Message from the Head It has been a wonderful start to the academic year in the Junior School and I very much hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Monthly Messenger. We are delighted with the way the new children have settled in, supported by their buddies, and there is a happy buzz around school. It is heartening to see the CARE Code in strong evidence in the way that children are conducting themselves, both in and out of the classroom. On Open Morning, we received excellent feedback from the families who visited us, highlighting in particular the confidence, kindness and enthusiasm of the pupils. The extra-curricular programme (see page 4) is the most varied one we have ever offered in the Junior School, with something for everyone, and it has been fantastic to see the determined way in which the children have got involved, learning new skills, developing new friendships and having fun. These activities are an integral part of life at Hymers and I would like to thank parents for their support in encouraging their children to get involved.
Peter Doyle, Head of Junior School
Year 5 Trip to PGL
Children in Year 5 had a fantastic time at Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire. The children were a credit to the school and the teachers were so impressed with how they all worked on their team building skills and learnt to become more resilient and independent. Read the full report inside.
On Friday 23rd September, 59 excited children from Year 5 boarded a coach to head off on their very first school residential trip. For some children, this was the first time they had ever slept away from home. When they arrived, it was straight to lunch followed by the first set of activities. The children were organised into five groups, each group having the opportunity to experience the zip wire, giant swing, archery, canoeing, raft building, Jacob’s ladder, trapeze and the sensory trail over the course of the weekend. Led by experienced and fun instructors, the children conquered fears and learnt to work well as a team. They also enjoyed a camp fire where songs were sung and marshmallows toasted as well as a very energetic PGL sports night! A great time was had by all. Thank you to Mr Doyle for organising the trip and for the other staff, Mr Bloomfield, Miss Hammond, Mrs Julian and Mrs Redhead, for giving up their weekend.
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Art
In the Art room this month, the pupils have started the year looking at two elements of art: 'line and pattern' and 'shape'. We made precise patterns after looking at folk art and zentangle. The Year 5 and 6 pupils have used Wayne Thiebauld and Kandinsky to inspire some shape paintings. They have made a terrific start and I can not wait to see how the term unfolds with them all. Mrs Harrison
Roald Dahl Day Year 5 had a tremendous day celebrating Roald Dahl Day to launch their English topic (significant authors) for this half term. As well as carrying out some independent research about his life, the year group created masks of their favourite characters as modelled by 5B.
September 2022
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Brilliant Brass! Children in Year 3 and 4 are being introduced to the instruments of the orchestra. Our fantastic brass teacher, Mr Bartlett, came across to the Junior School to give a brass demonstration. The children loved trying to blow raspberries into trombones, trumpets and French horns! If you are interested in your child receiving music lessons at school, or would like to receive further details, please fill in the form on this link: https://bit.ly/3ym6OPS
MFL Joke of the Month Why did the French chef go to the police?
Nuts Please can we remind all parents that we are a nut free school therefore children should not be bringing food in which contains nuts. This includes Nutella. Thank you for your co-operation with this.
Escargot stolen! Editor– Mrs T. J. Redhead