Head Teacher's Blog 26.06.23
25th June 2023
What a wonderful week we have just had!
Having learnt about coastal habitats in the classrooms over the last few weeks, KS1 spent a day at Boulmer beach putting their knowledge into explorative action!. Here’s what Mrs Smith, who organised the trip had to say…
“Oak, Beech and Ask classes had a brilliant time at Boulmer beach. Bridie, who runs
Mudlarks beach school sessions, led us on a fantastic exploration of the rockpools. We were excited to come across hermit crabs, shore crabs, dog whelks, shrimps and different seaweeds and back on the beach we excelled at recreating rockpools. Those of us who went on Thursday’s trip were blessed with the weather which was just as well as some of us got soaked digging in the wet sand! On both days we were all well-behaved with lots of curious questions for Bridie. In the afternoon there was a scavenger hunt through the dunes where we excitedly spotted different flowers, common blue butterflies and even froghoppers (and their babies hiding in the cuckoo spit). The chance to collect limpet shells to make necklaces, bracelets and wind chimes topped the day off before we headed back to school with just a little bit of beach in our wellies!
Our Plum class friends finished off their week in great style with a trip to Alnwick Gardens and Lillidorei. Everyone had a wonderful time playing together and I think there were probably some very tired children on Friday at home time!
Year 3 spent the day at Alnwick Playhouse on Thursday working on their Journey of a River project. We know what fantastic children we have at Swansfield park, but it’s always great to hear this from other people who encounter our children. I had a wonderful email from Susie and Cheryl, the project leaders on Friday which reiterated what a hard-working, fun-loving group of children Year 3 are!
Beech class entertained their family and friends with a brilliant assembly on Thursday. We all loved the rendition of Sally and the Limpet Shell - great speaking, acting, singing, dancing and teamwork!
Let’s look ahead to next week:
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Sycamore Class assembly is on Monday afternoon at 2.30pm. Family and friends are warmly welcomed to come and watch
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We have Nursery sports days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please refer to the times that you have been given by Mrs Farrar.
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Year 6 head off on their long awaited residential on Wednesday. Don’t forget to pack everything on that kit list - as well as bundles of energy, enthusiasm and a big smile!
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Year 3 heads back to the Playhouse on Thursday morning for a rehearsal. They will be back at school for lunchtime
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New class letters will be emailed out on Thursday next week
As you will be aware from the press, a further two strike days have been announced on the 5th July and 7th July. We will be in touch early in the week to let you know how this affects our school. Please note that Year 6 transition is not affected.
In amongst all of the great news that is always lovely to share on the blog, I feel it necessary to highlight a really important safety message this week. I am deeply concerned by the quantity of offensive, hurtful and sometimes abusive messages that some children in KS2 are sending. On a weekly basis, I am made aware of multiple examples of this. It is causing deep emotional distress to children who receive these messages and quite simply, it is not OK. Can I urge all parents whose children have telephones and other messaging devices to check them regularly and talk with their children about acceptable online behaviour. Can I also remind parents of the e-safety meeting that we are running at school on Tues 4th July at 3.15pm and urge you to attend if you are able to. There will be a creche available for children.
Finishing off with some happier news, I am delighted to let you know that:
Ffion Read, Wilf Hughes, Joshua Cuthbert, Amy Davidson, Anna Hume, Lucy Chatterton, Katy Rogerson, Will Tate, Ted Edridge, Penny Donaldson and Dylan Adamson are our stars of the week. Certificates will be on their way to you!
Our music this week is a song called Words, originally a BeeGees song, but sung here by Boyzone. Words are so powerful - let’s use them carefully and kindly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F6wjcbrACs
See you in the week,
Mrs G