This week in Collective Worship, our focus has been on 'Having the Courage to Care.'
On Monday, we delved into the inspiring story of Eglantyne Jebb, a founding member of Save the Children. Her profound commitment to making a difference is a shining example of one person's ability to impact the world. 🌍
Eglantyne Jebb's story encourages us all to reflect on our capacity to make positive changes, no matter how small. As we carry the spirit of 'Courage to Care' with us, let's embrace the opportunity to be a force for good in our community.
On Wednesday, Gary retold the parable 'The Lost Son,' a poignant story shared by Jesus. This parable serves as a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to extend compassion and forgiveness to others, especially when they seek redemption. The father's actions model the courage to love unconditionally, offering a beacon of hope for us all.
Ivinghoe Beacon Countryfile Ramble 2023 for Children In Need
A group of friends from St Mary's (Phoenix, Scarlett, Sasha, Amber, Linden, Rowan and Oscar) joined ramblers all over the country raising life-changing amounts of money by donning their walking boots and going on their own sponsored Countryfile Ramble. They rambled along the ridgeway and summit of Ivinghoe Beacon on Sunday 11th November so far raising a fantastic £323.
Please click here if you would like to support this fabulous group.
House Points
This week
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 - Alex
Year 1 - Eryk
Year 2 - Archie
Year 3 - Paul-John
Year 4 - Esmee
Year 5 - Gianna
Year 6 - Bobby
All the children that received certificates will be celebrating with Mrs Maxwell over a hot chocolate and marshmallows on Tuesday this week.
Above & Beyond
The children below attended Above and Beyond time on Friday with Mrs Maxwell
Apostolos, Scarlett, Lennon, Darcie, Suri, Florence, Jeremy, Jaiden, Olivia, Scarlett, Issy, Zoya, Jules, Henry, Rosie, Lily, James, Jack H
Year 2
This week in Year 2 we have begun rehearsing our nativity play: ‘The BIG Little Nativity’. There has been great excitement as we have been busy working hard to learn our lines and the words to the songs. After a week, we are sounding great and looking forward to our performances in school, to children and parents.
In class, as part of our Christmas Biscuit, Design and Technology learning journey, we have been exploring how flour and butter are made. We created a flow chart explaining the process of flour production from field to packaged product and had a go at making butter from cream.
We have been learning about the explorers Felicity Aston and Ernest Shackleton and comparing modern day explorations with those over a hundred years ago. We were surprised by some of the similarities and differences in the equipment used. We are looking forward to discovering more when we visit the Royal Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark next week.
Year 3
Last week, the Year 3 students brought the magic of Ancient Egypt to life as they arrived at school in their fantastic Ancient Egyptian costumes, bubbling with excitement. However, as fate would have it, our planned workshop had to be rescheduled due to a family emergency. Despite this unexpected turn of events, our resilient Year 3 children demonstrated remarkable adaptability.
Miss Bhanderi stepped in and worked her magic, creating some fabulous Ancient Egyptian activities for the children. The silver lining? Year 3 is in for a treat! Instead of one, they will now be having two Ancient Egyptian days, doubling the fun and learning experiences.
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.
We are in need of more volunteers. Please use the link below to sign up - half an hour will make a huge difference.
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
Thank you to parents that have volunteered to help. Reggie's dad, from Reception, has volunteered to clear the site for us. Thank you so muc!. Photographs will be on the newsletter next week.
The Big Ambition
The Children’s Commissioner has launched The Big Ambition survey to understand what children want ahead of the next General Election. Please share this link with your children so they can have their say:
Wednesday 29th November - Four children from our Eco Council are attending York House for the Sustainability Forum with schools from Three Rivers and beyond
Wednesday 29th November - Last day to indicate if your child is having a traditional Christmas lunch / vegetarian Christmas lunch option next week. Please complete using the school gateway
Wednesday 29th November - FoSMS Wreath Night
Friday 1st December - 3:10 - 4:00pm - Year 1 to 3 Disco. NO JD.
Please book online. Tickets cost £5 which include a donation to Save the Children, drinks and a selection box.
Saturday 2nd December - 12noon - 2.00pm - FoSMS Christmas Market
FoSMS are hosting a Christmas Market on the KS2 playground between 12 noon and 2.00pm. Visit Santa’s Grotto, the Christmas Café, play games, buy Christmas gifts and much more!
From Monday 4th December - Advent reflections
Each class will spend a few minutes each day reflecting on the meaning of Christmas. They will open their Advent calendar, light their Advent candle and ‘unwrap’ a Nativity character.
Monday 4th December - Year 2 trip to Maritime Museum
Monday 4th December - afternoon - Reception Nativity Dress Rehearsal (in school event)
Tuesday 5th December - 10am - Reception Nativity Performance
Parents will need to enter via the main front entrance. The performance should finish by approximately 10.40am. Each family has been allocated two tickets per performance. Tickets need to be booked online at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/CXIT.
Wednesday 6th December - Christmas Jumper Day
Children are encouraged to dress festively and wear their Christmas jumpers or other appropriate festive wear – Santa hats, Elf hats and antlers are also welcome! A collection will be taken for this term’s amazing charity - Save the Children.
Wednesday 6th December - Christmas Dinner
The children will be enjoying a traditional Christmas lunch / vegetarian Christmas lunch. Please indicate your child's dinner option via the school gateway by Wednesday 29th November.
Wednesday 6th December - morning - KS1 Nativity Dress Rehearsal (in school event)
Thursday 7th December - 2:00pm - KS1 Nativity Performance
Parents will need to enter via the main front entrance. Each family has been allocated two tickets per performance. Tickets need to be booked online at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/CXJN.
Friday 8th December - 9:30am - KS1 Nativity Performance
Parents will need to enter via the main front entrance. Each family has been allocated two tickets per performance. Tickets need to be booked online at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/CXJN.
Friday 8th December - 3:10 - 4:00pm - Years 4 to 6 Disco. No JD
Please book online. Tickets cost £5 which include a donation to Save the Children, Drinks and a selection box.
Monday 11th December - Year 3 - rescheduled Ancient Egyptian Day
Tuesday 12th December - evening - All children from Years 3 to 6 performing at our Christmas service at St Mary's Church
Children will need to be at the Church Hall between 5.35pm and 5.45pm and the entrance is to the side of the main Church door. Members of staff will be ready to greet the children. Parents are then invited to take a seat in the Church to enjoy the service. The performance will finish by 7.00pm. No tickets are required to attend the service.
Wednesday 13th December - 2:00 - 4:30pm - Sleeping Beauty Panto at Watersmeet. No JD
Thank you FoSMs for the ice cream during the interval. Children will need to be collected from the theatre at approximately 4.30pm. There will be more details to follow regarding pick up arrangements. No JD Club.
Friday 15th December - afternoon - Class Christmas parties
Children can come to school wearing suitable party clothes (so that they can be safe and warm in an outdoor environment). Class reps will provide further details and information will also be on the class blog.
Monday 18th December
We will be learning about Christmas around the World with a special visitor planned for the afternoon.
Tuesday 19th December - 1:10pm - End of Term - No JD
On the last day of term children are invited to dress festively and the school day will end at 1.10pm.
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 week, 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.