During this half term,  5/6B's Year 5 children will be enjoying Forest School sessions with Miss Berte. 
A letter, containing all the details, was emailed home before half term. 
Here are the important reminders:

Mondays: February 19th, 26th, March 4th, 11th and 18th.

These sessions take place whatever the weather, so it is really important that your child comes into school wearing warm, old clothes. There will be no need to change at school. Waterproofs will be provided if you do not have your own, to ensure the children stay dry and warm.

Your child will need a pair of wellies, we kindly ask that children do not come into school wearing them, but to come to school wearing a pair of trainers/PE pumps/school shoes and then get changed.

To Begin This Half Term...

During our 1st week back, a large group of our Year 6s, including those from our class, attended the Indoor Athletics Competition.  It was a great day where St Paul's saw many excellent results in the races, especially in the running.  It was lovely not only to hear how well the children performed in their races and how well they represented out school but I was also asked to give LUCIEN a school values sticker for his fantastic attitude and decisions to challenge himself when the going got tough - well done Lucien!

It was an absolute pleasure to lead Collective Worship on Thursday to celebrate World Thinking Day - a 1st for us here at St Paul's, as this day usually ends up being in February half term.  The 22nd of February is when Girl Guides and Scouts all over the world celebrate their bonds of friendship and the promises they make by wearing their uniforms wherever they are.  This day was chosen as it is the birthday of not only the movements founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell but also of his wife, Olave, the 1st World Chief Guide.  Needless to say, the children at St Paul's who belong to local units wore their uniforms proudly and happily explained how they were awarded some of their badges.  What a lovely experience for us all!

MACEY was awarded the School Values Certificate this week, for the value of challenge - she works so hard in all her lessons and all of her teachers delight in telling me how hard she works and strives to do her best.  I agree, it is a pleasure to have her in the classroom in the afternoons.  Keep up the great work Macey! 

During week 2...

Five members of our class were chosen, as part of a small group, to take a day trip to parliament on Tuesday this week.  Well done to Evie, Gretel, Lily-May, Macey and Ola, who enjoyed an interesting day out in London, after writing some fabulous persuasive letters last year !  

A huge THANK YOU to Macey and Lily-May, our St David's House and Vice captains, for delivering Collective Worship this week to the whole school.  Many adults find this tricky with hundreds of little faces staring up at you, so very well done girls for an informative session all about St David.

Friday 1st March saw Years 5 and 6 celebrating St David's Day with their very own Urdd National Eisteddfod - and what a fantastic day it was!  This traditional Welsh event, invites those up to the age of 25 to prepare and share a short creative piece in a variety of categories.  It began in 1922, in an attempt to save the Welsh language and give young people the chance to learn and socialise through the medium of Welsh.  At St Paul's we chose the categories of dance, poetry, art and music.  What amazing results we saw - we really do have some very talented children!  There were lots of values stickers and house points awarded and the children are awaiting the results of which house will be awarded a trophy.  The staff were so impressed by everyone's amazing participation we are awarding a certificate to every child in the phase (thank you to Mrs John's for designing it).  We also enjoyed learning about St David, his life and miracles and were inspired by his focus on small acts of kindness to change the world. 

This week's values certificate went to DANIEL - awarded for thoughtful and challenge, Dan has been showing great learning behaviours and fully participating in ALL lessons.  This is great to see - thank you and keep it up Dan!

It was a busy week 3 ! 

On Tuesday, UKS2 were very excited to have a TEAMS meeting with professional ultra runner Carla Molinaro (thank you to Mr Hawkins for organising this).  She talked to the children about the importance of perseverance and a growth mind set.  She told them all to have and not tie themselves into any particular sport at too early an age and to never give up - even if you are told you are not good enough!  She explained when times are tough, she asks herself  "Am I ill or injured?"  If the answer is NO, she takes a breath, thinks of everything she is thankful for and is inspired by the awe and beauty in the natural environment around her and then "Gets on with it!"

On Thursday, it was World Book Day.  This year's theme was READ YOUR WAY !  We held a whole school collective worship and then went off into vertical groups to share our favourite books with children from across the school.  Once back in their own class, children shared their teacher's favourite book and took part in book related activities.  A fabulous day spent reading for pleasure...and of course, the staff team did a great job in re-creating a Where's Wally theme for everyone to enjoy!

Congratulations to ELSPETH, who received this week's values award for showing the value of thoughtful, when making decisions - very well done!

It was also the 5/6B team's turn to have the HEADTEACHER'S AWARD - this went to EMILY !  Emily has put a consistent and sustained effort into her spellings homework all year so far.  She always takes the time to create 10 brilliant sentences (rather than the required 5) with the target word spelt correctly and then continues by using her "have a go strategies" to further practice the words.   Thank you for trying so hard with this Emily.

There is, of course, a very special day coming up this weekend! 
It's Mother's Day!  
The children have been busy to ensure their Mum's and other women in their lives know how special and appreciated they are. 
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! 

In Week 4...

... the children have had a chance to meet and work with Mr Aitken, who will be teaching both 5/6B, in the afternoons, and the 5B set in the morning.  You'll be pleased to know he received the thumbs up from your children and is looking forward to returning to St Paul's after the Easter holidays.

On Friday, we held a dress down day in aid of Comic Relief and it was also Young Carers Awareness Day.

This week the values award went to LILIANA, for showing the valuing of challenge.  Mr Aitken advised me that she deserved the award after showcasing excellent computing skills in his lesson.  Well done and congratulations!

In the final week of the Spring Term...

As usual it has been a very busy week in the classroom.  Enjoy the summary of our activities and have a fabulous Easter Break.  As you know, Mr Aitken is joining the St Paul's staff and is looking forward to working with your children for the Summer Term.  

With the Year 5s out at Forest School this half term, it was the Year 6s turn to complete the art project based on the works of Alexander Calder - enjoy the photos of their completed pieces.

We celebrated St Patrick's Day in school this week.  Evie and May presented a fabulous Collective Worship and our class looked at the origins and symbolism behind the Celtic Knot and had a go at drawing them.  Mrs Newell then judged their efforts so that a house trophy could be awarded.  Well done to St Andrew's who won on this occasion.

On Thursday, we held our Easter Service at St Paul's Church, followed by the Easter Bonnet Parade. As usual, the neighbours in our community always like to support the children as we walk past their houses,  to and from church, and enjoy the range of different and inventive bonnets being worn. 

On Friday, as it was the last week of term, we held our Trophies Collective Worship.  Congratulations to the following children, who have worked so hard this term:

Reading - Maya

Writing - Noah

Maths - Ralph

A final farewell....

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the kind words, cards and gifts that I have received this week.  I cannot tell how grateful I am for all your support over the years and it has been an absolute joy to work with your children.  I shall miss the St Paul's community very much!  A final surprise was the wonderful cake presented to me this morning - thank you Madison and Mum for a brilliant bake, which the whole class very much enjoyed this afternoon, whilst we shared our favourite memories!