30 Active Minutes
A huge well done to the first group of children who achieved their bronze wristbands as part of the 30:30 challenge. As well as improving our fitness levels, this also has an impact on self-esteem and self-image (our Living and Learning focus this half term). It’s been proven that children who are physically active throughout the day are happier and more confident. So, aiming for 60 active minutes is great for physical and mental health.
Their photos are on our podium display just inside school.
They will now progress on to the silver challenge. If you didn’t complete the bronze challenge, it’s not too late. Spare copies of the recording sheets can be collected from the office. To help achieve the 30 active minutes at home you could check out the new site that the BBC have launched, called Super Movers, that combines learning and exercise.
Askham Bryan Animal Visit
We’re continuing with our Life Forces big topic. We re-ignited our interest in the topic by arranging a visit from Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park today. We took part in two workshops. One focused on habitats where we learnt why animals choose certain habitats and how they adapt to their habitats. The second workshop looked at animal skulls and teeth. We learnt about how different teeth tear, rip, grind and chew. The most exciting part was meeting the animals though! We looked closely at a giant hissing cockroach, White’s tree frog, a bearded dragon, a tortoise, a Madagascan tenrec and a python. We were given the opportunity to touch the animals (except the tree frog – they’re too sensitive). This also allowed us to talk about how to be gentle and respectful towards animals.
Help your child at home by talking about animals and habitats you may visit: parks, woodlands, rivers, seaside…
New PE days
After our badminton coaching last half term, we’ll be continuing to develop our skills this half term with our own classes. PE days this half term are:
- 1K (Miss Parling) – Tuesday
- 1,2V (Mrs Latham) – Friday
- 2KL (Wednesday) – Wednesday
Scholes swimming lessons
Most of the Year 1 and 2 children are working on or towards their ASA Learn to Swim Stage 2 Awards in school swimming lessons this half term. Nicole (our swimming instructor) is pleased with their progress and will assess the children at the end of term. If your child achieves the award, a slip will be sent home. There has been a focus on breaststroke, water confidence (including swimming 5m under water), swimming through a hoop and picking up sinker rings. The next award will be 10m badge which requires breaststroke, backstroke and front crawl. The strokes will be a big focus next half term.
Children in Reception class (F2) are working on their Duckling 1 badge and will also be assessed soon. Their water confidence and ability to get changed independently has also improved since they started swimming lessons in school.
Here are some comments from children about their swimming lessons…
- ‘I can now do backstroke.’
- ‘I have enjoyed doing different strokes.’
- ‘We do frog legs. Bend, out, together!’
- ‘When I first went under the water, it was a bit scary. I enjoy going under the water now!’
- ‘I like going under the water to fetch the mermaid toy.’
Super Skippers
The whole school enjoyed sessions delivered by Jodi Corcoran from Skipping School this week. The primary aim is fitness through fun and she includes every child in the sessions, regardless of their skills. There is a clear pathway through the skills to ensure all children make progress. After all the sessions, there was a celebration assembly for the whole school. Lots of children demonstrated their achievements.
Please bring skipping ropes into school after half term so the children can continue to improve their skills.
See children demonstrating the skills below for more skipping ideas. Which ones can you do?
Reading Workshop
Thank you to all the parents who attended the reading workshop during parents’ evening last night. Don’t worry if you missed it because the workshop will be running again during the parents’ evening on Wednesday 07 February between 5pm and 7pm.
The workshop provides tips and advice on how to support your child’s reading at home. The year 6 children running the workshop demonstrate games and activities to encourage a love of reading. If you have five minutes after visiting your child’s class teacher, then pop in and see what the children have to offer.
Below are some comments from parents who attended the workshop:
- “This was a useful and informative workshop. Useful for our two younger children.”
- “Good descriptive information to support at home.”
- “Really fun and enjoyable. I’d recommend coming.”
Golden Star
Well done to our Golden Star this week.
Can you claim your wristband?
We launched the 30:30 Wristband Challenge in the new year. We aimed to complete 30 minutes of physical activity during school time.
The other 30 minutes were to be done at home. If you’ve managed 10 days, you will receive a certificate.
If you have managed 80% of this half-term (38 days), you’ll receive a bronze wristband. Please return your completed forms back to school by the end of next week if you would like to receive your prize. If you need another form, please call in to the school office.
The Big Ink Cartridge Collection
WANTED!
School council are collecting used ink cartridges to raise money for our school and our chosen charity – The Donkey Sanctuary.
All collected used ink and toner cartridges are recycled in an environmentally friendly way and the money raised is donated back to us! The more cartridges we can collect, the more we can raise.
If anyone’s workplace throws their ink cartridges away, we’ll be happy to recycle them for you!
An ink cartridge recycle box is waiting for your donation in the main office reception.
Golden Star
Well done to our Golden Star this week. You show resilience in your learning and always have a smile on your face!
