Y5/Y6 explore Lindisfarne

As part of our theme this term looking at our musical story, Year 5 and 6 visited Lindisfarne and reviewed some amazing historical sources that underpin a lot of north east history, linking with their Vikings topic. The rain and mist in the morning didn’t stop them from enjoying the drive across the causeway nor the visits to the Priory, St Cuthbert’s monument and lime kilns amongst other things.

The sun even shone in the afternoon when the blue sky finally appeared. Pupils across both classes were very engaged in this learning expedition and filled with enthusiasm when they returned to school.

In and around the rest of school, I have had the pleasure of spending more time in our nursery this
half term, singing and sharing stories. We were curled up on the floor this week, and when the children weren’t looking I took their photo before they sprung to life as scarecrows. Y4 showcased some ‘disco dancing’ as they were doing the ‘Hustle’ with a blast from the 70s past! Throughout school we are almost back to some normality with the hall being used for assembly times, PE as well as lunchtimes again. We are tentatively reintroducing all the old routines and positive learning experiences and the children are
responding with great gusto! Great to have some normality back and the buzz of CVPS returning.

COVID Update

Daily updates with the local authority’s health protection teams give us access to the most up to date information. Please send any negative PCR test outcomes to the school office on info@villageprimary.org prior to children returning to school. It is equally important to let us know about any positive test outcomes as well.

Covid Contingency Plans

If a class has three pupils off who have tested positive within a 10 day window we are expected to activate
our Covid Contingency Plan. This is to limit additional spread within the class and school. We continue to be extremely appreciative of the cooperation of the families we serve at this challenging time and would like to say a huge thank you.

Please be assured that we would much rather have the children in school than at home. It seems strange
to be saying – ‘if in doubt keep them out’ – as in the past we have always welcomed the children even when
they are a bit under the weather.

Now we can only do that if we are positive that they test negative first when their symptoms are either
overtly Covid or even milder. Recent guidance for testing has been updated to include the milder symptoms we already listed in last week’s newsletter

Introducing Dr Bike

We have recently been part of a small bid to provide free bike maintenance for anyone who would like it. This will mean that anyone can bring along their child’s bike on a designated day to be able to get it maintained and checked for free. Please let your class teacher know if you would like to take advantage of this excellent offer.

Meet Amy Biggins – our new family support worker

I am so excited that Amy (Y1 teacher last year) has returned to CVPS as our new Family Support Worker. Amy’s role will be to support all our families with anything that helps them to promote learning at home. She will be undertaking some additional training and lead on some of our child protection issues in school as well. Amy will be on the gates in the morning to greet you all and introduce herself in the coming week.

Our building

We are aware that for years the front of school has been in need of a redesign including the car park and the fencing/design of the entrance area. We have been working closely with a design team and are delighted that our submission of a new proposal has been accepted by the local authority’s planning team. Of course we’ll let you have sight as soon as we receive the finalised plans.

Y6 applications for High School

We have been prompted once again by Cramlington Learning Village for you to get your applications in for high school. They are hosting a virtual open evening of Thursday 7th October. Please check the Y6 class Facebook page for more details.

Paul’s outdoor idea

As the leaves are falling – this week I would love to see you making a natural magic wand.

Maybe you could attach a leaf by its’ stalk with masking tape or sticky tape. Wind string or wool around the stick to cover up the tape or other sections if you wish. Using glue or double sided tape, stick leaves and petals to the stick and the large leaf at the top.

Post your pictures on the class Facebook pages and I look forward to seeing your creations.

Achievement Awards

Kindness champion – Henry Taylor Swimmer of the week – Miles Straker

Children achieving gold – Y1– Millie Mitchinson, Joseph Gorton, Mason Gray and Jaxon Gunnell (not reported last week), Y3 – Jack Mitchinson, Y5 – Max Pearson and Amelia Hudson