This morning at the Upper School, the House Captains delivered a very emotive and personal assembly. They explained to the children the significance of Armistice Day and why we were having our Remembrance assembly and holding a two-minute silence today. They also explained the importance of the poppy and shared some of their personal stories of family members who fought in the Second World War. We then made our way down to the lower playground, where the House Captains shared two poems and every class laid a poppy wreath created by the children. Each poppy contained a written message to those who have fallen in war, sharing gratitude for their sacrifice and hope for the future. We observed the two minute silence and then listened quietly to ‘The Last Post’. The children were silent and reflective as they thought about those who have given their lives as well as those still serving in conflicts around the world.
Thank you to Malaika, Abbey, Flora, Joe, Amelia, Dotty, Ruby and Lara who worked hard to create a wonderfully personal and well-written assembly.
This week we have also been thinking about the effects of showing good manners and being proud of ourselves and others. We considered the concept of a first impression and what we might want a visitor to think of us as they passed through the school and also what we would like them to think about us collectively, as a school. We thought carefully about our values and how we outwardly show them through our actions.
At the Lower School Violet class led a very moving Remembrance Day assembly this morning. They confidently spoke about Remembrance Day, or Armistice Day, explaining how this marks the day that World War One ended in 1918. We held a two-minute silence at the Lower School to remember those who have died in any conflict. We also learnt about why people wear poppies at this time of the year. We are very proud of Violet class for their excellent speaking and singing and to Miss Hunt and Miss Tressol for their hard work leading the assembly. Well done to the children at the Lower School for marking Remembrance Day with such respect.
For more photos of Remembrance at the Upper School please click here
At Cypress we have been selling poppies to support the Royal British Legion. These will be on sale until Friday afternoon on the school gates.
London Fire Brigade
Year 2 children have enjoyed an informative workshop led by the London Fire Brigade this week. Yusuf in Violet class said, “We learnt that if there is a fire you need to duck down low, so you don’t get a cough from smoke or inhale it. We also learnt that the fire brigade can be used for lots of different things, like rescuing people or even getting cats from trees! If you need the fire brigade, you type 999 on your phone.”
Year 5 children were also visited by the London Fire Brigade this week. Raymond in Hazel said, “We learned about how fire spreads and what to do in a fire emergency including, ‘stop, drop and roll’. We also learned how to escape if you are in a space that has a fire, what to shout if you need help quickly and what to say to the emergency services in the event of a fire.”
Staying safe online
We are always considering how to keep ourselves safe including making safe choices online. A paper copy of the Pegasus Academy Acceptable Use Agreement was sent out to all Y5 and Y6 children last week. If you have not done so already, please read it through with your child and send it back to the teacher – your child should sign their name at the bottom to show that they understand the agreement and will abide by the rules to help keep themselves safe online.
Cypress Superstars
In line with our new behaviour policy, each classroom has a ‘recognition board’ where we celebrate children’s successes and achievements. Each week, we (Mrs Sorensen and Mrs Carpenter) also have children coming to us to share their work and achievements and we love sharing this in our weekly news story.
At the Upper School, Axel wrote a set of detailed instructions explaining how to make a clay dinosaur. He used imperative verbs, adverbs and time connectives. Great job, Axel! Xaviera wrote some war inspired poetry. Well done Xaviera. Gabriella shared her Crystal Palace Quiz answers. I quizzed her in the office and she remembered all her facts! Well researched and remembered Gabriella! Bea wrote a very thoughtful poem about our Collective Worship theme, Joy, in which she shared a wonderful message: feeling joy is wonderful, but it is ok to not feel joy too. …’but feeling another way is absolutely fine.’ Wise words, Bea! Caitlin created a very detailed Royal family tree, beginning with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert! Well done Caitlin – what great research skills and historical knowledge you have!
At the Lower School Corey, Malaika, Phoebe-Rose, Heidi, Rose and George have all worked hard to write a booklet about Henry VIII’s main duties, such as establishing the Church of England. They included lots of facts and could all share a fact with confidence. Well done! Jacob and Deniz in Year 1 have both worked hard to complete some challenge activities in maths this week, answering word problems involving addition and subtraction.
Cross Country Event
On Thursday we sent 12 children from the Lower School to a cross country event in Lloyd Park. They were very excited to travel their on the Pegasus mini bus and even more excited when Miss Hunt gave them all a biscuit after the race! The children all represented Cypress wonderfully and ran so well, even though the conditions were very muddy. Everyone was a winner and it’s been great to participate in this event with other Croydon schools. Children from Year 3 and 4 also took part in the Croydon Year 3/ 4 Cross Country competition. All the children ran brilliantly, despite the rainy weather. They all showed great sportsmanship by cheering on their fellow classmates and other children from other schools who were competing. Miss Hassan is very proud of all the children who represented our school so amazingly and so are we. A big thanks to Ms Hassan, who organised the event for the Upper School.
Well done to our Upper School runners: Aidan, Kavell, Niamh, Sophie, Lily, Reuben, Lewis, Florrie (Year 3) and Elis, Nevaeh, Jessica, Emilia, Bea, Tom, Owen and Sam (Year 4).
Shanna Pott Author Visit
On Friday afternoon, Shanna Pott visited the Lower School to read her book “And That’s Ok!” to children in Year 1 and Year 2. Her book is about a child with learning and sensory difficulties and children were able to ask Shanna some questions. We were really pleased that Shanna was able to stay with us after school for a book signing.
Salvation Army Thornton Heath
On Saturday 18th November from 1-4pm at the Salvation Army in Thornton Heath, there is a toy sale where people can try and sell or trade any of their unwanted toys and games, so long as they are complete and in full working order. Please see the poster/image below for more information.
Friendship Week
Monday 13th November 2023 is World Kindness Day and it marks the start of our annual ‘Friendship Week’. Our theme this year is Kindness. On Monday 13th November, the children will have a special assembly introducing Friendship Week. During the week, children will be focussing on kindness in a number of ways such as being kind to others, the world and ourselves. Children will undertake a short daily task to discuss these topics. Our Friendship Week will culminate with a Children in Need Mufti Day (Friday 17th November). We are asking children to bring in a donation of £1 or more. The theme this year is ‘me’. Children are encouraged to come to school in an outfit they feel reflects them. This could be an outfit of cultural significance, their favourite colours or an outfit they feel shows their favourite toy. It is an opportunity to celebrate our differences and interests and promote discussion.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs Carpenter, Mrs Sorensen and the Cypress team
