The Christmas term is always so busy, but also a real joy. It is always so beautiful to spend this time of year in the company of youngsters; with the building excitement and looming gifts from Santa, tinsel hanging from their hair and Christmas songs ringing out. I truly do love it. However, as an adult we also know that this can be a really difficult time for individuals and families, for a whole host of reasons. This is when a community must (and should) come together to support each other. If you are finding anything difficult at this time; please reach out—to school. Remember that we are here to help all families, and if I can help in any way please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Congratulations to Key Stage Two children who performed at Our Carol Service this week.  They delighted us on Monday evening by singing and reading so enthusiastically. What a super start to our Christmas festivities, they were brilliant.  Thank you to all the parents who supported us and to Mrs Mallinson, Mrs Freitas for planning the Service and to all the key Stage Two staff for their hard work and enthusiasm leading the children.

Reception Class

The children in Reception have been excited for Christmas and have been busy crafting, reading Christmas stories and writing letters to Santa. The staff have been impressed with how they have applied their phonics knowledge and have shown such enthusiasm for writing. 

Key Stage 1 

The children in Key Stage 1 have had a wonderful week. In English, they have been writing riddles. The staff were amazed at how much though went into each riddle and some were quite tricky to work out! In Design & Technology, the children have been building up to creating their own Ferris Wheels. They worked hard to ensure they looked right and had the features that are needed. On Thursday, we started creating our Ferris Wheels using recycled materials, everyone worked so hard. Well done KS1! 

 Year 3

Year 3 have once again been very busy this week.  In history this week they have been learning about what life was like in Iron Age Britain. The children really enjoyed using different sources to help them build a picture of Iron Age life in Britain. In textiles the children have been finishing off making their cushions, they all look fabulous. The children have really impressed staff with their cross-stitching skills. Well done Year 3!

 Year 4 

Year 4 have had such a busy week and have still continued to show such enthusiasm towards their work. They have really enjoyed completing their geography work on rivers. Yesterday, they completed a geography field trip and collected evidence as they walked along the river down towards town and the canal basin. Today, the children used this evidence and the knowledge learnt over the past term and answer enquiry questions. The children also made Mr Tasker very proud with their singing and delivery of their readings at our Advent service on Wednesday. It has been lovely to see the children's confidence grow this term. In English, the children have produced some excellent information posters based on 'Romans' and 'Rivers'. They have thought about interesting ways of displaying their knowledge and facts to engage all types of readers. Well done!

 Year 5 

Year 5 have once again been very busy and have this week been finding out about some of the rivers of the UK. They also enjoyed a visit from their Faith Friends in Reception who came to share a lovely Advent song that they had learnt, which Year 5 were very impressed with! The children were then getting creative and experimenting with art techniques to produce a mixed media self portrait. The work was incredible and so unique, Miss McGowan was so impressed with their work and ideas. Well done Year 5!

Year 6 

Year 6 have been enjoying the computing unit of coding. They have learnt to design a playable game with a timer and a score. To do this, they have planned and used selection and variables and understood how the launch command works. In English, the children have been working on diary entries. They learnt the literary features that make a diary entry different from other types of writing. The children made their first drafts and added details to those. This allowed them to organise their thoughts and they created a solid structure for their diary entry, which means that it’s easier for the reader to follow and it will have a clear beginning, middle and end. Mrs Freitas is really pleased with their writing this week! Well done, Year 6!

Mini Vinnies - Ravenhurst Care Home Visit

Today the Mini Vinnies visited the local care home to bring some festive cheer. With Mrs Mallinson's support, they sang a few carols. The Mini Vinnies also presented the elderly residents with some gifts and personalised Christmas cards that they made themselves. The residents were delighted with their beautiful singing. The Mini Vinnies look forward to visiting Ravenhurst again. 

Christmas Prayer Written by the Mini Vinnies

Dear Lord,

Your shining star brought hope and joy

to both Mary and Joseph.

Please guide us when our journey seems long;

fill us with faith and trust.

May your light eliminate our fears,

may our hearts be filled with joy.

We pray for all those at Ravenhurst,

bring them comfort and happiness

in this season of Advent.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Congratulations to Edith whose beautiful fairy is now shimmering at the top of our school's Christmas tree.  Thank you to everyone who entered the competition.  We are going to display the fairies in the school hall for everyone to see and enjoy.  They will add an extra sparkle to the Nativity performances next Monday.

The Christmas wellbeing newsletter, from The Wyre Forest School Sport Partnership, is filled with ideas to support the whole family (adults and children) in improving overall wellbeing, through opportunities that are linked to the '5 ways of wellbeing'.   

Nasal Flu Vaccination 

We have been notified by Vaccination Uk that they are able to offer community clinics until the end of January 2024.  If your child didn't receive the nasal flu vaccination last term and you would like them to receive it, please ring the team on 01527 390030 to book an appointment.

Dates for your Diary

The children are busily preparing for next week's performances.   The singing coming from the hall during rehearsals sounds lovely.   To allow time for the children to change into their costumes, could they be brought to school at 5.15pm for the performance at 5.45pm please.  Parents can then take their seats in the hall.