Thank you to Mrs Firth and Mr Fidment for organising this year’s Safer Internet Day at school.  The children had a great day learning about how to keep themselves safe online, which I am sure you will agree, is very important!
 
‘All things fun and games?’ was the theme of the day and saw Teams working on bespoke sessions, which were age appropriate and helped the children to learn more about keeping safe on line and who to go to if they ever felt threatened or intimidated, by something they had seen online.  The theme was ‘Exploring respect and relationships online’ and allowed for staff to emphasise the need for the children as individuals to always present themselves well on line and look after each other online.
 
This day is celebrated globally each year and is always a firm favourite with the children as it allows them to talk openly about their experiences online and allows for staff to monitor the children’s understanding of ‘online safety’.  We teach the children to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.
 
Our Computing Leaders in school (Mr Fidment and Mrs Firth) have spent much of this term improving the infrastructure for Computing in school and as such we have purchased new equipment and a new scheme of work, to best support the children in their Computing learning.

We had an amazing day in school today celebrating Number's Day for the NSPCC.  We always support this amazing cause as the NSPCC really does help so many young people's lives and provides opportunities for children to talk and be listened to.  This year, Mrs Firth and Mr Fidment organised the day and we celebrated by:
Dressing up for digits - it was amazing to see the creative costumes that children and staff created!
EYFS and KS1 designed a number robot - what amazing creations we saw!  Mrs Fitchett found it tricky to judge there were so many wonderful creations!  Well done!
Coin construction - Teams built their own towers with coins brought from home!
KS2 Tables race - top 10 Leaders were added to the Leader Boards!

​Well done Team Park Street - we managed to raise £153.08 for the NSPCC, an achievement to be proud of!

​From 2-4th February 2022 our Year 6 Teams enjoyed three days on their residential trip to Robinwood at Dobroyd Castle in Todmordon.  This trip was organised incredibly quickly by staff in school when we got the ‘go ahead’ that residentials could once again take place.
 
The three days entailed rock climbing, kayaking, archery, zip wire and caving and was thoroughly enjoyed by all!  I am not quite sure who had the most fun – staff or the children!  What I do know is that on all of their returns to school on the Friday evening, they were all completely worn out!
 
The staff team which went, were all incredibly proud of the children and their effort, enthusiasm and personal successes.  Well done Years 6s!
 
I know the Year 6 parents will join me in thanking the staff team for looking after the children for the full three days, acting as parents.  Thank you for taking the time out of your own lives for the good of the children at Park Street!

​Mr C Holmes, in his new role as Religious Education subject lead, has organised Park Street’s Interfaith Week.  The children have had an amazing time celebrating diversity and acceptance during the week.
 
As part of the week, Teams have been challenged to plan a ‘Meaningful Act of Kindness’.  As such, we have seen children taking part in the following challenges, encouraging them to think with consideration and do good for others.  Examples of these are:
 
Team CB (Y3) – baked and decorated dragon cookies to give to Wombwell Care Home on Park Street, to put a smile on the faces of the residents and to celebrate the Chinese New Year!
 
Team CW (Reception) – raised money for the Tiny Hearts Appeal and Bluebell wood Hospice by selling salt dough heart decorations for Valentine’s Day. So far they have raised over £50 and still have hearts on sale for £1 or a donation in the school entrance. Team CW will be looking at other ways we can raise money for our chosen charities in the run up to Easter and also finding out about some of the good work that these charities do to help children.
 
Team CH (Year 1) – written special letters to Parkside Care Home to make the residents smile after nearly two years of isolation.
 
Team AF and LL (Year 6) – planned a bring a £1 contribution for healthy snack and run a mile fundraiser for Children’s Hospital, a cause close to all of Year 6 hearts for two massive reasons!  This is organised for spring 2!
 
I am sure you will join me in saying well done to the Teams for their innovative and incredibly thoughtful ideas of ways to be kind to others in need.  What amazing little citizens we have at Park Street!

​All of the school was invited to ‘Wear it Red’ this February, as we celebrated the Chinese New Year.  Mr Holmes (RE subject leader) organised the day and launched the team challenge questions for children in a virtual whole school assembly.  Teams were tasked in answering the following questions:
 
What animals are part of the Chinese zodiac?
Where is China?
What do people eat during Chinese New Year?
What are the similarities and differences between the Chinese New Year (Buddhism) and Easter (Christianity)?
Why is red the main colour of the Chinese New Year?
What can be learned from significant others?
What can we learn from the Chinese New Year story?
Why is the moon significant in Chinese culture?
How can the Chinese New Year contribute to community cohesion?
 
Teachers were absolutely astonished at the end of the day, with how much the children had learnt and understood about the Chinese New Year!  Well done Team Park Street and thank you to Mr Holmes for organising the events of the day.