Dear Parents/carers,

Hello everyone, December is here! I can now mention Christmas without getting very annoyed looks from everyone.

COVID 19 and the Showcase

I sent an email at the beginning of this week explaining that at the moment we would be going ahead with the events planned. Guidance has still not changed so we are able to go ahead with the Curriculum Showcases next week. There will be measures in place- only one person per child, parents/carers asked to wear masks, rooms ventilated and exhibits well-spaced out.

I am just so pleased that we are able to go ahead, many parents/carers have commented that they are so excited to be coming back into school.

We are really looking forward to seeing you and sharing all the wonderful work that has happened this term.

I would like to remind you that if anyone in your household has COVID that the children are tested on a lateral flow before coming into school – this is not statutory but it will help to make sure we are not spreading the virus. If they test negative then the children are allowed to come into school.

Pantomime

The Pantomime visits this week have gone so well. Oh no they didn’t- oh yes, they did!

The children have loved every minute. It was so nice to see them going on a bus and enjoying an event again.

Year 6 Soup Kitchen

On Monday and Tuesday this week Y6 children hosted a soup kitchen in Aycliffe town centre. They have been learning about human rights now and in the past – using the book “Street Child” to compare to Victorian times. The outcome of their project was to look at why some people are still homeless and have very little food today, by looking at local charities and places that help people in our community.

The soup kitchen was very successful in every way. The children were using their skills of oracy – talking to people and explaining their project in detail. There were many wonderful comments from members of the public, especially about how polite the children were and what a wonderful thing they were doing. The soup was amazing too - all made by the children.

At the end of it all the children have reflected on what it means to need places like a soup kitchen- what it’s like for people with little or no food in a real-life context. I am so very proud of all of them.

Reminders

Sugar Hill Coffee Stop

The coffee stop will not be open on Tuesday 7^th December due to Showcase events but will be open on Tuesday 14^th for mince pies and a tea/coffee.

The kitchen used by the Nursery Parents will also be closed for next Thursday

Christmas Lunch

The deadline for taking orders has passed. Please don’t ring the office to ask as the answer will be no. Numbers have been given to the kitchen so that food can be ordered.

After school clubs

Next week will be the last week for the After-School clubs for this term.

Dates- more information will follow over the next half term

Week beginning 6^th December- Global Curriculum Showcase- Year Groups will be sharing the work from their Autumn Term Projects

Friday 10^th December – Christmas Jumper Day

Monday 13^th December/Tuesday 14^th December- Showcase Exhibition 3.30pm- 5.00pm

Wednesday 15^th December- Christmas lunch. Children can wear Christmas jumpers again.

Thursday 16^th December – Parties and end of Term

Christmas holidays-School closes on Thursday 16^th December and we return on Thursday 6^th January 2022

Thank you for your continued support.

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Paula O’Rourke     

Head Teacher