Newsletter 21 - w/c 20th February 2023
FANTASTIC FOSS UPDATE ON PAGE FOUR
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DATES AND REMINDERS
Friday 24th February - FOSS - Pre-loved dressing up costume sale (in preparation for World Book Day)
Monday 27th February - Year Two - Great Fire of London workshop (further details to follow)
Wednesday 1st March - World Book Day
Thursday 2nd March - FOSS Reception Disco
Friday 3rd March - FOSS Disco - Years 1-6
Monday 6th March - Year Five - Science Museum (further details to follow)
Friday 17th March - Year Two - National Archives - Great Fire of London Workshop (further details to follow)
Friday 24th March - Year Six - Junior Citizenship, Holly Lodge (further details to follow)
Friday 31st March - End of term. School closes 2.15pm
Wednesday 3rd May - Friday 5th May - Year Four - residential trip to Juniper Hall
Which member of the St Stephen's staff showed their designs at three fashion shows? Turn to page two to view this dedicated follower of fashion ...
WELLBEING WEEK ... Here's Miss Collins' report
The theme of year's Children’s Mental Health Week was Let’s Connect. Human beings thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing and our survival. When we have healthy connections – to family, friends and others – this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing.
The children enjoyed an array of mindful activities that promote wellbeing. EYFS and Year One had a visit from former St Stephen's staffer and yoga teacher, Karen Norton, for some yoga sessions and KS1/KS2 had the opportunity to talk to Charlie, our school nurse, about feelings. We also all enjoyed a very special visit from Margaux the therapy dog, along with her owner, our very own Kate Cox.
Additionally, Tracey Butcher (St Stephen's Mum and founder of Hummingbird Coaching), spent time with Year Six to talk about Mindfulness and how we can use our senses to ground ourselves in the moment when we're feeling overwhelmed with thoughts, worries or strong emotions.
"The class practised Mindful Listening by listening to their partners without interruption and by tuning into sounds they could hear when they closed their eyes for a while.
"They also practised Mindful Seeing and Touch. Each child received a Focus Rock and practiced seeing and feeling it mindfully - exploring and being curious of the colours, textures, the temperature and weight of it in their hand.
"The children were surprised at what they noticed when they took time to look really closely at their rocks and what they heard when they paid attention to sounds and how calm they felt after taking time to use their senses to focus in this way for a short period of time," said Mrs Butcher.
If you'd like to learn more about what Tracey talked to the class about and find out more about courses and sessions offered, please reach out to her on tracey@hummingbirdcoaching.co.uk.
World Book Day - Wedneday March 1st 2023
We have made a decision to move World Book Day to Wednesday 1st March due to the proposed strike day.
World Book Day Celebrations - St Stephen's 1.3.23
Dress up as your favourite book character OR bring your favourite non-fiction book to share with the class. This year, we will ask for donations to set up a dual language section of our library so we can buy some of our favourite books in English/Chinese and English/Ukrainian.
Character Catwalk/Book Recommendation, so children have the chance to tell their friends what they are dressed up as or to recommend their favourite non-fiction book.
Teacher Book Swap – teachers will read an extract of their favourite book to other classes at the end of the school day. This is a brilliant way for children to hear another reader
DEAR time (drop everything and read) time in the day. Adults and children have fun reading silently together – a great way to share some mindful time.
Children will learn a classic poem or a poem linked directly to the curriculum. Each class has been assigned a poem that they will recite and perform during phase assembly during WB 20th March (World Poetry Day is on 21st March!)
£1 Book Voucher for every child