Year 6 Weekly Blog 'It's the most wonderful time of the year'

I think you will all agree that Monday’s concert at church was so magical and a real thought-provoking evening for us all. We were so unbelievably proud of the children; the way they spoke and the way they sung was just beautiful - it really started Christmas for us all. Thank you for coming and joining us in this celebration.

Amidst all of these performances and our own rehearsals, the children have continued to work incredibly hard. We have have been analysing biographies, using adjusting to subtract decimals and large numbers and been learning all about networking in computing!

We finally finished our class novel ‘The Nowhere Emporium’ and I have to say it was most definitely worth waiting for! It was quite a dramatic ending with lots of emotion. I am sorry to those that missed the ending- please don’t worry you can borrow the book to finish after Christmas or if you can’t wait, I have attached the PDF below:

On Wednesday was our well-deserved Christmas Party, where we danced, played games and laughed …ALOT! It was so lovely to relax and enjoy this time together as a class, followed by a nice treat, relaxing in front of a film!

We loved meeting up with our reception partners on Tuesday to complete our pilgrimage, have a play and then listen to the Christmas Story in the chapel…

Thank you to all of the children for their hard work this term, make sure this Christmas you get plenty of rest and re-charge those batteries ready for a busy, hard-working next half term- they are more than ready!

LEARNER OF THE HALF TERM

Voted for by your classmates for being an excellent learning role model within our classroom. The class think you have shone this half term …

Isaac and Bella

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Esther

Role Model of the week … Ben B

Helpers in the mornings:

The first week back after Christmas we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Cora Roseanna Millie Arthur

Have a lovely Christmas full of fun, family-time and relaxation.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter.

Year 6 Weekly Blog- 'Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day'

As we move towards the third week of advent, it seems unbelievable that we have nearly completed our first full term together in Year 6. As I reflect on how much the children have grown, learnt and enjoyed every experience in Year 6, it seems only fitting that the third candle of advent represents JOY. It reflects the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival, and through the salvation he has gifted us and as we continue to approach Christmas Day, our joy grows more and more. We had such a beautful time with our Reception buddies at mass on Thursday, celebrating advent.

Thank you to the following children for such a beautiful liturgy on ‘peace’.

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This week we have had a wonderful week of learning and practice for our Chrsitmas concert next week. The children are speaking out beautifully in church and singing their hearts out- we can’t wait for you to see it.

This week we have started to look at biographies in English and pull out its features. We have collected biographical language, looked up any unfamiliar words and looked at the importance of using choronogy. In computing we have been looking at networks and looking at how we use the internet. In Science, we have been looking at the circulatory system and the main components that move the blood around the body. We even worked in groups to create a circuit to show this. Here is just a snapshot of our week…

What a fantastic (extra) art lesson we had with Mrs Mather this week. Our stables are starting to take shape and look truly beautiful, the other classes are going to LOVE their new stables!

Christmas Bake Off…

Wow what an amazing selection of cakes, brownies and cookies! So much effort has gone in to each and every one of them and they look FABULOUS, never mind taste FABULOUS!! Thank you to all the effort you have gone to, to make our ‘Bake Off’ extra special! The judges found it incredibly hard to decide on the winner, look how tasty they all look …

Well done to our ‘Bake off’ winner! A BLUE velvet cake, with delicious Lindt chocolates to top it off- yummy!

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Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Benjamin

Role Model of the week … Rose

Helpers in the mornings:

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Pippa Ola Rafe Riley

Reminders

• We are out and about a lot next week, walking to church. Please could you make sure children have a warm coat and hat each day to keep warm.

• We have decided as a school not to send individual Christmas cards to each other, but to instead put this money towards a chairty of your choice. Children can if they wish, write one card for the whole class.

• Our Christmas performance is in church on Monday 16th December at 2pm and 6pm. Children will need to be at church for 5:45pm in the evening - in full school uniform please- no PE kits this day.

• We close for Chrsitmas at 2pm on Friday 20th December

• Wednesday 18th December Key Stage 2 Christmas party. Children can come to school in party clothes and sensible shoes. They can bring a non-fizzy drink and a small snack such as chocolate or a packet of crisps.

Have a lovely weekend with your family.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter

Year 6 Weekly Blog - 'During this Advent season, I will keep alert and awake, listening for you.'

The second candle of advent represents Peace. This week our liturgy was centred around Peace, looking at what Peace looks like, how at times we can face storms in our lives but most importantly we can find peace in our lives, and look to God for our own inner peace. It was a beaitful reflection, where each child had a mission going forward of how they can be peacemakers, and they wrote examples on Angel wings which has been displayed in our class prayer corner. Many thanks to Mrs Webster’s artisitc skills …

Thank you also to our wonderful class members, who delivered a beautiful child-led liturgy on Forgiveness …

This week I feel we have well and truly started our nativity journey. On Tuesday, we were blessed to watch our youngest children perform on stage so beautifully- telling the story through song and movement, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. Then on Wednesday, the whole of Key Stage 2 ventured down to church to begin our concert rehearsal. As I sat there listening to the children sing their hearts out and say their lines with such confidence, I could not help but smile. Thank you to those that have practised their songs and words so well! Next week, we will be doing our final practises on Monday and Wednesday, so please can we make sure children know their words by then.

We have also met with our Reception buddies this week, where half the class took their partners around the school for the prayer pilgrimage, following a prayer map. The children went to each station, where they focused on each stations key message during advent. It was a beaitful and reflective afternoon, where the children got to listen to prayer and scripture…

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 Where has our learning taken us this week?

We have had a lovely week in class. Full of hard work, enthusiasm, laughs - We have completed all the work on our class novel, we can now just sit back, listen and enjoy hearing how the story unfolds- it has been very dramatic! A few gasps were heard in the classroom, as we are learning just what an evil character Vindictus Sharpe really is! This week the children have written their own flashback stories- I can’t wait to read them all! We have been coding in computing, listening to WW2 songs in music and much, much more!

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Delving deeper through talk …

How do nutrients enter our bloodstream? How do we get nutrients?

Helpers in the mornings:

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Michael Niamh Ella Archie

Leading Learners

Well done to Erin and Dominic this week.

Erin, you are a delight to teach as you ALWAYS work so hard and do your best in any task we give you- you could get the certificate every week! This week, you have come back from being poorly, and you have been so engaged, offering ideas and thoughts during lessons, showing great enthusiasm in everything you have done!

Dominic, we can't begin to tell you how proud we are of you and how we love having you back in the classroom! We have been in awe of your whole approach to learning this week... You have given everything we have set you a good go, doing your absolute best, no matter how tricky it is, and all with such a positive ‘I CAN’ attitude.

Notices

Intentional and Prophetic butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Pippa for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Arthur

Role Model of the week … Dominic

Reminders

• Please see year 6 homework section to learn the songs ready for our Christmas concert.

• We are out and about a lot next week, walking to church. Please could you make sure children have a warm coat and hat each day to keep warm.

• We have decided as a school not to send individual Christmas cards to each other, but to instead put this money towards a chairty of your choice. Children can if they wish, write one card for the whole class.

• Our Christmas performance is in church on Monday 16th December at 2pm and 6pm. Children will need to be at church for 5:45pm in the evening - in full school uniform please- no PE kits this day.

• We close for Chrsitmas at 2pm on Friday 20th December

• Wednesday 18th December Key Stage 2 Christmas party. Children can come to school in party clothes and sensible shoes. They can bring a non-fizzy drink and a small snack such as chocolate or a packet of crisps.

• Christmas Bake Off will take place on Friday 13th December. The day will be all things cake, cake sales and Christmas jumpers!

Have a lovely weekend with your family.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter

Year 6 Weekly Blog - “Hope is being able to see that there is light desipte all of the darkness" Desmond Tutu

It is hard to believe that we are now coming up to the first week of Advent, the week of Hope. After a turbulent year which we see daily through the news, there is comfort to be found when we pause to read, pray, and reflect over the course of the Advent season in which we eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. The first Sunday of Advent gives us the opportunity to centre our thoughts on hope.It's a beautiful chance to remember the hope God offers our world, and what He's given us through Jesus. We will be celebrating advent alongside our Reception buddies on Thursday 12th November at church. Please, if you are available, it would be lovely for you to walk down with us and join us in prayer. We will be setting off from school at 9:10 ready for mass at 9:30am.

Hope, this week, has been at the forefront of our liturgies and RE lessons, as we continue our unit of work on Justice and the refugee crisis. We have now moved on to the study of significant people that have stood up to these injustices and the hope this gives us for a better world.

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DANCE FESTIVAL INFORMATION

Wow what a show our dancers put on this Tuesday- we are so proud of them! We had a great day at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, for the annual Fylde and Wyre Dance Fesitval. The children were fantastic ambassadors of Our Lady’s from start to finish. They worked together so beautfully to perform a fantastic dance, with such enthusisasm and commitment. Thank you also to all our parents for coming to watch and support us. What an experience to perform to a large audience on such an iconic stage- a memory some of our dancers will never forget!

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Delving deeper through talk …

Who was Oscar Romero? How did he stand up to injustice?

Helpers in the mornings:

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Pippa Arthur Elsie Luke
 

Leading Learners

Well done to Riley and Rafe this week.

Rafe- refelctive learner - Rafe you never stop learning! There are times when you could sit back, relax and let the learning wash over you, but you never do. You seize every learning opportunity and see every lesson or feedback as a chance to challenge yourself and take your learning to the next level.

Riley- determined learner- We have been so impressed with how determined you are being in class! You are focused in getting the work completed, independent and trying your hardest in all of your learning!

Intentional and Prophetic butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Cora for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Cora

Role Model of the week … Niamh

Reminders

Notices

• Please see year 6 homework section to learn the songs ready for our Christmas concert.

• We are out and about a lot next week, walking to church. Please could you make sure children have a warm coat and hat each day to keep warm.

• We have decided as a school not to send individual Christmas cards to each other, but to instead put this money towards a chairty of your choice. Children can if they wish, write one card for the whole class.

  Our Christmas performance is in church on Monday 16th December at 2pm and 6pm.

  We close for Chrsitmas at 2pm on Friday 20th December

  Wednesday 18th December Key Stage 2 Christmas party. Children can come to school in party clothes and sensible shoes. They can bring a non-fizzy drink and a small snack such as chocolate or a packet of crisps.

• Christmas Bake Off will take place on Friday 13th December. The day will be all things cake, cake sales and Christmas jumpers!

Have a lovely weekend with your family.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter

Year 6 Weekly Blog - 'Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.'

In this week’s liturgy, we reflected on the gospel and the word ‘king’. Jesus refers to His Kingdom not being of this world. We reminded ourselves of our previous RE topic of where the Kingdom of God is and what it looks like. We shared how God’s kingdom is within each of our hearts, and we have to let this Kingdom shine through. We then discussed what Jesus was like as a king and how we can be kings today- what type of leader would He want us to be?

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And in the blink of an eye…another week in Year 6 has passed. From the minute that the children walk into class in the morning to the moment that they walk out of the door, they are constantly learning and challenging themselves to be the best that they can be. It really astounds me just how much work that the children have completed. As we approach Advent, and the birth of Jesus Christ, we continue to strive to be Intentional and Prophetic in our actions, which are our two virtues this half term. Today, we made our advent promises ready for the whole class display, thinking about the ways we can prepare ourselves and our hearts ready for the birth of Christ.

Learning is always fast paced in Year 6 and this week has been no exception. This week in Maths we have been adjusting the calculations to be more efficient and accurate. We have been analysing our class novel and creating a toolkit ready for our writing next week. In science, we have looked at anomalies in data and learning about why these may happen. This half term, our RE topic is such a reflective unit of work, as we ask the children to reflect on the injustices within our world today. They are often surprised that some of the situations still occur. We spent today reflecting on a poem about the plight of refugees in our world. Why not read the poem and see what you think?

They have no need of our help
So do not tell me
These haggard faces could belong to you or me
Should life have dealt a different hand
We need to see them for who they really are
Chancers and scroungers
Layabouts and loungers
With bombs up their sleeves
Cut-throats and thieves
They are not
Welcome here
We should make them
Go back to where they came from
They cannot
Share our food
Share our homes
Share our countries
Instead let us
Build a wall to keep them out
It is not okay to say
These are people just like us
A place should only belong to those who are born there
Do not be so stupid to think that
The world can be looked at another way.

Now read the poem backwards. What a powerful poem with a really significant meaning. The discussion around this and the empathy the children showed was so humbling, what a group of compassionate children you have. Following this lesson, the children have started to write their own poems about refugees.

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DANCE FESTIVAL INFORMATION

The time is here and we have now finished our dance, we are so excited to share it with you all. Here are the arrangements for next Tuesday …

Costumes should now be at school, left at school ready for rehearsals on Monday and to take to the Winter Gardens on Tuesday- this will avoid any left behind on the day!

We will leave school at 1pm by coach to the Winter Gardens, where 3 members of staff will be taking the group and staying with them in to the evening. The children will be there all afternoon, to allow time to practice and go through the show. Therefore, they will need to bring a packed lunch for their evening meal. Snacks throughout the event are welcomed, but please no sweets/ chocolate and no fizzy drinks, although one juice is permitted. As it is a long afternoon, with waiting time, please feel free to pack a good book, any homework to complete and maybe a puzzle/ colouring book to keep them busy (no electrical devices or anything of value). Children will not be able to see any of the audience before or during the show.

Once the show has finished, children will then go backstage to collect their belongs and then we will take them to our school’s pick up point outside Toyland Toyshop on Church street, so please meet us there. You will not be able to take your child until the end of the show, due to safeguarding and as it is etiquette to watch the other performers as they have watched you. Once the show has finished at the collection point, please make sure you tell us when you take your child, to ensure a safe transition as it does get very busy! I will have all mobile contact numbers in case there are any problems, so please ensure you have your mobiles with you on the night. Please fill in the form below to let us know who will be taking your child home on the evening:

Doors open to the public on the evening at 6pm- make sure you have your tickets. The anticipated finishing time is 9:30pm.

Children can wear their PE kits this day. Please make sure you pack plenty of water and if your child needs an inhaler, please ensure they have this. We will also do hair in the afternoon, so pack a brush!

Any questions or queries about the event, please just email.

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Delving deeper through talk …

What is justice? What injustices are there in a world?

My Happy Mind…

What character strength do you want to use more of next week?

Helpers in the mornings:

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Liam Bella Sophia Michael
 

Leading Learners

Well done to Arhtur and Benjamin this week.

Arthur- resileint and creative learner - This week you have been so determined to work hard and do the very best you can. We can see how determined you are at being focused, listening carefully and ensuring you are on task at all times. Well done Arthur, we are proud of you and your hard work.

Benjamin- focused Cooper Crab- Benjamin you have such a positive attitude to your learning. Whatever the lesson, you work hard and produce high quality work.

Intentional and Prophetic butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Liam for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Liam

Role Model of the week … Gabriella

Reminders

Notices

• Please see year 6 homework section to learn the songs ready for our Christmas concert.

• Costumes for the dance festival need to be kept in school please.

• Tuesday 26th November - Dance Festival- more information on this event will be on the blog next Friday

• Own Clothes Day: To celebrate the arrival of December and the festive period, then children can wear their own clothes and also bring in a bar of chocolate into school for £1. This will take place on Friday 29th November.

• Christmas Bake Off will take place on Friday 13th December. The day will be all things cake, cake sales and Christmas jumpers!

• KS2 Christmas Concert: This will take place at Church on Monday 16th December. The children will perform the concert twice at 2pm and 6pm

Have a lovely weekend with your family.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter

Year 6 Weekly Blog -”The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” — Alan Watts.

This week’s liturgy and reflection has been focused around the word ‘Glory’. We reflected on this week’s gospel, where we hear Jesus tell us about the parable of the fig tree. A symbol that as soon as its twigs start to grow and leaves appear, we know that Spring is on its way. We then discussed other ways we know that something is going to happen, and how we know change is about to happen. The children of course discussed how we are about to enter advent, the time when we prepare for the birth of Jesus, and we reflected on how we can prepare our hearts for this time.

Thank you to this week’s group for their beatiful liturgy on patience, they led us in reverent prayer and reflection ….

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This week we have fit so much high quality learning in to our timetable. This is all down to your wonderful children, how hard they are working and how eager they are to deepen their knowledge and learn new skills! We have even got a small group of children making extra notes in journals and going away to re-learn and practice skills- how mature! This week we have continued with our adjusting method in maths, we have learn all about the function of blood and what it is made up from in Science, learn to translate french opinions in french, reflected on the portaits of Elizabeth I and the key messages she wanted to deliver and so much more …

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It was lovely to see so many of you there for the Year 6 book look. This is such a special time for both the children and adults, a time to reall celebrate the progress, effort and time they have spent on their work. They really take great pride in their work and are reaching our high expectations in Year 6, so it is so wonderful that we get to share this with you- I am sure you were all very impressed…

Wow, playtimes are so much fun. Here are just some of the games they have been playing at break times this week …

We have loved spending all day today in our PJ’s, thank you for all of your donations to raise money for Brian House!

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My Happy Mind this week’s focus was on celebrate! We looked at how everyone possesses 24 character strengths, but we all have different amounts of each of them and that’s what makes us unique! The children all thought about what they felt were their top 5 character strengths and then we took a survey to see what the professionals thought! We then compared them to see if we were right- it was fascinating but I think we know ourselves pretty well! Here are our top 3 character strengths no mug shots (promise) …

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Delving deeper through talk …

What is the function of your blood and what does it consist of?

My Happy Mind…

How have you used your main character strengths this week?

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Helpers in the mornings:

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Elsie Archie Michael Ella
 

Leading Learners

Well done to Rex and Millie this week.

Rex- Focused Cooper Crab- Wow Rex, you are impressing us so much with your focus, eagerness, enthusiasm and determination. You are  so engaged during lessons, managing your distractions, participating fully and getting lost in each task.

Millie- Reflective Lizzie Ladybird- Millie you have come back after half term, ready and raring to go! We love the way you have took on board feedback and are actively using this to improve your work. We can see how determined you are to reach your goals!

Intentional and Prophetic butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Ola for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Faye

Role Model of the week … Archie

Reminders

Notices

• Please see year 6 homework section to learn the songs ready for our Christmas concert.

• Costumes for the dance festival to be brought in next Monday 18th November please

• Tuesday 26th November - Dance Festival- more information on this event will be on the blog next Friday

• Own Clothes Day: To celebrate the arrival of December and the festive period, then children can wear their own clothes and also bring in a bar of chocolate into school for £1. This will take place on Friday 29th November.

• Christmas Bake Off will take place on Friday 13th December. The day will be all things cake, cake sales and Christmas jumpers!

• KS2 Christmas Concert: This will take place at Church on Monday 16th December. The children will perform the concert twice at 2pm and 6pm

Have a lovely weekend with your family.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter

Year 6 Weekly Blog: “Lest We Forget"

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them… this week is always a poignant week as we stop and remember all of those fallen victims of war and conflict. Our focus of the week has been on the word ‘Remembrance’. We have designed and created our own poppies and yesterday we reflected on previous wars and wrote poetry in response. 

“Christ has no body on earth now but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on the world; yours are the feet with which he walks to do good; yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world” St Teresa of Avila.

In worship this week, we have reflected on this quote and how it relates to our two virtues: Intentional and Prophetic. We have spoken about what these virtues mean and how we can be intentional in the choices we make and the ethical code we live by, choosing to live how God wants us to…

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The week has flown by and we have done so much exciting and challenging learning. We have read more of our class novel this week, looked at the remaining Tudor Monarchs after Henry VIII and started our Geography unit on volcanoes and mountains with Mrs Hotchkiss. 

Our Mathematics this week has been on fire, balancing equations and using redistribution to find unknowns in expressions!Very impressive!

Travelling Nativity

Our Travelling Nativity has started it journey visiting your homes. It is yours to keep for one night only (unless you get it on a Friday) and then you must return it to Year 6. Please make sure that it is completely ready for another friend to enjoy the next day.

You will find instructions in the sack, with a journal to reflect on the story through words and drawings. If you would like to share this moment through a picutre, then please feeel free to take a picture and email it to me. Enjoy celebrating the birth of Christ at home with one another, it is such a special time.

Costumes for Dance Festival

Our dance rehearsals are going well and we can’t wait to share it with you! We are now starting to think about costumes…

Could all pupils please bring the following in to school by Monday 18th November:

Black leggings/ trousers

white shirt/ polo shirt

Hogwarts robe and tie- please see this link for the cheapest option. If you have already got one from previous dressing up, please feel free to use. We will not be needing the glasses in this pack.

Helpers in the mornings:

Next week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Ola Benjamin Niamh Arthur

Leading Learners

Well done to Rafe and Niamh this week.

Rafe, you could get a certificate every week for each of the learning characters, as you are so consistent with your approach to learning and positivie attitude. You give 100% effort in all tasks, always showing great enthusaism, determination and focus.

Niamh- you are always considerate and a flexible classmate. Your calm nature and focused learning makes you a terrific role model and therefore an invaluable member of Year 6!

Intentional and Prophetic butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Layla for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Notices

• Please do visit Mrs Gregan’s blog for important information.

• Parent Book Look opportunity will be on Wednesday 13th November 2:15pm

• On Friday 15th November, we will have our annual PJ Day for our local children in need - Brian House. Please bring a teddy and £1 to donate!

• Christmas Bake Off will take place on Friday 13th December. The day will be all things cake, cake sales and Christmas jumpers!

• please encourage children to complete homework on time and handed in on Wednesdays- it is great preparation for High School

Year 6 Weekly Blog: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)

Let your Light Shine

This has been the theme of our week and we have done a lot of reflection, discussion and work around this at Castlerigg. How we can let God’s light shine through us and be the work of his hands. We have grown in our relationship with God through prayer, adoration and celebrating mass together. All of the workshops we have compelted have been centred around how we can use of talents to let God’s light shine through and how these are shown through our relationship with God and of course each other. Every member of staff have praised Year 6 on their behaviour, enthusiasm and engagement during their time away - they have been an absolute joy to take away. Mrs Gregan has said, they have been one of the best groups to take away, as they have been so patient, enthusiastic, kind and reverent. They loved seeing the children so engrossed in their prayer and reflection- they really have been a credit to you all. I have particulary enjoyed hearing all of the stories and sharing these special moments with them too, as they have come back telling me all about it! One of their highlights was the time by the lake, where they foucsued on the views and the sounds of God’s creation.

Back at school the children have been responded to their time away by wrtitng a diary entry and using water colours to portray their time at the lake…

A few more magic moments from the week …

Helpers in the mornings:

Next week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Layla Ben Isaac Rose

Leading Learners

Well done to Ben and Michael and this week.

Ben, we really loved spending time with you this week, you are such a reflective and spiritual person; we learnt a great deal more being with you. You make people smile and you are an incredibly kind friend. Never change that intentional quality; we love you for it.

Michael- What a wonderful time you had in Castlerigg – you were enthusiastic about everything (even walking to the lake). Positivity is contagious and you are positive about everything, even when things aren’t going your way or you find something difficult. Well done!

Intentional and Prophetic butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are intention in their actions. Children who make conscious decisions for the greater good. We will also be spotting children who are prophetic, who choose the right decisions with integrity and who display them publically. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Ella for being intentional and prophetic to help others.

Notices

• Please do visit Mrs Gregan’s blog for important information.

• Parent Book Look opportunity will be on Wednesday 13th November 2:15pm

• please encourage children to complete homework on time and handed in on Wednesdays- it is great preparation for High School

Where does the light come from in your life? - Castlerigg Day 2

This has been a key message for us today at Castlerigg - Where does the light come from in your life? Yesterday was all about how we shine our light and today, reflecting on others and what we are grateful for in our lives.

Before bed last night, we had the most incredibly experience - night time prayer. The chapel here at Castlerigg is the old stable building, which is perfect as we prepare for the arrival of Jesus this Christmas. Daisy, the youth worker here, took us through a section of prayer and used the story of Narnia to illustrate it. Here she compared the character of Aslan to Jesus Christ, who too sacrificed himself for the good of his friends. It was incredibly moving and it took me a while to recover after; as you can tell from the images below. We then snuggled up and listened to a bedtime story from Lily. A rather lovely end to our first day.

This afternoon we headed off to the lake for some much needed reflection and fresh air. The children found out about places of interest in Keswick, headed to Derwent Water to skim stones then wandered to Fitz Park for some time together. It was so lovely to take in the views of the lake and spend some time in God’s world. The children were great.

After a delicious tea of pizza, wedges, salad and fruit, we are now getting ready to settle down for mass in the chapel. The children have written bidding prayers and are ready to sing.

Enjoy your night and we will see you tomorrow. We are departing at 2pm so should be back at school for 4pm - we will keep you posted!

Let Your Light Shine... Castlerigg Day 1

After a rainy trip up the M6, the clouds parted and a rainbow shone brightly, almost guiding our way to Castlerigg. The coach was emptied of the bags, some much heavier than others, and after their packed lunch, they were welcomed by the Castlerigg staff who are all beautiful and have fully integrated our children into the way of life here.

The theme of these next three days is, Shining our Light - something we do so well. The children have played some ice breaker games, split into smaller teams and have completed their contract for the week. This is things that they are all going to try and do to shine their light with others. I think you will see from the photographs, just how much fun the children are having - and in such a short amount of time.

As I sit and type this, the children have just demolished southern chicken wraps, salad and fries. We will then finish the day with a creative workshop and then night time prayer.

I am so blessed to spend this time with the children this week, in such a beautiful location. The views from the children’s bedrooms are stunning. Enjoy the photos and sleep well tonight.

Good night from Castlerigg day 1

Year 6 Weekly Blog - "Small seeds of Gratitude will produce a harvest of hope"

Harvest is a time of thanksgiving and gratitude; to thank God for the things we have and all that God has given to us. Our liturgies this week have been centred around this and our RE this week looked also at the smallest seed- the mustard seed. Year 6 have been reflecting on the parables that Jesus shared with us that taught us about the Kingdom of God and how this can start off so small within us, but as we love and follow in Jesus’ footsteps this can grown in to something more powerful.

This week we had a beautiful litrugy led by a number of children, all about the courage that God gives us…

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When I reflect on the week, I am so proud of the amount of learning Year 6 are getting through. They are working so hard and trying their absolute best in every lesson! The big push has been reading this week, as there were a number of pupils that are not reading or quizzing regualrly enough, and the children have responded really well to me setting them targets when they should be quizzing by- please encourage them at home to relax and have quiet time out with a book!

In our English lessons, we are loving our class novel and seeing how the mysteries unfold. We have written diaries in the perspective of the main character and next week they will get feedback on this, but I have had a quick look and I am excited to get reading! In History we have been looking at the highs and lows in Catherine Aragon’s life, making our very own human graph and even looking for evidence in a letter from Henry to Anne Boleyn- was it a love letter?

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My Happy Mind

This week in our My Happy Mind session we had some fun, using our knowledge of the three parts of the brain: The Hippocampus, Amygdala and the Prefrontal Cortex. We played a game of ‘TEAM-HAP-SNAP’, seeing who was first to match all the characters working together!

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Kidsafe

This week, we have completed our 5th and final Kidsafe lesson, before our recap in summer term, about hearing parents/carers arguing. Please click the button below to find out more detail about this lesson.

Please click the button below to find out more detail about this lesson.

Year 6 had a great afternoon at enrichment with Mr Cornwell for the ‘BIG QUIZ!’ …

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Delving deeper through talk …

What is the Kingdom of God? Can you retell one of the parables and explain its meaning?

My Happy Mind…

Why is it important for all three parts of the brain to work together?

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Helpers in the mornings:

This week Year 6 will only be helping on Thursday and Friday. We have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Liam Luke Cora Ella

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 Castlerigg:

Thank you to you all for getting in the medical forms- all information has now been sent off. Children will find out next Thursday who they will be sharing rooms with etc. Castlerigg have confrimed they do not need the actual duvet- children just need to bring a single duvet COVER or a sleeping bag. I will post the final details that you need to know, confirming times and reminding you of anyhting they need to bring on the blog next week- it’s getting exciting!

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Leading Learners

Well done to Elsie and Gabriella and this week.

Elsie, you are such a reflective learner Elsie and this is what makes your work fly! You lsiten to feedback and respond, trying hard to improve all the time. We love the way you can also independently reflect on your own work without promting, always eager to edit and use that purple pen!

Gabriella- you have impressed us this week with how hard you have tried to complete your work, no matter how challegning you have found it. You have kept on going, not given up and all with a smile on your face! We see how hard you are trying Gabriella and we are so proud.

Attentive and Discerning butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are attentive in the way we look at the world and in others, taking the time to notice the big and the small things each day. We will also be spotting children who are discerning, who choose the right decisions with integrity. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Archie for being attentive and discerning to help others.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Isaac

Role Model of the week … Sophia

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Notices

• Please do visit Mrs Gregan’s blog for important information.

• Have you booked your tickets for the dance show?

• Could you please collect and bring in to school boxes, egg cartons, tubes (not toilet roll) - basically anything suitable  for constructing  their models in DT next half term!

• Have you booked your parent’s day appointment for next Friday? Don’t forget we break up for October Half term on Thursday.

• please encourage children to complete homework on time and handed in on Wednesdays- it is great preparation for High School

Year 6 Dance Festival

Historically, the dance festival has always been operated across Year 5 & 6, sometimes Year 4, but this year, we are just doing it with Year 6. With Mrs Harrison being our dance specialist, we want to maximise her time - whilst also giving the children a really special experience. We have never used 30 children before, but this is the year, and seeing how much they have enjoyed Shakespeare in recent years; I think they will love it. Below you will find all of the information regarding the performance and when it will be - Tuesday 26th November . Tickets for it go on sale today at midday - these will be direct from The Winter Gardens. The button below will take you to their website.

The theme this year is magic - which we know will inspire them all - and just have fun!

Year 6 Weekly Blog 'Charity is the cement which binds Communities to God and persons to one another' St Vincent De Paul

Jesus asks us to love one another as he loved us. This can be so hard to do at times when often we are not feeling loved ourselves. During our RE lessons this week, we have continued to explore the Kingdom of God and how we can create it here on Earth, just as God wanted us to do. Today we celebrated two very important feast days at mass: St Vincent De Paul and Our Lady Star of the Sea. What a wonderful day celebrating mass with Bishop Paul and showing him around our beautiful school, such an honour to share this day with him. This week our litugies have been centred around St Vincent De Paul and our word of the week Missionary, looking at hi work for his charity and compassion for the poor.

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The week started beautifully with Year 6’s assembly all about leadership, how kindness is the key to true happiness and how we should all ‘put a little love in our hearts’. We hope you enjoyed sharing this assembly with us and I am sure you will agree we have many budding actors in our class! I feel like we are very much into the groove of Year 6 learning now, hitting our daily targets constantly. The pace of learning within the classroom has certainly ramped up and I know Mrs Smith has been very impressed with how hard the class have worked, she’s had a wonderful week with them! The Nowhere Emporium is certainly full of twists and turns, there are so many questions that we need answering. The children have now read chapter 1 and are intrigued to read more to find out what type of magic lies within the emporium!

It was so magic when we met our new Reception buddies …

Kidsafe

This week in our Kidsafe lesson we learnt all about what we should do if we ever see an inappropriate image or content online. Please read the letter for further information…

Castlerigg Meeting

Don’t forget we are meeting next week: Tuesday 1st October 3:45pm, to discuss Castlerigg and everything you may need to bring with you.

Harvest Plea

In preparation for our HARVEST FESTIVAL, as a school we have made the decision to collect food items for Fylde Foodbank who are struggling with the amount of need in our area. We would be so grateful if Year 6 could collect deodorant or shaving foam. Donations can be made from next week and will be much appreciated -thank you.

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Delving deeper through talk …

How can we keep self online and when using devices?

My Happy Mind…

What did you learn this week?

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Helpers in the mornings:

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Benjamin Arthur Layla Niamh

Leading Learners

Pippa- you effort as Sonya in the assembly was a joy to see, your acting was super and you portrayed the character so well. You approach all tasks with great enthusiasm and always with a smile.

Faye- this week you have been incredibly determined not to let your injury get in the way of anything! You adapt to everything we have done and given 100% effort in all tasks.

Attentive and Discerning butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are attentive in the way we look at the world and in others, taking the time to notice the big and the small things each day. We will also be spotting children who are discerning, who choose the right decisions with integrity. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Cora for being attentive and discerning to help others.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Riley

Role Model of the week … Elsie

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Reminders

• Don’t forget to sign the NHS flu vaccine consent form on the previous blog.

•  Please return St Bede’s admissions forms from last week if you have not already.

• Parent’s day appointments will be held on Friday 18th October- appointments will be coming out soon.

• Please go on to parent pay and see the cost for our Samlesbury Hall trip.

• please encourage children to complete homework on time and handed in on Thursdays- it is great preparation for High School

Have a lovely weekend with your family.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter

Samlesbury Hall Visit

This half term in History we are learning all about the Tudors and even writing our own biographies of Henry VIII! To aid this learning, we have arranged to take the children for a visit to the historic stately home ‘Samlesbury Hall’ on Wednesday 2nd October where we will spend the day there and be took on a tour around the grounds. We have added the cost of this trip to parentpay, the cost of the visit in total is £18.50. We will be leaving school at 9:30am so children need to arrive at usual time and will arrive back in time for normal collection. Full school uniform need to be worn please, and there may be an opportunity to have a play in the park if it stays dry, so please make sure they bring a coat.

As the trip is only next week Jacqui needs to know those who need a school packed lunch ASAP. Please fill out the form below whether you do or do not wish for a school packed lunch.

Year 6 Weekly Blog 20.09.24 - "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."

This week’s liturgy and reflection has been focused around the word ‘servant’. On Wednesday, through the Wednesday Word, we first heard this weeks gospel, Mark 9:30-37, where we hear the disciples arguing over who is the greatest. We then reflected further in our liturgy on Thursday, on Jesus’ response: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” We reflected on how we can serve others in our roles around school and how we can put others before ourselves.

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Collaboration is key - especially in Year 6! This week we have collaborated and shared in every lesson - this has helped us to learn from each other. We have collaborated in our PE playing games of cricket, putting together freeze frames for the prologue of our class novel (see photos below), in our practicing of the assembly and most importantly getting to grips with our new roles around school . Alongside this, we are striving to be attentive and discerning, questioning the world around us and actively making changes where needed. Here is a snapshot of our week…

This whole notion of collaboration will stand us in good stead as we move forward as a class. Earlier this week they each received their positions of responsibility and what a great start to the year they have made! They came back to school on Wednesday ready and raring to go and they have worked together beautifully, what a team they make. It was so wonderful to see how they each celebrated one another! You will see this in full force on Tuesday 24th September 9am for our class assembly. Please make sure they are practicing their lines and song for next week- thank you.

It was lovely to see so many of you there for the Year 6 induction evening on Wednesday. This is such a crucial year for your children and we must work together to ensure each of them reach their full potential and have a real sense of achievement this year. If you would like to refer back to the induction presentation at all, then please feel free to access on the button below:

This week, we have done our second kidsafe lesson. This week it was all about the nature of bullying. We learned the acronym STOP Several Times on Purpose. We thought about how bullying can make us feel and what to do about it. Please read the following letter to find out more information:

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My Happy Mind this week’s focus on what we can do to relax our brain and keep it healthy! We looked at many different strategies and discussed how this helps our brain to be healthy. This week our 3 goals were to 1) do happy breathing as we come in from play times 2) drink more water 3) gratitudes. Our Happiness Hero : Elsie has helped to remind us to do all these things this week! I wonder who our Happiness Hero will be next week …

Science with Miss Drummond:

Today we revisited electricity, we discussed that static electricity is produced when electrical insulators rub together. Opposite electrical charges(positive and negative) will attract whilst similar electrical charges (e.g. positive and positive) will repel. We rubbed balloons on our clothes and hair then drew and labelled a scientific diagram to explain our findings: there is an excess negative charge on the balloon and an excess positive charge on our hair. Opposites attract so our hair moves to the balloon. Can you remember what are the features are of a correctly drawn scientific diagram?

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Delving deeper through talk …

How are you going to serve others as part of your role and responsibility around school?

My Happy Mind…

What strategy are you going to focus on to keep your brain healthy and mind relaxed?

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Helpers in the mornings:

This week we have the following children helping to take the younger children to their class:

Rafe Sophia Rex Millie
 

Leading Learners

Well done to Luke and Esther this week.

Luke- Focused Cooper Crab- Thank you Luke for being so focused, doing your best and being ready to learn! Your effort with your presentation is a delight to see!

Esther- Enthusiastic Bobby Bee and cooperative Roger Robin- Esther you are always full engaged in every lesson and you approach all tasks, no matter how difficult with a smile and positive attitude!

Attentive and Discerning butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are attentive in the way we look at the world and in others, taking the time to notice the big and the small things each day. We will also be spotting children who are discerning, who choose the right decisions with integrity. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Ruby for being attentive and discerning to help others.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Michael

Role Model of the week … Roseanna

Reminders

·   ·     Please return St Bede’s admissions forms from last week if you have not already.

·         It is our class assembly on Tuesday 24h September.

·         Please encourage children to complete homework on time and handed in on Wednesdays- it is great preparation for High School

Have a lovely weekend with your family.

Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter

Year 6 Weekly Blog 13.09.24 - 'If there was ever a time to dare, to make a difference, to embark on something new - it is now!'

After two weeks of application writing, house captain speeches and class council speeches, we have nearly arrived at the point where all children know their positions of responsibility. Yet again, the children spoke with such passion and sincerity in their videos when they addressed their houses in a bid for their votes. We could not be more proud of all of the children who gave it a go and faced their fears. The videos were all different, showing all of their many gifts and skills, all in which are vital to work as a team ready to lead the school. We discussed what we had all learnt from the process and I think the children were shocked at just how brave they all were! Positions and leadership responsibilities will be announced on Tuesday and these jobs will start straight away. I cannot wait to see how the children get on this year and what legacy they leave on our school community. Next week we will be speaking about celebrating one another and being happy for one another’s roles around the school, we know there may be some people who will be thrilled with their leadership jobs but unavoidably, there may be some that feel disappointed. It is crucial that we deliver the same message to the children, that all jobs within Year 6 are vital in the working of the school and we must all work together and help one another to make the school a beautiful place to be. Sometimes God’s plan for us, is not always the same as what we had in mind, but he knows each of our gifts and talents, and He will always guide us along the right path, where we can make the most difference. We need to embrace every job and make it our own, I know Year 6 will do this so well.

Next week our Reception children will be starting school full time and will enter the school along with the rest of the school. This can sometimes be, as I am sure you will all remember, an overwhelming time for both children and parents. We would love some help taking these children around to their class teacher and who better than our Year 6 leaders? Every week we will be picking 4 children to come to school and wait by one of the gates to help the teachers at 8:45am.. Next week the following children have been asked, but please email if there any difficulties with this time.

Esther Archie Cora Ben

Learning

We have made a really good start to our learning in class this week. In Maths we have been continuing exploring the different calculations structures of multiplicative and additive, they have been building these and discussing how we can use these when reasoning through word problems. It is quite clear at this point, those children who are really secure with their multiplications and those that need to spend a bit more time speeding up their mental recall. In Year 6 the expectations are so high and learning goes at a much quicker pace, the children will grasp concepts and move their learning forward if they do not have to spend too long recalling number facts. So please remind them to use TT Rockstar’s and other online platforms we have to practice these. We have been so impressed with their enthusiasm and energy in English lessons this week as we have been predicting and raising questions about our class novel ‘The Nowhere Emporium’. Some of their predictions were very interesting, I can’t wait to start the novel with them next week to see if some of their theories are true!

We launched our new “My Happy Mind” lessons this week. Through these sessions we’ll learn all about the brain and how it works. This week, we learnt that the brain has three parts: “Hippocampus” “Amygdala” and “Pre- frontal cortex” and how when they all work together we feel happy, calm and relaxed. Can your child remember what each part does? Don’t worry if they have forgotten we cover this again and again as we study the brain further. We can’t wait until our next lesson next Monday!

This week, children had their first Kidsafe lesson which was all about trust and recognising ‘yukky feelings.’ What makes you feel sad, scared or worried? How does it feel in your body?

Please read the letter below which tells you all about it.

A desperate plea:

I am desperate to put photographs of your children on this blog to share all of the wonderful learning but I can’t do this until I have all consent forms back and I only have half.  Please could you make sure you have sent the following two forms, even if your child has no medical needs this form still needs to be completed.

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Science with Miss Drummond: Today we recapped on recognising and controlling variables in a fair test​. We discussed the independent variables (the variable I change each time), dependent variables (the variable I measure to assess the effect of changing the independent variable) and the constants (variables we keep the same). We were asked the question which material is the best sound insulator? We thought about the constants to ensure our test was fair and conducted a mini-investigation as a class to find out which material was the best insulator cotton wool, tissue paper, felt or bubble wrap.

Then in small groups we investigated the question how does the angle of the slope affect the time taken for a toy car to travel down it?​ We decided out the investigation would be carried out and identified the independent variable, the dependent variable and the constants. ​ We used book creator to record our investigation and results reflecting on the testing process, was it fair and were our results valid?

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Delving deeper through talk …

Who do people say you are? What do you want people to say about you?

My Happy Mind…

Can you tell your grown ups what the three parts of the brain are and what they do?

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Leading Learners

Well done to Jacob and Rose this week.

Jacob- Focused Cooper Crab- Jacob, wow, you are always ready to engage in your learning and listen to the teachers. You get lost in your task, you fully immerse yourself in your work and organise yourself to ensure you complete your work within the right time and it is always well presented, showing just what you can do! Thank you for being ready and eager to learn!

Rose- Determined Tommy Turtle - Rose you have come in to Year 6 with such a determined attitude, ready and willing to your best, ask for help if needed, learning from mistakes and most importantly believing you can do it! Such a positive mindset will serve you well this year Rose- keep up the good work!

Attentive and Discerning butterflies

This half term we will be on the lookout for all the children that are attentive in the way we look at the world and in others, taking the time to notice the big and the small things each day. We will also be spotting children who are discerning, who choose the right decisions with integrity. These children are the role models of the school. This week we thank Ben for being attentive and discerning to help others.

Lunch Time Awards …

Marvelous Manners awards … Millie

Role Model of the week … Bella

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Reminders

• Induction evening for parents next Wednesday 18th September 3:45pm and 4:45pm.

• Have you opted for or opted out of your child’s flu vaccination next Monday?

• Check the sports page on the website through Engage. Make sure you are aware of all training: dance, football and netball.

• It is our class assembly on Thursday 24th September at 9am.

• please encourage children to complete homework on time and handed in on Wednesdays- it is great preparation for High School

  Have a lovely weekend with your family.

  Mrs Harrison, Mrs Webster and Mrs Carter

Annual Flu Vaccination

This vaccination is recommended to help protect your child against flu. Flu can be an unpleasant illness and can cause serious complications. Vaccinating your child will also help protect more vulnerable family and friends by preventing the spread of Flu. There may be a rebound in Flu levels this coming winter following low levels in the past 2 years. The vaccination is free and is a quick, simple, painless spray up the nose. Our vaccinations in school will take place on Monday 14th September.

Please complete the online consent form.

If you DO NOT wish your child to be vaccinated for whatever reason please complete the form stating NO and the reasons.

Online Consent Form: 

Use the link below to access the online consent form and enter the unique school code with BP in capital letters - BP119627

Please inform the School Vaccination Team (Not School) of the following:

 •           If your child has steroid tablets prescribed two weeks prior to vaccination.

•           If in the few days prior to vaccination your child has been wheezy.

•           If after consenting you take your child to your GP surgery to receive their vaccination

 It is your responsibility to contact the school vaccination team to ensure they do not receive the immunisation again. Our contact details are:

 Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde: 01253 951984 Morecambe / Lancaster 01524 519430