Week Ending 22nd February 2008

We have all returned refreshed from our half term break. Our builders, of course, have been steadily working on, with only a few weeks until completion of our Nursery. A hand painting session for past and present pupils to come and "make their mark" will be held on Saturday 1st March: 9 - 12 o'clock. These prints will be displayed on a wall, in our wonderful new Nursery.

Our focus this week has been geography. Hedgehogs and Squirrels have turned themselves into penguin friends of "Cuddly Dudley", in Antarctica. Rabbits have been investigating "Shops and Shopping" - wonder if they got to Harrods! Badgers studied the town of Betws-y-Coed. Perhaps they have also added Welsh to their language sessions...

A new set of Friday afternoon "Choices" has started. The children and staff thoroughly enjoy these weekly sessions, when Reception to Year Four children work collaboratively, on a range of topics. There was also much excitement this week when we used our new laptops for the first time!

A visiting scientist came on Friday morning, and presented a wonderful selection of experiments. We now know what happens when candle wax, sugar and air mix... Do you?

Week Ending 8th February 2008

Almost half-term!

Hope everyone has an enjoyable break.

This week we have focused on History. Hedgehogs and Squirrels have began investigating pirates, and are looking forward to learning more about Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen, next half term. Rabbits are now a fund of information about Florence Nightingale. Badgers have been considering what life was like during World War II, and the sound of sirens have been resounding along the corridor!

On Thursday evening, in the School Hall, there was a Cookery Demonstration by our School Cook, and everyone had a lovely time tasting a range of starters and desserts. It was unanimous that no-one would go home and step on the scales!

Our next HSA event will be a "Katwalk Fashoin Show" on Wednesday 12th March at 7.30pm in the School Hall. Tickets are available now.

Week Ending 1st February 2008

We have another four new children who have joined us in School this week. They have settled well and made many new friends already.

This week our focus has been on design and technology. Hedgehogs and Squirrels have been making moving pictures - some very frightening "Gruffalos" are around! Rabbits have a wonderful selection of vehicles lined up - stretch limos, fire engines, Volvo taxis... Badgers have been looking at packaging, and even borrowed some items from Breakfast Club to investigate how food is packaged.

On Wednesday, more parents joined the children for lunch, and were full of praise for their delicious meal and the behaviour and good manners of our children.

On Thursday, there was a Home School Association meeting, finalising arrangements for our Cookery Evening (7th February at 7.30pm, in the School Hall). The theme is "Starters and Desserts". Why not join us for some new exciting ideas - useful for that special Valentines or Easter meal!

Our Nursery builing is progressing well, with only a short time now, until it is weatherproof.

Week Ending 25th January 2008

This week has focused on Art. Hedgehogs and Squirrels have been making relief prints with tiles, Rabbits have worked on 2D collage pictures, and Badgers have been studying the works of David Hockney.

On Tuesday we had our Sharing Assembly, where children from each of our classes celebrated their achievements this term.

On 7th February at 7.30pm, there is a Cookery Evening, hosted by our cook. This time, we are discovering stunning starters and delicious desserts. No need to have any dinner, as there are always lots of samples to be eaten. Why not come along for an evening out!

On Tuesday , the crane arrived, to place the roof steels onto our Nursery building. It was an impressive sight and another major step towards the completion of our new Nursery.

On Wednesday, more parents joined the children for lunch - a delicious roast chicken dinner. We are looking forward to more guests next week.

Week Ending 18th January 2008

This week has focused on Geography. In Squirrels and Hedgehogs the theme has been weather. Fortunately the weather was kind and we had a variety of sun, rain and wind - perfect for testing out kites and windmills. The children were also hopeful that they would experience snow, but they had to compromise with effects on the white boards!

On Tuesday evening the school held a full Governors' Meeting. On leaving the school, there was the experience of another weather type, as car windscreens had to be defrosted!

Our "Choices" afternoon had a range of exciting activities: making bookmarks, examining non-fiction texts, making musical instruments, historical investigations online, drama, and writing "for the post box".

Our Nursery is progressing steadily and next week the crane is arriving to insert the steel roof supports. The carpenters will then be able to proceed with the next stage. How exciting!

Week Ending 11th January 2008

Happy New Year!

We started 2008 with a visit to Milton Keynes Theatre, to see "Aladdin". The genie had wonderful golden boots, and appeared from a sparkle of silver stars!

This week we have been "Light Scientists". Each class has investigated different aspects of the topic light. The "peep" boxes in Squirrels class were very popular - we based them on the Aladdin theme, and spotted genies and jewels as we peeped through the hole. Badgers had trouble with their work on shadows, as they were"rained off" a couple of times!

On Thursday we ended with our New Year Disco. The children had a wonderful time, participating in dancing and games, followed by a delicious tea.

On Friday we are beginning a new set of "Choices" topics: reading / writing / history investigation / music / drama.

Week Ending 20th December 2007

Our "Choices" subjects for this half term have finished. We are looking forward to selecting a choice from five new topics in the New Year.

On Monday, we had our Christmas dinner. The builders of our new Nursery joined us, saying it made a change from their usual packed lunches! After lunch, Mrs Hounslow hosted a "Talent Show" in the hall - just the remedy for tired children and staff!

Our Christmas parties were on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a very special visitor in attendance - initials F.C...

On the last day of this term, we had a Games Day, when children were able to mingle in all rooms!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.