On Monday morning we welcomed Rabbi Debbie to our school to talk to us about Judaism in a whole school assembly.

In assembly we learnt more about Hanukkah and the children were shown a PowerPoint about its importance in the Jewish faith. They shared their learning and even touched on the way Alexander the Great made it difficult for jewfish people to practice their faith.

What is Hanukkah?

This is a Jewish festival which lasts 8 days from the 25th day of Kislev (in December) and commemorates the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees after its desecration by the Syrians. It is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights. In Hebrew, Hanukkah means ‘dedication’.

What is a Menorah?

In Hebrew, the word menorah means ‘lamp’. The ancient menorah had seven branches, one for each day of creation and it burned in the Temple. The candles are placed on the menorah from right to left, the same direction in which one reads Hebrew. However when lighting the menorah you move in the opposite direction using the Shamash to light the candles from left to right.

Congratulations to Year 6 Cherry for winning the Attendance Award this week.

Reception Pine : 94.4%

Year 1 Maple: 85.6%

Year 2 Willow: 97.9%

Year 3 Elm: 94.0%

Year 4 Aspen: 88.9%

Year 4 Rowan: 87.4%

Year 5 Cedar: 93.7%

Year 6 Cherry: 98.8%

Year 6 Oak: 95.0%

On Wednesday we welcomed Chaplins Pantos to our school as they performed Jack and the Beanstalk to the whole school.

The children loved the interactive play by singing along with the songs and actions. Thank you for an amazing performance and for Mrs Herbaut for organising.

We continue our festivity with the children from KS1 and EYFS christmas performance. Children have worked really hard in class learning songs and lines. It was lovely to see so many parents/carers and other family members in our audience to help lift christmas spirits.

Well done to all the children who showed what they have learnt this week. In Year 1 they have been practicing their Christmas songs. Year 4 in science have been learning about The Big Bang, astronomy as well as gravity.

Year 2 have been working hard on homework and showing that they are practicing and applying their understanding of halves and addition. Year 3 in English have been reading Mini Rabbit Not Lost in English and continued their learning by applying what they have learnt to homework. In Year 5 they have been learning about coordinates.