DRAFT Year 4 Weekly Blog Friday 27th March "Through His blood, we gain our freedom - the forgiveness of our sins.

The highlight of our week was the children making their First Reconciliation in church. They were a little nervous but my goodness, they did so well. The next day at school children said they felt amazing to be sin free and I can see how much this sacrament has meant to them. It is fitting that children led a worship for the class this week all about Jesus agony in the garden of Gethsemane. This was beautiful - well done Vincent, Luca and Barnaby. Children really understand the depth of feeling of this traumatic event for Jesus and His disciples and you will see this portrayed in our class assembly. They also this week learned about DR. Ruth Pfau who lived out Corporal Works of Mercy by helping eradicate leprosy in Pakistan. Our RE lessons now are centred on Holy week and the charged emotions it brings.

We have loved history this week - all about the discovery of an empty grave at Sutton Hoo in East Anglia. Children had to use the evidence to figure out who must have been buried there. There is a great film about this, called ‘The Dig.’ We have also written lots of good story openings combining setting and character and have become solid on all divisibility rules in maths.

Conversation starters

RE

Why was Jesus in agony in the garden?

History

What is the mystery of the Empty Grave?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a determined and reflective learner This goes to Logan. You have been striving to improve your work in class and your focus has improved greatly. You have put in so much effort to learn your part as Jesus and you portray it beautifully. Thank you.

Our virtues this half term are being intentional and prophetic. Intentional in their behavour for learning and their behaviour towards others. This week, Barnaby receives our star for being such an intentional learner recently. You are listening so well in class and giving things 100% You contribute so meaningfully in class discussions.

Notices

Tuesday 31st March Our class assembly at 9:10am. Children have worked really hard to create something special.

Next week our Easter Egg raffle will take place on Thursday. Raffle tickets are £1 per strip. Be in it to win it! Any more egg donations are most welcome!

We break up on Thursday at 2:00pm

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carragher

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly Blog Friday 20th March "Compassion for suffering is the beginning of holiness." ((St. Maximilian Kolbe)

It has been a busy week in Year 4 and finally the sun has come out! The children have enjoyed playing on the field at long last and making daisy chains. In RE this week, children have learned about the 7 corporal works of mercy and how we can apply them in our everyday life. They have decided they want to do a charitable event for ‘Street life,’ our local homeless charity. We will be gathering ideas for this in the next few weeks. We had a beautiful worship led by Xander, Eliza and Logan on Tuesday. They helped us reflect upon the Last Supper where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. They understood Jesus was showing that to love is to serve.

We have been writing lots of story openings in our English lessons, combining character and setting. There has been some amazing writing! Children are becoming such good spellers! On Thursday, we performed on the Grand theatre stage for our Speaking Shakespeare event. WOW! the children were incredible and so confident! They have worked so hard and have loved every minute! Here is a video taken from off stage:

Conversation starters

RE

How were the disciples feeling after the Last Supper with Jesus? What happened next?

History

How did the Anglo-Saxons come to settle in this country? What were the push and pull factors?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a determined and learner This goes to Vincent.. You have been very brave, appearing on the Grand theatre stage as our king at prayer. You work so hard in lessons and do your very best at all times. Well done!

Our virtues this half term are being intentional and prophetic. Intentional in their behavour for learning and their behaviour towards others. This week, Isla receives our star for living each day of her life intentionally and making such considered choices all of the time. You are prophetic because you choose to love God and your light shines.

Gone Green this week:

Bonnie, Eliza, Blythe, Logan, Bella

PE stars this week

Notices

Monday 23rd March EASTER EGG COLLECTION. Please come to school with an Easter egg donation and you can wear your own clothes.

Tuesday 24th March. Reconciliation in church. This is such a special time in the children’s journey towards Holy Communion.

Children need to arrive at 5:45pm and be in full school uniform. They will sit at the front of the church. The service takes about one hour.

Wednesday 25th March - school photographs. Children need to be in school uniform - not PE kits

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carragher

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4weekely Blog Friday 13th March "Prayer is certainly the most wonderful medicine in the world." (St Hyacinth)

What a lovely week we have had! The highlight of our week was witnessing the baptism of Blythe and her sister patience on Wednesday. It was lovely to welcome you into the Christian family formally and celebrate afterwards too! This week in RE children learned about the parable of the sheep and the goats - or the judgement of Nations. They reflected on Jesus’s words that when helping ‘The least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” By helping others, Jesus feels this love too. Jesus wants us to see the need in others and reach out to them. Very aptly, the gospel we shared was about Jesus helping a blind man who was saved by his faith in Jesus. I can see the growth in your children’s faith each day - and it is a joy to behold!

In other news this week, children performed their mastering number session to lots of teachers from other schools on Thursday. They were briliant and it was our final calculation. We are GOLD! We just need those last few childen to keep going at their TT rockstars at home - they are so close! Lovely biscuits made on Thursday too. We also launched our new history topic about the Anglo-Saxons. Ask your child all about it!

Conversation starters

RE

When we do good for others, who feels it too?

History

How did the Anglo-Saxons live?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is an enthusiastic and brave learner This goes to Luca.. You have been having great ideas in class and you are becoming brave enough to write them all down so we can see your excellent thinking. You are always so enthusiastic.

Our virtues this half term are being intentional and prophetic. Intentional in their behavour for learning and their behaviour towards others. This week, Blythe receives our star for being so intentional in her love of God. This week you have been baptised and I have seen Jesus’s love in action watching you help others. Thank you

French star: Logan

PE stars this week were Vincent and Heidi for trying so hard.

Notices

Holy Communion.

Session 3 just for children is this Tuesday at 3:30-4:20. Please encourage your child to complete their ‘Making things right’ pages 16-28 and bring in on Tuesday.

Reconciliation is at church on Tuesday 24th March. Children need to arrive at 5:45pm and be in full school uniform. The service takes about one hour.

Speaking Shakespeare

On Thursday the 19th March Children will be ‘Speaking Shakespeare’ at the Grand theatre. We have been given a speech from Hamlet, which we will learn and perform together as a class. (Given for homework) Children will need a packed lunch on this day.

Parents - you can come and watch at the Grand at 2:00 pm - 2:45pm.

Please fill in the form below to state whether you are able to watch and pick up your child (outside Nandos at 2:45pm) - or arrange for another parent to do so.

Please fill in the photo consent form below:

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons and Mrs Carragher

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 6th March "God's love is a spring of living water which flows constantly into the hearts of those who pray." (St. Luis De Montfort)

It has been a week of such depth and reflection in Year 4. We have learned all about the story of the Prodigal son in our RE lessons and the important message that God will forgive us and is waiting with open arms to bring us close to Him. This linked so beautifully to our Reconciliation session on Tuesday night which was about sin separating us from God and how He has given us free will to choose - good choices that spread love or bad choices that hurt others - sins. We then moved on to learn about God’s love and mercy in other ways - such as sending His only son to save us and creating the lovely world for us to cherish. Children spent time being thankful that they are a child of God who is always there to love them. Michael, Ruth and Blythe led a really special liturgy on Wednesday telling the story about the woman who was almost stoned - but Jesus said only those who had not sinned could throw - and nobody could. The children pointed out that we are all sinners and should focus on getting ourselves right before accusing others. In our HRSE session children learned to be grateful for their experiences, themselves and others.

Thank you so much for your efforts with the creative world book day costumes. We had a super day spent the talking about our own reading identities and which type of text we feel really passionate about. The children met with their partner class and read them their story.

This week, we say goodbye to Miss Cardwell. We are so proud of how she has grown as a teacher and wish her so much luck in her final placement at another school. We will really miss you.

Conversation starters

RE

How does God show love and mercy to us?

HRSE

How are you grateful for yourself, others and your experiences this week?

Here are some beautiful pictures of our World Book Day in school:

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is an enthusiastic and focused learner This goes to Jude Cu.. You participate so well in lessons. You are trying hard to use our oracy language and I am happy to see you pushing yourself to produce more work.

Our virtues this half term are being intentional and prophetic. Intentional in their behavour for learning and their behaviour towards others. This week, Heidi receives our star for being so intentional in her behaviour and learning. She gives 100% at all times and makes links between what she believes and how she behaves.

We are now having a ‘100% focused learner of the day’ in Year 4. This week we have chosen: Luca and Jacob

Music stars this week were Logan and Marla for trying so hard to master the chord changes.

Notices

Holy Communion.

Session 2 just for children is this Tuesday at 3:30-4:20. Please encourage your child to complete their ‘Making things right’ pages 1-15 and bring in on Tuesday.

Ties - These are red ties with Holy Communion symbols on them that many boys choose to wear for their Holy Communion. They are on parent pay if you wish to purchase one.

Thursday 12th March D&T Biscuits: Children have a recipe to make biscuits. Please bring in the ingredients on Thursday.

Speaking Shakespeare

On Thursday the 19th March Children will be ‘Speaking Shakespeare’ at the Grand theatre. We have been given a speech from Hamlet, which we will learn and perform together as a class. (Given for homework) Children will need a packed lunch.

Parents - you can come and watch at the Grand at 2:00 pm - 2:45pm.

Please fill in the form below to state whether you are able to watch and pick up your child (outside Nandos at 2:45pm) - or arrange for another parent to do so.

Please fill in the photo consent form below:

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons, Mrs Carragher and Miss Cardwell

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 27th February "The invitation at the transfiguration is to listen to Jesus and to follow Him." (Pope Francis)

The Lenten season has begun in Year 4. The children began their Lenten journey by making Lenten promises - one for fasting, one for almsgiving and one to become a better person. They also swapped their Lenten boxes with their Year 2 partner. They are willing to do chores at home - and you can give them a little money for their box. All proceeds are going to CAFOD. We have spent some time in our RE lessons reflecting on how we can love like Jesus did. This is the perfect opportunity to care for others and show solidarity with all our brothers and sisters - just like Jesus did. We had a beautiful worship led by Jack, Heidi and Edward this week. It was beautiful - all about the Prodigal Son and how family is more important than money. Children inspired the class to make bidding prayers about forgiveness and true wealth. In HRSE this week, we talked about having an ‘Attitude of Gratitude,’and refelcted on how we could do a daily gratitude practice at home.

We have started our new class novel - The Last Bear, by Hannah Gold. It is a beautiful book and the depth of conversation around it so far has been amazing!

Conversation starters

RE

How can you find time to pray at home together? What would be a nice prayer to say?

HRSE

What could you do as a family to share what you are grateful for each day?

Here is a little snapshot of our week:

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is an enthusiastic and focused learner This goes to Ruth. You give your all in lessons and your work is stunning - you always answer fully and try your very hardest. It is lovely that you listen to every word in class and are so attentive.

Our virtues this half term are being intentional and prophetic. Intentional in their behavour for learning and their behaviour towards others. This week, Halle receives our star for being so keen to do the right thing, being ready to learn, making mature decisions and being a role model to others.

We are now having a ‘100% focused learner of the day’ in Year 4. This week we have chosen: Halle, Henry O, Marla

Music stars this week were Bonnie and Edward for super playing

Notices

Holy Communion.

This Sunday at 9:30pm it is the welcome mass for all Holy Communicants. Please attend with your children.

Sessions for parents and children start this Tuesday at 3:30-4:20. Please encourage your child to complete their ‘Making things right’ pages each week in their new book which they will get on Tuesday.

Ties - These are red ties with Holy Communion symbols on them that many boys choose to wear for their Holy Communion. They are on parent pay if you wish to purchase one.

WORLD BOOK DAY This Thursday 5th March. Please come dressed as your favourite book character and please bring in ONE book or magazine that you absolutely love to share with your friends.

D&T Biscuits: Children have a recipe to make biscuits. This will be happening on Thursday 12th March and they will need to bring their ingredients in.

Speaking Shakespeare

On Wednesday the 19th March Children will be ‘Speaking Shakespeare’ at the Grand theatre. We have been given a speech from Hamlet, which we will learn and perform together as a class.

Parents - you can come and watch at 1:45pm.

Please fill in the photo consent form below:

PLEASE IGNORE THIS BELOW - (same night as RECONCILIATION in church! I am trying to book for a different night instead)

OPPORTUNITY - PRE SHOW HAMLET PERFORMANCE Tuesday 24th March - 6pm

There is opportunity for a small group of children to perform a little Shakespeare in the foyer, as a Pre-show performance at the Grand to entertain the theatre goers as they come to watch. This will be before the RSC production of Hamlet in the evening.

Parents would need to bring their children for 6:00pm and either collect them at 7:15pm and take them home OR book to go and watch the RSC performance of Hamlet and take them to the show.

(However, it has been given a recommended age of 12+ - so this would be completely at your own discretion.)

I will be going to watch the show with my own son after this pre-show performance!

Please fill in the ‘Expression of interest’ form below if you wish your child to be considered.

Here is a link to book to watch the show if you wish to.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons, Mrs Carragher and Miss Cardwell

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 13th February "The true teacher is within. Christ is the inner teacher of every soul." (St Augustine)

We have had a really enjoyable week in Year 4. This week in RE children have been learning about St Damien Molokai who showed love like Jesus by reaching out to the margins of society and helping the lepers. We had such refection on how Jesus showed us we need to give extra love to those who need us more. IN HRSE we then learned about how to love others. This echoed the RE lesson and children watched videos on two charities - CAFOD and Emmaus - a charity for the homeless. We got into a great conversation about SOLIDARITY our key value we are focusing on in Year 4. We discussed a number of charities the class thought were important - but the resounding vote is that we would like to reach out to the homeless this year and raise money for a homeless charity.

Children also learned about the Sacrament of the Sick and why people might receive it. We had a lovely worship this week from Dexter, Freddie and Henry S about Peter’s profession of faith.

In other news, children had a lovely time on Wednesday - the full story of Hamlet in the morning and finishing our class novel - The Butterfly Lion. Then in the afternoon we visited St Bedes and watched Oliver- which was exceptional. Enrichment took place on Thursday where children learned sign language with Mrs Hartley.

Conversation starters

HRSE/RE

Who are the marginalised? How should we treat them?

English

Who was your favourite character from Hamlet and why?

Notices

Holy Communion resources - these are now payable on parent pay.

Holy Communion. Below are the lists of children making their Holy Communion on these dates. Please email me if there are any issues.

Speaking Shakespeare

On Wednesday the 19th March Children will be ‘Speaking Shakespeare’ at the Grand theatre. We will be given a speech from Hamlet, which we will learn and perform. There will be an opportunity for parents to watch in the afternoon (I think at around 2:00)

This will be payable on parentpay today.

Please fill in the photo consent form below:

Parents Day:

It was lovely to talk to you all at this mid point of the year and share your child’s progress. It is a privilege to teach each one of them.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons, Mrs Carragher and Miss Cardwell

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 6th February "How good God is! In His goodness, He seeks only our happiness."

It has been a very reflective week in Year 4. At the beginning of the week, we learned about how Jesus reached out to the margins of society and showed people that we should love everyone - celebrating differences rather than being afraid of them. Our HRSE lesson backed this up - as we learned about laws in our society - especially the Equality act which celebrates diversity. We looked at British values and how these compare to our Catholic Social Teaching values. Then Bella, Sasha and Bonnie did a beautiful worship about The Presentation of Jesus in the temple, where Simeon recognised Jesus as the ‘Light of the World.’ Our word of the week has been light, and in the gospel this week, Jesus asked us to let the light of the Holy Spirit shine within us. Children made promises to let the goodness of Jesus shine through them. Today, they started learning about the sacrament of Reconciliation and what to do if they forget to follow the light of Christ.

In other news, children have been doing many Shakespeare scenes together about the love between Hamlet and Ophelia. Very complex but children performed with such understanding and their reading comprehension is coming on in leaps and bounds! They have learned about digestion in Science and different environmental regions in Geography. Maths is all about Perimeter. Here are some pictures of last week in forest school and our lovely week this week.

Conversation starters

HRSE/RE

Why do we have rules and laws? Why is it important for everyone to have rights? How did Jesus treat everyone?

Geography

Can you remember the environmental regions? Which one do we live in?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Reflective and Focused learner. This goes to Patrick. You listen to every word I say and you are so focused in class. Your RE work this last few weeks has been so thoughtful and reflective. You try so hard.

Our virtues this half term are being eloquent and truthful. Eloquent by expressing their thoughts, feelings and beliefs clearly and truthful by reflecting on oneself and speaking with integrity. This week, Elsie receives our star for being so keen to do the right thing and for using her eloquence to give great answers in class. You are always kind to others and always try hard.

We are now having a ‘100% focused learner of the day’ in Year 4. This week we have chosen: Xander, Sasha, Isla, Henry S and Heidi

PE champs this week were Dexter and Jude Cu and Heidi and Eliza for making great sequences.

Music stars this week were Marla and Henry S. for super effort

Notices

St Bedes Pantomime trip - this is Wednesday 11th February and is now payable on parent pay.

Holy Communion resources - these are now payable on parent pay.

Holy Communion. Below are the lists of children making their Holy Communion on these dates. Please email me if there are any issues.

Shakespeare and Oracy

On Tuesday 18th March, children will be going to the Grand Theatre for an Oracy morning. They will have the opportunity to take part in debates, find out avout accents and improve their speaking and listening skills.

On Wednesday the 19th March Children will be ‘Speaking Shakespeare’ at the Grand theatre. We will be given a speech from Hamlet, which we will learn and perform. There will be an opportunity for parents to watch in the afternoon (I think at around 2:00)

This will be payable on parentpay today.

Please fill in the photo consent form below:

Parents Day:

On Friday 13th February it is Parents Day - please email your preferred time at a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk.

Please refer to the parents day blog for your time and book if you have not done so already. Thank you. I will send a link for the appointment next week if it is virtual.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons, Mrs Carragher and Miss Cardwell

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 30th January "Whoever possesses God is Happy." (St Augustine)

What a lovely week we have had. In RE this week, children have learned more about the Messiah and the signs He gave to John the Baptist. They have reflected on why Jesus did miracles and what may have happened if He didn’t. They then reflected on their own faith when looking at the story of Peter following Jesus to walk on water. Children wrote comments like, “When I feel like I may sink in my life, Jesus is there to save me.” Isla, Patrick and Eliza did a beautiful worship on this story on Tuesday. In my Happy mind, they have thought about how to grow their strengths that may not be as strong as others.

Also this week, children learned about the love between Hamlet and Ophelia. They described the ghost of the dead king using similes and in Science, they have found out all about different animals’ teeth.Add to that their lovely experience in forest school today, which reinforced our learning about the water cycle and it has been a very exciting week!

Conversation starters

My Happy Mind

Which character strength do you need to develop?

Science

Why do different animals have different types of teeth?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Reflective and enthusiastic learner. This goes to Sasha. You listen to every word I say and you are so reflective when I give you feedback about your work. You are so keen and do everything with a big smile!

Our virtues this half term are being eloquent and truthful. Eloquent by expressing their thoughts, feelings and beliefs clearly and truthful by reflecting on oneself and speaking with integrity. This week, Scarlet. receives our star for being so eager to show her eloquence and offer up her thoughts in all lessons.

We are now having a ‘100% focused learner of the day’ in Year 4. This week we chose: Vincent, Wren, Sasha and

PE champs this week were Luca and Michael for excellent matching shapes made.

Music stars this week were Eliza and Michael for super effort.

Notices

St Bedes Pantomime trip - this is Wednesday 11th February and is now payable on parent pay.

Holy Communion resources - these are now payable on parent pay.

Holy Communion. Below are the lists of children making their Holy Communion on these dates. Please email me if there are any issues.

Parents Day:

On Friday 13th February it is Parents Day - please email your preferred time at a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk.

This will be done on a first come first served basis. As always any questions please email - thank you.

Below shows the timetable with times already booked.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons, Mrs Carragher and Miss Cardwell

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Parents day Friday 13th February updated

Dear Year 4 parents, please drop me an email to give me your preferred parent’s day times and I will add them to the timetable above.

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 23rd January "Whatever gifts and talents we are given by God ,are to be shared with the entire community." (St Baldwin of Canterbury)

It has been a very reflective week in year 4. In our Happy Mind sessions this week, we have thought about our character strengths and how we can use them for the benefit of others. In worship this week, they listened to the story of Jesus calling His first disciples and how we can become disciples of Christ. Also, on Tuesday, Marla, Elsie and Jacob led a lovely worship all about Jesus healing Peter’s Mother in law. They are deepening their understanding of their own beliefs in RE as they reflect upon the catholic statement of belief - the Nicene Creed. This is perfect as they will soon be on a sacramental journey towards Reconciliation and then Holy Communion. I have put dates below - please email me if there are any issues.

Also this week, we have delved further into Shakepseare whilst also developing our oracy skills. Children have learned the skill of probing when listening in a conversation. They have been reading much of Shakespeare’s writing independently and actinigi t out too - complete with ghost! Children have learned about digestion in the mouth - in Science and the Water Cycle in Geography.

Conversation starters

My Happy Mind

What is your biggest character strength and how can you use it to help others?

Geography

Can you explain these 4 main parts of the water cycle: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, percolation.

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Reflective learner. This goes to Halle You are becoming more focused and we can see your listening through your excellent writing and shape knowledge this week. Well done.

Our virtues this half term are being eloquent and truthful. Eloquent by expressing their thoughts, feelings and beliefs clearly and truthful by reflecting on oneself and speaking with integrity. This week, Jacob. receives our star for being so reflective on his own behaviour and so reverent in the eorship he helped lead this week. you sensible behaviour helped others focus.

We are now having a ‘100% focused learner of the day’ in Year 4. This week we chose Jude Cu. Jude Cl, Ruth, Jack, Xander and Elsie.

Notices

DT - Can all children making a HAND HELD torch please bring in a 250ml plastic bottle?

Friday 30th January - this Friday. Forest School day. Could ALL children bring joggers, old trainers, a top and warm coat, hat etc so they can spend time in forest school.

Holy Communion. Below are the lists of children making their Holy Communion on these dates. Please email me if there are any issues.

Parents Day:

On Friday 13th February it is Parents Day once again, you can book face to face or online through teams. Please fill in the form below with your preferred option and select a time from the timetable below - then email this to me a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk.

This will be done on a first come first served basis. As always any questions please email thank you.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons, Mrs Carragher and Miss Cardwell

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 16th January "Example makes a much greater impression on the mind and heart, than just words." (St John the Baptist De La Salle)

What a great week we have had in Year 4. This week, we were led in worship by Jude C, Halle and Wren. They helped the class reflect upon the Epiphany and reminded us that Jesus will always be the King of our Hearts. In RE lessons we have learned that Jesus is the awaited Messiah. However, He is not the Messiah that the Jewish people were expecting really - instead he showed us he was a Loving Leader, a healer, a Forgiving Saviour, a protector and a comforter. Children highlighted this in their work, which was thoughtful and referred to scripture.

Also this week, we have launched our Shakespeare play - Hamlet. Children are enjoying learning ‘on their feet,’ and using the words of the Bard to inspire them. It is a story of intrigue, deception and murder! We have a very dramatic lot! Children have acted out the first scene where the guards are on the castle battlements and are scared because they hear a ghost. They have done amazing setting descriptions in their books.

Miss Cardwell our student, taught a lovely lesson all about teeth in Science this week and children can identify the 4 main types and their special jobs. They have been learning to calculate thousands numbers easily by being able to count up and down in 200’s, 250’s 500’s and 100’s. Ask them what 2750 +500 is. Can they do it mentally?

Conversation starters

RE

What type of Messiah is Jesus Christ?

Science

What types of teeth do you have in your mouth?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Tommy Turtle ‘Have a Go’ learner. This goes to Jack You are becoming more switched on to learning and you are contributing more because you believe in yourself. You use your brain to figure things out.

Our virtues this half term are being eloquent and truthful. Eloquent by expressing their thoughts, feelings and beliefs clearly and truthful by reflecting on oneself and speaking with integrity. This week, Henry S. receives our star for being so reflective on his own learning and truthful of how he needs to improve. I also want to thank him for always seeing what needs to be done and automatically helping.

We are now having a ‘100% focused learner of the day’ in Year 4. This week and last week our learners were, Logan, Blythe, Isla, Henry S, Blythe

Notices

I have sent home a letter all about Holy Communion this year. It is important to fully commit to the programme - all details about sessions are on the letter. Please could you take a minute to fill in thre form below, stating if your child is making their Holy Communion and which date you would prefer. I will do my best to achieve preferred dates - but I do need to evenly split them as much as possible!

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons, Mrs Carragher and Miss Cardwell

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 9th January 2026 "Yesterday has gone. Tomorrow is yet to come. We have only today - Let us begin. (St Teresa of Calcutta)

I hope you have all had a very happy Christmas and New Year. Children have come back raring to go! This week, in worship they have thought about making a fresh start. They have made new year resolutions of how they can become the best versions of themselves and follow Christ’s light. This week in our RE lessons, we have been focusing on Peter recognising Jesus as the Christ - the chosen one everyone had been waiting for. We have also recognised Jesus as ‘incarnate’ meaning God made man and thought about His qualities which prove He is fully human and fully God at the same time. We ended up in a very deep conversation about Jesus always being there as God and the start of all creation! Children have also worked hard planning their group worships for this term.

This week children have been putting all their English skills to good use - writing the story of ‘The Little Match Girl,’ a sad fairy tale set on New Year’s Eve. Next week we are starting Hamlet - Shakespeare. They have learned all about condensation in Science and to finish last half term’s history topic, they have been learning about other Ancient civilisations, like the Shang Dynasty and the Indus Valley civilisation.

Conversation starters

RE

Why is Jesus fully human? Why is Jesus fully God? What does ‘begotten not made,’ mean in the Creed prayer of belief?

Science

Can you explain these processes: Melting, solidifying, evaporation and condensation?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Sadie Spider determined learner. This goes to Barnaby You are becoming so dedicated to learning well. You have been so alert and attentive this week and the work you have produced is so good! Keep up this effort.

Our virtues this half term are being eloquent and truthful. Eloquent by expressing their thoughts, feelings and beliefs clearly and truthful by reflecting on oneself and speaking with integrity. This week, Danny receives our star for being so reflective on his own learning and being self-driven to be the best he can be.

Notices

Please could we ensure that on Thursdays children bring their completed homework consistently and also ensure they are doing TTrockstars. These tasks will always reinforce the week’s learning and help children consolidate, helping them to feel confident and secure with skills.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons, Mrs Carragher and Miss Cardwell

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 19th December Merry Christmas everyone!

What a beautiful week we have had in Year 4 and as a whole school! It has been a week of Christmas fun and also really deep reflection about the birth of Jesus and what this means for the world. In RE this week, children have thought about the type of King Christ is and how unlike a typical earthly king He is. Children recognised him as our ‘Servant King,’ who was full of humility and compassion for others. He taught us to lead is to serve. The conversations we have in class often leave me in awe of their deep understanding of their faith. They truly use Jesus as their role model.

Speaking of awe again, children sang like angels on the altar in their carol concert on Tuesday. What a team effort - they have been so calm and focused on giving this gift to you.

We have been on our pilgrimage with Year 2 around our nativity stations - and again children were so reverent.

The rest of the week has been so JOYOUS! The Christmas party rocked! The Christmas cards made are beautiful! Christmas spirit was in abundance at the raffle and in class with our Christmas film and crafts.

It is a privilege to serve your children and their growth in one term has been astounding. I cannot wait to see what is next!

Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to our dear Miss Slater, who I know is so popular with the children because of her calm, kind manner. She will be very missed. We welcome back Mrs Carragher, who the children had in Year 1. She has spent the week with us this week, re-acquainting herself and cannot believe how independent your children are now!

We will also be welcoming a student teacher after Christmas - Miss Cardwell. Lots of new faces in the New Year.

Here is a video of our Christmas fun!

Conversation starters

RE

What kind of King is Jesus? What would His kingdom on Earth be like?

Let’s Celebrate

This week, the certificate winners were chosen by the children in class. They voted for Jude Cl who they said has improved so much in his work - especially with his writing and he is such a responsible, kind person. They also voted for Isla who they said is a role model. She is always instantly ready to learn and gives 100% focus to everything. She is kind, funny and tries her best all the time.

Have a lovely Christmas with those beautiful children of yours. Thank you for all your support over this term.

Mrs Lyons, Miss Slater and Miss Carragher

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 12th December "Gaze upon Christ, consider Him, contemplate Him and desire to imitate Him. (St Clare of Assisi)

What a reflective week it has been in Year 4. This week in RE, children have been learning about the ancestry of Christ and the Jesse tree - Jesus’s family tree that traces Him all the way back to Abraham. During Advent, we reflect on all events of the bible leading up to Jesus Christ our Saviour. In the gospel liturgies this week, we learn that Jesus came to draw everyone into His love and thhis Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, which translates to Joy. We celebrate the privilege of loving Jesus and strive to imitate Him.

This week, children have had two practices in church for our Christmas Carol Service - they are doing so well and are singing with such reverence. The trickiest one is our French Silent night - be sure to practise this further sat home!

In other news: children have planned their story based on the Pied Piper - and they are writing a paragraph a day. Their description skills and crafting of sentences is really coming along. There is some super work going on. We are grappling with the possessive apostrophe in spelling - we just need to make sure we only use it for possession and not every time a word ends in s! In maths, we have looked at 3x7=21 and 6x7=42 in our mastering number. In our lessons, we have been trying hard to understand rounding 4 digit numbers ot the nearest 10, 100 and 1,000. This requires a really good understanding of number. In Science this week, we have learned about the process of evaporation - when matter changes state from liquid into gas.

Here are some pictures of our travelling nativity:

Here are some examples of our wonderful stories so far…

Well done to our amazing bakers today - what a triumph! they were beautiful. Thank you to Mrs Tierney also for our lovely forest school experience today, where we gathered round the fire and listened to a story about the Winter Solstice. We made our new year hopes and aspirations and put them on the fire to symbolise a new beginning.

Conversation starters

RE

What is the Jesse tree? Have a look at some images online.

Science

Why does washing dry better on a warm, windy day outside? How do your clothes get dry on the radiator? What is happening to the liquid water?

Let’s Celebrate

This week, our certificate winner was Eliza. You have received a Bobby Bee certificate for being a child who loves learning and fully participates in all lessons. You try so hard and want to achieve highly - and you are!

This half-term our virtues are Fairth-Filled and hopeful. Logan has recieved our virtue star because you are so helpful within class. you try hatd to make sensible decisions. You are always such a positive and hopeful chap! Well done and thank-you!

Notices

.Tuesday 16th December Key Stage 2 Carol Service in church 2pm and 6pm. Please wear school uniform on Tuesday - not PE uniform.Children will need to be there in the evening at 5:45pm in full school uniform too.

Christmas Raffle- This will be taking place on Wednesday 17th December. Tickets are to be bought at the office.

Wednesday 17th December - Christmas party day. Children can wear their party clothes - sensible shoes though! They can bring a (non-fizzy) drink and one treat for a snack like a small chocolate bar or a normal packet of crisps. We will be watching a film of their choice in the afternoon. If a P.G I will send a text to let you know which one.

No ukulele next week.

We break up on Friday at 2:00pm

Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 5th December "Prepare a path for God so that He can enter your heart."(St John Baptist De La Salle)

This week in both our RE and liturgy, the focus has been on reflecting upon the messages of John the Baptist and how these relate to Advent. Children in Re reflected on how we are called by John to ‘Repent,’ in Advent and ‘Make your paths straight,’ so that we can allow God that is goodness to enter in. Children have thought about what Advent means to them and how they too can grow to be a better person towards Jesus. Our children led a beautiful worship all about the story of Jesus meeting the sisters Martha and Mary. Martha is angry because her sister is listening to Jesus whilst she does all the work. However, Jesus reminds her that Mary is doing the most important thing - listening to the Lord. It reminded us that at this busy time of year, we need to spend quiet time with God and focus on what is truly important.

In HRSE this week, children learned how to behave if there was an emergency - things like dialling 999, quick reactions, remaining calm and reassuring any injured people came up. Th

In other news: We have had a very busy week, analysing fairy tales in English and learning how to write description and dialogue. We made ice-cream in Science - by lowering the melting point of the ice - by adding salt. There were mixed results - some children ended up with milkshake and some with Mr. Whippy - but all agreed it was tasty!

Here are some pictures of our travelling nativity:

Here are some highlights from our last two weeks:

Conversation starters

RE

What does repent mean? What can you do to grow closer to Jesus this Advent?

HRSE

What is an emergency? When would you call 999? When wouldn’t you call 999?

Let’s Celebrate

This week, there was no assembly and therefore no certificates given. However, in class the following children received music star for their resilient attitudes: Jude Clayton and Marla Duxbury

Notices

Please try to remember ukuleles on Thursday. Some children have forgotten theirs for a few weeks now.

Friday 12th December The Great our lady Christmas bake off. We are all excited to see and taste them!

Christmas Raffle- This will be taking place on Wednesday 17th December. Tickets are to be bought at the office.

Tuesday 16th December Key Stage 2 Carol Service in church 2pm and 6pm. Children will need to be there in the evening at 5:45pm in full school uniform.

. Song lyrics and recordings of our songs are on the homework blog for you to practice.

Have a lovely weekend together.

Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 28th November "Advent is like a Springtime, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy." (St Teresa of Calcutta)

This week we had our whole class assembly all about Catholic Social Teaching principles and the realisation that everyone is our neighbour. We were all so proud of how the children spoke with confidence and sung so beautifully. In our RE lessons, we have looked at the prophecy of Isaiah about the coming of Jesus and the voice in the wilderness who will prepare for Him - John the Baptist. This led us onto thinking about Advent as a time for us to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Children have made Advent promises that will help them to grow in goodness, ‘make their paths straight,’ and therefore grow closer to God. Our gospel worship has focused on preparing the way for our Lord.

We had a lovely worship from the children below all about how Jesus is our shepherd who guides us and we follow. One child drew the parallel that Jesus also becomes our sacrificial lamb.

In other news: We have been on our wonderful Egyptian trip today- and also we mummified a class member today! What a super day - packed with history. Pictures to follow later tonight. We have been learning how to understand, compare and order 4 digit numbers in maths and in English have focused on our Fairy Tale - ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin,’ practising our oracy skills of discussion, sentences with fronted adverbials and extended noun phrase sentences.In Science we have looked at different melting points of solids. In HRSE we have learned about drugs, alcohol and tobacco and how they can be harmful to our body.

Here are some lovely nativity pictures this week. You are spreading the Christmas joy!

Conversation starters

History

How did the Egyptians mummify a body? What did they do with the brain, the heart and other internal organs? Why didn’t the bodies go rotten?

Science

What is the opposite process of melting?

HRSE

Are all drugs medicines? Are all drugs harmful?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Tommy Turtle brave learner. This goes to Freddie. You are really having a go and realising you can be independent if you listen and believe you can do it. You are an intelligent young man who can do brilliant work!

Our virtues this half term are being faith-filled and hopeful. This week, Luca receives our star for growing in faith and putting it into action by striving to make good choice for the common good of all.

Notices

Ancient Egyptians Trip

Thursday 4th December - children can wear own clothes again and bring a bottle.

Friday 5th December. Parish panto. If you would like to come with us, please drop me an email.

Tuesday 16th December Key Stage 2 Carol Service in church.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

KS2 Carol Concert

Every year, our wonderful KS2 children prepare a carol service in church for the community. The service is full of prayer, scripture and song - it really is a special afternoon and evening. The night time is especially spectacular in the darkness of the church.

The carol service will be held on Tuesday 16th December at 2pm and 6pm in church. For the afternoon performance, the whole school will be walking down with us, children will then be collected from school afterwards. For the evening performance, KS2 children will need to be back at church for 5.45pm, ready to start at 6pm. The carol service will be finished by 7pm.

It really is the most special way to end our school Christmas celebrations and we know all of our KS2 children will be there.

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 21st November "Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love and the future to His providence." St Augustine

This week in our RE lessons, we have delved further into our understanding of prophets. First children learned about Elijah’s journey and the difficulties and delights he faced. Then they compared Mark and Matthew’s accounts of John the Baptist to find out that he was a preacher, a prophet and a witness to Jesus Christ.

We had a lovely worship from Henry S, Henry O and Scarlet all about Jesus’s question, “Who do you say I am.” Many thought He was a prophet like Elijah. However, as John the Baptist said, he is Isaiah’s prophesied Saviour - and Peter recognised this. This Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King and in class we have learned in the Gospel about Jesus’ final moments - when again He was recognised by the criminal next to Him as God’s Son.

This week, 3 children went to the Grand Theatre as they are our Shakespeare Ambassadors. They had a great time on stage - having a sneak preview of Hamlet and discussing exciting ideas going forward.

We have started our new English topic on Fairy Tales after finishing our AMAZING explanations about how different seeds disperse. Have a look at examples of their work below. Children learned about the discovery of Tutenkhamun’s tomb in History this week and wrote newspaper reports all about it!

We have also started practising for our Key Stage 2 Christmas carol service in church.

Here are some lovely nativity pictures this week. Thank you for embracing this lovely reflective experience.

Conversation starters

History

How did Howard Carter discover the tomb of Tutankhamun?

RE

Who was John the Baptist?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Cooper Crab focused learner. This goes to Elsie. You are becoming so dedicated to learning well Elsie. You are alert and attentive and you are trying hard to give 100% focus to your work. Well done!

Our virtues this half term are being faith-filled and hopeful. This week, Xander receives our star for being so hopeful when faced with challenging situations. You are so full of faith in RE and it shines through in your work.

Notices

Ancient Egyptians Trip

We are going to Bolton Museum for a workshop about Ancient Egyptians on Friday 28th November in the afternoon. Full school uniform please and a packed lunch (unless Jackie is making it)

Our class assembly is on Tuesday 25th November at 9:10 and 9:35 am. Please encourage children to practice and to learn the song

Friday 5th December. We are going to watch the parish pantomime in the parish centre with Year 3. This is now payable on parentpay

Tuesday 16th December Key Stage 2 Carol Service in church.

Have a lovely weekend. Brrr it is cold!

Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater

a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 14th November "God is faithful and if we serve Him faithfully, He will provide for our needs."

This week in our RE lessons, we have been learning all about Elijah the prophet and his unshakeable faith in God. Children have really reflected on what a prophet actually is and how God works through them. They have taken inspiration from these two great men because when things were really challenging for them, they knew that God’s way is the right choice. In our gospel worship in class this week, we learned that Jesus encourages us to be faithful to Him and He offers to be our faithful friend.

Our school trip on Tuesday was just wonderful. Children were impeccably behaved and they took each opportunity with relish! They loved watching the dramatic science experiments and learned all about acids, alkalis and neutral on the PH scale. Then they made their bath bombs and lip balms - helping each other with such joy!

This week, we have analysed explanation texts and we are now writing our first one about different types of seed dispersal. This will be the first one of the year - children write many more - on mummification and the water cycle too. In history, children had to solve a mystery - interpreting evidence found and giving it back to the right tomb owner after it had been stolen!

Travelling nativity is doing the rounds already! Each day, one child will get this to take home. They can spend time reflecting and enjoy the story in the pack. They can draw or write a prayer in the book.

Conversation starters

Science

How were your bath bombs and lip balms made?

My Happy Mind

What is the amygdala?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Lizzie Ladybird Reflective learner. This goes to Edward. You produce quality work Edward that shows careful thought. You have improved so much in your focus and attention. Your RE work especially is very deep and shows your deepening faith.

Our virtues this half term are being faith-filled and hopeful. This week, Jude Cuffe receives our star for being a caring and supportive person who really lives out his faith. Well done JUde.

Notices

Pyjama day on Monday - children can wear pyjamas and bring a small teddy. Please bring £1 donation to support Children in need.

Ancient Egyptians Trip

We are going to Bolton Museum for a workshop about Ancient Egyptians on Friday 28th November in the afternoon.

Our class assembly is on Tuesday 25th November at 9:10 and 9:35 am. Please encourage children to practice and to learn the song

Friday 5th December. We are going to watch the parish pantomime in the parish centre with Year 3. This is now payable on parentpay

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy those bath bombs!

Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater

Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 7th November "Remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look forward to the future with confidence." (Pope Saint John Paul)

The children prepared a lovely worship all about how Jesus views children. They read the story where Jesus rebukes the disciples for dismissing children - actually children are humble and have a trusting faith. The children felt comforted by this gospel - that Jesus is there for them and on their side.

In our Wednesday word, we learned about Jesus’ enthusiastic protest at the temple. He knew something needed to change. We can renew our relationship with God and have fresh enthusiasm for our faith.

On Thursday, we had a worship of Remembrance. Children showed such respect and reverence as we remembered all saints and souls who have died because of their faith and service to others.

In other news, we have been examining seeds to see how they disperse, as we will be writing our explanatory texts in the next two weeks. We are going to send it to the ‘king’ of explanation - Sir David Attenborough for his birthday! We have launched into our new Science topic ‘States of Matter’ - learning about matter, mass, volume and state.

Conversation starters

Science

Why are there different states of matter - solids, liquids, gases?

My Happy Mind

How can neuroplasticity help you to overcome something difficult?

Let’s Celebrate

Our certificate this week is a Sadie Spider determined learner. This goes to Bella. You are showing such a great attitude to tackling your learning and you are really participating in all lessons with enthusiasm.

Our virtues this half term are being faith-filled and hopeful. This week, Jude Cl receives our star for being so helpful to me and to the lunch team with cleaning and organising. THank you JUde.

Notices

Ancient Egyptians Trip

We are going to Bolton Museum for a workshop about Ancient Egyptians on Friday 28th November in the afternoon. Children will need a packed lunch or you could order one from Jackie. Please include this on the form below for both trips.

Our class assembly is on Tuesday 25th November at 9:10 and 9:35 am. Children have parts to learn for this for homework.

Have a lovely November weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater