The Primary Section Stories 22/11/2024
Primary Newsletter 22/11/2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
The ‘nippy’ Autumn weather the last few days has made some of the students want to hide indoors but everyone is better off outdoors getting some fresh air and running around to get the wiggles out. If you are worried about your child getting wet feet at any point please send in rain boots to stay in school.
This week has been a Phoenix house event week. The students have had a lot of fun and been very excited for the game shows that they set up. Each house had a team and had to answer questions. Apparently some of the students became quite passionate about the answers. I’m glad I wasn’t a referee!
Last week was anti-bullying week. It is very important that our students understand what bullying is and that it is not OK. We explain to them that bullying is a hurtful act, either physical or verbal, that is done on purpose and repeated and where the target feels upset, sad or scared and the perpetrator gets a sense of power. One off incidents do not count and are dealt with on an individual basis. Equal arguments or people who just do not get on are not bullying either. This time we had a focus on being kind and ensuring we are not racist. Our children know that we are all the same under our skin and we ensure that they accept and embrace each other’s cultural differences. We had an online ‘Kindness’ assembly with schools from around the world on Wednesday and on Friday we finished off the week with ‘odd shoe’ day and an anti-bullying assembly. We sang our kindness song and then role played some situations to discuss whether the perpetrator was rude, mean or a bully. We often discuss the idea of forgiveness in school as this is very important for true harmony.
Today Class 5 presented an assembly in French. They worked in small groups and researched a city in a French speaking country and then prepared and presented a weather report. It took them longer than they expected to sort out their slides and presentations so they were practising hard right up to the last minute. It was a fun presentation and everyone in the audience learned a little French.
Today was also Fluffy Friday when we got the chance to dress up in anything fluffy and warm from onesies and ‘oodies’ to dressing gowns and slippers. It is a blessing in this cold snap. Primary Student Voice also arranged a tea tasting session for each class so we could all try out some warm drinks. It was great for a cold Friday.
Saturday 30th November, from 3.00 to 6.00pm is the amazing Festival of Lights, when we will welcome all of our students, parents and visitors to celebrate several winter events in one go. We expect to see you all there but make sure you have your warm clothes on!
In school we sometimes spot really great local events. This weekend in Antwerp there is a science exhibition for children in Antwerp Zoo and a Brick Mania (Lego like) activity at the Antwerp Expo. Why not check them out, especially if the weather is bad.
I wish you a wonderful weekend and a great week ahead.
Sharon Short
Head of Primary
Safeguarding Lead.