From the Head
Firstly, I would like to extend my thanks to Mrs Hughes whose bank have very generously match funded £500 towards our fundraising efforts this year. This really will make such a difference to the children and I express huge thanks to them for their generosity and to Mrs Hughes for organising and supporting this. In a year of such exciting developments at St Olave’s, every little ‘extra’ will be much appreciated. We have also had an incredibly generous donation of £3000 from one of our parent’s companies who have chosen us as one of their nominated charities for the year. Thank you; we will be announcing our fundraising priorities very soon so that you can see how these generous donations are benefitting your children.
The School Parliament met this week to review just how environmentally friendly we are at St Olave’s. We have been scoring ourselves across categories including biodiversity, waste, water, the school grounds, transport and global citizenship. The MPs will be using these initial results to develop an action plan for the school and beyond, to include our local community.
We will be participating in the Great British Spring Clean later this term and also supporting litter picks in our local area - more information on both of these coming soon.
Our school focus on the environment links nicely to our Rights Respecting focus for this half term where we will be getting involved in UNICEF’s OutRight campaign. With a focus on air pollution both locally and globally the children taking part in OutRight 2018 will:
- Develop their knowledge and understanding of children’s rights
- Learn about the impact of air pollution on children’s health
- Help create change by expressing their views on air pollution and children’s health to their local community and to their local MP
We have been monitoring our own levels of air pollution at school and the results are currently being analysed by UNICEF. We look forward to giving you more information on this over the coming weeks.
We had lots of disappointed children (but probably relieved parents) this morning when the heavy snowfall promised failed to materialise! I sent our ‘Snow policy’ home for your information this week, but as always, we will endeavour to open the school wherever possible and safe to do so. I was thinking last night how much I used to like snow until I became a headteacher…!
Have a lovely weekend and I hope to see many of you at our internet safety talk next week, which is something that is crucial parents understand in order to keep their children safe online. Details of this can be found below.
Kind regards, Miss Holloway
Headteacher
Safer Internet Day
We would like to invite you to attend a talk on online safety from Barabarani Education on Tuesday 5th February at 7.00 pm until 8.30 pm. We have tried to arrange this talk at the most convenient time following the very positive feedback following our last external speaker.
If you are able to attend, please can you follow the link below if you haven’t done so already
I can attend the online safety talk at 7.00 - 8.30 pm on Tuesday 5th February
Chinese New Year Celebrations
On Friday 8th February we will be visited by a choreographer and dancer from the West End! The children in Years 1 to 6 will be taking part in a Chinese New Year dance workshop throughout the day centred around the story of ‘The Great Race’. We have a lot of children at St Olave’s who celebrate Chinese New Year and it forms part of our Festivals topic in the Religious Education curriculum. Children celebrating Chinese New Year are very welcome to wear their traditional Chinese clothes into school next Friday and bring their uniform in a bag to change in to if it is too precious to dance in. It is a wonderful opportunity for our children to share their experiences of Chinese New Year. The children in Nursery and Reception will also join in the celebrations as we will arrange for the older children to teach the younger children their dance and set up Chinese New Year role play areas. We can’t wait! Parents who would be available on Friday 8th January to speak to a class about their Chinese New Year celebrations would be more that welcome, please do send an email to: s.ireland@stolaves.org.uk. Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Sports
This week Year 3 played in their first ever competitive football match! We played in a hard fought game in which both teams showed tremendous hard work and determination throughout the game. The Year 3 team have tremendous potential and worked well together as a team. Unfortunately we were unable to win the game but the team did the school proud and enjoyed the fixture. I look forward to seeing them progress throughout the year and within their future fixture.
Unfortunately both Year 6 fixtures were cancelled this week, however I have managed to rearrange the fixture for a different day and will send information home soon.
FRSC NEWS
Match Funding
Many large companies offer match funding benefits to employees - where they match a figure your chosen charity raises - up to £700 per time. We'd love to hear from anyone whose company offers this benefit, as we are a registered charity and could therefore increase the revenue from the events we run enormously. If just a handful of parents stepped forward it would make a massive difference. Your HR department will be able to confirm if your company participates in the scheme - most large banks do, as well as other sectors.
The Giving Machine
Remember, when you are shopping online you can generate a free cash donation for us just by clicking via www.TheGivingMachine.co.uk. You’ll find over 2,200 of the most popular stores, so it’s easy for you to make a difference without it costing you a penny more than the normal purchase price of your item. Your shopping has already raised over £100 for St Olave’s so please remember to shop through this link whenever you are shopping online!
St Olave’s School Trust on TheGivingMachine: https://www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/causes/st-olaves-school-trust-266085
Year 6
As always, it has been another busy week for Year 6. We were fortunate enough to welcome two people from Frognal House to our class on Tuesday. They delivered a very informative session about dementia. Throughout the session, the children learnt about how dementia is a disease of the brain and how it can affect different people. To represent connections in the brain, they used wool and their hands to join it together and then these connections were cut with scissors, which represented the lost of a particular connection e.g. memory loss. We were impressed with the children’s sensitivity throughout the session and at the end they all became Dementia Friends.
During English this week, the children have been empathising with characters in our book, Varmints. They started the week by planning out a diary entry, imagining they were one of the characters describing the moment they had seen ‘the others’ approaching. They developed their initial ideas by exploring the feelings and thoughts they would have at that moment. Using these ideas, the children wrote their diary entries ensuring they used emotive language and focused on using modal verbs. Despite not knowing much of the story, the children wrote some fantastic pieces of writing.
In maths this week, we have focused on prime, square and cube numbers. We looked at the relationship between these numbers and how to identify cube numbers especially when they are larger three-digit numbers. We also revised how to use BIDMAS when solving problems with a number of different operations in (Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction). We found out that when multiplying lots of numbers it did not matter in which order they were multiplied because of the commutative law, whereas it does matter when dividing.
In IPC, we have continued to explore our ‘Out of Africa’ topic. The children used balloons and an inflatable ball to represent the nucleus and mitochondria in all of our cells. The children were fascinated to know that in each nucleus was a two metre long string of DNA. They considered the differences and similarities between humans and animals.
Year 5
During English this week, we have explored the correct grammar rules when using bullet points and information texts. Year 5 then wowed us with their knowledge and focus when working on creating a bullet pointed list of what features make a good information text. After this, the children annotated both the structural and language features of the information text and explained the purpose of each. We also began to gather information on Norwich in preparation of creating our own information text about the city next week.
In maths, we have been learning about factors and multiples. Using our times table knowledge we were then about to use Venn diagrams to sort factors of two or three given numbers to find the common multiples. We have been working hard on showing our written working out methods as well as using manipulatives, such as counters, to visually represent our answers by creating arrays. Next week we will continue to apply our understanding of number when we investigate prime and square numbers.
In our IPC lessons this week we thought about what makes a holiday destination attractive to somebody. We discussed a range of holiday destinations we have already been to and why we went there. Ideas included, weather, good currency exchange rates, natural wonders of the World, cuisine and culture. With these ideas in mind, we analysed tourism advertisements to see the features they use to make their destinations appeal to tourists. The children had fantastic ideas during their discussion and we look forward to creating our own adverts for tourism over the next couple of weeks.
Year 4
We enjoyed a wonderful day at Maidstone Museum on Tuesday. It was perfect for our IPC topic about Ancient Egypt as they have an amazing collection of treasures there, which are thousands of years old. The scroll in the picture above is from an actual Book of the Dead and we were privileged to see an Egyptian mummy. We discovered that she was a wealthy woman called Ta Kush and that she would have been a similar height to the children. Her body was amazingly well-preserved in a beautifully painted sarcophagus -even her toe nails are still visible! The children were able to handle some original artefacts themselves, such as scarabs, and grew more confident at distinguishing between original objects and replicas.
The children learnt to mummify an orange and coped well with the gruesome task of poking the ‘brains’ out, ready for it to be salted and stuffed. Note: if your child can leave the orange in a warm, preferably dark, place for 4-6 weeks, the process will be complete. It will be fully dried and lighter -and should remain in that state for thousands of years!
In French, the children are learning a song which they will present to our twinned school. It would be great if you could ask your child to show it to you and continue to practise it at home. The link has been sent by e-mail to you. Thank you -or should we say, “Merci!”.
Year 3
Year 3 have had plenty of opportunity to ‘chew’ over their learning this week as we continued to learn more about the different types and function of teeth in animals and humans. We made predictions and discovered which type of teeth an animal was likely to have more of depending on their diet, considered what would happen if a lion had teeth like an elephant and found out the role evolution has played and why wisdom teeth are now thought to no longer have a function.
In maths we have been focussing on the 4 and 8 times tables. We have learnt that multiplication, like addition, is commutative - meaning it can be solved in any order, whereas division, like subtraction is not. We have been discovering efficient ways we can work out our times tables if we do not yet know them by heart and are learning how to use our number facts to help us solve problems involving larger numbers.
In English, we are continuing to use Horrid Henry to inspire our writing; we have discussed plots and dramatised stories, written a character description and are moving towards creating our own Horrid Henry style character and story. This week though, we have concentrated on developing our descriptive writing and use of prepositional words and phrases to describe a setting. The children worked hard to include the ‘Steps to Success’ in their writing and were definitely not short of material to write about as they were describing Horrid Henry’s bedroom!
Armed with magnifying glasses and their sketchbooks, some of the Year 3 children took part in an art workshop this week where they were encouraged to very carefully observe the patterns all around us in minute detail before recording them in their sketchbooks. This will continue over the coming weeks so that all of the children have the opportunity.
Year 2
This week, the children have been at sea with Christopher Columbus! They have loved learning about this brave explorer and are very grateful that he discovered the humble potato whilst sailing west! The children looked at a muddled diary entry of Christopher Columbus and helped to sequence it. They realised that a lot of our learning of the past comes from reading extracts from diaries and looking at old paintings.
In English, the children have had the opportunity to draw Claude in a story setting of their choice. From their pictures and initial brainstorming, the children were inspired to write adventures of their own for Claude to have. Claude has been at the zoo, the farm, the bakery, the jungle and even under the sea! Next week will will be looking at a city scene and will begin to find out about the adventure that Claude has there.
In maths, we have completed our look at money work by looking at the giving of change from 20p, 50p and £1. This is quite a challenging concept so the children have tried to be shopkeepers by counting up from the price of the item to the given coin. You might like to try this at home to cement the children’s learning.
Today we have celebrated Candlemas in the hall with Madame Banfield. It is the feast of lights in France and marks that we are half-way through winter and are starting to get ready for the spring. The children had pancakes in class and thoroughly enjoyed them! We are all hoping that springtime comes very soon as it is very cold and dark at the moment!
Having studied an explorer at sea this week, we have asked the children to find out about a different explorer named Edmund Hillary over the weekend. We have set the task for the children to go on a brisk walk, preferably up hill, before completing this work so that they are able to empathise with the explorer as they find out about what he did! We are sure that there will be many of you trekking up the steep hill in Greenwich Park or maybe Oxleas Woods over the weekend. Perhaps it will snow to make it even more of a challenge? Have fun!
Year 1
Taking inspiration from Mini Grey, the author of Traction Man is Here, the children became authors themselves this week. They used their vivid imaginations to plan Traction Man’s next adventure. They thought carefully about where their stories would be set and who the main characters would be. They also designed eye-catching front covers. When writing their stories, the children tried hard to mirror the author's style and to use exciting language and time conjunctions to sequence the events. They also added careful illustrations to bring their stories to life. We even had a retweet and words of encouragement from the author Mini Grey on Twitter.
As part of assembly preparation, the children in 1Mc had to investigate which materials were best to use for a new diving suit for Traction Man. They learnt the process of a scientific investigation, ensuring that the test was fair. After choosing different materials (plastic, sponge, cotton wool, cotton t-shirt, foil), they first predicted which material they thought would be waterproof. Following this, they used a syringe to measure 10ml of water to pour on each material. Did the children make good predictions? Did they make sure the test was fair? Which material would be best for Traction Man’s new diving suit? You will have to ask them!
The Magic Toymaker returned again to congratulate the children on the excellent toys they had designed and created. He told them that he would send a visitor to school to give them ideas about toys from the past. Mrs Waterhouse (Ex member of staff and friend of St.Olave’s) visited the children this week to give them a talk about the toys she and her brothers played with as youngsters. The Battleships Board Game, Muffin the Mule, a Toy Post Office and the Sooty and Sweep Puppets were some that were discussed. The children showed excellent listening and questioning skills and enjoyed comparing their own toys with toys from the past.
In maths, the children have been consolidating their knowledge and understanding of numbers in words by matching the digits with their respective words. They have been developing their knowledge of number sequences by counting forwards and backwards to 20 and beyond. We have launched Times Table Rockstars this week and have been happy to hear our Year 1 children are giving the 10 x table a go at home! As they get more confident we will add some other multiplication facts for a challenge!
1Mc have been rehearsing their assembly and are excited to perform to the school and their parents next Wednesday. Please continue to support your child with remembering their words and actions.
Reception
…..BREAKING NEWS…..STOLEN BISCUITS IN RECEPTION CLASS….
A major investigation was launched in Reception Class this week when a tin of biscuits went missing during playtime. Clues were found, witnesses interviewed and alibis checked by our team of detectives. Eventually we eliminated all our suspects except one and a search of Mr Turner’s office revealed the missing biscuits. Well done team for cracking the case so quickly!
On Wednesday we were lucky enough to be visited by a real police officer, PC Schaller. We enjoyed hearing about all the things the police do to keep us safe and we loved trying on the police uniforms and even trying out real handcuffs! Thank you for visiting us Officer Schaller.
Nursery
The Nursery children enjoyed learning all about the police this week, finding out how they help people and types of emergencies they attend. We enjoyed a fantastic visit from Police Officer Schaller, who talked about her job and showed us some of the uniform and equipment she has to wear. It was a lot of fun dressing up in her vest, trying on the various hats and putting on real handcuffs.
The children enjoyed reading all about Burglar Bill and Burglar Betty and were relieved that by the end of the story they had seen the error of their ways and decided to make amends. We pretended to be burglars fleeing from the police and created disguises to fool them.
Can you guess who’s hiding behind the disguises?
Next week we are really looking forward to visiting Eltham Fire Station and learning about how they help us.
We will also be focussing on the Chinese New Year celebrations for the year of the pig.
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Bromley Festival of Music and Speech
We have received confirmation that the School Choir (Years 3-6) will be taking part in the Choirs section on Friday 15 March at 19.00. There will be a letter in the next week confirming the arrangements.
Thank you, Miss Beacom
Pet Club
This week we were visited by Poppy and her owners Henry and Mrs C. Poppy is a Pug-Zu cross and is 7 months old. Poppy likes going to the park and has a Pug friend she meets there. She likes chasing leaves and walking around with them in her mouth. She also likes barking at shadows.
Henry has taught Poppy to go down the stairs, and she sleeps on Henry’s bed. As she is still a puppy, she likes to chew things and play “tug of war”. In the summer when it was very hot Poppy liked eating ice cubes to keep cool. She has lots of toys - her favourite is an elephant.
Poppy was very well-behaved, and the children had the opportunity to hold her lead and give her treats. Thank you to Henry and his mum for bringing Poppy to Pet Club.