Christmas carols bring great cheer … and tears! The annual Carol service at St Nicholas Church was a celebration of the children’s enthusiastic renditions of the traditional story of Christmas through carols. There were lots of dewy eyes from the families who attended, and our hearts melted when we heard the reception children singing ‘Away in a manger’. With a joyful trumpet playing of Jingle Bells to set us off, and some highly creative contemporary poetry interspersed throughout (written by our very own skilled Year 6 authors), we were given a real treat!
The children’s behaviour walking to and from the church was as fantastic as always – and thankfully the weather held off the rain so they weren’t drenched when they arrived. Thanks to Melissa Costello for practising the songs with the children and pulling it all together, as well as creating the musical arrangements. A huge thanks to all the families who came along too – I know it meant a lot to the children to know you were there whether they had a speaking part, were trumpeting or singing.
Congratulations to Ethan Vaughan
We are delighted that Ethan’s ‘Power of Poo’ invention has been shortlisted to the final 15, in the national Little Inventors competition that Y5 pupils entered at the beginning of this term. We are so proud of all our children’s many individual achievements, but it’s especially encouraging when their creativity is recognised by national providers as well. We look forward to hearing how his entry is judged in March!
Early Years visit to Newcastle
Our Early Years children were so excited to be visiting Newcastle yesterday to be able to view
Fenwick’s window and attend the theatre to watch ‘Wolf’ being performed at the Northern Stage. They also had time to squeeze in a sneaky visit to the Great North Museum who very kindly let us use their space for a picnic lunch!
The programme of trips and learning expeditions is extensive in CVPS, and is a great way for us to expand children’s vocabulary and give them real life experiences. Our school is well known for its focus on widening children’s experiences and we try to alternate trip costs to minimise any pressure from families who contribute voluntarily towards costs. Every trip is carefully considered in terms of the learning it offers to the children (hence why we call them learning expeditions!) and they are also risk assessed. Risk assessments for residential trips are always approved by governors. Please don’t hesitate when you get your letter about a trip to ask any questions about the plans. Over the years we have taken great delight in hosting lots of exciting excursions so we now have some real experts on how to lead learning expeditions!
Christmas is coming …
Our final Christmas celebrations happen next week – when the children party all afternoon. They can wear Christmas jumpers if they wish, and will be enjoying a wonderful trip to the Winter Wonderland Yurt as part of the celebrations! If they’re lucky they may even get to meet a special man with a white beard!
- EYFS Monday 17th am
- Y1/Y2 Tuesday 18th pm
- Y3/Y4 Wednesday 19th pm
- Y5/Y6 Thursday 20th pm
Party children get a party lunch from Chef Lynn to get them started or (in the case of early years) to help them celebrate at the end!
Clubs
Clubs finish for the term this Friday the 13th December. Please collect children from Reception/Nursery, Y1 and Y2 at 2.30 promptly next week.
Y5 visit IT specialists
As you will see from the photos the Y5 pupils enjoyed a fabulous trip to the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle who provide us and other schools with free taster sessions as part of their revitalised ‘outreach’ programme. The children were inspired after learning some new skills from the secondary IT specialist and we hope to continue the programme back at CVPS next term.
Attendance and Punctuality
- YR 88%(1)
- Y1 79%(2)
- Y2 85%(3)
- Y3 88%(1)
- Y4 91%(8)
- Y5 92%(3)
- Y6 84%(4)
Well done to Y5 this week for excellent attendance.
Achievement awards
Kindness Champion – Chanelle Henderson
Well done for super AV controls at the Carol Service!
Ashleigh’s Outdoor Idea
Make a Christmas wreath out of natural materials- and watch the spikes if you use holly!
Dates for your Diary
Please check all the dates below so you don’t miss out on what’s happening this coming term.
