We have had another exciting week at Cypress. The children have all been working hard, enjoying learning and making lots of progress.
At the Lower site, we have been focusing on ‘making links’. We have been looking at patterns and thinking about how we can use what we know to help us identify the object that belongs in the pattern. After this, we thought about how this helps us when we learn something new. We can think about things that we have learnt before and use this to help us. The children have been using this approach to help them with their learning this week.
At the Upper School have been exploring what it means to work methodically, We know that being systematic in your approach to things – by making a plan or following a procedure – can often save you time and effort and ensure that you are thorough. We have also been considering ways to keep ourselves safe, happy and healthy. In our Monday assembly, we read the book ‘Ruby’s Worry’. We know that eveyone has worries from time to time. We also know that the best thing we can do is talk to someone about the worry, especially an adult – who may be able to help. Sometimes just talking is all we need.
Professor Bubbleworks visits Reception
As part of their topic called “Watch out,watch out, there’s a monster about!” Reception enjoyed a “Monster Slime” making workshop with Professor Bubbleworks on Tuesday. They looked at the changes in state as their slime ingredients turned from a liquid into a solid, with a great deal of stirring on their part! The children loved stretching and playing with their slime and even go to take it home at the end of the day.
Year 1 Toy Workshop
Year 1 had a fantastic day today, learning all about toys from the past in a very interesting workshop. The children learnt lots about toys and were able to use their science knowledge to identify what materials they were made from. They also made links to things they know to help them work out what some objects from the past were used for. To see more about this workshop, read our news article here.
Year 4 Swimming
Year 4 classes will be going swimming this term. Classes will undertake intensive lessons for a two-week period. Children will require a swimming costume, a swimming hat and a towel, carried in a separate bag from their school bag. Boys’ swimwear must be designed for swimming and swimming shorts are to be above knee length (i.e. not ‘board’ shorts). This is a requirement of the leisure centre as ‘board’ shorts are usually too long and baggy which impacts on the smooth development of strokes. Girls are to wear a one-piece swimsuit. Children may wear goggles, hair should be tied back and stud earrings and watches removed. Children are welcome to bring a small, healthy snack to eat post-swim.
Swimming is a compulsory element of the curriculum and all children are expected to participate. To be considered proficient, children need be able to swim 25 metres (one length) and perform self-recovery manoeuvres by the end of KS2.
To make the lessons possible, each class will need a parent helper each day from 12:00pm-3:00pm. To register your interest, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Year 5 Willow Class Assembly
We were treated to a ‘Day in the Life of Willow Class’ this morning. We sampled a (very condensed) day of learning with the children. They shared their narrative writing based on the visual (wordless) story, ‘Alma’. They also shared PE skills, science knowledge and shared some of their class reads, the current one being ‘Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun’. They ended with the Bill Withers song ‘Lovely Day’ which was a wonderfully uplifting way to finish the assembly and start the day. Well done to Willow Class, and to the adults supporting them: Mrs Yeboah and Ms Surrey.
Parent/Child Lunch Week at Cypress Upper
Thank you to all parents who joined us for the parent/child lunch week. It was lovely to see so many of you. The children were delighted to sit and chat with all who came and enjoy a meal together. Thank you also to Harrisons for accomodating the event at short notice. We received some very positive feedback about the lunches on offer here at Cypress.
Cypress Superstars
Well done to Kevin in Ruby Class! Kevin came to visit the office with some fantastic maths work. He had been working on his division and made links to what he knew about multiplication to help him. Keep up the good work Kevin! Ridwan in Violet class came to see us with some super maths work. He has been working really hard on his presentation and has made a huge improvement. Well done Ridwan! George, Favour and Harrison in Turquoise class have also produced some fantastic work in English. They have made links to their earlier learning about traditional tales to write their own version of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. They had included different characters as the ‘baddie’ and changed the ending. The quality of their writing was fantastic and we are so proud of them. Aggie in Ruby Class came to the office this morning as she has been collecting litter on her way into school and taking care of the environment. We are so proud you for thinking of others! Well done to Freddie, who came to show me his amazing Blue Peter badge. He has been busy reading lots of books and sent in a review for the book, ‘Michael: The Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog’. Apparently, it’s a good read so check it out if you are able to! The badge has been specially designed by Michael Rosen – keep it safe Freddie. Keep up the reading!
Stepping into Stories Kids Literature Festival
Stepping into stories are offering some free virtual events for parents and families who are interested in finding out more about about positive representation and diversity in literature. The festival runs from the 30th January until the 4th February. You can find out more about the events here.
Two events which may be of interest to you are:
Tuesday 30th Jan at 7.30 pm Positive Representations of Disability in Children’s Literature with Children’s BBC Cerrie Burnell (Chair), James Catchpole, Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini, Jen Campbell Questions discussed: Which children’s books are leading the way in championing disabled characters? What does it mean to young readers to see characters who represent them? And why is authentic storytelling so vital?
Wednesday 31st January Empathy Panel with Empathy Lab founder, Sarah Mears MBE, Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Cath Howe Questions discussed: What is empathy? How can we build it? What‘s the connection with reading?
Parking
We have been contacted by a number of residents to notify us of inconsiderate parking from parent, particularly around Wharncliffe Gardens. Please do not park on yellow lines or across driveways. We encourage parents to walk to school or if necessary, park within walking distance of the school, away from the congested roads. Thank you for your support in this matter.
We wish all of our children and families a restful and relaxing weekend.
Mrs Carpenter, Ms Binks and the Cypress Team
