“Go and make disciples of all nations…”
Matthew 28:19
This week in RE, we have been learning about the very first Christians and how they shared the Good News of Jesus. We listened to a story from the Bible about the early Christian community and talked about what it might have been like to be part of that group. The children shared some thoughtful ideas, suggesting it would feel like being part of a big, loving family where everyone helped and cared for one another.
We discussed how the first Christians shared what they had with others and thought about how that might feel. The children made lovely links to their own experiences, comparing it to when friends share toys and everyone plays happily together. We also talked about why the apostles wanted to share the Good News of Jesus, with many children suggesting that they were so full of joy that they wanted everyone else to feel the same happiness too.
We explored how the early Christians might have prayed together, with ideas including sitting quietly, singing songs, and thanking God - just as we do in class.
On Tuesday, our prayer leaders guided us in a beautiful child-led liturgy focused on Mary, as May is the month dedicated to her. The children shared why Mary is special and took time to reflect on how we have helped others when they needed it, just as Mary showed love and care to those around her.
Conversation starter:
Each week we will give you a question that we would like you to think about and discuss together at home. This could be over dinner time as a family, at bedtime, on a walk or even in the car. However you choose to discuss this question is up to you, but the idea is that it will help to give an insight in to what we talk about in school, help children to understand more about themselves or others.
Can you talk about what “my body, my rules” means and who you can talk to if something makes you feel unsafe or worried?
What adventures have we been on this week?
Across the rest of our learning, we have been very busy! In English, we have been innovating our story The Very Hungry Caterpillar, coming up with our own creative ideas. The children loved imagining the caterpillar chomping through juicy cherries, plump plums and even delicious chocolate cake!
In Maths, we have been ordering numbers to 10 and thinking carefully about where they belong. We have been using lots of mathematical language such as “it is a little more than…” and “it is a lot more than…” to help us decide. We have also enjoyed playing number track games, remembering to move our counter along one space each time we count.
In PE, we have continued practising for Sports Day and are doing a fantastic job getting ready. We have also nearly finished our music and movement performance in our inside PE sessions. In HRSE, we have continued our “Keeping Safe” topic, focusing on “My body, my rules” and thinking about how we can look after ourselves.
Let’s Celebrate:
Enthusiastic Bobby Bee certificate - I can’t believe how much your confidence has grown! You are trying really hard to concentrate when on the carpet and you’re ready to share your ideas when asked. You are super enthusiastic in our learning landscape and can always be seen having a go at our challenges. Well done!
Whole School Virtues - Attentive and Discerning: What a journey you have been on this year! You are now so attentive in your learning and your actions, and friends can’t wait to spend their time learning and playing with you.
Henry the Dog: You are such a ray of sunshine in our class! You are always making super choices and can never do enough to help your friends. Enjoy spending the weekend with Henry!
Important Information and Upcoming Events:
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you for all of your kind messages and well-wishes for Miss Drummond whilst she is off school. Many of you have been asking after her and your thoughts are greatly appreciated. She will be off for a little bit longer, at least another couple of weeks. I’m sure you will understand that we are respecting her privacy at this time, and allowing her the time that she needs to get better. In the meantime, the class is being incredibly well supported by Miss Woodend and Miss Goldstone who are doing a fabulous job in ensuring that the children’s routines and learning continue as normal.
Please don’t forget that if you have any questions, concerns or celebrations, please email Miss Woodend:
l.woodend@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk.
Forest School afternoon - On Tuesday (19th May), we are very lucky as we are heading into Forest school with Mrs Tierney for the afternoon! On Tuesday, can the children come to school in old clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty (don’t need to bring uniform with them). Please check the weather and dress appropriately for the day. We do have a class set of puddle suits for the children to put on if it is raining. Old trainers or wellies please too, but if your child is wearing wellies, can they please bring other shoes with them to wear in class throughout the morning.
Reception sports day is Wednesday 10th June - starting at 9:15am. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for some sunshine!
Gym Jam Jog - 12th June at 8am. Children come to school in their pyjamas and run around the field as many times as they can before school starts at 8:45am. It’s always a lovely community event, with many of the parents joining in for a couple of laps around the field too! Children can bring a small teddy to school with them.
Sun Cream - Now that the weather’s getting warmer, please can you ensure that sun cream is applied before your child comes to school in the morning. It would be great if you could also provide a sun cream that can be kept in school so we can then reapply throughout the day. Please ensure that any sun creams provided have your child’s name on to avoid any mix ups.
Please can you ensure that long hair is tied back and please keep hair accessories simple, this is part of our school uniform policy.
Polite reminder that we are a Nut free school. Please can you bring in healthy snacks please refer to the poster for suitable snacks, we always have fruit avalible too.
PE
Our PE days are Wednesday (outside) and Friday (inside). On these days, children can come to school in their PE uniform and will remain in this for the day. We kindly ask that velcro trainers (white, black or navy) are worn as this allows the children to be indepoendent when taking their shoes off and putting them back on. Polite reminder that for health and safety reasons, no jewellery is to be worn on PE days. We kindly ask that this is removed at home before coming into school.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Miss Drummond, Miss Woodend, Mrs Summersall, Mrs Krol, Mrs Ely and Mrs Goldstone.