This week at Gainsborough…
New Outdoor Classroom
The first phase of our new outdoor learning space has been developed. We have a bark pit, planters and some chalk boards all ready and waiting for some tables and chairs, a water butt and the first phase of planting to be done. We have managed to build the outdoor classroom with the help of a charity called Trees for Cities. This partnership was supported by our Circular Food Economy project led by MadLeap and funded by the LLDC Carbon Emission Reduction Fund. Essentially we have not had to use the children’s core school funding for developing this space. We are very thankful to all 3 organisations who have helped us improve the space and we now look forward to improving the learning at school by making this space part of our curriculum.
Year 6 Ben Kinsella Workshop
Year 6 took part in a sobering workshop at the Ben Kinsella trust. The children learnt about the reality of knife crime and learnt about the reasons not to carry a knife. The workshop is a stark reminder of the world we live in and if any families would like support with talking to children about knife crime, or have been affecting by knife crime, our WAHM’s clinician is in school every second Monday and is happy to listen and suggest materials which may guide families to age appropriate conversations.
Year 5 Ice Skating Reward Trip
Year 5 walked to the new and improved Lea Valley Ice Skating Rink on Friday as a reward. Thank you to Lea Valley for offering us these free taster sessions. They tried skating and supported each other to skate around the really impressive, new ice rink. We had one skater in particular who showed their talents off to everyone – Donovan! Donovan mastered the ice and a professional and showed us how his commitment to ice hockey training, at Lea Valley, had helped him become an excellent skater. Well done Donovan, thank you for inspiring Year 5.
Year 5 and 6 Football Tournament
Year 5 and 6, boys and girls football teams, were both victorious in their matches this week. The boys went from behind to bag a 3-1 win, with a hat trick from Mikeal in Year 4 and 2 goals from Stefan in Year 6. The girls also came from behind to win 3-1 with a hat trick from Zariyah in Year 5. We are proud of the resilience that both teams have built up over the year. They have learnt to hold their heads high and be positive when winning or losing and this has lead them to 2 wins this week. Coach Terry said this week was the best that both teams had played and he was really confident with their ability to be bigger and better moving forward. Go Gainsborough!
Keeping Connected in our Community…
Each half term we focus on a different Gainsborough Keep: kind, connected, safe, healthy, green or giving. This half term we are reflecting on what it means to celebrate events and traditions across our mixed community. We will learn about the the roots and traditions of Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Eid and also reflect on how it feels to take part in awareness days like World Book Day and Science Week.
Parents in Class – Rights Respecting Schools Display
Ms Castelvi has supported classes with pulling together our shared Rights Respecting Schools display. We have joined all of the art work from each class, and the UN Rights of the Child to make a really eye catching piece of art. It is in the middle hall and you will be able to see it on parent’s evening.
Family Cooking Programme
We have bid for some money to run a family cooking programme at Gainsborough. The project will bring together our Circular Food Economy lead, who will show us how to grow some of the food we are cooking with, and our school Chef Chris, who will show us how to cook some recipes and talk about the choices we make when cooking. The aims of the project are:
- to provide a healthy meal to families
- to enable families to cook more sustainable meals
- to enable families to make healthier choices
- to develop relationships between school and home
We will be running the project weekly from 3.30-5pm on Friday through the Summer term. We would like to focus on food from different cultures each half term. Families who have links to that culture, or those who just like the food, are welcome to come to each course. A survey to gauge interest and gather your ideas will be sent via email soon.
St Valentine
In assembly this week we reflected on the story of St Valentine. Children learnt that he was a man who believed in marriage and was imprisoned for his beliefs. We learnt he signed a letter to his love, before he died, on February 14th 269. This is why we now celebrate Valentine’s Day. We also spread some love at Gainsborough with our annual Valentine’s Disco this week. In true Gainsborough event style we had some torrential rain, some flash lightening and a weather warning to see us through the event! That didn’t stop us partying, face painting and fund raising. Thank you to our dedicated FRoG’s (Friends of Gainsborough) and our staff team, who gave up their time, to keep connected with our lovely community.
Reader of the Week
Each week we will award one child from Years 1-6 with a new book, as the Reader of the Week. The award is for commitment, reading progress, engagement or sharing their love for reading. Please support your child with reading at home! After all, reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.
Year 1 Fatima
Year 2 Shakira
Year 3 Asia
Year 4 Ava
Year 5 Leonardo
Year 6 Amy
GOLDS!
Each week we celebrate an amazing achievement from each class. Children are celebrated in assembly, receive a gold certificate and their name in the newsletter. Please celebrate their learning at home too!
Nursery – Ducks
Tyson was nominated to receive a Gainsborough Gold Award for always asking questions and showing curiosity; as well as establishing lovely friendships with his peers! Well done Tyson!
Nursery – Geese
Oscar was nominated to receive a Gainsborough Gold Award for being more attentive in carpet sessions, sharing lots of ideas and making good attempts at writing your name! Well done Oscar!
Nursery – Swans
Lucy was nominated to receive a Gainsborough Gold Award for being a great role model to your peers at carpet time. You show a positive attitude towards your learning, and use your thinking thumb to answer questions. Well Done Lucy!
Reception – Wrens
Annabelle was nominated to receive a Gainsborough Gold Award for actively participating in carpet sessions. Annabelle is confident to share her ideas with others. Well done!
Year 1 – Owls
Elsa was nominated for a Gainsborough Gold Award for working really hard in writing this week and making excellent progress. Well done Elsa.
Year 2 – Hummingbirds
Za’Kai was nominated for a Gainsborough Gold Award this week for demonstrating excellent listening skills and working incredibly hard all week. Keep it up Za’Kai.
Year 3 – Herons
Zayden was nominated for Gainsborough Gold Award for his positive attitude to learning at all times. You have made great progress in reading, writing and maths and we are really proud of you.
Year 4 – Skylarks
Albie was nominated for a Gainsborough Gold Award this week for showing an amazing positive attitude to learning, being kind to classmates and working really well in a team. Great work Albie.
Year 5 – Magpies
Sodbeyer received a Gainsborough Gold Award for contributing to all lessons with enthusiasm and working brilliantly in partner work. Well done Sodbeyer.
Year 6 – Doves
Jahnya was nominated for a Gainsborough Gold Award this week. She has made huge improvements in her maths learning and is work really hard, showing a brilliant attitude and taking on feedback really well.
Next week at Gainsborough…
Year 6 Ice Skating
Year 6 will visit Lea Valley Ice Rink on Friday 1st March as a reward for getting 6000 carrot points!
Apollo Music Workshops
On Monday 26th February Year 4 and 5 will have their last Apollo music workshop in school. The classes have watched several in school workshops over the year and become familiar with a range of classical music composition and instruments. A concert in the Summer term will see all of the pieces performed.
