Setting the Standard

Well done Yr 4/5. Some fantastic feedback from Sunderland University's Mini Medics programme, who popped into school last week to inspire our children into following a career in medicine. There are ex-pupils of ours doing that just now and it's part of our core values: "aspiration" (dream big.) While working with our children they praised their attitude, contribution and behaviour. It was a similar story with our Yr 6 children, who spent an afternoon at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle, for the Annual Leavers' Service. Their participation was enthusiastic - as every -  and they looked the part too. Well done also to Susannah and Frances for using their initiative to create their own piece of art on the theme of "Light". Independently, they sourced the materials, organised their time and designed a eye-catching creation, which took pride of place in the cathedral. Great work.

Forecast alert

While there appears to be storm clouds on the horizon for this week, Thursday - our rearranged Sports Day/Family Picnic- looks the clearest of the next five days. We can but hope....

Pobble

Many of you will have seen your children's writing via our online portal: Pobble. Last week, I was fortunate enough to speak to other headteachers from the North of Sunderland about the impact Pobble is having on engaging our children in their writing. To underline that point, we are just 400-or-so views away from the magic 10,000...please have a look at https://app.pobble.com/welcome, comment, view, celebrate, some of the wonderful work are children are accomplishing. Your views are important.

Howzat

Congratulations to the Year 4 cricket team. Last week the team paraded across the field to lift the cluster  trophy, for the first time, bringing with it vital points which could see us take overall lead across our cluster - including Fulwell Jnrs, Redby, Dame Dorothy, Grange Park and Southwick -  for sports. All teams played with enthusiasm and enjoyment, yet the Seaburn Dene team won every match, triumphing against unbeaten Southwick in the final. With head coach Mr Ashton giving half time and between games coaching tips, the Year 4 team played with elan and panache, showing their mastery of bat and ball (also Sunderland hockey champions.) Another feather in the cap against bigger school.

Spelling Bee

Well done to Phoenix for lifting the annual Spelling Bee last week. In two year groups, only one correct word separated winners and runners-up, amazing. One performance proved eye-catching: Jack in Yr 1 - who was devastatingly accurate, correctly accounting for three-quarters of the 20 points on offer to the eight children competing from his class.

Frank Styles

The amazingly talented artist Frank Styles is popping into school tomorrow (Monday) to chat to children about art, inspiration and his arresting, eye-catching designs that are injecting colour on huge "canvasses" across our city. It promises to be a memorable start to the week.