Author: Mrs Hogarth

This week, our living and learning statement has been, ‘I can describe and use self-care techniques.’

We talked about how sometimes people may experience poor mental health. This is how we feel on the inside and a build up of different smaller emotions that can lead to changes in mood and behaviour. It is important that we know how to spot this in ourselves and also recognise it in each other. The children might see someone spending more time alone, maybe not eating their lunch, struggling with their learning or a change in mood – maybe being more angry.

In order to deal with these emotions and feelings, we learnt some breathing exercises – bunny breathing and snake breaths.

Help at home: Ask your child if they can show you the new breathing techniques? Have they tried any of these?

As part of our art topic, we’ve been looking at art from before and after the start of the twentieth century. The children were able to sort images into these two categories. To challenge themselves further, they then created a timeline of art. Which was the earliest piece and how could they tell?  The children applied their art vocabulary brilliantly.

Help at home – Can you search for some artists online? Can your child discuss the artwork using their art vocabulary?

As part of anti-bullying day, the children (and adults) came to school wearing odd socks. This is to raise awareness of bullying and what can be done about it. The socks represent that we are all different and that’s ok – we should embrace our differences and celebrate them. We talked about the different types of bullying, including online behaviours and where to get help if needed – trusted adults, Childline.

We were really lucky to have a representative join us from Wetherby Food Bank this week. This gave us a real insight into how the food bank works, where they get their supplies from and other support that they get. She gave the children the opportunity to budget for a week on a very low income and  the children recognised how difficult this was and why some people might need to access different forms of support. We felt really proud that our Harvest collection contributed to our local food bank.

 

As part of our themed money week, we enjoyed a visit from some representatives from a bank. The session was full of information about how a bank can help you. They explained how savings accounts work and the other types of accounts that exist. They helped the children to understand the importance of a pension and how this works when you’re older. The children  were very excited to learn about the £5 challenge that would be taking place next year. The children are given a loan of £5 and allowed to be an entrepreneur and raise as much money as possible for the school. I wonder who will be the next Alan Sugar!

Last week saw that time of year again where we say goodbye to the current JLT members and we elect new ones. This year, the team have been great and these will be tough shoes to fill. On Wednesday, each class listened to speeches from the children wishing to be elected. There were some great speeches that allowed the children to express their strengths and their wishes should they be elected. Thursday saw a nail-biting day of voting!

In assembly on Friday, the new team was announced and the new members received their JLT badges.

The new team are:

5,6A – Emilia

5,6B Noah

5,6C Eric

3,4A Thea

3,4B – Caleb

3,4C – Lani

2C – Jenson

1,2B – Olivia

1A – Mia

As a school we pride ourselves on the idea of promoting democracy. We really value pupil voice and being part of the Junior Leadership Team is a way that children can make positive changes around school and have their voice hear. This week, we’re holding the elections for a new JLT team. The children in 5,6B have been busy writing their speeches at home and read them aloud in class yesterday. The children spent last night pondering over who they will vote for in the elections today. Who will be lucky enough to be elected? Let’s wait and see!

We’ve been working hard to improve our football skills this half term. We began by learning how to effectively pass a football with the side of our foot to a partner. We developed this further by looking at other ways you can pass a ball. The children recognised the importance of dribbling the ball and keeping it at a good distance so that you have good control. We created our own courses using cones and worked in pairs to develop these skills.