“Don’t be afraid to fly - you never know how far you can go.”
This week in RE, we spent time thinking about an important idea: that Jesus came for everyone, all around the world. We talked together about what this means and how people from different places might understand and show their faith in different ways.
We looked at images of Jesus from two different countries; Nigeria and India. These pictures helped us notice something interesting - Jesus doesn’t always look the same in every picture. In some images, the clothes, colours, and even the setting looked very different from the pictures we are used to seeing in our Bibles.
Our child-led liturgy was beautifully led by our prayer leaders. They helped us think about John the Baptist, who loved God and helped people get ready for something special. We reflected on the story of baptism - with water to wash and begin again, warm sunshine, and the gentle dove showing God’s love. It was a lovely reminder that God loves us and encourages us to grow, be kind, and make a fresh start each day.
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 your favourite quality about yourself? What makes you different, special, and unique from others?
What adventures have we been on this week?
In our topic work, we’ve been learning all about the Arctic and the animals that live there. The children were fascinated to discover that penguins don’t live in the Arctic at all - they live in Antarctica! We also enjoyed the story Big Bear, Little Bear, which got us thinking about the future. The children shared some fantastic ideas about what they might like to be when they grow up - including a boxer, builder, vet and even a lifeguard! On Thursday afternoon, the children took part in a science experiment to learn about blubber and how it helps Arctic animals stay warm in freezing temperatures. Using butter, ice-cold water and gloves, they explored how a layer of fat provides insulation and protects animals from the cold.
In Maths, we’ve been revisiting our number bonds to 10. We’ve explored how they can be shown in different ways and even used part-part-whole models, just like in Year 1! The children have also continued using rekenreks, which are continuing to help us visualise and subitise the numbers.
We also had a very exciting surprise at the start of the week - when we came in on Monday, our butterflies had finally emerged from their cocoons! After giving them a little sugar water and fruit, we watched them take their first flight as they were released out into God’s world. A really special moment for us all.
The children had a wonderful transition morning on Thursday, spending time in the Year 1 classroom and getting to know their new teacher, Miss Edwards, even better!
Thank you for your kind donations for our charity Crazy Hair Day on Tuesday! The children looked amazing and we raised over £70 for Alder Hey!
Let’s Celebrate:
Reflective Lizzie Ladybird - Bonnie, I am so proud of how much your confidence has grown this year. You listen carefully to feedback from your teachers and always strive to improve. It is wonderful to see you now asking for support when you need it. Your writing this week was superb - well done!
Whole School Virtues - Curious & Active: What a successful week you’ve had Larisa! You have joined in with all our class discussions and have been super focused.
Henry the Dog: Cruz, we have loved watching your confidence grow throughout the year! Enjoy spending some time with Henry this weekend.
Important Information and Upcoming Events:
Forest School - For the final half term, Reception will be accessing Forest School learning weekly every Friday. 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 now Monday 6th July - starting at 9:15am. Please ensure that children come to school with fresh water in their bottles and are wearing their full PE kits with no jewellery/watches etc. Please also ensure that sun cream is applied before school and sun hats are a must … we’re hoping the sun will shine!
Home Learning and Reading Books - Next week, home learning books will be sent home with your child, along with some activities to complete over the summer holidays in preparation for Year 1. These books do not need to be returned to school once they have been sent home. However, please ensure they are brought in on Monday so that the summer holiday challenges can be added.
Next week, all school reading books will also be collected in. Please do check your homes for any books belonging to school - we do have some that have gone missing. Thank you.
Leavers Mass - Please let me know if you’re able to walk to mass with us on Wednesday 15th July, leaving school at 9:05am and returning at approximately 11am.
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 lovely weekend!
Miss Drummond, Miss Woodend, Mrs Summersall, Mrs Krol, Mrs Ely and Miss Goldstone.