Colonel Jopp MC Visit to Year 6

Year 6 were lucky to have Colonel Lincoln Jopp in to talk about his experiences with the army. Together we discussed the importance of remembering those who fought in wars and the sacrifices made when a person enlists.

Lincoln spoke about the values the army expect and the expectations people rise to, linking this in with our values at St Michael's.

We spoke about the importance of determination, loyalty and always working hard.

It was a really inspiring talk, which evoked some interesting questions from the children.

Thank you, Lincoln!

Hayley Bostock

Royal British Legion Poppy Painting Workshop:

On Wednesday 31^st October, both Year 5 classes were excited and proud to paint 40 pottery poppies which will be laid on the ground at the Royal Hospital Chelsea by Chelsea Pensioners during the Drumhead Remembrance Service. David, from the Royal Hospital Chelsea, came into our classrooms to talk to the children about the different types of people we may choose to think about when we observe the two minutes’ silence. We were asked to read and discuss picture cards of particular women who played an important role during WW1, including suffragettes, actresses, millworkers and doctors.

We were interested to discover how they helped to bring about changes to the law, such as women being granted the right to vote. Also, we heard the poignant story of Walter Tull, the first black football player in England (in itself, pioneering) who volunteered for active service on the frontline in Italy and France. Sadly, he lost his life in 1918 and was nominated for the Military Cross for his bravery. However, due to the prejudice of the times, he never was awarded it despite his outstanding service and sacrifice. We all found this particularly moving.

The poppies looked glorious when we had painted them and we found the session very interesting and enlightening.

Rachel Lee

Lest We Forget Theatre Workshop:

Years 1, 2, 3 &4 were lucky enough to attend this brilliant workshop this week.

This was a moving story where the children got to really understand and empathise with what life was like in the war and how this impacted the soldier’s in lives after. The children were able to join in and act out the different countries and learn their roles in the war.

The workshop started with a moving scene of an ex-soldier and then his story was told right through from the beginning, his childhood, joining the army and all the way through to the end. They were exposed to what life was like before the war and the difference in schools, young soldiers having to go to war and the friendships and close bonds that were made between complete strangers at such a hard time in their lives.

Whilst the workshop had its funny scenes which had the children laughing it also had some very moving scenes which left the room silent and had all the children thinking with empathy about the courage and bravery of the soldiers. It was an excellent performance that made it real for them and not only enabled the younger children to have an understanding but also the older children.

Christy Agelli

Jamie The Piper:

We were very lucky to have a Scottish piper taking part in our Service Of Remembrance today. He very kindly came into school a little bit earlier to demonstrate the (loud) sound to KS1 and Early Years and to talk a little about how the bagpipes work and what role they have in wartime.

Thank you Jamie for giving up your time today - and for playing so many fine tunes, even when you had to stand on a high shed on the Field for so long!

Visit from World War 2 Veteran:

On Thursday Year 6 were honoured to receive a visit by Philip Baxter, a former Grenadier Guard who served in World War Two. He gave a fascinating account of his experiences during the war, from the air raids at home, to his conscription and training as a tank driver.

Philip showed us his wonderful medals, ration books and a copy of an original newspaper from the day after the D-day landings. We were all very inspired by his story! A special thanks also goes to Mrs Chisholm from Age UK Wandsworth, for accompanying Philip on his visit.

Jonathan Walters

Poppy Shop:

Thank you to the Head Boys and Girls for so ably manning the Poppy stall this week - and to all those who have given so generously.

"Well Done Shout Out":

....goes to so many: all the Readers, Kevin Culwick our pianist, our ex Year 7 pupil on the Bugle and to our Piper Jamie Kelly for their wonderful contributions to our church service today.

Also, to Mrs O'Shea for lending the beautiful bridal dress this morning and to Mrs Harris and her sister for creating the beautiful hair styling and supplying the gorgeous bouquet.

And finally to Colonel Harry who so generously donated and styled one of the Year 6 boy's turbans in representation of the Commonwealth today.

Courageous Advocacy:

Over the summer some of the Year 5 girls (now in Year 6) decided to raise funds in their street by making and selling breakfast, slime and stress balls to their friends and neighbours. They decided to donate the money raised to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Well done girls!

CHRISTIAN VALUE:

Our value this week is:

'Trust':

"Trust in the Lord and don't be afraid"

(Isaiah 12:2)

BRITISH VALUE:

Our value this week is:

'Democracy'"

"Democracy is not the law of the majority but the protection of the minority"

(Albert Camus)

Fireworks night

What an amazing night it was! To be able to host events on this scale for our school community is incredible. We had just under 1,000 people on the field and it looks like we’ve raised in the region of £2,000 which is amazing. The Year 4 Fireworks team did a fantastic job putting such a big event together. Fireworks, glow sticks, jammy donuts and hotdogs proved a winning combination!

A final thank you to Helen Liley, Helen Ketchin, Helena Cowpland, Rachael Brunning, Becky White, Samantha Chetwood and Mick and Moira Mullally for all their hard work to make sure it was a night to remember. Special thanks to the Dads who made up the Fireworks lighting and bonfire team; they did a wonderful job in difficult conditions: Steve Voss, Jason Higgs, James Baker, David Walton, Victor Sullivan, Ben Markland and Mark McCracken.