Over the last few weeks, our year 3 and 4 Football Team have been going great guns in the Education Enterprise Football League.

They have played brilliantly, losing only one match out of twelve in their journey to the finals this week.

On finals day, they secured a fantastic third place, and a bronze medal, out of 16 other teams in the Bishop Auckland area.

We say a massive thank you and well done to: Thomas, Harrison, Roman, Alaina, Leeon, Lucca, Oliver, TT and our brilliant goalie Otheay!

Team photo to follow as soon as possible!

Comic Relief arrived at St Wilfrid’s on Friday 18th March.
Children came to school as a sporty stars! School was packed with footballers,  tennis stars, and of course expert hula hoopers.
As part of the day, we all worked with super coach Rob Proud and rocked out with our hula hoops. There were challenges and loads of fun to be had, while raising £111 for Comic relief.

Well done everyone!

As part of our World Book Day celebrations, we set up a BOOK SWAP STALL in school. It’s a bit like a library, where anyone can bring a book from home that they don’t read so much anymore, and swap it for a new one.  If you like the story you’ve picked, you can even keep it forever! Then you might bring another book from home, and swap again. We just ask that everyone sticks to – ONE IN, ONE OUT – and that the books that are put in the boxes are in good condition.  Book Swap can be found in the corner of the hall, outside Mrs Kinsey’s ‘office’ area. There are picture books, chunky books, fact books and comics to swap.

Happy swapping!!

On the last day of half term, Miles Salter (author, poet, story teller and musician) visited us in school. He has written lots of books, including the book – Howl: A Small and Heavy Adventure. This was his first children’s book, and he kindly gave lots of copies to children as prizes and to our classes for our reading for pleasure corners

During his visit, he worked with every child in school, giving us tips for writing, bringing stories to life with role play and getting us all singing along with his guitar.

The day was a great success, and children and teachers said that they had lots of ideas for creating and bringing stories to life thanks to Miles’ workshops.

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