Newsletter 8 - 2018
Today, each child has made a poppy that will form part of a display outside the church. The children will observe a silence this afternoon in the churchyard as they look at the installation. It will remain there over the weekend. A huge thank you to Mrs Cooper and Mrs Gault who have coordinated this. You may be aware that the church has also taken part in the ‘There but not there’ display with transparent figures in the church. The children have learned about the significance of the poppy and this year in particular. Our Pupil Leadership Team will be joining me to represent the school at the Remembrance Service at St Lawrence on Sunday, laying a wreath on behalf of the school.
This week we have been learning about Diwali. This is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.
This year, it began on the 5th of November, with the main day of celebrations taking place on Wednesday. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps". Houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called diyas. People also enjoy fireworks and sweets too, so it's really popular with children.
During Diwali, Hindus draw bright Rangoli patterns on the floor by the front door to encourage the goddess Lakshmi to enter their homes. They are traditionally drawn using rice grains, flour, sand or chalk. Rangoli designs are usually taken from nature.
The children found out about the story of Rama and Sita, made their own rangoli patterns and created clay diyas as they found out more about this festival. Particular thanks to Mrs Patel for her help and the loan of some resources to make learning more authentic.
In our Christian calendar, we are rapidly heading towards Advent and early preparations are underway. We are planning a plastic and glitter-free Christmas here in school. If you ordered mugs from the PTA, they are available to be collected from the office. Key Stage 1 children have begun rehearsing their nativity and plans are already in place for the Christmas Fair on Saturday 24th November. It is a busy term for the PTA team and they are always looking for more volunteers. Thanks to the team for a great fireworks night again.
We are looking for some keen gardeners who may be able to get involved in school. The School Parliament and the Worship Leaders are keen to spruce up the Spiritual garden. We have lots of bulbs and some ideas but would really appreciate some help with getting this project underway. If you can help at all, please let Mrs Fowler know. Also, next Saturday 17th November, we are having a Gardening Working Party. If you are able to come and help weed, cut back and help put our gardens to bed for the winter, please do come along from 2pm. It is great if you can bring some gardening equipment with you too. If gardening is not really your thing, you can help by making some refreshments. The children are welcome to get involved too.
Some of you may already have heard the happy news that Mrs Pollard had her baby. Grace was born last week and mum and baby are both doing well.
A few little notices:
- Please return ‘Flu forms to the office as soon as possible
- Please remember to use the footpath that runs past the front of the office when dropping or collecting children from the hall. We have had a couple of near misses
- Please also stand nearer the school and out of the road when picking up after school.
- It has been brought to the attention of Police that a number of young people are viewing a site called ‘Doki Doki Literature Club’. The concern is that the game makes references to knives, depression, suicide and self-harm.
And finally, you will be aware that both Mrs Oag and Miss Hook left us at the end of the Summer Term. We are now arranging a small in-school send off and if you would like to contribute to a leaving gift, please feel welcome to leave donations at the office.
Kind regards,
Julie Burton
Headteacher
