What a packed week of learning! We begin with our RE. This week we explored in detail the Parable of The Lost Sheep. The children now know that a parable is a story told by Jesus to explain what God is like. We discovered that it is a story about God (the farmer) looking after all his sheep (us). We thought long and hard about who the Lost Sheep could be and we decided, correctly, that this is a sheep that has turned away from God, a sinner. God is not angry- he just goes out to find the sheep and carry them home. Once home he celebrates with his friends and neighbours. Jesus explains in the scripture : I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. We thought hard about what it feels like to be lost and sin and then how it feels when we are found and surrounded with love and forgiveness. At the very end of the lesson we listened to the hymn “Amazing Grace” - the children loved its calmness “calling to God”.
Thank you this week to Kian, Sophia and Rose - who led us in a beautiful worship all about “LIGHT”. They very cleverly lit serveral candles and handed out stars which said “shine like Jesus”
SPECIAL MESSAGE AND REQUEST
"A Special Heart"
You may be aware that we have a little girl who is part of our school family that has a very special heart. This heart is so big and full of so much love that she gives out and receives from us all - we love her dearly. But, in order for this special heart to continue to flourish, Annie (Cora's sister from our Reception class) will be going into hospital next week in Alder Hey to have an operation to make her heart even more special than it was before. To help her heart to become a little bit stronger. This is a really big operation for such a little girl to have and as a result of this, Cora will be absent from school for a little bit over the next few weeks, as she spends time close to her sister and family, and Annie for much longer as she recovers in hospital and then continues at home; building up her strength to join us in school again when she is able. The wonderful thing about our school is that no matter where any of us are, we are all connected and we will always look after each other and do everything that we can to help.
I thought that whilst the girls are away from school we could send them care packages each week, from our school family, to let them know that we miss them and we are thinking about them each and every day - something to make them smile. We don't want Annie to feel forgotten or that she is missing out. She has some wonderful friendships in her class and these are very important to Annie's recovery - they are central to it. The staff and families in both Reception and Year 2 are welcomed to contribute to this. From Monday, there will be a big box outside Mrs Gregan's office with Annie's name on, where we can collect things that the girls might like to do or have; sticker books, colouring books, pens and pencils etc, that we can then make up lots of care packages to send to the family, and to our beautiful girls. If you would like to donate an item, then send it into school with your child or drop it off at the office and we will box things up. You all know Cora and Annie really well and what they like - I am sure you will have better ideas than me. We will be sending letters and cards from the children too, and as Annie starts feeling a little bit better, maybe the odd video message here and there.
The final thing to do is to keep Annie and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Prayers are incredibly powerful, especially when we all pray for the same thing. I know you all will and I also know you will support the family as best as you can; as you always do. We have seen as a school community before just what a force of power our families are when we supported Dominic a couple of years ago as he battled his way through treatment for his brain tumour - he is now thriving.
We can't wait for Annie and her special heart to come back to us in school; but for now, let's do what we can to bring her that little bit extra joy whilst she is being looked after.
With huge thanks and gratitude
Mrs Gregan
GOING DEEPER IN CONVERSATION
In the Gospel this week Jesus refers to us as “the salt of the earth”. I chatted to the children about salt being used to clean and cleanse. We linked this to washing away our sins. I then promised to place this image on the blog. I explained that you can use a lemon and salt to clean wood (for example- a chopping board). I know they would really like to have a go. I hope you don’t mind buying a lemon this weekend!
MAGICAL MOMENTS OF LEARNING
Writing, writing and more writing! We have been authors of factual text this week. Firstly, we wrote all about Owls. Mrs Hotchkiss modelled and used some special grammar skills and the children practised on their own. Then on Wednesday, with Mrs Mather, they worked incredibly hard researching penguins- we know so much about them now! The following day we wrote a factual text using a main title and subtitles all about Penguins, independently without help (no modelling from the teacher). We can’t wait for you to see our work when you come for a book look! In history, we explore real historical artefacts- looking for the best evidence and in maths we thought hard about real word problems and how to represent them as equations. Finally, on Friday we explored the forest school with the lovely Mrs Tierney. The whole morning was bird themed - we are now ready for our trip to Martin Mere on Monday!
LET’S CELEBRATE
This week our learner of the week is George. I have to give a shout out to everyone for their beautiful writing and a special award for George who was so resilient and focused!
Our Virtue Star this week, for being eloquent and truthful is Mary. Mary is a calm and thoughful member of our class. She is clearly inspired by scripture and has this week used words she has learnt in practise
Here are three reading target groups - one is the 300% club then the 200% club and the 100% club. One more weeks to go to get that reading target!
Sydney and Marcel are in the 300% club!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
If you have time why not follow our Forest School on instagram
Martin Mere Trip Monday 9th February. Please come to school early on Monday the 9th - 8:30AM. we will be setting off at 8:40am. The children need to wear their tracksuit with wellies or trainers and a spare pair of shoes in their rucksack with their pack lunch (if you have selected this option on the form below). It may be very cold so coats hats scarves and gloves are required. If your child has a small pair of binoculars and they would like to bring them for birdwatching that would be great - please note that they have to carry these so no adult ones that are heavy Thank you
Thursday Morning - Enrichment morning this time we will be taught by Mrs Harrison - we will need PE kits as she’ll be teaching dance.
Break up - Thursday 12th February. Normal time 3:25pm
Parents day Friday 13th. I have have sent a reminder email to the parents who haven’t yet been in touch. Please look out for this. I will post everyones times on this blog next week and send team links for the virtual meetings
Dates after Half term:
Thursday 26th February - 9:00am book look
Thursday March 5th - WORLD BOOK DAY
Friday 6th March - World day of prayer
Shout out for Miss Forster. Every week I write this blog form the botth of us. We are a tight team and Miss Forster is the gluie that keeps us all together - Thank you Miss!
Have a lovely weekend!