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
Year 4 Weekly blog. Thursday 23rd October. "When we live humbly, God takes our small efforts and creates great things."
The children prepared a beautiful worship this week, all about the gift of life and having faith in God’s path for us. They read the story of Jairus’s daughter and came up with our week’s mission - to have faith that God will provide and take care of us. They have written their own prayers about their own faith, hope and love in God this week in RE and have felt comforted by God’s support in their life. We had a beautiful Harvest worship as a whole school today. Autumn is such a beautiful time of year to be thankful for all God’s gifts. In our HRSE lessons, the children have learned that we do not have to be the same - it is ok to be different and like different things. They have been reflecting on the gift of their body- God’s creation and all the different ways we can respect and care for our body.
In other news, we had a competition in our French lesson this week. Groups competed to see if they could write in french sentences describing personality. They had to make the adjective agree with the masculine or feminine pronoun! Very good work!
After discussing themes of our previous novel, Charlotte’s Web in English and quizzing on the book, we started a new novel, The Butterfly Lion. The children wrote another persuasive letter based on this and they were such high quality.
Conversation starters
HRSE
How can we look after our bodies? Argue against the following statements with your adults,
“Bedtime is for babies!” “Being hygienic doesn’t matter” “I can eat sweets, chocolate and crisps instead of meals.” “Children don’t need exercise.”
Let’s Celebrate
TTROCKSTARS
This half term the following children have gone green on their TT Rockstars heatmap, which means they know all their times tables in less than 4 seconds!
Jude Cuffe, Sasha, Isla, Luca, Marla, Heidi
Reading Targets
The following children have all worked hard to meet their reading targets this half term:
Bonnie, Bella, Heidi, Ruth, Barnaby, Jude Cuffe, Xander, Marla, Blythe, Logan, Edward, Dexter, Henry O. Henry S and Michael. BRILLIANT!
The following children have met their reading target TWICE OVER! EXCEPTIONAL!
Eliza, Isla
Notices
Break time snacks: Please can we ensure that all snacks are separate from lunch boxes and kept in the school bag to go straight in their tray. They need to be without a wrapper - fruit is the best thing as it has a natural or eatable wrapper! Or put snacks into labelled plastic tubs to take home afterwards.
Parent’s Day is tomorrow - I look forward to seeing you virtually or in person.
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.
This will be payable on Parentpay by tomorrow.
Cosmetic Chemistry trip.
Please fill in the form below indicating if you are making your child’s lunch or if they would like a school one made from Jackie.
Choir
If your child is interested in joining choir after the holidays, please sign up below.
Have a lovely half term,
Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater
Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 17th October. " Prayer brings us not only nearer to God, but also nearer to each other.(Copy)
The children prepared a beautiful worship this week, all about Trust in God and Jesus. They told us the Gospel story of the feeding of the 5,000. The class decided that this showed we can always have faith that God will provide for us. We can also use this to help feed our neighbours around the world. In our RE lessons this week, children have been reflecting on the virtues of faith, hope and love shown by Abraham. THey have thought about how these virtues can help them be a good neighbour to others. Then they learned about Cardinal Manning - a man who showed great faith, hope and love in his actions and support of others.
Thank you so much for coming to look at all the hard work children have done over these last 7 weeks. I am sure you will agree they are doing so well. This week they have learned about time zones in Geography, written a persuasive letter in English and moved on to numbers above 1,000 in Maths. They are doing so well with their times tables facts - in fact we already have three children - Marla, Sasha and Isla whose heatmaps are green - this means they know every fact in less that 4 seconds! Tremendous!
Conversation starters
Geography
Why do countries have different time zones? What are they measured against?
Let’s Celebrate!.
Our certificate this week is a Lizzie Ladybird learner. This goes to Michael. Every day, you get better at focusing and listening. You challenge yourself and listen to feedback carefully. You are working so hard!
Our virtues this half term are being learned and wise. This week, Ruth receives our star for being a wise learner who is so calm in class and so fiocused in all she does. What an excellent attitude you have Ruth. Very inspirational.
PE stars this week were: Eliza and Luca for super smooth sequences
Notices
Harvest Collection: This year, we have been asked by our Minnie Vinnies to collect boxes of cereal. These can be brought in from Monday.
Parent’s Day is on Friday October 24th - I look forward to a good natter about your child’s progress, behaviour and targets. Here is the timetable below of everyone’s times:
We have a trip to UCLAN on 11th November. This is called ‘Cosmetic Chemistry’ and supports our work in Science on solids, liquids and gases next half term. It is now payable on parent pay.
Forest school children - Don’t forget your change of clothes for Tuesday.
Ukuleles and homework - Thursday
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater
Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 10th October "In all things, recognise the care and wisdom of God and give thanks." (St Teresa of Avila)
This week children have been so reflective in their RE work. They learned to recognise the care and wisdom of God through the story of Abraham’s willing sacrifice. Children thought about what this story would mean to the people back then. They then went deeper to think about its relevance today and how it almost mirrors the story of Jesus’ sacrifice - however God loves us so much that He did give us His only son as the sacrifical lamb. They are inspired as the people were then in Abraham’s true faith and trust in God.
Also this week, Isla, Edward and Sasha led us in praying the rosary, focusing on the glorious mysteries. It was a special day - one million children around the world would be praying to Our Lady. The way they led us in prayer was truly beautiful. Between them, they helped the children know which beads to hold, to reflect on each mystery in turn and think about what it means for us today. Well done!
Our kindness bucket in class is almost full - and it is a big bucket! Children love spotting the goodness in each other.
Children are working so hard in lessons. They wrote another character description for a character from Charlotte’s Web and now they are onto the language of persuasion - they will be writing a letter to the farmer to stop Wilbur’s imminent death! Be prepared to have a very persuasive child. Children had a lovely day today in forest school exploring the outdoors with Mrs Tierney. They have now moved onto understanding place value in Maths
Conversation starters
English
Which characters are kind in the story? Which aren’t? What is kindness?
Let’s Celebrate!.
Our certificate this week is a Cooper Crab focused learner. This goes to Bonnie. You are becoming such an excellent learner Bonnie - like a sponge - soaking everything in. Your excellent listening and focus are really paying off in your super work.
Our virtues this half term are being learned and wise. This week, Sasha receives our star for giving her absolute all in her work. You are a wise learner Sasha because you listen and try your best.
PE stars this week were: Jude and Isla
Music stars : Dexter and Heidi - super chord changes
Notices
Harvest Collection: This year, we have been asked by our Minnie Vinnies to collect boxes of cereal. These can be brought in from Monday.
Parent’s Day is on Friday October 24th - Please sign up if you haven’t already. You can email me a preferred time or simply fill it in on the classroom door.
I have blocked off in yellow a set of virtual meetings in the middle of the day if you would prefer this. They will be on teams and you will receive an invitation to download the app and join.
I really look forward to having a good conversation with you about the first few weeks in Year 4.
We have a trip to UCLAN on 11th November. This is called ‘Cosmetic Chemistry’ and supports our work in Science on solids, liquids and gases next half term. It is now payable on parent pay.
Forest school children - Don’t forget your change of clothes for Tuesday.
Ukuleles and homework - Thursday
Enjoy your weekend together.
Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater
Year 4 parents meetings Friday 24th October
Dear parents,
Thank you for responding to to the request for face to face meetings or virtual. I have 12 responses for virtual meetings and 13 for face to face. As you can see from the form below I have blocked off the times- so face to face is in the morning then virtual all afternoon and then back to face to face in the evening.
Please decide which time is best for you and email me with that time and your child’name. I will book these on a first come first served basis. The form will also be available after school at pick up.
email: a.lyons@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk
or press the CLASS CONTACT button on the Year 4 web page this comes directly to me.
Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 3rd October "The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness."
I captured the picture above when children were so proud of their RE work this week! Children learned the story about Abraham being asked by God to sacrifice his only son Isaac. It was hard to comprehend Abraham’s great faith - but they reflected on God’s mercy and ultimate sacrifice of His own Son Jesus. The theme of faith has been resounding in our worships this week - from Luca and Bella’s worship showing the disciples leaving everything and following Jesus to the Gospel story of faith as a tiny mustard seed. Look at our pictures below showing our journey towards Jesus this week.
Also this week, children have been filling our class bucket with acts of kindness they are spotting in one another - it is half full already! We have made little hearts to show our love for Father Peter and wish him a quick recovery.
We are so focused in class too. This week we have been busy learning column subtraction in maths, locating countries with lines of longitude and latitude in Geography and in English, children have been learning the great power of description through our new technique - extended noun phrases.
In our Kidsafe lesson this week, children have talked about what to do if they hear a lot of arguing. This can give them Yukky feelings. They have recapped all other important safety messages from the previous weeks. Please have a look at the letter below
Here are Year 4 in action this week and some examples of lovely work - WAGOLL means What a Good one Looks Like!
Conversation starters
English
Why is the character of Charlotte so inspiring in our novel? Why does Wilbur have faith in her?
Let’s Celebrate!.
Our certificate this week is a Sadie Spider determined learner. This goes to Marla. You are so ready to learn all the time. You work your absolute socks off to do your very best in all your work. That is why it is of such high quality. Well done!
Our virtues this half term are being learned and wise. This week, Dexter receives our star being such a respectful and hardworking learner. Dexter you are so full of enthusiasm and you make wise decisions. You are very lovely to teach!
PE stars this week were: Xander and Jacob for super sequences in gymnastics and co-operative team play.
Music stars : Henry Sl and Jack
Kindness stars: Jack and Eliza
Notices
Family mass this Sunday at church 9:30am
Forest school for all children in Year 4 This coming Friday 10th October, all children will spend half a day in forest school. They need to bring tracksuit trousers, old trainers and most importantly a long-sleeved top on this day. Unfortunately they cannot take part without these.
Parent’s Day is on Friday October 24th - Please could you let me know by the end of this weekend which style of parents meeting you prefer so that I can plan a timetable for the day. Click the link below to the very short online form.
We have a trip to UCLAN on 11th November. This is called ‘Cosmetic Chemistry’ and supports our work in Science on solids, liquids and gases next half term. It is now payable on parent pay.
Forest school children - Don’t forget your change of clothes for Tuesday.
Ukuleles and homework - Thursday
Have a lovely October weekend.
Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater
Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 26th September. “True wealth is not of the pocket, but of the heart and mind."
What a delightful week in year 4. In our prayer and liturgy this week, we have focused on what real wealth is - following Luke’s gospel about a rich man and a poor man, Lazarus. The children felt that real wealth is love, both receiving it and giving it freely to others. They also mentioned having a family who cared about you and a beautiful world to live in was true wealth. They are so reflective. This was echoed in our RE lesson, when children considered the virtues of faith, hope and love in Abraham’s actions.
In Science this week we have classified plants into two categories and how they both reproduce. Children looked closely at the inside of a flower - at the male and female parts. Then they looked at a non-flowering plant, a fern to see the spores.
Children were excited to meet Charlotte the spider in our novel. Through this, they learned the difference between formal and informal language and wrote letters in both styles. We have been having great fun with different games in spelling too!
In our Kidsafe lesson this week, children learned about how to keep their private places safe. They learned some important rules for this which are outlined in the letter below. Your child may want to talk to you about these rules.
Have a look at some of our lovely learning from the first four weeks in Year 4.
Conversation starters
Geography
What are lines of latitude? How do they affect the climate of an area?
Let’s Celebrate!.
Our certificate this week is a Lizzie Ladybird reflective learner. This goes to Heidi. You strive to get the absolute best out of every lesson and you participate fully. you also ask me for advice to improve your work! What a learner!
Our virtues this half term are being learned and wise. This week, Blythe receives our star for being so enthusiastic about all she learns. You are a happy learner who makes wise choices.
PE stars this week were: Vincent for super gymnastics moves and Marla for great control over the ball. Well done!
Notices
You will have received a text if your medical form is outstanding. Please could I ask you to fill it in below. Also I have many asthma letters which need to be returned.
Parent’s Day is on Friday October 24th - a great chance for us to have a good chat about how your child is doing. This year, we have two options - we can meet face to face at school, or you may choose to have an online Teams meeting with me. Please fill in the form below indicating which you would prefer, then we can block out the day appropriately.
We have a trip to UCLAN on 11th November. This is called ‘Cosmetic Chemistry’ and supports our work in Science on solids, liquids and gases next half term. It is now payable on parent pay.
Forest school children - Don’t forget your change of clothes for Tuesday.
Ukuleles and homework - Thursday
Another sunny weekend hopefully. Enjoy!
Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater
Year 4 Weekly blog. Friday 19th September. “Trust the present to God’s love and the future to God’s care.” (St Augustine)
In our RE lesson this week, children have learned about God’s covenant with Abraham. God showed hi the stars and promised his descendants would reflect their great number. We learned about Abraham’s great faith in the Lord, letting Him take care of his future and love him in the present. In worships, we have mirrored this - we had a discussion from our Gospel about worshipping God - not money. How we can be trustworthy and righteous like Abraham.
Three children - Dexter, Danny and Eliza led a lovely worship all about the Baptism of Jesus. We could see the faith from John the Baptist and also Jesus’ Father. Thank you children - it was beautiful.
In Science this week we collected invertebrates from outside to take a closer look! We classified these into different types, such as insects, arachnids, annelids and molluscs. Fascinating stuff. In Geography so far, we are looking closely at the globe and finding out all about lines of latitude and longitude.
In our Kidsafe lesson this week, children learned about safety online - specifically about watching footage appropriate for their age/playing video games that are age appropriate. We discussed why things do have an age rating and what we could do if we see something that upsets us on TV or online. Please discuss this with your child and read the letter below.
Maths has been great this week - we have been revising our knowledge of column addition, regrouping in tens and ones column. Importantly, children learned how to set this out effectively on squared paper. They have a little practice of this for homework.
Conversation starters
Science
Chat to your parents about the invertebrates we found in school. Why not go in the garden and see what you can find!
Kidsafe
What should you do if you see something upsetting online? Why do things have age ratings?
Let’s Celebrate!.
Our certificate this week is a Bobby Bee. This goes to Wren. You are SO enthusiastic Wren and always participate fully in lessons. This shows in your work which is always so high quality.
Our virtues this half term are being learned and wise. This week, Vincent receives our star for loving learning so much that you do extra work at home. You are so interested and interesting Vincent!
PE stars this week were: Michael for super gymnastics moves and Bella for great control over the ball. Well done!
Notices
Message from Mrs Gregan
Whenever we start a new school year, we always have to migrate pupils and staff into their new class. This year, the technology that we use to do that has not been as successful for the teachers as it has been for the pupils. As a result, we have lost access to the Parental Consent forms that so many of you filled in prior to Induction Night. These have been deleted as groups have changed. Please can you spend another 5 minutes completing the consent form again this weekend. We are really confident with the information that we gathered before the forms disappeared, we just want to double check and make sure all information gathered is 100% correct. There was still some outstanding forms to be completed too. We are really sorry for the inconvenience and really appreciate you spending a little bit more time to ensure everything is as it should be.
We have a trip to UCLAN on 11th November. This is called ‘Cosmetic Chemistry’ and supports our work in Science on solids, liquids and gases next half term. It is now payable on parent pay.
Forest school children - Don’t forget your change of clothes for Tuesday.
Have a great weekend everyone
Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater
Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 12th September "Love each other as Jesus has loved us." He has given nothing less than His life for us (St. Teresa)
The children have settled so well already in Year 4 and we have had a really super week!
The theme of our worships and our RE lesson this week has been self-giving. In the Gospel, children learned about giving of yourself to God’s will and how Jesus came to save us, not condemn us. We have been to church this week for Our Lady’s birthday. Children were so reflective. Also - we have had our first children’s worship this week from these children. They read from Genesis about the call of Abram and we sung ‘Be not afraid,’ reminding us that God is always with us.
In Science, children have learned that all animals are separated into vertebrates and invertebrates. They then learned all about the 5 classes of vertebrates and completed some beautiful work about them. In English we have practised the following reading skills - finding the meaning of unknown words, summarising the main idea of a paragraph and making sensiblepredictions about what we read.
In our Kidsafe lesson this week, children learned about what to do if they get ‘yukky feelings.’ We talked about sharing problems and telling a trusted adult. Children then discussed who their trusted adults are. We practised saying NO assertively if we are in uncomfortable or unsafe situations.
It was so lovely to meet some of you properly for the first time on Wednesday and see some familiar faces! If you missed it, here is the powerpoint from our induction evening. Please ensure you have filled in the online forms so that I can start to put photographs on, know who is picking your child up and also I am informed of medical needs.
Conversation starters
Science
Chat to your parents about animal classes - birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish. What are the characteristics of each class? What does vertebrate mean? What is cold-blooded and warm-blooded?
Kidsafe
What should you do if you get yukky feelings?
Let’s Celebrate!.
Our first certificate of the Year is a Cooper Crab for concentration. This goes to Isla. You are always ready to learn promptly Isla and you put 100% focus when listening and when completing your work. Well done.
Our virtues this half term are being learned and wise. This week, Henry O. receives our star for making wise decisions and for striving to be the best learner he an be.
PE stars this week were: Wren for super gymnastics moves and Jude Cl. for great control over the ball. Well done!
Notices
We have a trip to UCLAN on 11th November. This is called ‘Cosmetic Chemistry’ and supports our work in Science on solids, liquids and gases next half term. It is now payable on parent pay.
Here are the forms to be filled in if you have not already done so.
Forest school - Children that are attending forest school sessions have been informed and have letters in bags. These sessions start on Tuesday 16th September. Please ensure they have the right clothing so they can participate.
It is a privilege to teach your children. They have worked so hard and been so kind to each other this week. Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Lyons and Miss Slater