Merry Christmas!

As a school we were delighted to come together once again this Christmas for our traditional Carol Service at St Nicholas Church. The children sang their hearts out whether it was about Rudolph, Jingle Bells or Silent Night.

Tuned instruments are really difficult to play but the children were amazing – with their trumpets in Y4, recorders in Y5, ukuleles in Y6 and keyboards in Y3. Each of these instruments presents its own challenges, we were so grateful that the children entered into it with such enthusiasm, despite some of their nerves.

Thank you so much for your support, especially with regard to the Covid controls, we all look forward to a time when things are in a better place but were proud of the school community and grateful to the church for hosting us!

COVID Update

We enjoyed a wonderful time at St Nicholas Church this week with traditional carols as well as seeing and hearing a bit of what the children have learned this term.

Thank you so much for the support and patience shown – as we were able to implement all the Covid guidelines linked to our risk assessment. We have worked closely with the local Health Protection Team throughout the pandemic and they praised the thorough manner in which we had implemented control measures at this event – similar to previous feedback from them.

While we’re sad as a staff team that we couldn’t have the whole school together, we were so pleased that we were able to visit the church and offer it as an opportunity for our children.

We have reviewed the risk assessment for January 2022 and we are watchful of the national and local position. Messages are clear that challenges will continue next year. The CVPS team will meet those challenges with sensible common sense responses that balance the need for our children to have regularity and high quality learning experiences alongside a responsible attitude that protects those in school and the wider community.

We partied on down…

Children’s parties in school saw an array of different games, special lunchtime ‘party’ food and lots of Christmas jumpers from those who wanted to wear them!

The yelps of excitement as they disco danced were great to hear – and once again – we separated the hall so that classes weren’t mixing! The school funds always support Santa to be able to gift something special – and individual or class presents are chosen by staff.

This year class hamsters – went to two of the classes! We’re hoping they are same sex hamsters!

Panto extravaganza

The children’s faces were a picture of joy – when they visited the Theatre Royal in Newcastle this week for the Snow White Pantomime. They were so excited (and tired) when they returned but had a brilliant time!

‘Is there time to save the world in 2022?’

We’re delighted to be able to let you know that our theme/topic next term throughout school is led by the overarching question, “Is there time to Save the World?’ The children have shared a lot of interest about the recent COP26 and their deep connection with nature as part of our forest school delivery means they are all very passionate about climate change and what they can do to impact on it. We’re excited about our learning plan for next half term, that involves the following:

EYFS What is pollution and recycling? What happens at home and who is ‘Recycle Michael’ before moving onto pollution in the seas.

Y1/2 Is there time to save our seas? A focus on the effects of pollution in our local sea life with a visit to the Aquarium at Tynemouth, key stories: Captain Green and the Plastic Scene and Alba the Hundred Year Old Fish.

Y3/4 are embarking on the nationally recognised Eco Award and pollution and climate change in Cramlington as a focus with a visit to the Local Wetlands and the Cramlington Nature Reserve.

Y5/6 are looking at natural disasters and the global impact of pollution and climate change – finishing with an inter-school debate about it in April at the end of the term.

Christmas wishes…

2022 will be a new start to a new year and we look forward to continuing the CVPS learning journey with you as our family partners. I wish you all a peaceful and safe festive break and look forward to hearing the children’s holiday news when we return to school on Tuesday the 4th January at 8.30am.

Happy Christmas everyone!

Paul’s outdoor idea

With Christmas around the corner it is important to make sure that you still get yourself outside and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors. Over the holidays we would love to see you out and about enjoying yourselves. Inspired by the Wildlife Trust’s 12 days wild you could:

1. Watch the sunrise and / or sunset
2. Take your breakfast and sit outside to eat
3. Hug a tree – it is amazing the benefits of connecting with nature
4. Read an outdoor book, poem or magazine
5. Sign up to #12dayswild – https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/12dayswild have a go at some of the more exciting activities

Achievement Awards

Gold celebration children: Y5 – Jessica Dack

Kindness champions – Theia Black and Jake Younger