Book Club
The children have enjoyed their first Book Club of the year. This is an opportunity for the children to read together with friends or read alone. It is a safe space where children can try out new genres, authors or stick to what they enjoy.
Children have the option to bring these books home to read. Please endeavour to hear your child read during the week and encourage them to complete an activity from their reading record book. I will collect reading records in every Friday.
Living and learning
At Sphere Federation, we use 8 R’s to promote good learning behaviour and social and character development.
- Remembering
- Being resilient
- Being responsible
- Risk-taking
- Reflecting
- Being resourceful
- Being ready
- Being responsive
This week, we have revisited these characteristics and reflected on how we implement these at school, at home and in the wider community. This is what the children had to share:
I can show I am ready with positive body language – Kiara
I remember when I use prior learning to help me – Elara
I am resilient when I try again, even when things get difficult – Logan
If you are in a lesson and you do a challenge, you are taking a risk – Emily M
When you go into collective worship, you reflect – Emily G
I am resourceful when I ask others for help – Connor
When I respond to questions, I am being responsive – Gabriel
I am responsible when I take care of my stationary – Oliver
Help at home – talk about the 8 R’s at home. How can your child use them at home? Encourage your child to share with others how they have used the 8R’s.
Living and Learning
In Living and Learning this week, we looked at the school rules and why they are important here at St James’. We talked about why each rule is important and children were able to give examples of when they may be used. For example, holding the door for someone, following instructions, using our manners.
There is also a subtle change with our ‘3,2,1…Stop’ actions. The children should now show they are ready by (1) having silent voices, (2) positive body language and (3) focussing on the speaker.
Help at home: What does each action in our ‘3,2,1…Stop’ look and sound like?
Welcome to Year 6!
Hello and a huge welcome to Year 6. I trust you all had a happy and healthy summer break and are raring to go in your last year at St James’. I have to say, I am very happy to be teaching this wonderful class of children again and raring to go this year.
A few key messages from me:
- Your child will be bringing home their new reading record books this week. Please ensure your child reads at home to an adult at least 3 times a week. There are activities in the reading records to complete. Please sent reading records in each Friday.
- PE days: Wednesday and Friday
- Children don’t need to bring any additional stationary into school with them – we will provide everything they need to achieve in their learning. If your child does wish to bring in their own coloured pens/pencils, then they can keep them in a pencil case in their drawer. We have spoken about responsibility and that these items should be respected and looked after.
- Water bottles. Please ensure your child brings their water bottle in each day. I will remind them to bring their bottles home again at the end of the day for cleaning.
I am really excited about this year and what we can achieve together. Please, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes
Mr Kilner
Thank you and goodnight.
What a busy yet wonderful few weeks we have had in Year 6.
Our KS2 production was a roaring success. The children excelled in their roles and entertained the masses with Gladis Baker, Gladiator. Thank you to all of you who came to show your support and also for helping to source outfits and props.
Last Wednesday, we enjoyed a celebratory meal out together at Ask Italian. This was a lovely occasion where we could come together and share in what has been a superb year (well three years). The children turned up in their best outfits and represented the school superbly. It really was a special evening!
Our Leavers Service, yesterday, was another special occasion where we came together to officially say ‘goodbye’ to our Year 6 children. Children read out some of their fond memories, sang and laughed at some pictures from over the years. It got rather emotional towards the end but it just goes to show what the children mean to our school and the impact school has had on them. Thank you to you all for your attendance and support.
Yesterday, also saw us receive the Year 6 SATS results. I am so impressed with how well all the children performed. The results really are fantastic and is a result of lots of hard work over the years from lots of people. I really hope you make time to celebrate these achievements over the summer break. We are celebrating in class this afternoon with pizza!
Finally, I would just like to say a huge heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the parents and extended family of our Year 6 children. Your support over the years has been second to none. I feel that the outcomes the children have achieved are a direct impact of all of us working together. Your kind words, cards and gifts will be treasured – thank you!
Junior Warrior
Well, what a fantastic afternoon our Year 6 children had yesterday. All of our Year 6 children completed the 3k (although it felt longer) Junior Warrior course that was lined with tricky, challenging and very muddy obstacles.
It was a superb way to celebrate our Year 6’s coming to the end of their time at St James’ – they displayed teamwork, support and camaraderie. Mrs Cairns and I were so proud of the children. A huge thank you to all the parents who helped with transporting the children to and from the event!
Science
Reproductive parts of a plant
We have had a fantastic lesson learning about the reproductive parts of a plant; we were all so captivated in our learning.
To begin the lesson we watched a short video clip teaching us how to safely and successfully dissect a flower:
Children then completed their own dissection and displayed the parts on their whiteboards.
Help at home – I would strongly recommend you have a go at this together at home. It is fascinating to see the parts of the plant that cause reproduction and contribute to the production of the food we eat.
DT – cooking
Mrs Bald led our children in a wonderful morning of cooking today. The children prepared the vegetables before cooking up a very tasty pasta sauce.
Leo S: The sauce was really good with the pasta. I will try out some of the skills I have learnt at school, at home.
Help at home – using the recipe, that children will be bringing home, see if you can create a pasta sauce for the whole family.
Wetherby Tennis Club visit
Year 5 and 6 were lucky enough to visit Wetherby Tennis Club today. We were invited along to hone our skills and display some of the attributes we have learnt in our PE lessons. We all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon in the sun and we made all the staff proud.
Help at home – can your child show you some of the skills they have learnt today? Can you play a game as a family in your garden or at the park?
Forest School
Today marked the return of forest school for our class. We love being outdoors in Year 6 and enjoy connecting with nature.
We enjoyed some down time in the hammocks, making some huge bubbles, renovating the fire pit area and ensuring all the walk ways were clear.
During our session, children spotted loads of nature; it really is an amazing time to be outdoors and exploring safely. We saw slug eggs, cuckoo spit (https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/cuckoo-spit-spittlebugs), ladybird larvae and much more.
Our session ended with some goose grass juice. You may also know goose grass as ‘sticky buds’. We weren’t all convinced when sampling.
What a fantastic way to end the week!