Weekly Bulletin 9th May 2025
Headteacher’s Message
This week in school the children have enjoyed learning all about VE Day and what it meant for our country and Europe. The children also played a number of games that would have been played at that time and sang songs that would have been sung to celebrate the end of the war. My thanks also go to Chartwells (Catering Team) for providing a wonderful themed VE Day lunch which the children thoroughly enjoyed.
Next week is SATs week – national assessments for our Year 6 pupils. We are mindful of all of the hard work undertaken by both children and staff in preparation for these tests and wish the children every success next week.
Each week I want to include a ‘snapshot’ of some of the things going on in school. For example, news from our ECO team, Worship group, V.I.P. (Very International People) and SNAG (School Nutrition Action Group). This week our focus is on the various PE we are offering this term as well as our VE Day celebrations and an update is shared below.
Best wishes
Mr Rumbles
PE
We have an exciting programme of activities prepared for the term ahead:
- Children in Year 5 and 6 will be receiving Netball coaching to prepare a squad of players to participate in a County Durham Netball League.
- There will be two further House competitions held in school this term – Year 3/4 Endzone and KS2 Danish Longball.
- An inspirational visit from Alex Dewar (Invictus Games Athlete) who will deliver a day of teamwork skills across the school.
- A Wellbeing day focusing on the benefits of stretching to improve physical health and learn how to create and maintain a happy and calm life.
- An EYFS Festival in school delivered for Reception class.
- An Orienteering Day delivered by SSP staff, making full use of the school site to maximise activity in Orienteering activities.
- A Summer Fun Run delivered by SSP staff.
- Ultimate Frisbee Day for children in KS2.
- Rounders Day introducing Rounders to children in KS2.
Mr Gowan
Yesterday, our school came together to mark VE Day with a meaningful day of remembrance and reflection. We began with a whole-school assembly, led by our Year 5 & 6 Class Councillors, where we thought deeply about the sacrifices made by so many to bring peace to our country and the world. The children reflected on the importance of thankfulness and how the events of the past have helped shape the citizens we are today.
Throughout the day, we explored themes of remembrance, peace, and gratitude, linking these to our British values of tolerance, mutual respect, democracy, and the rule of law. A minute of silence was held as a sign of respect and remembrance. At lunchtime, we shared a picnic-style meal, enjoying 1940s music and taking part in traditional games such as pick-up sticks, hopscotch, and jacks—giving the children a glimpse into what play might have looked like in that era. It was a thoughtful and joyful day, helping our pupils appreciate the importance of peace, unity, and respect in our society.
Mrs Claydon
Year 6 Transition Dates
Belmont – 4th July
Framwellgate – 4th July
Durham Johnston – 4th July
Sedgefield – 3rd and 4th July
St Leonards – 1st and 2nd July
Diary Dates
For a full list of school holiday dates please see the school website.
WC Monday 12th May – Y6 SATS week
Wednesday 21st May – Hardwick Park Reception Class
Wednesday 21st May – Y6 Maths Café – 1pm-3pm – Parents welcome
Thursday 22nd May – Y2 Striking and Fielding Festival
Wednesday 4th June – Y5 Maths Café – 1pm-3pm – Parents welcome
Tuesday 10th June – Vindolanda Y4
Tuesday 10th June Y6 Leavers’ Service – Durham Cathedral (Pupils only)
Wednesday 11th June – Y4 Maths Café – 1pm-3pm – Parents welcome
Monday 16th June – SEND Parents’ Evening – 3pm-5pm
Tuesday 17th June – Y3 Maths Café – 1pm-3pm – Parents welcome
Tuesday 17th June – Beamish Y5
Wednesday 18th June – Y2 Maths Café – 1pm-3pm – Parents welcome
Monday 23rd June – Sports Day – 1.15pm onwards
Monday 23rd June – SEND Parents’ Evening – 3.40pm-5pm
Tuesday 24th June – Y1 Maths Café – 1pm-3pm – Parents welcome
Monday 30th June – St Mary’s Lighthouse Y2
Wednesday 2nd – Friday 4th July – Y6 Residential to Robin Wood Activity Centre
Wednesday 9th July – Oriental Museum Y3
Tuesday 15th July at 2.45pm – Y6 Leavers’ Assembly – Y6 Parents Welcome
Friday 18th July at 10am – Y6 Leavers’ Service at St Mary’s Y6 Parents Welcome – refreshments served afterwards by St Mary’s parishioners
Friday 18th July – School closes for Summer holiday
Durham School Meals Board – School Meals price increase
With the continual challenges we are facing in terms of food inflation, the additional rise in NMW and changes to National Insurance contributions and to ensure sustainable and nutritious meal is provided to the Children, it has been necessary to agree a price increase in relation to the Primary School meal.
From 1st June 2025, Primary School Meals will be charged at £2.95 per day.
The Council and a representation of Primary School leaders undertook a full and transparent review of costs and accepted the new price on the basis that this will be fixed until 31st March 2026.
If your child or children attend an infant school or infant class from Reception to Year 2 (KS1) then school meals will continue to be free to them under the government Universal Infant Free School Meal Scheme.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours faithfully,
Durham School Meals Board
Wild Church – Summer Term 1
Sat June 14th at 4.00 pm outside St. Mary’s – is Next Wild Church
Christian Aid Cocoa Gathering with activities and a service.
Village Events
9.00 PM VE DAY Thurs 8th May Lamps of Peace as per the Kings Pagentmaster suggestions, lamps (and becons) are being lit nationwide and short prayers and a hymn will commemorate lives lost and our freedom. Gather on Shincliffe Village Green from 8.45. Hot Chocolate will be served – bring your own torch and any other preferred drinks. (Take care underfoot).
w/e May 10th/11th Various Picnics in High Shincliffe
Noon Saturday 10th May Picnic to Commemorate VE Day on Shincliffe Village Green
Bring your chairs and picnics and drinks. Entertainment at 1.00 pm
Christian Vision and Values
Our school vision is rooted in Jesus’ promise in John 10 v 10, that he has ‘come that you may have life – life in all its fullness.’ To help us understand and live out this vision we look at certain Christian values which, as a school community, we believe are important.
We are exploring the value of thankfulness and worship will be led by Mr Rumbles, Mrs Matthews, Fr. Bill, Fr. Peter and the pupils.
Some further information about this half term’s value:
This half term we are focussing on Thankfulness as our whole school Christian Value. We will be looking at why being thankful is important and discussing what the children are thankful for in their lives.
Some things to think about:
- How can we express our appreciation and thankfulness in the life of the school?
- How can we demonstrate that we see the good things of life as a blessing and a gift rather than a right?
- How can we be thankful for more than just material possessions?
If you would like to receive a copy of the Weekly Bulletin by e-mail please e-mail the school. Shincliffece@durhamlearning.net The Weekly Bulletins from previous weeks can be found in the Parents’ section of the website.
