A time to say goodbye

A farewell to Bishop Tim Stevens

As a school we would like to acknowledge the work and support that Bishop Tim Stevens has given to not only us but all the church schools in the Diocese. He is retiring this summer and we wish him well in whatever challenges that he takes on next!

Bishop Tim has always had the needs of individual children at the heart of his ministry. I clearly remember him speaking passionately about the need for every child to have a ‘good childhood’ on a number of occasions. This came from his work as the Chair of the Children’s Society and the publication of the Good Childhood report. The Gospel message is all about reaching out to those most in need and this is at the heart of what Church schools are about.

In his Ministry I have on a number occasions observed Bishop Tim speak about and put children at the centre of the focus of his work. As a leader I have felt inspired by his care and compassion and I know without doubt that I am not alone in this. He will be missed, but the legacy of his ministry will certainly endure!

 

A change of scene

This week our school looks a very different place as we prepare for the summer holidays. Classroom displays have disappeared as classroom contents are boxed ready to move to a new abode!

At the same time the children have enjoyed the opportunity to meet their new teachers and to visit their new classrooms, very exciting and quite a big change, especially if you are moving to year 3.

Over these three days our assemblies have focused on the whole school reflecting on what they are thankful for. This year has gone so quickly and in the business of the last few days it is easy to move on without taking the time to pause and reflect. The Psalmist encourages us to do just this, to be still and to know, to take time to reflect and to focus our minds on what we are thankful for both in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Each year group will be sharing their thoughts in our whole school assembly on Friday, by displaying one of the letters from two words. These two words are THANK YOU. Our main point of reflection will however be on the last letter in these two words - the U.

Why?

Because the things that we are thankful for don't happen by accident. They are either because we have made a difference or someone else has. The Letter U focuses us on this fact, it is because of who each individual is that our lives are special. But is also because of who God is that we are able to have so many things to be thankful for.

It is all about U!

So as we finish for the school year we want to focus on U, the difference that each of us makes and the difference that God makes in our lives and our communities.

May we always be thankful for the blessings that we have in our lives and the difference that other people make.

Pond developments

Today the second of our ponds was installed with a little help from our year 5 children. Both are now full and well populated with newts and frogs. The old ponds are out and ready to be disposed of and we are now looking to make good the ground around the new ones. The area will then be opened up for the children to enjoy at play times and lunchtimes.

We are also looking to introduce some new seating areas as well, just to make every one that little more comfortable!

Friday 3rd July

A busy day in school today with our year 6 children involved in the Curve schools bike ride, accompanied by our local police officers and staff. A great experience, with a slightly tiring climb on the way back up. Plenty of red faces as they entered the school grounds!

In addition we had an excellent picnic lunch outside today provided by our wonderful dinner ladies. Sausages and chips served up with ice cream for afters. The weather was kind to us, all though the shade was very welcome. Even the teddy bears appreciated it!

With one week to go there is lots to look forward to next week with our year 5 leavers assembly as well as our year 6 end of term production, which is always something special!

Activity day 2015

The sun has certainly shone over the last two days and for once we didn't have to cancel our activity mornings due to rain. Great to see the children working so well together in teams to take on many different challenges. Each one competed as a mixed year group team, supporting and encouraging each other.

We were also pleased to welcome parents who came to support and cheer their children on.

A big thank you to the staff who helped organise the events.