Just before half term, we all enjoyed jungle adventures at St. Wilfrid’s. The children thoroughly enjoyed exploring jungle waterfalls and  dark caves, discovering exotic wildlife and uncovering ancient ruins in the undergrowth.

All of this was part of our whole school writing week, which inspired all sorts of amazing pieces of work. We had everything from poetry and explorer diaries, to letters and campaigns around climate change.

We couldn’t quite bring ourselves to say goodbye to all of the jungle, so we’ve kept a jungle wall in the hall, where we’ve displayed some of our children’s excellent efforts!

Our children who are in school have been thinking about the important role of our key workers, who are also our mams and dads! We drew pictures of parents in their key roles and made giant rainbows with our handprints to show our thanks.

Thank you to all key workers who are doing a wonderful job at this time – especially all of those who are part of our St Wilfrid’s family.

Years 1 and 2 have been telling the story of the Nativity for us and our families this week. It was a wonderful spectacle, a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, and we’re sure all who came to see it, left feeling very festive indeed. A huge well done to all of the children and staff who worked so hard to make this such an enjoyable event.

Thank you so much for all of your generous donation for our foodbank. This week, our Mini Vinnies team carried the bulging bags of goodies to Woodhouse Close Church, where we received a warm welcome and thanks from the organisers. We also raised £40 in donations for this great cause that helps so many of our friends in our community. Thank you!

Today, our school was transformed into a land of swash-buckling pirate adventure. The children were transported to the high seas, surrounded by tropical islands, a pirate galleon – complete with plank, Jolly Rogers, treasure maps and mythical sea creatures. We even had a new member of the crew, as Captain Raggy Beard paid us a visit and worked with every class.

Next week, our theme will continue, with lots of pirate themed role play, reading and creative writing.

Look out for us in The Northern Echo too!

We were visited today, by Grahaeme and Trevor from the Fire and Rescue Service. Fiona Gosling,  who tragically lost her son, Cameron in a river accident in the Wear four years ago to the day, accompanied them. Children from key stage 2, heard Cameron’s story and learnt about the dangers of cold water shock, and playing or swimming in rivers.  We think this is such an important maessage, especially as the school holidays are just around the corner. Please find more information in key stage 2 book bags.

Grahaeme also told us about an APP that helps parents or emergency services locate any mobile phone by using a three word code. If your child is lost or in danger, and doesn’t know where they are, the APP will give them three words. These three words, fed into the APP will locate them within a three metre square – really precise!

Find out more about this great tool that the emergency services are able to use by clicking on the link.

What 3 Words Information

Today, Year 5 have been working with Gary and Naomi from the DLI. They produced art work, composed and sang their own songs and rounded the day off with a special performance alongside children from St.John’s. This workshop follows on from our focus on Remembrance at Christmas. The children were very enthusiastic, thoughtful and inspired by the stories they have encountered around life in wartime. Have a look at a few of our pictures to see what they got up to.

Anna Short from Year 6 has put her great artistic talents to good use, to be a winner in a County wide art competition. The competition asked children from Durham County Schools to design a poster, warning about the dangers of parking illegally outside schools. She did a great job, and her poster has been professionally made into a sign that is proudly displayed on our railings. 

Our school was asked to begin the Bishop Auckland Advent Windows project this year, with a window designed around the theme of The Annunciation. Year 2 did a brilliant job of creating Angel Gabriel and Our Lady for The Tower window in The Market Place. On Saturday, children from Y1 and 2 showed what a talented bunch they are, with their joyous singing and acting at the unveiling by Mrs Jane Ruffer. Thank you so much to the staff, children and their families who turned out on such a miserable day (weather wise) to make this occasion such a success!

Our children really enjoyed packing shoeboxes for less fortunate children around the world. Thank you so much for your generosity. We have been overwhelmed by the amount of lovely items sent in. We sent 40 shoeboxes off to make a child smile somewhere.