Message from the Head I very much hope you enjoy reading this latest edition of the Junior Monthly Messenger with articles ranging from Dance and Music competitions to World Book Day and hatching Ducklings. The end of this term sees us say a sad farewell to Mrs Rix who retires following 14 years of outstanding teaching service at Hymers. Over the years, hundreds of Hymers pupils have benefited from Mrs Rix’s first-class teaching, professionalism and determined support for every child in her care. Following an extended period of ill health this academic year, staff and children were delighted to see Mrs Rix in school this week looking well on the path to recovery. She delivered an uplifting message to the children about facing and overcoming challenges and we all wish her a wonderful and happy retirement. Finally, I hope that you all have a restful and healthy Easter. Peter Doyle, Head of Junior School
World Book Day On Thursday 3rd March, Hymers Junior School celebrated World Book Day in style with a whole day dedicated to story telling. The activities began in assembly time when Mr Doyle was reading ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox and was interrupted by some characters who had found some strange objects around school—an egg, a map, a giant footprint and a wand! It soon became clear that these items were to be used by the children to create their own stories. In mixed aged groups, all the pupils had to work together to create a story and then present it in some way. Everyone worked really hard and creatively throughout the day and in the final assembly, some groups were selected to present to the whole school. Well done everyone for a fantastic day, including all the staff who dressed up to get into the spirit of things and a special thank you to Mrs Julian for organising this event.
Great Big Dance Off
Our Year 6 dancers had a fantastic day at the Great Big Dance Off regional heat in Halifax on Monday 21st March. They performed brilliantly in front of a large audience, creating an electric atmosphere in the Victoria Theatre, finishing in 6th place overall. A huge thank you to Mrs Marsden for all her efforts.
Music For Youth On Thursday 17th March, the Year 5 Choir, the Year 6 Choir and the Junior String Group took part in the regional round of the Music For Youth Festival. Over 100 pupils descended on the Albemarle Music Centre in Hull to perform in front of other ensembles and the two Music Mentors. All three groups performed brilliantly and were highly praised by the Music Mentors. A huge well done to all involved and thank you to Mrs Redhead, Mr Quick and Mr Bartlett.
Author Visit Year 5 Choir
The Junior School children enjoyed the visit by author Darren Simpson who explained the inspiration behind writing his book ‘The Memory Thieves’.
Year 6 Choir Page 2
Mother’s Day Art
The pupils have studied 'balance and space' and focused on drawing and water colour painting to create Mother's Day cards. Examples here are from Years 4, 5 and 6.
Adorable Ducklings! During March, the Junior School welcomed some new additions—6 ducklings! Mr McLoughlin had arranged for 6 eggs to be brought to the school and the pupils were delighted when all of them hatched. The first was named Pancake as it was born on Shrove Tuesday! 6M took a keen interest, as they lived in their Form Room, but all the children had the opportunity to watch them develop and learn all about the life-cycle of a duck as well as how to care for them. It was sad to see them go and even the staff, some of whom had taken them home to care for, shed a small tear but they went off happily to live on the farm.
March 2022
Page 3
HMC
Sport Rugby 7s The U11 boys continued their fantastic start to the 7s season with a very impressive performance at Terrington Hall on 2nd March. Although missing out on the final by one try, the boys were proud to finish in 3rd place. The boys’ good form on the 7s circuit continued at the HMC 7s at St Peter’s, York. Qualifying to play in the top pool, the boys found it tough going but it was an excellent all-round team effort of which all the players should be proud.
Wednesday March 2nd saw 24 HMC schools from the NE arrive at Hymers. The Year 6 girls were very excited to take part in this prestigious netball tournament. They performed brilliantly on the day, despite the cold and wet conditions. Both teams showed resilience and excellent team work, with the A team making the final of the Shield competition and narrowly missing out on victory. A special thank you also to the girls who helped the tournament run so smoothly. The boys hosted the HMC Football with around 240 boys taking part. It was a huge event so everyone braved the weather and it turned out to be a super day of football. Our A team did well in the tournament, reaching the Cup Semi-Final having won every game in the group stage. Our three other teams also put in a strong performance and we were very pleased with all of them. Thank you too to those who helped on the day, who did a fantastic job to keep the tournament running smoothly. Well done to all!
The final tournament for the U11 boys was the inaugural Hymers U11 7s Festival. Again, Hymers qualified for the top group and dug deep. It brought an end to a magnificent 7s season where the boys played above and beyond themselves, with a team spirit that is beyond compare. Well done to each and every one of you.
The U10s have trained at club throughout Lent Term and they were able to finally show what they can do at the Ashville 7s. The boys won every game, including very physical contests against Bradford and Bingley and Harrogate RFC in particular. Well done for all your hard work, and a special thanks to all the parents who transported the boys to and from the event. It was a super day!
Dates for your Diary Friday 8th April:
MFL Joke of the Month Where do French cats live? In a château!
Monday 25th April: Thursday 28th April: Wednesday 4th May: Thursday 5th May: Tuesday 10th May: Thursday 19th May: Friday 20th May: Monday 23rd May: Friday 27th May:
House Music Competition End of Term 3.40pm Summer Term commences Year 6 Chamber Concert Year 5 Chamber Concert Year 4 Chamber Concert Year 6 Residential Trip Choral Celebration Concert, Hull Minster House Swimming Gala Junior School Theme Week Break up for Half Term
Editor– Mrs T. J. Redhead