A new frontier

Great to watch Mrs P's classes assembly today all about the seeds that Tim Peake took into space to see what the effect of zero gravity would be.

The scientists in 4V dressed up for the ocassion, delivered their lines with real authority and shared their learning and experiences from conducting an experiment with two different types of seeds. One from space, the other kept on earth.

Their findings were inconclusive and they are all keen to know which colour seeds were the ones that ventured into space. A great experiment to have taken part in.

Thanks 4V for a great assembly - you clearly enjoyed it!

Songs for the journey

Over the past couple of weeks we have been considering songs that are important parts of our journey, both as a school and as individuals. It was an amazing experience last week in assembly to hear KS2 singing the words of Matt Redman’s song 10,000 reasons with such enthusiasm and passion. It was most certainly one of those times when you catch a glimpse of something special.

In assembly today we will be celebrating and considering the work of the Save the Children Charity, and as I was thinking of a song to share as the children come in, I was drawn to the very relevant words of Bruce Springsteen’s song – Waiting on a sunny day.

It's rainin' but there ain't a cloud in the sky
Musta been a tear from your eye
Everything'll be okay
Funny thought I felt a sweet summer breeze
Musta been you sighin' so deep
Don't worry we're gonna find a way

I'm waitin', waitin' on a sunny day
Gonna chase the clouds away
Waitin' on a sunny day

Appropriate not just because we have certainly been experiencing a significant amount of rain these past few days and the fact that we are all longing for the next sunny day, but also because it is a song of hope. The belief that things can change, however difficult, and that love and actions can drive the rain away. This is exactly what the work of Save the Children achieves – bringing rays of hope into very challenging and difficult circumstances. By raising money today, we are part of that hope. A very positive way to end a very damp week!

If you have never heard the song – why not give it a listen, the live version is brilliant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiCxqhu9ci

St John the Baptist day services

Today we once again gathered together in the church to remember the life and example of St John the Baptist.

Our thoughts were drawn to the importance of building a close and strong relationship with God through the retelling of John's story - some great acting that included the eating of locusts, ( not real I hope!) honey as well as some other bizarre choices of Frosties, crisps and fruit! All really getting us to focus on the fact that our relationship with God is strengthened through prayer, reading our bible and meeting together with others and not what food we eat.

Our prayers and reading were done by our foundation and year 3 classes, who all read clearly and confidently, sharing the passage about St John and leading us in our prayers of response.

We also sang for the first time in church the Chris Tomlin song - Water you turned into wine, along with some brilliant actions introduced to use by some of our children in year 3.

The KS2 service was finished off with a performance by our ukulele band, who have been working hard together over the year. A great performance of such classics as Yellow submarine and I feel good. They all received a standing ovation at the end.

For the first time this year it didn't rain as we made our way to and from. Maybe summer is on its way at last!

One of us

One of us

I don’t know if you remember the words of the Joan Osborne song of the same title, it was a hit in 1995 and has been covered a few times since.  It explores the idea of God having an understanding of what it is like to live and face the many challenges that this life brings.

The Christian belief is that God does indeed have a clear understanding of what it is to live and face the challenges. He knows this because of His decision to send His son Jesus to live among us. The words used at Christmas sum this up so clearly – Emmanuel, God with us.

In assembly this week I have been exploring with the children what it feels like to be lonely, to feel that no one is interested in you or cares for you. The discussion produced some powerful emotions and images.

Our verse over the coming weeks is from Joshua, when God commands his people to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid. Why? Because He is with them, never leaving their side.

Our assembly discussion led us to acknowledge that we all feel lonely at times, but that in these times we can rely on the truth that God is always with us.

Our reflection was based on the famous poem – footprints in the sand, a very visual reminder that God is always with us, even when we do not feel it, He is most certainly still there.

Den day in Foundation stage

This afternoon Foundation Stage have enjoyed building their own dens, all over the playground and garden areas. Lots of great creativity and fun - maybe not water tight, but on a dry day that doesn't matter!

Den day part two

Across the school grounds the children have been involved in many creative outdoor activities - using their design skills, engaging with the natural environment, cooking marshmallows on the open fire, exploring our school ponds and thoroughly having a great time in raising money for Save the Children.

Den day part one

A great start to our Den day - with dancing in the playground and activities set out for children to respond to.

Year 6 space adventure

 

Today we had a really enjoyable day at the National space centre. I had originally thought of taking the whole of year 6 to Bradgate Park to do some orienteering - thankfully I choose the indoor option as the rain would certainly have put a dampner on that one!

We instead spent the day undercover, learning about the fascinating lives of astronaughts and the wonders of the universe we live in. So much to see and read, that it would have taken much longer to get the benefit of all of the displays, but we certainly came away with the sense of ' awe and wonder' about the amazing creation our planet is part of.