This coming weekend we move into the liturgical time of the year of Advent.
As the nights draw in and the weather gets increasingly colder, we find ourselves having more time to spend with our families and loved ones at home. During this time in the liturgical calendar we focus on the importance of preparing for the Lord’s second coming.
On Monday I will share with the children the many different ways in which we can prepare for Christmas, but sometimes these can be lost when we focus on the modern world we live in – the rush to buy copious amounts of food, watching endless Christmas movies, spending money we don’t have on gifts for others. Sometimes the key meaning of this time of preparation is lost.
Jesus' humble birth into the world, in a stable surrounded by cattle, visited by shepherds; presented with nothing except the reverence and obedience that they displayed, yet Jesus was presented with the highest offerings from the three wise men – Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.
Two different visitations yet two very important meanings behind both. The virtues which Jesus brought to us the night of his birth are those that should remain as the focus for our time of reflection over this season of Advent - Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.
I wish you all a very holy and joyful Christmas.
Mrs Killick
Nursery
This week in Nursery we have taken part in Parliament week alongside the school. The children watched a short film about the Houses of Parliament and took a virtual tour around it.
We looked at the story book “Katie goes to London” and some of the children and staff spoke about when they went to London and what they did there.
Some of the children made their own structures of the Houses of Parliament with duplo and building blocks.
We also coloured in pictures of the Houses of Parliament. The children were given opportunities to vote using wooden hoops to vote for which story they would like read and what fruit and vegetables they wanted for snack.
KS1 Celebration of the Word
Thank you so much to all the parents who came to the KS1 COTW, it was overwhelming how many parents came to support us. We focused on Jesus as our King whilst He was on the Cross, but even there, He shows us what His kingdom is all about: Love and Forgiveness.
We listened to the words of Luke 23: 35-43 and reflected how we should show forgiveness.
Parents reflected by sharing ways in which they needed to say sorry this week.
Thank you so much for joining us and sharing how we can love and show forgiveness.
Fort Nelson - Year 5/6
The year 5/6 children enjoyed a memorable trip to Fort Nelson, where they took part in a fascinating World War II workshop all about Portsmouth’s important role during the war.
The children also got to visit the inspiring Standing with Giants exhibition, where the towering silhouettes left a lasting impression on everyone.
It was a fantastic day of learning, discovery, and reflection.
Parliament Week
This week was Parliament week and we kickstarted the week with a whole school assembly with Mrs Jones teaching us about what happens inside the Houses of Parliament and what the government actually do in their role of running our country.
We then had two lucky children visit Amanda Martin who is our member of parliament for Paulsgrove to join her in a MP Parliament round table where the children got to learn what the role of an MP actually is. They also got to question and challenge her on issues that they feel she should take back to parliament!
"I enjoyed meeting Amanda Martin and learning what laws they have changed within the Labour party." Mercedes
Throughout the week, each year group have taken part in different parliament activities such as class debates, writing to their local MP, casting their own democratic vote and reading "Katie in London" to learn that the Houses of Parliament can be found in the city of London.
"I enjoyed how we got to debate, we got to say whether we were for or against. I voted that I was for gender neutral toilets." Praise
Primary Council of Portsmouth Students
On Thursday, some of our school council attended a Primary Council of Portsmouth Students (PCoPS) summit where they reflected on pupil voice in our institutions and what they can do to make changes and improvements. We are excited to put our ideas into action throughout the year!
St Paul's Award
This weeks award is linked to this half terms Catholic Social Teaching
Being able to show an understanding of ‘We are One’.
St Peter Maya
St James Elliot D
St Joseph Kekeli
St Bernadette Isabel
St Thomas Xyrene
St Pio Erin
St Francis Willow
St Scholastica Bonnie
St Teresa Poppy-Reese
St Edith Pearl
Congratulations and well done to you all.
This week 217 children had 100% attendance, which is 82% of the school.
Our overall attendance as a school so far for the academic year is 92%.
The class with this week's winning attendance is ...
St Thomas with 97.7%.
Well done you are able to wear non uniform on Wednesday 3 Dec.
Please note children cannot wear PJ's / crocs or unsuitable footwear.
Reflective Thought
“Advent is like a springtime, when everything is renewed and so is fresh and healthy.”
St Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)
Nursery
This week in Nursery we had a pop up role play vets in the book corner. The children were caring for the animals wrapping them in bandages and giving them lots of cuddles. Some of the children were having competition with each other to see who could build the biggest tower. Thomas said “my tower is so big but I’m bigger.” On Wednesday the children were very excited to it was snowing outside. The children watched through the window as it started to come down. For some of the children this was there first time seeing snow fall. Also this week we invited our children’s parents into Nursery for parents meetings to discuss their child’s progress. Thank you to all who attended.
Year R
Portsmouth News came in to photograph our new starters for their First Class Souvenir Edition.
They have made a great start to their journey at St. Paul's.
Pilgrims of Hope
The 21 November is the Celebration Day for all schools to reflect on the steps in our journey as Pilgrims of Hope. Friday morning has been a great opportunity for the all St Paul's children and staff to celebrate our own steps in our journey and continue to embrace the great blessings as Pilgrims of Hope.
Nurture Cinema Trip
Last Friday our nurture children went on an exciting trip to Gunwharf Quays to watch Garfield. The children thoroughly enjoyed the film and represented our school incredibly well. Well done!
Anti Bullying Week
Last week, we were participating in anti-bullying week. As a school we were asked to create a poster demonstrating how we can stop bullying by using our "Power for Good.
We had a poster competition and our winner was Celina H from St Teresa.
Christmas Lunch
Christmas lunch for ALL children will be on Wednesday 17 December.
Below is a link to an online order form, please complete a form for each child to confirm if they would or would not like a Christmas lunch.
Special Diets: Please note ONLY children who have an already agreed special diet menu with Caterlink can order from the special diet Christmas menu.
St Paul's Award
This weeks award is linked to this half terms Catholic Social Teaching
Being able to show an understanding of ‘We are One’.
St Peter Iris
St James Reeva
St Joseph Francisco
St Bernadette Lily
St Thomas Amelia
St Pio Isabelle
St Francis Kaitlyn
St Scholastica Kourtney
St Teresa Noah
St Edith William
Congratulations and well done to you all.
This week 222 children had 100% attendance, which is 84% of the school.
Our overall attendance as a school so far for the academic year is 95%.
The class with this week's winning attendance is ...
St Scholastica and St Teresa with 97.9%.
Well done you are able to wear non uniform on Friday 28 Nov.
Please note children cannot wear PJ's / crocs or unsuitable footwear.
Reflective Thought
“Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love and the future to His providence.”
St Augustine of Hippo
Nursery
This week in Nursery we learnt about Remembrance Day and look at some books together. Some of the children then made poppies with Kirsty which we displayed in the window. The toddler children had a really fun time mark making in shaving foam while moving around to high energy music. This is a excellent activity that supports the children gross motor skills.
St Anne's Church Visit
This week St Anne's walked to visit the church for the first time. We lit our class candle as we placed down some decorated crosses that we had made earlier in the week. The children walked beautifully holding adults hands to and from school. Well done St Anne's.
Remembrance Liturgy
On Wednesday, Father Andrew led us in a remembrance liturgy where we gave thanks for the many men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We also prayed for those who still do sacrifice so much for our safety. Together, with the military children, we prayed for peace throughout the world and reflected on how we can be instrumental peace makers. The children were reverent and respectful as they remembered those who gave so much for us.
Remembrance Sunday
Children across the school had a lesson about remembrance. After this, they had time to reflect and write their own prayers. These prayers were used to create a whole school wreath which was placed by one of our families at Portsmouth's Remembrance Service on Sunday.
Thank you to the Ramos family for representing our school at this time.
Advent Appeal
Monday 8th December (2nd week of Advent) we will be having an Advent bake off- Advent/Christmas inspired cakes.
It will be a £2 entry and open for all within the school community.
The cakes will then be available to buy at breaktime throughout the week for 50p a slice and money raised will be used to buy the cafod gift that all children have been voting for with their counters.
On Monday 8th December there will be a professional baker as the judge and top 3 places will be awarded and qill then be combined with teh children's votes.
All through the week children will be voting via ballot paper for their favourite cake.
Politely Rebellious – Anti Racism Assembly
Today we were exceptionally lucky to be joined by Kosh an inspirational next gen role model from Politely Rebellious. He led us through an inspiring and influential assembly about racisim where we learnt about his own journey and also the part we all play in stopping racism. The children really enjoyed listening to Kosh and learning about the importance of everyone being treated with respect and dignity regardless of what they look like or where they come from. Thank you to Atkins Realis who sponsored the session for our children.
Politely Rebellious are a local community change company who are dedicated to empowering the next generation and creating real change in the local community. To learn more about them and see how you can get involved, take a look at their website https://politelyrebellious.co.uk/
St Paul's Award
This weeks award is linked to this half terms Catholic Social Teaching
Being able to show an understanding of ‘We are One’.
St Peter Jilynn
St James Romy
St Joseph Honey
St Bernadette Oliver G
St Thomas Daniel V
St Pio Evaniya
St Francis Eniola
St Scholastica Rhema E
St Teresa Tiliana
St Edith Sia
Congratulations and well done to you all.
This week 226 children had 100% attendance, which is 86% of the school.
Our overall attendance as a school so far for the academic year is 95%.
The class with this weeks winning attendance is ...
St Scholastica with 99.7%.
Well done you are able to wear non uniform on Friday 21 Nov.
Please note children cannot wear PJ's / crocs or unsuitable footwear.
Reflective Thought
“God is faithful and if we serve Him faithfully he will provide for our needs.”
St Richard of Chichester
Advent wreath art created by Year 5 and 6. The children used block printing for the candles and pastels for the flames and evergreens.
Portsmouth The Digital City Project
Each week, we will be sharing Portsmouth The Digital City Project Online safety posters.
These share what your children are learning within school as well as giving you some questions to help you discuss online safety at home with your children.
Nursery
This week in Nursery the children have been learning about Guy Fawkes and bonfire night. The children watched a short film about Guy Fawkes and how he tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament but was stopped just in time. The children then made their own firework pictures using a toilet roll tube and paint. Some of the preschool children helped Steph write a poem and decorate a prayer poppy for Portsmouth's Remembrance Sunday service at the Guildhall.
Fort Nelson Visit
This week, as part of our History hook, that is leading into our learning of the work of Florence Nightingale, year 1 and 2 visited Fort Nelson for an immersive experience of what it would have been like to work alongside Florence as a nurse or be treated as a soldier, during the time of the Crimean War. We met a Gunner, who told us what it was like to live in horrific conditions, and we met Florence, who taught us the right way to look after our patients. We learnt of the poor conditions of Scutari Hospital, where wounded soldiers were treated, and learnt that Florence was a nurse that taught other nurses and doctors how to save lives by being clean and hygienic. Before this time, more soldiers died from infections than from wounds.
Stories and Snuggles
It was so wonderful to see so many families taking part in our annual Stories before Snuggles evening. You all looked so cosy in your pyjamas ( even the adults!), cuddled up and sharing stories, with cookies and hot chocolate! Supporting children with their reading is so important for their future wellbeing and we appreciate all your efforts in helping to make reading an enjoyable fun experience.
Remembrance Sunday
Every child in the school has had some teaching about remembrance. After reflecting, children have written a prayer and these have been put on to a wreath. This wreath will be laid at Portsmouth’s remembrance service this Sunday.
Next week, children will take part in a two-minute silence to reflect on the sacrifices made .
Special Diets
A reminder that children with special diets must ONLY choose meals from their assigned menu options that have been provided by caterlink. approved and returned to the school. If your child has a special dietary requirement they are unable to choose the new baguette/bap option.
Parking
Please ensure you DO NOT park in the minibus area next to the main school entrance as access is required frequently throughout the day. It also increases the risk of accidents especially with young children at drop off and pick up times. Can you also be mindful when using the church car park and areas around the school that you are not blocking pathways or exits for others.
Thank you for your continued support.
Uniform
A reminder to all Parents and Carers that you are expected to ensure your child has the correct uniform and PE kit.
NO Trainers black or white - Grey tights and cardigans ONLY - Ties must be worn at ALL TIMES
Boots should only be worn with trousers and not with skirts.
Further information can be found on our website at https://st-pauls.portsmouth.sch.uk/uniform/ including links to our policies.
A selection of Pear paintings by St Francis. Learning painting and brush work skills.
Parents we need you!
Happymind are offering a fantastic prize to the school that demonstrates the highest levels of parent engagement using the Parent App. This prize will enhance our school’s resources and foster even greater parental involvement in supporting the children’s education.
The winning school will receive a wonderful Nurture Corner packs, which includes a myHappymind beanbag, myHappymind bunting, and an Early Years set with books, character teddies, conversation cards, and stickers. These resources are perfect for embedding the programme even further in our school and for creating a cosy, calm space that supports the children’s wellbeing.
All we need you to do is download the free app!
To access these materials, just go to https://myhappymind.org/parent-resources to create your free account. You will need to enter your name, email, and authentication code 116487.
Portsmouth The Digital City Project
Each week, we will be sharing Portsmouth The Digital City Project Online safety posters.
These share what your children are learning within school as well as giving you some questions to help you discuss online safety at home with your children.
St Paul's Award
This weeks award is linked to this half terms Catholic Social Teaching
Being able to show an understanding of ‘We are One’.
Nursery : N/A
St Peter : Pablo
St James : Toras
St Joseph: Andie
St Bernadette : Gemma
St Thomas : Yzobel
St Pio : Teresa
St Francis : Amelia M
St Scholastica : Oland
St Teresa : Mika
St Edith : Toby D
Congratulations and well done to you all.
This week 232 children had 100% attendance, which is 88% of the school.
Our overall attendance as a school so far for the academic year is 95%.
The class with this weeks winning attendance is ...
St Francis with 99%.
Well done you are able to wear non uniform on Friday 14 Nov.
Please note children cannot wear PJ's / crocs or unsuitable footwear.
Reflective Thought
“Remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, look forward to the future with confidence.”
Pope Saint John Paul II