Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 13th June "The door of heaven is the heart of Jesus. The key to the door is prayer and love."

Today, we celebrated mass at St Joseph’s church, together with First Holy Communicants from lots of different local schools. Our theme was the Sacred Heart of Jesus, reminding us Jesus gave His body so we could feel His perfect love. Children joined in with responses, complete with sign language and sang with gusto.

In our Happy mind this week, we talked about what it means to ‘engage’ in learning and how important this is. We had a discussion about being able to give things our total focus and attention and how difficult this can be in the age of screen time.

This week in maths, children have been learning all about symmetry - how many lines of symmetry different shapes have and how we can reflect shapes over a mirror line. We have grown our knowledge of certain quadrilaterals - like kites, trapeziums, parallelograms and rhombuses.

Children enjoyed working in their biscuit teams to make their biscuits with Mrs Mather this week.

This week in our English lessons, we have been focusing on reading questions. We have started our new novel, “Odd and the Frost Giants,’ and made sure we have mastered all year 4 reading skills. We have also been learning all about the Viking cosmos and children have been creating these in groups.

In PE, we have done a lot of running and hurdling this week. Also we have been practising our obstacle race.

Have a look at our beautiful images in the film below from our proud moments at the Grand Theatre in the Tempest - sent by the photographers. What a special event to look back on with fondness forever.

Conversation starters

Maths

How many shapes can you now name? How many symmetrical patterns can you see in nature?

My Happy mind

What helps you concentrate and be engaged in things?

Let’s Celebrate!.

Our learning certificate this week is another double whammy. A Roger Robin/Clara Clownfish goes to Hugo for being a learner with such interest and curiosity in his learning - especially with shape. You have also been there offering your help to me and to others this week - like an angel!

Our virtues for this half term are Compassionate and Loving. The first person who comes to mind in class when I think of these virtues is you Phoebe. You have a real gift from God in spotting the needs of others and then showing your love to them by helping.

Notices

Monday 16th June Sports Day - 1:30-3:00 Please ensure children are wearing PE kits - no earrings and have water bottles and sun hats if needed.

Thursday 19th June Its our annual Gym Jam Jog. Children can come in wearing their PJ’s. Sponsor forms have gone out so lets get collecting!

Wednesday 25th June Year 4 Viking day. Children can come to school dressed as Vikings/Anglo-Saxons or Viking gods or goddesses. More detail given in Home learning this week.

Tuesday 1st July St Bede’s Prayer day visit.

Sunday 6th July Holy Communion family mass and breakfast in parish centre.

Tuesday 8th July Rivers trip to Cuerdale Valley Park. This trip is now payable on parentpay £20. Children will be getting in the river and will need Wellies, outdoor clothing, sunhat and also a complete change of clothing including extra socks. Please fill in the lunch form below for both trips - (To St Bedes and The Rivers Trip) The trip leaders at Cuerden Valley are encouraging ZERO WASTE and have asked us to try and bring a lunch which has minimal waste. More details given next week.

Monday 14th July Flute concert for parents in school at 2:15pm. Children will be showing you all they have accomplished in their flute lessons this year.

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 23rd May "Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on Earth but yours." St Teresa of Avila

Two beautiful events on consecutive weekends! Well done to all children who made their First Holy Communion in the last fortnight. You must feel so close to Jesus. This week, in RE lessons, children have looked at ways in which the people of the church continue the work of Jesus and have studied the communion of Saints.

This week in maths, children have been looking at how to scale numbers and how this can help them solve multiplication and division with much larger numbers. We have now moved onto learning about shape - it has been all about different triangles in the last few days.

This week in our English lessons, we have been describing the Fire-Fiend and then finishing our novel. Children have then written stories based on this and also composed limericks about the characters!

On Tuesday afternoon, many Year children represented the school in A striking and Fielding event. They were impeccably behaved as usual and enjoyed practising their techniques.

Our last Science lesson on souns saw us learning about loudness and pitch. We discovered what is actually happening to sound waves in these two different phenomena.

In PE, we have been practising for sports day - and honing our catching, aiming and running skills

Conversation starters

Science

How do you change loudness and pitch on different instruments? What are the soundwaves like?

My Happy mind

What is your favourite happy breathing technique?

Let’s Celebrate!.

Our learning certificate this week is another double whammy. A Lizzie Ladybird/Bobby Bee goes to Albert for being such an enthusiastic learner who asks for advice in the net steps in his learning. We are loving your growing resilience!

Our virtue star this week is Emilia . You are such an active learner! You want to do your very best and so you put everything into achieving this. You also help others to do well too.

Notices

First Tuesday back - 10th June, children are making biscuits in DT with Mrs Mather. Here is the ingredients list to bring in on Tuesday.

On Friday 13th June, the children will be celebrating a mass with lots of other new Holy Communicants at St Joseph’s parish. They will attend in full school uniform and we will walk there. They will be having a picnic lunch - so please bring a packed lunch on this day.

Thursday 19th June Its our annual Gym Jam Jog. Children can come in wearing their PJ’s. Sponsor forms have gone out this week so lets get collecting!

On Sunday 6th July we are having the last school family mass in church. On this day, we are asking that all our First Holy Communicants come to church dressed in their outfits. They are then invited with you to the parish centre for a Holy Communion breakfast, organised by the parish. Please could you fill in the form below so we can get ideas of numbers?

Upcoming dates

Monday 16th June Sport’s day for Year 3 and 4

Wednesday 25th June Year 4 Viking day. Children can come to school dressed as Vikings or Viking gods or goddesses.

Tuesday 1st July St Bede’s Prayer day visit.

Sunday 6th July Holy Communion family mass and breakfast in parish centre. See form above

Tuesday 8th July Rivers trip to Cuerdale Valley. More info given soon.

Monday 14th July Flute concert for parents in school at 2:15pm. Children will be showing you all they have accomplished in their flute lessons this year.

Have a great holiday everyone

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 16th May "Bring flowers of the fairest, bring blossoms the rarest."

We were so proud of our Year 4 Holy Communicants on Saturday. What a lovely and special event in their lives - and ours too! They were beautiful and so reverent. Round two this Saturday.

We had a lovely worship to our Queen of the May, Mary. We did the rosary together and we made flowers to crown Our Lady.

In Year 4 this week, children have examined how the church is structured. This has enabled them to learn more about Pope Leo. We have talked about the church as a body of Christ’s followers and that being in Holy Communion with Him means we can be Christ’s body on earth.

In our Happy mind session, we learned to relate properly to others by actively listening to them. Children tried listening without one of the key principles of listening - eg not making eye contact, not smiling, getting distracted etc We then talked about what this feels like and children said they felt hurt, ignored, not valued and sad. See pictures below!

This week in maths, children have been looking at how to magnify numbers by altering their place value and make them ten times larger or one tenth times the size (ten times smaller) This led to us making products ten or one hundred times the size when the factor is magnified by 10.

This week in our English lessons, we have learned how to combine setting and character descriptions when describing ‘The Goddess of the Emerald Lake.” We have now met Rasvani the Fire Fiend from the volcano. That will be a very different description indeed!

In History this week, children have looked at maps of the North of England to discover places where Vikings settled. When children found out typical Viking place name endings, they could figure this out..

In PE, we have been learning skills for upcoming rounders games! We have been focsing on aiming, catching and fielding.

Conversation starters

History

Where did Vikings settle in England? How do you know?

My Happy mind

What is ‘Active listening?’ What happens if you do not make eye contact, smile or you get distracted when someone is talking to you?

Let’s Celebrate!.

Our learning certificate this week is another double whammy. A Lizzie Ladybird/Bobby Bee goes to Lettie for really striving to improve in every aspect of learning. Your handwriting is so beautiful and your writing composition is coming along so nicely. You are so enthusiastic about everything!

Our virtue star this week is Joseph. We are so proud of what an active learner you are becoming. You are starting to challenge yourself to do quality writing and you are participating well, sometimes even demonstrating your understanding to others. Well done!

Notices

Holy Communion

Please bring your children dressed to the Presbytery around the side of the church for 9:15am. You can then take your place in church, where the benches will be labelled with your family name. Please do not take photos in the service. You may take them after the mass on the altar or in the gardens.

On Sunday 6th July we are having the last school family mass in church. On this day, we are asking that all our First Holy Communicants come to church dressed in their outfits. They are then invited with you to the parish centre for a Holy Communion breakfast, organised by the parish. Please could you fill in the form below so we can get ideas of numbers?

Upcoming dates

Monday 16th June Sport’s day for Year 3 and 4

Wednesday 25th June Year 4 Viking day. Children can come to school dressed as Vikings or Viking gods or goddesses.

Tuesday 1st July St Bede’s Prayer day visit.

Sunday 6th July Holy Communion family mass and breakfast in parish centre. See form above

Monday 14th July Flute concert for parents in school at 2:15pm. Children will be showing you all they have accomplished in their flute lessons this year.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 9th May "To live well is to love God with all your heart." St Augustine

This week’s worship has centred around listening to Jesus in order to live a good life. Like sheep to a shepherd, following Him and trusting He knows what is best for us. In RE this week, children looked at The Creed - the statement of their faith. They have tried the unconsecrated host and are so ready to take that next step in faith to make their Holy Communion.

Children were full of awe in Science this week. We have started a new topic on sound. Equipped with a ukelele and cymbals, children watched carefully to figure out what causes sound. We learned about soundwaves needing a medium to travel through and this reminded us of our solids, liquids and gases work from earlier in the year.

This week in maths, children have learned how to convert fractions from mixed numbers to improper fractions. This was tricky - but we are developing our fraction sense.

We delve deeper into our novel in English. Children have learned how to write setting descriptions and have looked at how an author can create two settings which really contrast each other by their choice of language.

We had a super History lesson this week. Children looked at recent excavations and sources of evidence which show the Vikings in a better light. They realised we cannot just paint them as vicious warriors - there was more to them than that. THey produced some excellent work, explaining what each piece of evidence proved about this race of people.

They then took this into their PE lesson, adding to their Viking boat dance and showing the Vikings settling peacefully into their villages.

Conversation starters

History and Science

What else can you say about Vikings, now you have looked at new evidence?

What is sound?

My Happy mind

What does this quote mean, “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.”

Let’s Celebrate!.

PE stars this week - Louie, Joseph and Rodnie for super teamwork

Gone Green last week - Ellie-Rose, Heath, Louie and Albert

Notices

Holy Communion

Group 1 Saturday 10th May. Group 2 Saturday 17th May

Please bring your children dressed to the Presbytery around the side of the church for 9:15am. You can then take your place in church, where the benches will be labelled with your family name. Please do not take photos in the service. You may take them after the mass on the altar or in the gardens.

On Sunday 6th July we are having the last school family mass in church. On this day, we are asking that all our First Holy Communicants come to church dressed in their outfits. They are then invited with you to the parish centre for a Holy Communion breakfast, organised by the parish. Please could you fill in the form below so we can get ideas of numbers?

Please see below for a Year 5 doughnut sale!

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 2nd May "Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved."

This week’s worship has centred around the story of Peter reconciling with the risen Christ. Children in RE this week have also learned the difference between an apostle and a disciple. They learned that the twelve disciples became apostles when Jesus bestowed on them the same gifts He had from His Father.

Our Holy Communion sessions are going really well. Children have learned about the eucharist. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we become His body on earth and are called to be like Him.

We had a lovely trip to the Grand theatre to watch the RSC’s production of ‘The Tempest.’ It was lovely to watch the children recognise their own lines that they spoke on stage and watch them figure out what was happening.

This week in maths, children have learned how to add and subtract fractions larger than one whole. They are now learning how to convert fractions from mixed numbers to improper fractions.

A busy week in English! We have been learning more about the characters in our novel - they are very unusual and inspiring, especially the lead character, a girl named Lila. Children have written their own character descriptions using their year 4 features and have also written a persuasive letter. I am confident they have mastered these now.

In History, this week, children looked at two different accounts about the Vikings - one written by Anglo-Saxon monks, the other from the same year by Vikings themselves. Children learned to question evidence and form their own opinion based on it.

They then took this into their PE lesson with a Viking boat dance - see below

Conversation starters

History

Do you think that all Vikings were vicious raiders with not a shred of mercy?

My Happy mind

If you have a problem or hardship in your life, is there a person you would relate to and share this with? How can sharing problems help you?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, it is yet another double whammy certificate! This goes to Jackson for being a reflective and enthusiastic learner. Jackson, you always participate in class discussions and you are working so hard! I love how you have listened to my feedback and acted upon it to help you improve your writing. Your enthusiasm for Science is beautiful!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Curious and Active. This week Lucia gets our star. You use your curiosity all the time in lessons to find out more. You are actively acting on my advice and you actively notice if others need you.

PE stars this week - Myles and Bea for excellent portrayal of Vikings in dance.

Notices

Tuesday 6th May Holy Communion session 3 for children as normal afterwards. Pick up at 4:20. This is the last session before Holy communion itself.

Thursday 8th May VE day commemoration at school. WE are having a picnic outside as a whole school. Children can wear red, white and blue clothing. Jackie will prepare a picnic lunch for school dinners.

Group 1 Saturday 10th May. Group 2 Saturday 17th May

Please bring your children dressed to the Presbytery around the side of the church for 9:15am. You can then take your place in church, where the benches will be labelled with your family name. Please do not take photos in the service. You may take them after the mass on the altar or in the gardens.

On Sunday 6th July we are having the last school family mass in church. On this day, we are asking that all our First Holy Communicants come to church dressed in their outfits. They are then invited with you to the parish centre for a Holy Communion breakfast, organised by the parish. Please could you fill in the form below so we can get ideas of numbers?

Please see below for a Year 5 doughnut sale!

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 25th April "From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness and a spark of divine light is in each of us." (Pope Francis)

This week’s worship has centred around the passing of our church leader Pope Francis, may he rest in the light of Christ. He certainly had more than a simple spark of the divine. Children found out about his life and reflected on his inspirational words.

We have also spent some time in reflection around our statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and thought about qualities of Mary. In RE this week, children aptly learned about our first pope, St.Peter and how Jesus forgave him for fenying Him.

This week in maths, children have deepened their understanding of fractions - fully understanding numbers greater than 1 whole, whilst also brushing up on their column subtraction skills. Times tables are a massive focus too - getting speedy and retrieving all our facts.

This week in English, children have written another Brer Rabbit story and they have learned what their writing targets are to help them improve and take that next step. We are now on our new novel, ‘The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, an empowering story of resilience in the face of hardships and passion for your art.

In computing, children have been learning how to use a program on purple mash called 2Logo, which involves controlling a screen turtle with commands.

In History, this week, children met a Viking called Sven. He looked suspiciously like Mrs Lyons with a horned helmet! However, Sven told the children about the Viking life at sea and was very proud that he was a boat builder. Children learned from him all about Viking boats and had a glimpse into the exciting life of a Viking.

They then took this into their PE lesson with a Viking boat dance.

Conversation starters

Science

What is a food chain? Can you make up your own food chain - start with a producer (plant)

My Happy mind/Religion

What have you learned about the mass this week in Holy Communion?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, it is yet another double whammy certificate! This goes to Louisa for being a determined and enthusiastic learner. Louisa, you always put in your full effort and you volunteer your ideas to the class. you read out beautifully to the class this week too.

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Curious and Active. This week Isaac gets our star. I love how active you have been this week in taking my advice and in using your spelling dictionary to enhance your writing. Well done!

PE stars this week - Martha and Hugo for excellent portrayal of Vikings in dance.

Notices

Tuesday 29th April - we are at the Grand theatre to watch the Royal Shakespeare Company’s portrayal of ‘The Tempest,’ and we are EXCITED!

Holy Communion session for children as normal afterwards. Pick up at 4:20

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons, Miss Smith and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 11th April "Yet not My will; but Yours be done.

What an emotional week it has been! Children have been watching the portrayals of the events of Holy Week and reflecting on them through the class assemblies. Year 4’s portrayal of the Garden of Gethsemane was delivered with such understanding and emotion - we can thank Mrs Gregan for working with the children to create such a beautiful and agonising assembly.

After each assembly, the children have reflected on the message of each event and have recorded this in a little book. This week, we have also received a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes - the patron saint of our diocese. We shared a beautiful liturgy together with Father Peter and children from St Peters. We will look after the statue for a week after Easter and learn more about St Bernadette’s vision.

In History, this week, children have thought about this question, “How serious was the Viking threat to our country?” Together they made ‘living graphs’ plotting the events according to their threat level. We learned how important King Alfred was to protect our country from the Vikings. Our next task was to critically analyse evidence to see if Kind Alfred really deserved the title ‘Great.’

In maths this week, children have been continuing to understand fractions which are greater than one whole and have also brushed up on their column addition and subtraction of 4 digit numbers.

Children have written their own Brer Rabbit stories this week - focusing on all the writing techniques they have learned so far in Year 4.

Conversation starters

History

Talk to your family about King Alfred - who was he? Was he really great? Give reasons why he was but also explain why it is a bit dubious!

My Happy mind

How can you show love to your family over Easter?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the children have chosen a learner in class who has demonstrated every learning character’s qualities. They have chosen Bea - well done Bea! Your class mates said you are always kind and grateful. You are so focused and participate well in class. You spread smiles and you are a funny, kind friend. Well done!

Virtues

The children also voted for our star this week. Emilia your class voted for you because you are kind and generous. You often help others with their work and you are always grateful. Well done!

Notices

Tuesday 29th April - Children are going to watch the RSC’s portrayal of the Tempest at the Grand theatre. The price is £8 payable on parentpay. Thank you.

Have a lovely Easter with your lovely children

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 4th April "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." (St. Teresa of Calcutta)

This week’s worship has centred around the story of the woman who had broken the law and was sentenced to be stoned. Jesus’s message was that anyone who had not sinned could throw the first stone. Children have reflected on this message in class - how we should not judge or sentence others - instead look towards ourselves and treat every day as a new start towards God’s love.

This week, the children have been taught by Miss Smith who has been so impressed with the children’s kindness and their focus. They have also loved their assembly practice with Mrs. Gregan. The children have created a formidable liturgy set in Gethsemane - they cannot wait to share it with you on Wednesday at 9:15am. Please can all children bring in a black pair of leggings for the assembly.

This week in English, children have got creative! They have learned how to write a character description using lots of Year 4 features. They created two of their own Brer Rabbit characters and described their appearance and personalities.

In History, this week, children have learned how Christianity came to our country in Anglo-Saxon times. They have looked at evidence which proves Christianity took root in these times and learned the chronology of events - from St Aidan at the top of our country - converting the kingdoms of Northumbria and Mercia and St Augustine at the bottom of the country - sent by Pope Gregory in Rome to convert the English in Kent, Suffolk and other Southern areas. All fascinating stuff and very apt with the children’s deepening of their own faith.

In maths this week, children have been focusing on understanding fractions which are greater than one whole. We need a real push at home now for times tables - so please keep up with TT Rockstars and fire multiplication questions at children at every opportunity!

On Monday afternoon, the children had enrichment in Reception where they completed a beautiful art challenge.

Conversation starters

English

Which character did you create? What was it like? How did it move? What was its appearance like?

My Happy mind

How many things can you be grateful for this half term?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, it is yet another double whammy certificate! Well done George L. for being an enthusiastic and co-operative learner. You listen to others’ ideas carefully and explain your own ideas clearly to the class. You are kind and considerate when working with others and you always ask if you dont understand! Well done

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Louie gets our star. Louie you always wear a big smile and you are such a positive chap. You bring joy to people. Well done!

Notices

Easter egg Raffle - you can now purchase tickets at £1 per strip

Family mass Sunday 6th April

Class assembly The Garden of Gethsemane - Wednesday 9th April at 9:15am

Please bring Lenten boxes back by Wednesday - so we can count up and see how you have done with your chores!

Break up Friday 11th April 2pm

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons, Miss Smith and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 28th March "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God, through Christ, has forgiven you.

What a delight your children have been this week. On Tuesday, they made their first confession in church and I know they were so reflective upon themselves. It was a beautiful service and they sang like angels.

On Monday, we had our trip to Gawthorpe hall where children took part in many tasks to find out more of Shakespearean England. They learned that many of our words were invented by Shakespeare, They put the events of his life in order and also handled artefacts from around this time - guessing what they were used for. Finally, they had a lesson in the art of sword-fighting on the grounds. They always take so much from their opportunities and learnt lots. It truly is a pleasure taking them anywhere!

This week in English, children have ranked the characters from Brer Rabbit in order of cleverness, justifying their opniions with 3 examples from the text. They have then really revised all grammar skills learned so far -and also learned two new ones - similes and complex sentences using adverb starters. Also, this week we finished our touching story, The Butterfly Lion and children wrote about the parts of the lion’s life (using extended noun phrases)

In History, this week, children have discovered for themselves who was buried at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk by examining the evidence. They have also used evidence of place names to find out which local towns were once Anglo-Saxon - therefore discovering where they settled.

Conversation starters

History

Who was buried at Sutton Hoo and how do you know?

My Happy mind/Religion

How do you feel now that you have put things right with God?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to Heath. Another double whammy certificate of Kiki Chameleon and Bobby Bee. You were an excellent Prospero and performed with such passion and creativity! You are really maturing and making good decisions. Keep it up!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Ava receives the star for being so generous. You always have time for people Ava and help others out - also she raised £68 for Encephalitis UK. WOW!

Notices

Wednesday 2nd April- School Photo Day. Children are to come into school in their school uniform.

Shakespeare ambassadors - if your parents can take you, you are at the Grand theatre on Wednesday 2nd April 1-3pm for a meeting to see where we can take things next!

Easter egg Raffle - you can now purchase tickets at £1 per strip

Family mass Sunday 6th April

Class assembly The Garden of Gethsemane - Wednesday 9th April

Break up Friday 11th April 2pm

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons, Miss Smith and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 21st March "Collaboration is the essence of life."

We cannot express how proud we are of the children this week! What a performance - full of energy, teamwork, sparkle and fun. I know they have worked so hard over the last few weeks to get better and better and children have come to me to tell me how their confidence has improved in this process. It teaches them they can overcome nerves, they can do anything they put their mind to! They have developed a dear love of Shakespeare to boot. They fully deserve their trip to Gawthorpe Hall to find out more about the Bard on Monday! I am one proud teacher!

It is an exciting time for Year 4. They have had their final session to prepare for Reconciliation and they are ready. In RE this week, children learned about Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

In History this week, we have used sources of evidence to discover whose was the Anglo-Saxon grave at Sutton Hoo. There is a fascinating film about this called, ‘The Dig.’

Maths has seen us review our knowledge of Fractions. We have nearly completed all our times tables facts now - very nearly there!

Conversation starters

Reconciliation

In your life, when have you made bad choices? What would you like to say sorry to God for? How could you put it right with others? Spend some time reflecting on this before Tuesday. Remember, we are all human and make wrong choices sometimes. God is a loving Father, ready to forgive.

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to Mia-Grace. Another double whammy certificate of Bobby Bee and Sadie Spider! You are so positive about your lessons and you are enjoying working hard at school.

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Alice receives the star for being so grateful towards others and for spreading positivity to all around her.

Notices

Monday 24th March Gawthorpe hall trip - EARLY START 8:20 at school

Tuesday 25th March - Reconciliation in church. Please come in full school uniform (no PE kits) for 5:45. Children will sit at the front with their peers. This is always a special, calm event.

Wednesday 9th April - Our class assembly at 9:15am

Well done to all your beautiful children! Have a restful weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Shakespeare playmaking Thursday 20th March

We are all very excited and ready! Please ensure the following:

• Children are dropped of at 8:30am prompt on Thursday morning in uniform - they need to get dressed before getting on the coach at 8:45

• Children have some kind of black shoes either in their costume bag or to wear on the day - this can be modern shoes, pumps, trainers or school shoes. Best not to have any white on the shoes.

• They have water bottles

• They have a rucksack with any colouring, drawing equipment

• They have apacked lunch from you or Jackie

• You pick them up and drop them off at the times stated at M&S FRONT door. Please look at the allocated adult for your child on the form below.

  We will see you there!

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 14th March "If God can work through me, He can work through anyone." St Francis of Assisi

There has been a lot of deep thinking in our class this week. In our RE sessions we have been thinking about works of mercy. These are acts that we do because we are Christian such as helping others, forgiving, being grateful and saying sorry. We have also reflected on our gospel for the forthcoming Sunday about the Transfiguration and how this encourages us to have faith in Jesus. We sung, ‘Make me a channel of your peace,’ and discussed how the words show we strive to be a vessel of Jesus - encouraging others and bringing hope.

We have been working so hard on the opening and finale of our Shakespeare. We had a director visit on Monday to give it the ‘ok!’ You are in for a real treat and it is great to see all children’s confidence grow. In maths we have focused on divisibility rules for 3, 6 and 9. We are loving our Brer Rabbit folk tales in English.

In History, we have invented our Anglo-Saxon society which the children have named Riverton. We have learned about the way of life of this civilisation and how they supported each other in their mini communities.

Conversation starters

History

What was an Anglo-Saxon village like? How did the families live?

My Happy mind

How can you be a channel of peace, encouraging others?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to Rodnie. Another double whammy certificate of Lizzie Ladybird and Cooper Crab! You improve every time you do something! You are so attentive and focused in lessons. Thank you!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Bea receives the star for being so generous with her love. You are always so olite and you are a caring, beautiful person.

Notices

Tuesday 18th March - Third Reconciliation session 3:30-4:20 just for children this week. Please complete Making things Right booklet up to p28

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March EARLY START - 8:30am at school

Children can come in their PE kit on Thursday. They will need their school bag - they can bring fiddle toys, colouring books/ quiz books/drawing books and colours. They will need a water bottle and all children must have back shoes (jazz shoes/pumps/trainers or school shoes)

Friday 21st March Own clothes day and bring an Easter Egg for our Easter Egg raffle. Also on this day, Greg Anderson from Lytham Hall will be joining us in school to help the children make a ‘People we love’ planter. These are optional to be made and will cost £6 to cover the cost of the experience. Mrs Nel has popped it on Parent Pay and if you would like your child to be part of it, please pay by Tuesday next week.

So many have already paid - thank you! Greg will talk the children through the different plants used and each child will make it for someone they love.

Monday 24th March Gawthorpe hall trip - EARLY START 8:20 at school

Tuesday 25th March. 6pm - Reconciliation in church. Please could children arrive in full school uniform (not PE kits) at 5:45

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 7th March "Reading is dreaming with open eyes."

This week in year 4, we have reflected on the beginning of Lent and children have thought about the 3 main principles, Almsgiving, fasting and prayer. On Wedensday children went to church to mark Ash Wednesday. They sung beautifully and helped their Year 2 partners reflect too. Then they swapped their Lenten boxes. Please encourage children to do little chores to help around the house and give them a few pennies to fill it up over Lent.

In My Happy Mind lessons this week, children started a new topic ;Relate.’ This began by thinking about how we relate to others differently according to their personalities and strengths.

On Tuesday, children had their First session to prepare for Reconciliation. Please help them to complete the first part of the book - see homework. This can be a really special thing to do together.

On Wednesday, we had five members of the class at ‘The Big Sing.’ I know Miss Woodend was so proud of you. You sung brilliantly and were all role models. Also on Wednesday, children prepared a reading for the youngest members of our school for our World Book Day. This was a sponsored event for our Class Charity - Encephalitis International. Thank you so much for supporting us in this event. Children were amazing! I had to compile a little video below to show you their beautiful story reading in our newly created library. Also the children looked fantastic on World book day - thank you so much for all your efforts. They had a lovely day of reading. We also practised our Shakespeare in the hall in costume - see pics below!

Our Geography this half term is all about Environmental Regions. This week, children learned about the 4 main regions of Europe. They grew more familiar with capital cities when they had to plan a trip through Europe visiting cities from all environmental regions.

In History, we have studied where the Anglo-Saxons came from and reasons why they came to settle here - we call these push and pull factors.

Conversation starters

Geography

Have a look at a map of Europe together. Have you been anywhere there? Which cities have you visited? Why does Italy have 3 different environmental regions within it?

My Happy mind

What does it mean if you can relate to people?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to George C. Another double whammy certificate of Kiki Chameleon and Cooper Crab! You have become such an attentive listener and such a kind, calm, creative member of the class. Thank you for your excellent focus and respect.

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Ellie-Rose receives the star for being such a kind person who is always generous and loving.

Notices

Tuesday 11th March - Second Reconciliation session 3:30-4:20 just for children this week. Please complete Making things Right booklet up to p15

World Book day sponsor form and money- please fill in and bring in as soon as possible

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March

PICK UPS ARE AT M&S FRONT door at 2:45 and 7:45. Drop off there at 4:45. Six more outstanding to fill in the online form so we know who is picking up your child.

Please ensure they have costumes in school.

Friday 21st March Own clothes day and bring an Easter Egg for our Easter Egg raffle.

Monday 24th March - Our trip to Gawthorpe Hall

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 28th February "Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. "s

We have had a lovely week in year 4. In our RE sessions this week we have learned the parable of the Prodigal son. This important message shows us God is always waiting for us with open arms - ready to forgive us no matter what.

This week we have been throwing ourselves into Shakespeare practice. The children are doing so well and everyone knows their parts. It is a real team effort - full of their creative ideas. We cant wait for you to see it. In English, we have also started a new unit on folk tales, where we are enjoying Brer Rabbit stories.

Our Geography this half term is all about Environmental Regions. Children have been looking at why the earth has different climate zones and what this means for each region- how it affects the seasons and landscapes.

In History, we have started to learn what happened in England after the Romans left. The next group of invaders were the Anglo Saxons and they lived very differently to the flamboyant Romans. Through drama, we explored their society and built a community together.

Conversation starters

Geography

These are the main environmental regions of the world: ARID, EQUATORIAL, TEMPERATE, POLAR, MEDITERRANEAN and SNOW. Can you explain what these regions are like and give some examples of countries?

My Happy mind

Can you remember your 5 top character strengths? How can we use these strengths to help others in our actions?

Let’s Celebrate!

This week, the learning certificate goes to Lena. Another double whammy certificate of Bobby Bee and Sadie Spider! You are really going for it in your learning. From going for gold to challenging yourself with your reading. Keep it up!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are Grateful and Generous . Grateful for themselves, for others and for their experiences in life and generous to others. This week Phoebe receives the star for being so positive with everyone around her and being a guardian angel to others in the way she immediately helps anyone in need.

Notices

Sunday 2nd March -Welcome mass for all Holy Communicants. We look forward to this special event.

Tuesday 4th March - First Holy Communion session for parents and children.

Thursday 6th March World Book day - there is no pressure to come as a character; you may just want to come as a colour or a theme or a book - the choice is yours. We would like to collect any old World Book Day costumes that you may have at home and no longer fit. There will be a rail at the front of school for you to put them then anyone who may need one can use them. It is always good to share what we have and no longer need. We are also doing a second hand book sale so please bring any books yo have finished reading.

Year 4 are doing a Sponsored read on World book day - we are going to snuggle up in our new school library and every child will have an opportunity to read a book of their choice to a younger child. This is to raise money for our class charity -’Encephalitis International. Please collect sponsor money and bring with your form on World book day.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March

IMPORTANT! Please read and sign the individual photo and video consent letter given on Friday - and bring back for Monday.

Children will arrive at school and will get a coach to the Grand Theatre for their dress rehearsal. Their first performance is at 1:00pm

2. They will then need picking up at the pick up point which is confirmed as M& S FRONT door at 2:45pm.

3. Then you can take them somewhere for some tea and bring them back to the same point at 4:45pm ready for their evening performance at 6pm. It is fine if another parent picks your child up - as long as you let me know in the form below and provide their contact number.

4. They will then need picking up after the evening show at the same pick up point - at 7:45pm

Friday 21st March Own clothes day and bring an Easter Egg for our Easter Egg raffle.

Monday 24th March - Our trip to Gawthorpe Hall

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Holy Communion dates and groups

Dear parents,

Regarding the email I sent out earlier, here are the groups for Holy Communion and a copy of all the dates and times of sessions.

Do not forget the welcome mass for the Holy communicants on Sunday this week.

Year 4 Half term blog and important information Friday 14th February

Thank you all so much for sharing in your child’s learning with me today. It is a privilege to teach your children and they are all doing so well.

It has been a reflective and fun week in Year 4. Children have been understanding the sacrament of Reconciliation in RE and are looking forward to starting their sessions about reconciliation after the half term. This week has had an online safety focus and we have talked about what is appropriate/inappropriate to share online. We have thought about who strangers are and how you cannot tell who people are when you are having an online conversation. Lots of good reflections and interesting conversation.

On Wednesday, we were lucky to go and watch Aladdin at St. Bedes. This was a wonderful performance and the children really enjoyed it. Their behaviour when looking after the younger Yr2 children was delightful.

This week, we have been putting together our Shakespeare production and will endeavour to work on this after the holidays. Please see in the notices for costume information and a very important form to fill out.

Conversation starters

Online Safety

How can you stay safe online? What is personal information?

My Happy mind

How many ‘perfect moments’ can you have this half term?

Let’s Celebrate!

Going Green Certificate for TT Rockstars this week goes to Lena, Jackson and Ava! You will receive these after half term at the next assembly.

Children who met their reading target this half term: George C. Hugo, Alice, Phoebe, Isaac, Martha, Ava, Alana

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Liam receives the star for being a role model in class - always hopeful in his own abilities and such a nice friend to others.

Notices

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March

Below is a costume list for each character in our Shakespeare play. Please let me know if you have any questions or issues and we can problem solve together. It would be great if these could be in on the first week back in a plastic bag with your child’s name on.

Also below is an important form for you to fill in. This is for you to consider who is picking up and dropping off your child on production day Thursday 20th March. We also need contact numbers.

It will work as follows:

1. Children will arrive at school and will get a coach to the Grand Theatre for their dress rehearsal. Their first performance is at 1:00pm

2. They will then need picking up at a pick up point near the Grand (possibly M& S back door) at 2:45pm.

3. Then you can take them somewhere for some tea and bring them back to the same point at 4:45pm ready for their evening performance at 6pm. It is fine if another parent picks your child up - as long as you let me know in the form below and provide their contact number.

4. They will then need picking up after the evening show at the same pick up point - at 7:45pm

Please fill in the following online form over half term to state the above

The following trips are now payable on parent pay. The first two are to pay for the coach fare and have been subsidised by school too:

1. Aladdin at St Bedes £2

2. The Grand Shakespeare Playmaking event £5

3. Gawthorpe Hall 24th March £18

Have a lovely half term creating some perfect moments together,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 7th February "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of people."

We have had a lovely week in year 4. In our RE sessions this week we have looked at The Creed and why catholics say it. What does it remind us about our beliefs? We have examined the gospel story where Peter is told - you will ‘catch people’ instead of fish and discussed the meaning of this.

We had a very meaningful day on Monday at the Grand Theatre. Children took part in debates, they had a workshop appreciating what accents and dialects are and how the differ from Standard English. They also learned about how to be excellent, active listeners. Big congratulations to Bea, who got up on stage to say what she had learned.

We have studied digestion in Science, made animations in Computing, learned about French festivals and created some wonderful Shakespeare soundscapes and physical theatre.

Conversation starters

Science

What happens to your food when you swallow it?

My Happy mind

How can you spread happiness to others?

Let’s Celebrate!

Going Green Certificate for TT Rockstars this week goes to Myles, Alice and Emilia

Lunchtime awards: Anna

Role model: Albert

Marvellous Manners:

French star goes to Hugo for a great timetable in French

This week, the learning certificate goes to Emilia. Another double whammy certificate! You are a role model Emilia because you are always so respecting and responsible. I am so impressed with how reflective you are upon your own learning. You really go for it! Well done!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Liam receives the star for being a role model in class - always hopeful in his own abilities and such a nice friend to others.

Notices

The following trips are now payable on parent pay. The first two are to pay for the coach fare and have been subsidised by school too:

1. Aladdin at St Bedes £2

2. The Grand Shakespeare Playmaking event £5

3. Gawthorpe Hall 24th March £18

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March - extra details.

The day before the festival, children will turn up as normal at school and will go to the Grand for a tech rehearsal. On Thursday 20th March they will be at the Grand all day and in the evening. However, you will need to pick them up and take them for their tea on this day - usually this is at approximately 2:30 to bring them back for 5:00 at the Grand theatre stage door for the evening show. These times may slightly change but please begin to arrange who will pick them up and drop them off. Nearer the date, I will send an online form asking you to state who is picking up/dropping off.

Have a lovely February weekend,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 31st January "Gratitude and attitude are not challenges, they are choices."

What a super week we have had in Year 4. The class have been enjoying our new collection of books in our class library! Our RE focus this week has been twofold. First we have been pondering on the faith of St. Peter and how he could recognise Jesus as the Messiah- the chosen one. Then children have been learning about their own statement of faith - the Nicene Creed.

In our Happy mind session this week, children learned all about the ‘happy hormone’ dopamine and how feeling happy helps us to concentrate, feel calm and centred.

In English, we have started to look at physical theatre and how body language, position and tone of voice can really capture an audience. We have also read more of our novel, the Butterfly Lion and have responded to it by writing a persuasive letter.

Children have really enjoyed maths this week. We have delved into the 3x table and then used this to understand the 6x table.

In Science, children learned about animal’s teeth and how the teeth of carnivores and herbivores differ.

In geography we are learning what can affect the Water cycle and what we can do about the rise in temperature.

Conversation starters

Science

Why do some animals have no canine teeth? What kind of teeth does your pet have?

My Happy mind

What is dopamine? How can we generate it?

Let’s Celebrate!

Going Green Certificate for TT Rockstars this week goes to Hugo, Isaac and Bea

Lunchtime awards: Lettie

Role model: Nathan

Marvellous Manners:

Flute stars this week: Rosa and Louie

French star goes to Louisa for super understanding of days of the week.

PE stars - Heath and Albert for amazing swing throws.

This week, the learning certificate goes to Martha. Another double whammy certificate SAdie Spider/Lizzie Ladybird. I am really impressed with how reflective you are beig about your own learning. You have discussions with me openly about how you need to improve and you are taking steps to do so. Your hard work in lessons means you are getting better and better.

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Nathan receives the star for being so full of joy and hope. Nathan you said this week you are grateful that you are alive! I can tell that you appreciate all you have.

Notices

EARLY START! Oracy Symposium at the Grand Theatre - Monday 3rd February. We will be setting off at 9:00 on the dot. Please could you be sure to arrive for 8:45am. Year 4 will be attending this event to help us practise our speaking and listening skills and debating skills.

Wednesday 12th February Year 4 children going to watch ‘Aladdin’ at St Bedes.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March - extra details.

The day before the festival, children will turn up as normal at school and will go to the Grand for a tech rehearsal. On Thursday 20th March they will be at the Grand all day and in the evening. However, you will need to pick them up and take them for their tea on this day - usually this is at approximately 2:30 to bring them back for 5:00 at the Grand theatre stage door for the evening show. These times may slightly change but please begin to arrange who will pick them up and drop them off. Nearer the date, I will send an online form asking you to state who is picking up/dropping off.

Enjoy the real live Tempest with your family this weekend!

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 24th January "All the charms of Sycorax, toads, beetles, bats, light on you!" (William Shakespeare - The Tempest.)

It has been a really reflective week in Year 4. This week children had a special visitor to school to tell them all about the Jewish faith. They were filled with questions and the gospel this week told them of Jesus reading from the Torah in the synagogue so this again helped children make links between the two faiths. The children below led a lovely worship about Jesus’ sacrifice. They asked the class, why did Jesus do this for us?

Our Shakespeare lessons this week focused on the rest of the story. The children have absolutely stunned us with their great understanding of Caliban’s soliloquy and their portrayal of the angst between characters. We now look forward to creating our part of the play as a performance - we are focusing on the last 4 scenes of the play.

In maths we have learned to solve problems involving perimeter and we have seen how we can use our multipliction and division facts to find perimeters of regular polygons.

In Science, children learned about the part the mouth plays in digestion and how it kick starts the process. Children loved this and wrote a lovely explanation of the processes involved. I can highly recommend this video below - we watched a little in class. It is very child-friendly and fascinating!

In geography we are learning all about the Water cycle and the different stages of this. Children could link this to their computing by making animations of the process.

Conversation starters

Science

What part do the teeth and mouth play in digestion? What happens when you swallow your food?

Religion

How do Jewish and Catholic faiths link? How are they different?

Let’s Celebrate!

Going Green Certificate for TT Rockstars this week goes to Scarlett.

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Hugo

Marvellous Manners: Ellie-Rose

Flute stars this week: Anna and Lena

This week, the learning certificate goes to Scarlett. Another double whammy certificate Tommy Turtle and Roger Robin. Although it has been a hard week for you, you have still listened intently and been brave. You have tried so hard in everything and have looked outwards to help others at all times. Well done Scarlett!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Myles receives the star for exploring his own faith. We noticed you have really been thinking and pondering over faith this week and asked interesting questions to clarify the difference in Jewish and Christian beliefs about Jesus.

Notices

Oracy Symposium at the Grand Theatre - Monday 3rd February Year 4 will be attending this event to help us practise our speaking and listening skills and debating skills.

Wednesday 12th February Year 4 children going to watch ‘Aladdin’ at St Bedes.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March - extra details.

Today I am giving out the main speaking parts for our performance. A lot of the roles are non-speaking or echoing and involve creating the ‘scene’ for the audience or being a non-speaking character. Rest assured these parts are just as important if not more so than the speaking parts!

The day before the festival, children will turn up as normal at school and will go to the Grand for a tech rehearsal. On Thursday 20th March they will be at the Grand all day and in the evening. However, you will need to pick them up and take them for their tea on this day - usually this is at approximately 2:30 to bring them back for 5:00 at the Grand theatre stage door for the evening show. These times may slightly change but please begin to arrange who will pick them up and drop them off. Nearer the date, I will send an online form asking you to state who is picking up/dropping off.

Enjoy the real live Tempest with your family this weekend!

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray

Year 4 Weekly blog Friday 17th January "History is the discovering of the principles of human nature."

Year 4 have had great fun learning this week. The children below led a lovely worship about having Faith. In RE lessons we have been exploring how Jesus reveals He is the Messiah in various ways. In our Happy mind lesson this week, we reflected on how to appreciate ourselves by being kind to ourselves. We thought about ways we can show appreciation - for ourselves, others and experiences.

Our Shakespeare lessons this week focused on working up a storm (or Tempest) Children re-created the second storm in the play whilst learning about the characters shipwrecked. They then wrote a description of this setting including a glimpse of its conjuror, the wild spirit Ariel.

In maths we have learned to calculate perimeter of rectangles and squares ‘Going for Gold’ common multiplication facts this week (see homework) In Science, children learned all about their teeth and the different purposes of each type.

On Thursday we had a journey to Bolton Museum for an Egyptian workshop. Children loved it and it cemented their knowledge from this riveting topic! Here are some pictures below

Conversation starters

My Happy Mind

How can you show your appreciation for yourself? What can you do to be kinder on yourself?

History

What was your most fascinating discovery at the museum?

Let’s Celebrate!

Lunchtime awards:

Role model: Louisa

Marvellous Manners: Lucia

Flute stars this week: Liam,

This week, the learning certificate goes to Rosa. Another double whammy certificate Clara Clownfish/Bobby Bee. This week we have talked with the class about paying TOTAL attention and we feel you are doing just that! this is helping you notice so much more. You were amazing in the museum, figuring out the answers to the quiz sheet by reading the clues next to the exhibits. Well done!

Virtues

This half term are virtues are faith filled and hopeful. Full of faith in themselves, God and others and full of hope in each moment as a precious gift from God. This week Hugo receives the star. You went out of your way to warn people about the slippy path outside school. Mrs Nel thought this was beautiful and I agree. What a caring young man!

Notices

Oracy Symposium at the Grand Theatre - Monday 3rd February Year 4 will be attending this event to help us practise our speaking and listening skills and debating skills.

Wednesday 12th February Year 4 children going to watch ‘Aladdin’ at St Bedes.

Shakespeare Playmaking festival Thursday 20th March. There will be much more information about this coming up but you can purchase tickets to see your child perform scenes from The Tempest alongside other schools below. Make sure you book the right date - there are 2 showings at 1:00 and 6:00

Have a great weekend with your lovely children,

Mrs Lyons and Miss Bray