We wish you a Merry Christmas...
Well we have reached the end of the first term, and we have been thrilled with how much effort the children seemed to have put into their work. I'm sure that they will continue to put in the same amount of effort when they return in January.
Although we have a shortened week this week, we still have lots to pack into just three days...
On Monday, the children will be rehearsing for the Carol Service. We urge to to bring your tissues on Wednesday, as the children really do sing beautifully! We will be joined by the children from Key Stage 1 and Foundation, singing some traditional carols and songs from their production. Years 3 and 4 will also be joining us, to sing some songs from their production too. It promises to be a lovely service, with the emphasis on participation - we will provide song sheets for everyone!
We will also be making our Christmas Cards on Monday. The children have chosen the design already, and I'm sure that many of them have made larger versions at home!
On Tuesday, the hairspray, glitter and sparkles come out, as it is our Party Day! The children are able to come to school in their finery, including the best bib and tucker!! The children in years 5/6 have been allowed to get together with friendship groups from other classes, to organise their own party food, crackers, party poppers etc. A letter should have reached you last week, but please do call in to see any member of the 5/6 team if you are unsure of what to bring.
On Wednesday morning, we will be holding the Carol Service in the hall at 9am. Since this is for the whole school, space will be at a premium and we would ask to be both patient and considerate to the children, who will need access in and around the hall.
They will be allowed to bring in something from home, for extra Golden time after break on Wednesday, before the afternoon finale... the Parent's Panto!! We have heard lots of stories about it not being ready in time, but it is always superb, and everyone throughly enjoys it. We will be looking for 118-118!!!!
Curriculum
It can be difficult to keep the momentum going for 'work', particularly over the Christmas school holidays, but it will really benefit the children, if they maintain just 10 - 15 minutes bursts of activity over the break.
We have been thrilled with how many of the children have been learning their times tables. From assessments this week, we have noticed that although many of them now know the more difficult 6, 7 and 8's, they have forgotten the 3 and 4's! Also, when learning the tables, do try to encourage them to tell you the division facts too...7 x 7 = 49 so ask them 'What is 49 divided by 7?
The websites from 27th November are particularly useful for helping with multiplication tables and other areas of the curriculum
And if you have a spare moment or two over the festive period (I know...I am smiling as I type that!!), here are a few Christmas sites to keep all the family occupied:-
http://ww2.unime.it/dipart/i_fismed/wbt/mirror/ExplrSci/dswmedia/snwflak6-adv.htm
snowflake designer
http://www.merry-christmas.com/games/games.htm
http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/ Christmas resources from Northumberland Grid for Learning.
http://www.btinternet.com/~tony.poulter/xmas/xmastlinks.htm
http://members.tripod.com/~newyearseve/
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/teacher/christmas.html
http://www.star28.net/snow.html hilarious!! the penguin will write your message in the snow!!
http://dingo.care2.com/cards/new/0422/Do-a-rain-deer.swf play the reindeer noses!!
http://www.icq.com/friendship/pages/browse_page_7944.html reindeer band
Thank you to all the parents who continue to support us throughout the year and we would like to wish you all a happy and holy Christmas. I have included a poem, taken from the Carol Service, which I thought really summed everything up nicely...
When the song of the angels is stilled
When the star in the sky is gone
When the kings and the princes are home
When the shepherds are back with their flocks
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost
To heal the broken
To feed the hungry
To release the prisoner
To rebuild the nations
To bring peace among people
To make music in the heart.
and a Happy New Year...
5/6 team
