“We are living in a culture where everything is fast… but God is found in stillness, not in a rush.”
Pope Francis
This term has absolutely flown by, and I can’t believe that when the children return after the holidays, it will be for their final weeks in Reception.
This week in RE, we have been thinking about what it means to belong and how each person is special and important. We explored the idea that everyone is part of one big family, where we can learn from one another, show care, and share kindness. We also considered how we can treat others as we would members of our own family, choosing to be gentle, helpful and understanding.
We also talked about how we can make positive choices when things go wrong, recognising the importance of saying sorry and trying again. The children shared thoughtful ideas about how love and kindness can help us grow together and build strong relationships with one another.
At the start of the week, the children led a beautiful liturgy focused on the theme of ‘Christian community’. Our prayer leaders reflected on what it means to belong to this community and how we can look after one another. As part of this, they invited the class to think deeply about an important question:
How can we help make everyone feel welcome in our Christian community?
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.
What is one thing you’ve learned this term that you’re really proud of?
What adventures have we been on this week?
In English, the children used their wonderful imaginations to create their own butterflies, drawing and writing about them with fantastic detail and creativity.
In maths, we have been learning all about shapes. The children explored how shapes can be composed and decomposed to make new ones, building and combining them in different ways. It has been amazing to see the children using this knowledge within our learning landscape this week, creating some wonderful models within our construction area.
In PE, we celebrated completing our music and movement performance. The children did an amazing job and we have loved seeing their confidence shine. We have also continued practising for Sports Day, building our teamwork skills and cheering each other on!
On Tuesday, we had a wonderful afternoon in Forest School. We went out in the pouring rain and ended with a lovely meditation in the sunshine! The children absolutely loved exploring our school grounds, where they discovered minibeasts and even found tadpoles! They enjoyed climbing trees, relaxing in hammocks and some even created their own medals from natural resources. Thank you Mrs Tierney!
Let’s Celebrate:
Co-operative Roger Robin certificate (as voted by the class) - Lily, the class have voted you as their ‘Co-operative Roger Robin’ for this term, and the Reception team completely agree! Your friends shared wonderful qualities such as ‘Lily is always kind’, and ‘Lily helps me when I’m sad’. Thank you for being such a thoughtful and caring friend in our class Lily!
Whole School Virtues (as voted by the class) - Attentive and Discerning: Francis, we couldn’t agree more with your friends in class. They shared that you are always there to help and are discerning in your actions everyday! Your kindness and calmness radiates around our classroom, particularly when it is time to learn on the carpet. Well done!
Henry the Dog: It has been wonderful to have you back in class this week Annie - we have all missed you dearly. After a fantastic first week back of learning and fun, you definitely deserve to spend some time with Henry over the holidays!
Important Information and Upcoming Events:
Forest School - For the final half term, Reception will be accessing Forest School learning weekly every Friday morning. Please can they come to school dressed in their old clothes (long sleeves and trousers) and shoes ready for more exploring. Feel free to bring wellies in a carrier bag and waterproof coats depending on the weather. We’re going to get changed back into our school uniform afterwards (PE kits are fine), so please ensure that your child has their uniform with them. Thank you!
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 don’t forget that if you have any questions, concerns or celebrations, please email Miss Woodend:
l.woodend@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk.
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 half term. We can’t wait to welcome you back on Monday 8th June.
Miss Drummond, Miss Woodend, Mrs Summersall, Mrs Krol, Mrs Ely and Mrs Goldstone.