There's great excitement around school today as all our children move up into their new classes and work with their new teachers. Along with the move are new responsibilities such as voting for the people who will best serve the class as a School Councillor. This is far more important for our school than any other election so campaigning starts this week. Also this week, teachers are assessing how much progress children make then next week our exciting Brilliantly British topic starts. It'll soon be time for the Morris Dancing workshops!

Durham Cathedral Leaders' Service

We had a wonderful afternoon last Wednesday at the invitation of the Bishop of Jarrow. Our children had some really thoughtful contributions to make during the activity sessions then sang their hearts out at the service. In fact, they impressed the Bishop so much that he has asked us to attend every year. How thrilling to be the only non-church school to have an open invitation. The Year 6 children noticed that we were the only school not to have a banner so Miss Gray and the church craft club will be working with us to design and make a banner for next year. It will be absolutely superb! Thank you to Rev Child for making all these connections and introductions for us.

Reading-The Bark and Read Club

With the help of Gil and Nicky Crossley (and we couldn't do it without them), the school is introducing a Bark and Read Club into Years 2 and 3. To develop their confidence in reading aloud, children will be chosen to read to Robbie and Rosie, both very calm, lovely dogs who enjoy a gentle stroke too. We know, from the visit of Mollie and her handler from The Dog's Trust last year, that our children instinctively feel comfortable with animals so this is a wonderful opportunity for children to both improve reading skills and have an opportunity to develop their understanding of dogs too.

Olivia

Drama Club has been rehearsing scenes from the challenging yet thoroughly entertaining musical play "Olivia". They are planning to show some of the scenes to parents and the school on Wednesday 6th July at 2.30pm. I will be very excited to enjoy seeing their work as a member of the audience. I am sure everyone will be brilliant!

Sports Day-just a reminder that Sports Day is next Thursday (30th) June. Mr. Ashton will be sending out further details soon but we begin at 10.30am and go through until about 2.30pm in the afternoon.