A huge congratulations to Daniel and Alfie for representing Wear Valley and Teesdale today at the County Finals. They were chosen from a recent Athletics event to run both the sprint and relay for the Wear Valley Team. This is an incredible achievement to compete against the best athletes in County Durham. Well done from everyone.

Last week we had a visit from Margaret from CAFOD, who led workshops to help us think about the journey and difficult decisions many people fleeing their homes have to make. We then took part in CAFOD’s Share the Journey walk, stopping at different points around school to reflect and pray for those who have been forced to undertake their own journeys due to famine, war or persecution.

In total, our children walked 209 miles on Friday, and then shared a picnic together in the field.

Our Lenterprise event was a huge success on Friday. The children enjoyed selling and buying the wonderful gifts, tasty treats and toys on offer. The children’s hard work and generosity has meant we raised £270 and each class is able to sponsor a refugee child in crisis – helping with their education, welfare and medical needs.

This destination for our fundraising has been the children’s choice through our school council. They have continued to be inspired to help other children, following our very moving ‘Refugee Week’ last year. We are very proud of our children’s efforts and their compassion for other children in need. Well done!

Year 3 and Year 6 have completed their work with Bowes Museum, with the production of two beautiful stained glass coats of arms and a celebration assembly, led by Julia from the museum. This project with Bowes has run in school for the last three years, and has seen our children visit the museum, work with artists using textiles, printing and glass work, and have the opportunity to share their experiences with parents and families at free open days at The Museum.We would like to thank The Bowes Museum for their help and support over the course of the project. They have been wonderful, and our children have really enjoyed the exhibitions and activities.

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On Thursday morning, children from Year 3 and 4 represented our school in a swimming gala at Woodhouse Close pool. They were brilliant! Lots of them were very nervous, but did a wonderful job to overcome this and put in a great performance. We will hear the results of how we did overall next week. We are so proud of you; Olaf, Grace, Livvy, Natalie, Teddy, Adam, Ava and Anna!

We have been a part of The Bishop Auckland Town Team’s Project this Advent to create a town wide advent calendar in local shop windows. Our Y3 children have created a beautiful display in the window of Peekaboo, in Newgate Street, representing the carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem. Y3 walked down to the shop and we all sang as we unveiled  our work. Lots of parents and families joined us, and Chloe, Lloyd Whitworth’s mum (who owns Peekaboo Children’s Clothing) treated us ALL to cakes, drinks and festive goodies. Please have a look at the window (opposite 4 clocks) and maybe even follow the trail of Advent windows around the town over the holidays. Many thanks to Chloe once again for making our unveiling such an enjoyable event!

Our Mini Vinnies have been visiting Butterwick Hospice to deliver Christmas cards they have made and to sing carols. The patients have loved seeing the children and we have had lovely messages of thanks. Well done Mini Vinnies!