This Sunday 28th November is the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of our time of preparation for the coming of Christ. The first candle to be lit this Sunday represents HOPE.
In class we have discussed the importance of Advent and how it signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. With this in mind, we have all made our own Advent Promise, one that we hope will help to spiritually nourish us, and help to closen our relationship with Christ. We have thought carefully about what this promise will be this year, ensuring it is something that is both challenging, but achievable. It was so lovely reading these promises, which ranged from being more prayerful, to being more tolerant and patient with those around us.
Here’s what else we have been up to this week….
In Maths we have been multiplying and dividing fractions by integers (whole numbers). We also solved some problems by finding percentages of amounts.
In English we have been writing formal letters to the Wizard of Oz, in the role of Scarecrow. We had to remember all of the features of formal writing, to ask Oz for his help in acquiring a brain for the Scarecrow. I was very pleased with the use of vocabulary in these letters-everyone had made sure they used sophisticated choices of language, to replace the more informal words. We also recited a passage from the novel, using our own story maps to help us!
In Science we have been looking at the classification of animals, using their characteristics to help differentiate between groups and species of animals, including humans!
In History we compared primary and secondary sources of information, offering our opinions on which we through would be more reliable. We then looked at some primary sources of information from WW2, in our local area! We located several pillboxes and marked them on a map of our local area of Blackpool. The class were astonished to learn that we have so much history on our doorstep (literally!) Squires Gate is full of WW2 history-there are pillboxes up near the airport, which was an RAF base during the war. There are also a couple of pillboxes at South Shore Cricket Club, on Common Edge Road!!
In Computing we have been using Scratch to make our own games.
AWARD WINNERS:
The Golden Award went to Adam for his positive attitude towards his learning and the people around him.
The Maths Award was given to Lila for her fantastic problem solving skills.
The Writing Award was given to Brodie for the huge progress she has made with her writing-especially her spelling!
OTHER NOTICES:
Year 4, 5 & 6 Carol Concert
This year, Year 4, 5 & 6 are joining together to sing some carols and tell the story of the Nativity. As we are still not in the position to welcome parents into school, in big groups, the Carol Concert will be professionally! recorded and put on the website for all parents to see! We have started to practice the carols during our music lessons and the narration parts will be divided out between the three classes next week. The recording will take place on Wednesday 8th December.
PTFA Christmas Jumper day - 14TH DECEMBER
We are asking for a donation of £1 on this day for PTFA funds - which are then spent on items for the children in school. Many thanks.
Advent Reading Challenge
As part of our Advent challenge this year, we are going to have a selection of books to read throughout the Advent period. At he end of the term, we will then have a book club (with biscuits of course!) and we will discuss the books we have read.
The books in our challenge this year are: ‘Holes’ , ‘Coraline’ and ‘Millions’.
Clean Water Bottles
Throughout the school we have a number of bugs and colds going around, and of course Covid is still present. With this in mind, we please ask that you ensure your child’s school water bottle is thoroughly cleaned at home, before they bring it back in each day. They best was to kill the germs is to use boiling water.
Wrap Up!
Please also that your child comes to school with a warm coat (and hat/scarf/gloves for those really cold days) everyday for playtimes as we will go out in all weathers for fresh air and exercise.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs Murphy & Mrs Owen
