 2nd March Y1 Mrs Flounders Summerhill for trip based on The Smartest Giant in Town

Tuesday 3rdMarch Nursery - Summerhill -Morning children only based on A Squash and A Squeeze

Wednesday 4thMarch Y2 to Beamish for trip based on Historical Toys

Thursday 5thMarch Year 5 Elizabeth Baker session am on Northern Saints in School

Thursday 5thMarch -Year 6 and Year 4 watching RSC Macbeth in School Hall 9am

Thursday 5th -Reception/Y1 Summerhill trip am based on The Smartest Giant in Town

Thursday 5th - Nursery - Summerhill afternoon trip only based on A Squash and A Squeeze

Thursday 5th March - Y3 and Y3/4 Art project for WBD

Friday 6thMarch WORLD BOOK DAY AT ST CUTHBERT’S (dressing up as characters)

Tuesday 10thMarch Y5 Miss Grylls trip to Durham Cathedral (whole day) for work on Northern Saints/St Cuthbert’s

Shakespeare for parents

If your child is in Y3 or Y4 please join us for a small assembly about our work on his plays.

Mrs Colley Class – 9.15am School Hall – Thursday 27thFebruary – The Tempest

Mr Tennant Class – 10am School Hall – Thursday 27thFebruary - Macbeth

Miss Mc Donald’s Class – 9.15am Friday 28thFebruary School Hall – The Tempest

Other Dates for Diaries

Tuesday 11th February – safer internet day– we hope you are enjoying the monthly safety newsletter. Internet safety lessons will happen throughout school all day.

14th Feb – Half term break (one week)

24th Feb – back to school

Friday 6th March– World Book Day– dress as a book character in a homemade outfit.

11th March - Parents Evening 3 – 6pm

12th March - Parents Evening 3-6pm

Parent Support Adviser

We have appointed Miss M Bartlett as our new PSA. She will begin with us on Monday 24th February. She is looking forward to meeting everyone and I know you will make her very welcome to our school family. Thank you.

Retreat fund raiser at Stranton Club – 7pm on 7th March

Mrs Smith and the retreat steering group have organised a fundraiser for our annual spiritual retreat to the youth village in October. This is an adult only event and will include refreshments and a raffle plus entertainment and fun!

Year 2 current plans

Finally, a note to let you know that Mrs Maw has had to take extended maternity leave therefore Mrs Daly will be with the children until half term from which point a permanent teacher will be with the children until the end of the year. These were unforeseen circumstances and we aim to ensure the children have consistency and stability ASAP.

Kind regards,

Mrs J Wilson