This week, our school actively participated in Anti-Bullying Week, focusing our attention on the powerful theme of 'One Kind Word.' This initiative seamlessly aligns with our overarching values for this term: 'Friendship' and 'Compassion.'
Mrs. Crilly kickstarted the week by introducing this impactful theme on Monday. Children spent time on activities in their classes. They were reminded and discussed what bullying is and isn’t as well as which adults to go to for help using our Helping Hands that every child creates in September each year. Each class also created a paper doll chain. Children decorated themselves and wrote what makes them unique e.g. I am a great cook, I am a fast runner.
The highlight of our week was on Thursday in our family groups. In their vertical groups, they read the book, 'A wrinkled Heart' by Tracy Hoexterour. The groups worked collaboratively to craft beautiful hearts adorned with kind words inscribed on the inside. This heartfelt activity served as a visual testament to the unity and kindness that defines our school community.
House Points for this week
House Points so far this term
Effort & Progress in Learning Certificates
Congratulations to the children below who received a special certificate on Friday for 'Effort and Progress in Learning'.
Reception - Margot
Year 1 - Aavani
Year 2 - Eddie
Year 3 - Ava
Year 4 - Heidi
Year 5 - Jamie
Year 6 - Jamie G
All the children that received certificates will be celebrating with Mrs Maxwell over a hot chocolate and marshmallows on Monday this week.
Above & Beyond
The children below attended Above and Beyond time on Friday with Mrs Maxwell
Sylvie, Juliusz, Giana, Aleyna, Albie, Eliza, Millie, Spencer, Lois, Charlie, Lola-Rose, Jacob, Orla, Lucy, Iris, Archie, Henry, Witold, Illia, Coralie, Zainub, Lilly, Sam, Sebastian, Makensie, Saskia, Emaan, Daniel and Pato
Year 1
Year One have been working on their own versions of the story Stanley’s Stick. The children created their own mini books. The children in Year Four have also been working on their own version of their class story 'Biscuit Bear'. Year Four came down to year one to share their stories. Both classes listened to both class stories read by the teachers before sharing their own versions. The children buddied up and read their stories to each other. The children really enjoyed sharing their work with children from a different year group.
Year 4
A big shout out to Mr Nolepa for helping our Year 4 students with their electricity lessons in Science these past few weeks. We are incredibly grateful for his support!
Year 6 - World War Two day
On Wednesday, Year 6 took part in a workshop delivered by the National Holocaust Centre and Museum as part of their Second World War Day. They learnt about life in Germany in the 1930s and how life would have changed for a child. They asked thoughtful and insightful questions, using artefacts and clues to find out more about this period of time. In the afternoon, the children made blackout poetry and researched the life of Lilian Bader, one of the first black women to join the British armed forces. It was a brilliant day full of questions, curiosity and fun. Year 6's outfits (and accessories) were excellent and brought the day to life.
Eco Council
Well done to our Eco Council for raising £61.35 through donations during the pre-loved uniform sale. All money raised will be going towards our Community Garden project.
A Showcase of Literary Talents Across Our School
We couldn't resist the urge to shine a spotlight on the wonderful writing talents across our entire school community. Let's revel in a piece of writing from each year group! It demonstrates how much progress our children make each year.
Reception
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
FoSMS Christmas Market
Saturday 2nd December - 12noon - 2.00pm
Our Christmas Market is back with lots of fun for all the family. As well as a cafe serving warm food, we will have a range of stalls including homemade fudge and tombolas.
FoSMS needs your help...
Please drop off bottles, Christmas jumpers and chocolate for our Christmas Market from Friday 24th November.
Open Morning for Reception 2024
Let friends and family know about our Open Morning for children in age to join us in Reception 2024.
The primary application process for 2024/25 opens on 1st November 2023 and closes on 15th January 2024. Hertfordshire County Council’s Admissions & Transport Team will be accepting all applications for children born between 01/04/2019 and 31/08/2019.
You must apply online at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions.
Swimming pool clearance / Community Garden
On Wednesday, we were visited by Ted Casey, a local designer of Eco Friendly, sustainable garden areas for schools. Ted is also a qualified teacher who spends time in schools giving lessons for the Outdoor Classroom.
Ted spent a couple of hours looking at the swimming pool site. He confirmed that the plant growth in the pool area contains plants of significant importance and can be completely stripped of all vegetation ahead of Spring 24. Ted has suggested that we arrange a parent working party to clear the site.
Saturday 2nd December 2023 is the date set for our Christmas Market and Reception Open Morning. Mrs Sharp will supply bacon butties for all parents able to join her for the start of the site clearance. If you have suitable gardening equipment to help clear the site, we would love to see you.
FoSMS Newsletter
Tuesday 21st & Wednesday 22nd November (3.30-6.30pm) - Key Stage Two parent consultations
Tuesday 21st November - Year 3 Ancient Egyptian Day at St Mary's
Thursday 23rd November at 2:15pm - Parent rep meeting
Friday 24th November - please start to drop off items for the Christmas Market
Wednesday 29th November - FoSMS Wreath Night
Thursday 30th November at 9:00am - Parent workshop on the School Development Plan with Mrs Maxwell
Thursday 30th November at 7:30pm - Parent workshop on the School Development Plan with Mrs Maxwell
Friday 1st December - 3:10 - 4:00pm - Year 1 to 3 Disco. NO JD.
Saturday 2nd December - 12noon - 2.00pm - FoSMS Christmas Market
Monday 4th December - Year 2 trip to Maritime Museum
Monday 4th December - afternoon - Reception Nativity Dress Rehearsal (in school event)
Tuesday 5th December - 9:15am - Reception Nativity Performance
Wednesday 6th December - Christmas Jumper Day - raising money for Save the Children
Wednesday 6th December - Christmas Dinner
Wednesday 6th December - morning - KS1 Nativity Dress Rehearsal (in school event)
Thursday 7th December - 2:00pm - KS1 Nativity Performance
Friday 8th December - 9:15am - KS1 Nativity Performance
Friday 8th December - 3:10 - 4:00pm - Years 4 to 6 Disco. No JD
Wednesday 13th December - 2:00 - 4:30pm - Sleeping Beauty Panto at Watersmeet. No JD.
Thursday 14th December - afternoon - Years 3 to 6 dress rehearsal for Christmas Service at St Mary's Church
Thursday 14th December - evening - All children from Years 3 to 6 performing at our Christmas service at St Mary's Church
Friday 15th December - afternoon - Class Christmas parties
Monday 18th December - afternoon - Father Christmas visit to all classrooms
Tuesday 19th December - 1:10pm - End of Term
Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's Church
2 December – 3 January, 9.30am – 4.30pm
We will be spending time in school, over the next few weeks, creating Christmas decorations for our school Christmas tree for the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's Church.
Christmas at St Mary's Church
We have such an amazing school and are looking at ways to promote ourselves in the wider community. To do this, we will be developing our use of social media. Please like our new Facebook page and any posts that you enjoy.