Weekly Bulletin 8th December 2023
Headteacher’s Message
We extend our thanks to FOSS for ensuring that our Christmas Fair was such a fantastic success. All of the money will be used for the benefit of the children in school. We are deeply grateful for the superb efforts of the small group of volunteers who make events such as these possible. I encourage all parents to support FOSS as they are able. We look forward to letting you know the final total raised soon.
Our Advent Eucharist on Thursday was well attended and we thank parents and parishioners for their support and for the contributions of Fr Peter and the Worship group. Occasions such as the Fair and the Eucharist are great opportunities to bring our school community together.
I also want to give thanks to East Grange Farm for again providing our beautiful Christmas Tree. It is wonderful to work with local businesses for the benefit of the school community.
Next week are our Key Stage One Nativity performances. We look forward to the children’s presentation of the Christmas story following the huge amount of hard work on the part of both children and staff in their preparations.
Each week I want to include a ‘snapshot’ of some of the things that the children are doing in school. For example, news from our ECO team, Worship group, V.I.P. (Very International People) and SNAG (School Nutrition Action Group). This week our focus is on PE in school and an update is shared below from some of our Athletics team.
Best wishes
Mr Rumbles
Athletics Finals Festival
Two weeks ago, the Y5/Y6 Athletics Team qualified as winners for the Athletics Final which was held this week. The team was made up of 18 children who took part in various events. The events included; Running, Obstacle course race, Speed Bounce, Javelin, Standing Long-Jump, Triple Jump, Vertical Jump and throwing a Medicine Ball. There were six teams altogether who competed in the final. We all enjoyed taking part in the competition and it was good to work as a team and learn new skills.
Millie, Saana, Olly and Fynn
Christmas Arrangements
Below are details of the various Christmas events that will be taking place in school.
Christmas Cards
We know that the children enjoy sharing cards with one another. We request, therefore, that all cards are brought into school between Monday 4th and Friday 15th December. They will then be distributed by our Year 6 children. Alternatively, there will also be an opportunity for children to post a message to the rest of the school on our eco-friendly Christmas trees located in the hall and at the School Office.
Christmas Lunch
Thursday 14th December
Our Kitchen team will be cooking a traditional Christmas lunch for the children and staff to enjoy. If you would like your child to have a Christmas lunch and they do not usually have a school meal, please inform the School office by Thursday 30th November. This will also be Christmas Jumper Day and our School Council are inviting children to wear a Christmas jumper. If you don’t have a Christmas jumper you can wear Christmas colours like red or green. All other uniform must still be worn. Children are invited to donate a suggested amount of £1. The collected donation will be sent on to St Cuthbert’s Hospice.
Christmas Parties
Week beginning 18th December
The children are invited to come to school wearing their party clothes on the day of their party. Please ensure that they still have sensible shoes and a warm coat. The children will have party games and fun activities and be provided with a snack. As well as this, each child will receive a gift of a book thanks to the support of FOSS.
Monday 18th December AM – Y1 and Y2 Party
Monday 18th December PM – Reception Party
Tuesday 19th December AM – Y3 and Y4 Party
Tuesday 19th December PM – Y5 and Y6 Party
International Christmas and Craft Week
Week beginning 11th December
This year, we will be focusing on the different countries from around the world that are represented in our School community. Each class will be taking part in a range of activities to help learn about the Christmas traditions of their chosen country.
Christmas Nativity Performances and KS2 Singalong
We will be holding nativities this year and there will be 2 tickets per family and each performance will begin at 10am on the 12th and 13th December. Reception parents, please continue to support your child in learning their lines.
The Singalong for KS2 will be on the 14th December beginning at 2:45pm. Parents are invited to come and join KS2 in singing a variety of carols and Christmas songs.
Christmas Carol Service
Father Peter, Y6 Worship Group and the Worship Choir will be leading our Christmas Service, helping us to reflect on the Joy and Peace of Christmas. The service will begin at 10am on Friday 15th December in school followed by refreshments afterwards provided by FOSS.
Diary Dates
For a full list of school holiday dates please see the school website.
Tuesday 12th December – Nativity Performance Reception and KS1 – 10am
Wednesday 13th December – Nativity Performance Reception and KS1 – 10am
Thursday 14th December – Christmas Jumper Day
Thursday 14th December – Christmas Lunch
Thursday 14th December – KS2 Christmas Singalong – 2.45pm
Friday 15th December – Christmas Community Worship – 10am
Tuesday 19th December – School closes for Christmas holiday
Thursday 4th January 2024 – School reopens after Christmas holiday
January 10th-12th – Robinwood Residential Y6
Noticeboard
- All Brass: There is no brasslesson on Monday 11th December but it will be on Thursday 14th December instead.
- GUITAR LESSONS – From WC Monday 4th December, the guitar lessons will move from a Monday to Friday afternoon.
- Nikki Noo Noo – The FOSS Party DJ has launched a book. Please see the link for further details: https://bookwhen.com/nikkinoonoos/e/ev-s15m-20240228100000
Advent Windows
‘Countdown to Christmas’
Create your own Advent Window to light up this season of celebrations. Use coloured tissue paper to show stars, candles, Nativity scene or another Christmas related picture. Put it onto the inside of an outward facing window, backlight in the evenings and ‘job done’. Enjoy the creativity and seeing what others have made.
Fr Bill
Christian Values
We are exploring the value of compassion this half term and worship will be led by Mr Rumbles, Fr. Peter, Mrs Matthews, Fr. Bill and our Key Stage Two pupils.
More information on this half term’s value:
Compassion’ and ‘sympathy’ have much in common and both are stronger in meaning than simply ‘feeling sorry for’ someone. The words have their roots in the idea of ‘suffering with’ someone, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and experiencing what they experience. This leads to a desire to act, to do something. It is not about ‘doing good’ from a position of strength or ‘remembering those less fortunate than ourselves’. Compassion requires an act of imagination and humility to share in the lives of others.
In the Gospels we find many stories of Jesus showing compassion to the sick and the downtrodden of society. Christians believe that their attitudes and actions must reflect the kindness, mercy and compassion of Jesus and the love of God for everyone. In the school community this means showing kindness and respect to each other. It is related to the way in which new people are welcomed into the school family and nurtured and supported. It is reflected in the ways in which members of the community support each other through difficult times, such as bereavement. Christians would say that God Himself is the perfect example of community—the three persons of the Trinity are bound together in the ultimate closeness which makes them one. In a church school the idea of community will always be a strong one— schools share a common life and common goals—we aim to nurture and sustain all our members.
We would like our children to continue their reflection and experience at home.
Some things to think about:
- In what ways do we encourage members of the school community to show kindness and respect to one another?
- How do we foster links with charities for those in need?
- How are new members of the school community nurtured and supported?
- How does the school help, and encourage pupils to understand and empathise with members of their community who have suffered traumatic experiences, e.g. bereavement?
If you would like to receive a copy of the Weekly Bulletin by e-mail please e-mail the school. Shincliffece@durhamlearning.net The Weekly Bulletins from previous weeks can be found in the parents’ section of the website.
