Monday 25th November 2019 Please see our PTFA Facebook Page Contact school: sch.164@educ.somerset.gov.uk Website: https://stbenedictsjuniorschoolglastonbury.org/
Last Friday saw St. Benedict’s’ ELLi Learning Day. The day was the brainchild of PSHE Lead, Jo Murphy, who was keen to tap in to our pupils’ different learning styles. She set teachers the task of creating a range of practical workshops to challenge the pupils and find out where their strengths lay and also identify areas to develop. Every class at St. Benedict’s is named after a different learning animal (see right) and our aim is for children to become multi-skilled learners.
Cat – The curious cat is the learner that asks questions to seek knowledge and gain a better understanding. Unicorn – unicorns are creative; they may use this in artwork, design, writing or in creative solutions to problems. Chameleon – the flexible chameleon can adapt his/her learning to suit the task and is open to change. Owl – the wise owl is all about strategy; the ability to choose the correct strategy to deal with a given problem or challenge. Spider – spiders make links, they join strands of learning together; this can be particularly useful in subjects like Maths and Science, but is equally handy in ‘real-life’ situations.
The rationale behind the system is that developing meta-cognition (thinking about the way we learn) is one of the most successful ways to improve our ability to learn. As learning is a life-long challenge, we hope to inspire our pupils to develop their own skills and grow to love learning.
ELLi award winners from each class
Year 5 pupils testing out their creations
Huge thanks to Miss Murphy and all teachers for the effort they put into the day.
Tortoise – the resilient tortoise never gives up. When the going gets tough, tortoises keep going! Peacock – the presentation peacock is all about pride in appearance; this may be the way we present ourselves, the quality of our work or even the way we present our ideas and thoughts. Leopard – lone leopard stands for independence; this about their ability to undertake a task on their own but also to assume responsibility for making decisions themselves and not always relying on others, including adults. Bee – bees love teamwork. They work together and co-operate to reach their goals.
Parents and Carers: What kind of animal are you? Which animal do you need to work on? Have a chat with your child about what you share in common…
Weekly Awards:
ELLi Learning Awards:
STAR OF THE WEEK
Cat Class: Unicorn Class: Chameleon Class: Owl Class: Tortoise Class: Spider Class: Leopard Class: Peacock Class:
Acacia Mikey Safiye Sonny William Rosie Kacey Sienna
Alfie in Year 5 was awarded ‘Player of the Week’ at Tor Rugby.
These ELLi award winners were chosen for their learning behaviour, both during our ELLi learning day (on Friday) and their general learning behaviour so far this term. Their reward is a fabulous trip: more details to be announced this week…
Alfie, a ferocious tackler, is one to watch for the future.
ATTENDANCE CHAMPS! Attendance for 18th – 22nd Nov: Cat Class: Unicorn Class: Chameleon Class: Owl Class: Spider Class: Tortoise Class: Peacock Class: Leopard Class:
89.1% 92% 93.7% 92.3% 95.9% 89.6 % 98.9% 94.3%
A brand new feature that brings you closer to our staff: This week, our roving reporters, Venus and Freida, caught up with Year 4 teacher and Science Lead, Mrs Ford.
Last Thursday pupils at St. Benedict’s were visited by talented author Robin Etherington who delivered energetic workshops for the lower and upper school. Focused around creativity in writing and how to start stories, the sessions were fast-paced and zany – reflecting Robin’s work. Lucky pupils had the chance to buy copies of Robin’s books and get them signed by the author himself. Robin very generously provided us with a workbook that pupils took home last week – this is packed with ideas and fun and could inspire your child in their writing. If you haven’t seen it yet, have a look in the bottom of that school-bag.
Q. What’s your favourite colour? A. Blue. Q. What’s your favourite food? A . Pancakes. Q . What’s your favourite animal? A. A Hedgehog. Q. If you weren’t a teacher what job would you like?
A. A Scientist. Q. Do you have any pets? A. No. Q. What’s your favourite country? A. Scotland.
Our School Football teams, who have their final league matches of the season this Thursday. The boys’ team face Walton and the Girls’ take on Elmhurst. The Girls futsal team are also representing the Mendip Area in the futsal finals on Thursday.
Come and see us at the Frost Fayre THIS SATURDAY… Our PTFA are running a stall at the Frost Fayre – we’ll be right outside the school selling tasty hot food and drinks – COME AND SEE US!
PARKING PROBLEMS It has come to my attention that some parents/carers are parking dangerously outside school. This is a particular problem at the back of school (opposite Proper Job). The message from the children of St. Benedict’s is clear… “DON’T PUT OUR LIVES IN DANGER!” It may be more convenient for you, or save you finding a space somewhere else, but you are risking lives if your car obscures a crossing place. Please do not park on yellow lines, even if just for a few minutes. Also, could you please not leave your engines running whilst waiting by the school. Children are particularly affected by air pollution as their lungs are still developing and it can increase their risk of a range of long-term issues including asthma. I’m sure we all share the same hopes for the children in that they are able to live happy and healthy lives, and small steps like turning your engine off will have that positive effect of improving air quality. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
P.T.F.A. Pyjama Day
Children in Need money
Come to school dressed in your pyjamas this Friday (29th November) in exchange for a donation of £1, or an item for the Christmas Fair raffle/ tombola.
Please could any outstanding sponsorship money be brought in to the school office by Wednesday 27th November.
The week ahead Tuesday
26th November DASH club (8.00 – 8.30a.m); Drama club 3.15 – 4.30p.m.; Film club 3.15 – 4p.m.; Netball club 3.15 – 4p.m.; Lower school football club 3.15 – 4p.m. ; Eco club 3.15 – 4p.m.
Wednesday Thursday
27th November DASH club (8.00 – 8.30a.m.); Glee club 3.15 – 4p.m. 28th November DASH club (8.00 – 8.30a.m; Road Safety workshops for each class; 10a.m. – 1 p.m. – Girls’ Futsal Area Finals at Richard Huish College in Taunton; 3 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. – football match vs Walton at Elmhurst at Strode; Cosmic Yoga club 3.15 – 4p.m.; Lower school and Upper school Art clubs 3.15 – 4 p.m. th 29 November DASH club (8.00 – 8.30a.m); P.T.F.A. Pyjama Day; 3.30 – 5.30 p.m.; Chess match away at Millfield. nd 2 December DASH club (8.00 – 8.30a.m.); Cross country club 12.15 – 12.45; Chess club – 3.15 – 4.15 p.m.
Friday Monday