Pennthorpe Christmas Post Service
We've had hundreds of cards and donations. Last post collection is Monday 7th December, and all cards will be delivered by our Year 6 post boys and girls by the end of the week.
“Lights, Camel, Action2! – The Sequin”
This year we have filmed the Pre-Prep Christmas Nativity performance: ‘Lights, Camel, Action 2! The Sequin’, to share with parents virtually. The footage will be shared with parents next week. However, we thought you might enjoy a sneak preview!
There was glitter and glitz, as the children told the story of the birth of Jesus. The children learnt their lines brilliantly and enjoyed retelling the story. All the children took to the stage to join in with various dances and we were lifted by their wonderful singing.
Honey Pot celebrate the start of Advent
This week in the Honey Pot our cheeky elf has arrived with the Christmas trees and made snow angels in all the glitter he spilt on the table! We found him perched on top of a giant Lego brick tower this morning, peering in at the window. We are wondering what his name could be....?
We have also been very busy making our Christmas cards, calendars and reindeer cookies and enjoying our igloo grotto.
The children were also very excited making tree decorations at home and then hanging them on our fabulous Pre-Prep tree.
Christingle
A Christingle is a symbolic object, related to the pomander, used in the advent services of many Christian denominations with origins in the Moravian Church.
At Christmas in 1747 in Germany, Bishop Johannes de Watteville decided to make a simple symbol to express the message of Christmas in a fresh and lively way. He gave each child a lighted candle wrapped in a red ribbon and a prayer.
Each element of a Christingle has a special meaning and helps to tell the Christian story:
- The orange represents the world
- The red ribbon (or tape) symbolises the love and blood of Christ
- The sweets and dried fruit represent all of God’s creations
- The lit candle represents Jesus’s light in the world, bringing hope to people living in darkness.
Year 1 decorate their classrooms
The children have been very busy making Christmas decorations for the classrooms.
Ernie and the naughty elf babies arrive in Year 1
Ernie has already been rather naughty; putting mustaches everywhere and fishing in our fish tank!
Last year Elfie Belfie and Snozzletrump fell in love and got married at Pennthorpe. The children have received a letter to say the three elf babies that have arrived at school are their new baby triplets; Elfie, Belfie and Snozzle. They've sent the triplets to Pennthorpe so that the children can help them to learn how to be good babies, as they have been causing havoc in Santa's Toy Workshop at the North Pole!
Den building in the woodland
The Year 1 children decided to build dens for the Elves. They had to make a plan in their groups before heading to the forest area to make them.
Writing letters to Santa
The children have been writing letters to Santa this week. They asked Santa for 3 wishes; 1 for themselves, 1 for someone else and 1 for the world. They have popped them in an envelope and stamped them ready to be sent.
Year 3 Mad Hatters Tea Party
After lots of anticipation and excitement, Year 3 were finally able to ‘go down the rabbit hole’ and visit Alice’s Wonderland this week. The morning was a hive of activity as the children, in full character costumes, completed their preparations for a very mad Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
The Queen of Hearts naturally took charge of making jam tarts! Sticky Cheshire Cat’s tails were made out of marshmallow and decorative icing, Oreo biscuit pocket watches were created along with cucumber and salami heart nibbles and a super-sized cucumber and jam sandwich chess board was built with added grapes as chess pieces. All complemented with a fruity drink served from teapots.
After the ‘foody’ preparations, the children got creative and made their very own table decorations consisting of paper spring flowers, character name place settings and decorated their own cups and plates.
The afternoon began with a game of croquet, ‘Pin the Grin’ (onto the Cheshire cat), toss the rings onto the flamingo and ended with a little game of hedgehog tennis - no real hedgehogs were harmed during the playing of this game! Afterwards the children played Alice themed Ludo and charades before acting out mini scenes from the Alice story.
Finally, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party got underway with an added special visitor to the table - Tweedle Dee (or was it Tweedle Dum?). The children entertained each other with their ‘Who or What am I’ riddles and the party came to a close with a lively rendition of ‘The 12 days of Wonderland’.
The Year 3 team would just like to say a special thank you to Mrs Stanbridge, Miss Annan and all the staff who helped make this such an exciting event for the children.
Year 3 started their ‘Forces’ topic by defying gravity!
Year 4 have worked with great enthusiasm this term to complete their lighthouse models
The children have made a simple electrical circuit and switch to power the lamp. They have learned how to saw safely, to build a model and explored painting techniques. Well done to both classes, who should feel very proud of their outcomes.
Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge results!
Last month, Years 5-8 took part in the Bebras challenge that tests their problem solving and reasoning skills and the preliminary results are in! Every child that took part will receive a certificate of participation and some will receive a certificate of merit or distinction, depending on how well they did. Remember, this challenge is in association with the University of Oxford so they're no slouch! These will be handed out at the end of term Chapel next week.
But some children did exceptionally well and are in the top 10% for their age group nationwide! This means they've been invited to the second challenge next year, information to come in January.
We're so pleased to say that these children are: Vincent, Knox, Freddie, Scott, Gracie, Jem, Oscar, Tom, Adamand Franci, who will all receive a special GOLD AWARD next week.
Well done to everyone who took part!
Year 6 investigate the effectiveness of different types of hand washing by using agar plates
As part of their microbiology topic, Year 6 investigated the effectiveness of different types of hand washing by using agar plates. The results were reviewed after 2 days incubation. It was found that just using water to wash, simply moved the germs around whereas soap and warm water actually killed the bacteria.
Eddie causes havoc in Year 7!
The winning Christmas Tree Decorations are hung on the Front Office tree
We were delighted with the beautiful hand made and creative Christmas decorations. The entries were wonderful and it was very hard to choose the winners. Winning designs came from:
- Year 3 - Winner: Zara. Highly Commended: Olivia and Oliver
- Year 4 - Winner: Lexi. Highly Commended: Romilly and Abbey
- Year 5 - Winner: Jack O. Highly Commended: Ashwin and Rosie
- Year 6 - Winner: Harley. Highly Commended: Monty and Vincent
- Year 7 - Winner: Oscar. Highly Commended: Flynn and Harriet
- Year 8 - Winner: Bella. Highly Commended: Charlie and Phoebe
Superhero Competition
All the entries were fabulous, and it was a really tough decision. The judges were humbled by the kindness and empathy that shone through in the children’s creations. Our children clearly understand that Kindness and Good are the ultimate strengths.
She has healing powers! She can only heal certain things, and she uses her UV light so she can see germs on you.
The girls were inspired by the current COVID-19 pandemic, and think Covy Girl may have been working with the vaccine scientists to stop the virus in its tracks! Her fluorescent pink and orange hair and skin is due to her in-built UV light.
He goes around hugging people it they are worried, if they have a break up with their friends or are having a rough time.
Tristan created his super hero on the computer, and really enjoyed drawing Hugybear’s six pack – drawing straight lines and then bending them with the mouse pointer was cool! Hugy bear has yellow teeth because he loves chocolate almost as much as he loves hugging people.
She has a power of happiness and kindness; she can make everyone and anyone feel happy!
Lexi was inspired by her Dad’s impression of a super hero ‘Flash, flash, kerpow!’ Her beautifully intricate drawing shows the stars that spark from her flashes of super happiness power.
Edible Snowmen in Wraparound Care
Computer Clubs
There are a range of computer clubs at Pennthorpe to suit all talents so if your child enjoys making computer games, designing posters or making animations then they should definitely come along!
Mr Carter is super keen to help develop any technological talent or digital designers into the next Tim Berners-Lee, Grace Hopper or Nick Park and especially any girls who want to get into STEM. Did you know that just 24% of roles within STEM related careers are held by women and the number of women in the UK tech industry is only 17% ? Let's help change that.
There are two lunchtime clubs running each week. On Tuesday, Years 5 and 6 can come along from 1.30 - 2pm. On Wednesday, Years 3 and 4 can come along from 1-1.30pm. No need to register or sign up to these, just turn up!
Looking to 2021, there are two after school computer clubs starting on Mondays; for Year 5 and 6, 4-5pm and for Year 7 and 8, from 5-6pm. Sign up via the Parent Portal today!
There's so much to do at these clubs including writing a computer program to run on the ISS, enter a competition to help create a better future using a Raspberry Pi computer and making our own stop motion animations taking us anywhere our imaginations can think of.
Yoga and mindfulness
Year 3 & Year 4 have participated in Yoga this week. Serenity was the word of the day and it gave the children a wonderful chance to relax and work on their flexibility.
Gentoo penguins at London Aquarium have been watching Elf to keep them ‘entertained and engaged’
London Aquarium has been screening Christmas films for it's Gentoo penguins ahead of its reopening this week.
Televisions showing the Christmas film Elf were placed outside the penguin enclosure to prepare them for guests returning after being closed during England’s lockdown. “At Sea Life London Aquarium, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to keep all our creatures entertained and engaged, as part of our enrichment processes,” said Leah Pettitt, aquarist at the centre.
Surrey drive-in cinema for Christmas taking place at Top Gear track
Some of the biggest and best Christmas movies will be available to watch at one of Surrey's most famous TV locations, Dunsfold Aerodrome - the main site of the BBC show Top Gear.
Films-goers will be able to watch the likes of Elf, The Greatest Showman, Love Actually, Die Hard and Home Alone from the comfort of their car at the airfield in Cranleigh.
Four huge screens will be erected and there will be screenings twice a day from December 12-17. Click here.
Nativity Winter Walk
Come and join Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem at Wintershall this Christmas. Experience the Christmas story, as you walk through the beautiful grounds of the Wintershall Estate. Meet the Shepherds watching their sheep, spot the Angel as you climb the hill and help the Wise Men find the star. A truly unique and magical experience for families. Click here to book tickets.
Dippy's Naturenauts
Welcome, naturenauts! Are you ready for an adventure? Grab your phone or tablet to explore the nature on your doorstep. To play these games below, click here.
Tree safari - How many types of tree can you find? Build up a digital scrapbook of tree rubbings and explore their differences.
Plant quest - Do you have a passion for plants? Use their handy guide to identify plants that you find along your way.
Colour hunt - Wonder at the colours of nature. Red ladybirds, yellow buttercups - can you match the colour on your screen to your discoveries?
Feathered friends - Keep your ears open! Track down birds in the wild, then identify them by matching their songs to the way they look.
The Taylor TurboChaser by David Baddiel
Our author of the week is David Baddiel. His latest book, The Taylor TurboChaser, illustrated by Steven Lenton, is all about Amy Taylor, who loves cars and dreams of being a driver. The only problem is, her slow old wheelchair has a broken wheel. When she gets a new electric wheelchair, her best friend and genius inventor, Rahul, turns her new electric wheelchair into… a supercar!
Watch an exclusive video about David’s stories for children and discover his top three favourite children's books.
I Want My Hat Back
The bear's hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear's memory and renews his search with a vengeance...
Peter Rabbit activities and games to try at home
Find out more about Peter and his friends with these downloadable activity packs to enjoy at home. Or come to explore the Peter Rabbit™ winter adventure activity trails at lots of National Trust venues.
The home activity packs include puzzles, things to make and fun ideas to spark your imagination with your favourite Beatrix Potter characters. There'll be new packs released over November and December 2020 through to January 2021, so keep checking back for new things to do. Click here.
Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2020
The second sensational middle-grade standalone that follows an epic voyage from England to France in the aftermath of WW1, from the bestselling author of The Children of Castle Rock.
In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti's horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!) And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiance.
Just as they think they've found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan - to cross the Channel on Ben's narrowboat and find Sam. And there's something in France that Lotti is looking for, too...
Buffeted by storms, chased by the police, Lotti, Ben, Clara and a growing number of dogs set out on an epic journey, on the search for lost loved ones and a place to call home.
Ways to Say I Love You by Marilyn Singer, Alette Straathof
A sweet and lyrical picture book for younger children celebrating all the ways that creatures on our planet say 'I love you'.
From snuggling garter snakes to big, cozy bear hugs, this book in verse shares how animals we'd expect, and some we wouldn't, express affection for each other. Each animal interaction is compared with a similar human one, in beautifully blended illustrations composed by the talented Alette Strattoff - showing that we are not so different from our animal neighbours.
The Ghost of Gosswater by Lucy Strange
A thrilling Gothic tale from the author of Our Castle by the Sea, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
The Lake District, 1899. The Earl is dead and cruel Cousin Clarence has inherited everything. Twelve-year-old Lady Agatha Asquith is cast out of Gosswater Hall to live in a tiny, tumbledown cottage with a stranger who claims to be her father. Aggie is determined to discover her real identity, but she is not alone on her quest for the truth. On the last day of the year, when the clock strikes midnight, a mysterious girl of light creeps through the crack in time; she will not rest until the dark, terrible secrets of the past have been revealed ...
The Polar Express: 35th Anniversary Edition
Celebrate 35 years of The Polar Express with this special edition book, The Polar Express: 35th Anniversary Edition! Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole.
When he arrives there, Santa offers him any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the reindeer's harness. It turns out to be a very special gift, for only believers in Santa can hear it ring. Click here.
Natural History Museum Big Polar Bear Bake Competition
Get your bake on this winter and wow us with your polar bear-themed creations.
Inspired by the Museum's charismatic polar bear, the Natural History Museum wants you to bake a polar bear-themed cake, brownies, cookies or any baked goods that you fancy. They'll share pictures of their favourite polar bear bakes on our social media channels and the winner will receive a polar bear-themed goody bag.
The competition closes at 9.00 on Friday 18th December, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday 23rd December. Click here.
The History of Christmas Cards
People have been sending Christmas greetings to each other for hundreds of years. The first recorded use of 'Merry Christmas' was in a Christmas letter sent in 1534.
The first known item that looked a bit like a Christmas card was given to King James I of England (who was also King James VI of Scotland) in 1611. This was more like a large ornamental manuscript rather than a card as we think of them today. It was 84cm x 60cm and was folded into panels (it might have been folded so it could be carried around). It had a picture of a rose in the centre and a Christmas and New Year message to the King and his son was written into and around the rose. Also on the manuscript were four poems and a song - so rather more than are on cards today! Click here to read more.
Pandas leave Canada for China's bamboo
Two giant pandas can look forward to some top quality bamboo as they head home to China from Canada which has been suffering from a bamboo shortage.
Calgary Zoo has been trying since May to repatriate Er Shun and Da Mao because the pandemic had hit fresh bamboo supplies in the country. Click here.
Here is a list of 300 positive words of encouragement
Charlie Mackesy
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