Good afternoon everyone,
This week in class we have been exploring Psalms with a focus on Psalm 139. We learned how Psalms are songs of praise to God and have been thinking about what Psalm 139 tells us. We learned that it reminds us that we are created by God, loved by God and are never alone because God is always with us wherever we go.
English - This week we have continued A River. We have explored the use of co-ordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) to create more interesting compound sentences about the text. We have also been exploring, describing and using some interesting vocabulary from the text.
Maths - In Maths we have done lots of work on number lines. This has included finding tens, finding tens and ones and estimating numbers on number lines with missing intervals. We have also begun to compare numbers, using the vocabulary of greater, fewer and equal to.
Science - In Science we looked at the life cycle of a butterfly and wrote an explanation of this.
RE - We heard and explored Psalm 139. We discussed and wrote about its meaning and talked about why we liked it.
Geography - We researched one of the 7 continents and wrote facts about their largest features (mountains, rivers, lakes, landmarks, etc) for display in the corridor.
Computing - We explored inputs and outputs and designed a robot to do jobs using both input and outputs.
PE - In our outdoor PE we practised passing and moving with speed. In indoor PE, we continued our dance unit.
On Friday, we celebrated European Day of Languages. In Year 2, we explored the French language. We learned about France and its famous places; learned about French culture and learned some French phrases: such as numbers to 10, hello and goodbye, thank you and please. We even tasted some croissant and baguette!
Regular Tasks
Please continue to practise counting in 2s, 3s, 5s and 10s and reading the Year 1 and Year 2 common exception words every week. This is so important for our learning!
Times Table Rockstars - You should have all received a login and password for Times Table Rockstars to use at home. Please play this as regularly as possible to improve and develop multiplication speed.
Other Tasks
Spelling Test
The /or/ sound spelt with ‘a’ before ‘l’ or ‘ll’.
There is also handwriting practise for these words.
There are two groups doing slightly different spellings.
Maths
Counting in 2s, 5s and 10s work.
RE
Baptism record sheet.
You do not need to return completed homework to school. It is set so you can see what your child is learning about during the week. However, I am happy to look at any completed work if you want it be checked.
We are all taking our reading quiz and this has given us a book level (known as ZPD). This allows us to give the children reading books which are at the best level for them in regards to both word reading but also their ability to remember and explain what they have read. We will do these reading quizzes at the beginning and end of every half term.
Please read as often as possible at home. It is the most important piece of work you can do with your child to support their learning.
Please ensure that you sign your child’s reading records as they can have a sticker on their book mark for each day that they read to an adult at home. Once the book mark is full the children will receive a certificate. Also Mrs Bowdell will give out a Golden Ticket every third time your child’s record is signed. These will be added to a draw done at the end of the half term with the chance to find a book themed prize. The more tickets you have in the draw, the more chance you have of winning a prize!!
Golden Award -
Writing Award -
Maths Award -
Please Remember….
Water bottles - This will come home each night to be cleaned and re-filled. Please ensure your child brings their’s each day especially now it is hotter as we do not have any spares in class.
Earrings - please ensure these are only small gold/silver studs as stated in the uniform policy. Please also make sure earrings are removed at home before PE on Tuesday and Friday. Children wearing them will not be able to take part in PE.
Jewelery - Please do not send your child into school in any jewelery, such as necklaces, bracelets or rings. These can cause upset if they become lost but can also be dangerous on the playground.
Nail Varnish - please ensure any nail varnish is removed for the pupils come into class. It should not be worn at school.
Key Rings - please do not put key rings onto your child’s school bag, it create fuss in class and then upset if they are lost.
School bag - please continue to use the red book bag that your child was given in Reception where possible, we do not have the room to store large bags. Many thanks for your help with this matter.
MONDAY 29.9.25 - Introduction to Phonics parents session. Miss Heim-Sarac and Mrs Hollinghurst will be delivering a session to all Reception/Year 1 to discuss our phonics scheme, how we teach reading at Our Lady’s annd how you can support your child at home. Please join us if you can. 2pm in the school hall.
This will be useful for parents of those children who did not reach the threshold in their phonics screening check last year.
WEDNESDAY 15.10.25 - Year 2 class liturgy in the hall 9.05am. We would like to invite you to a short liturgy (10 mins) lead by the children. Pease support our daily act of worship by joining us, if you can.
FRIDAY 24.10.25 - school closes for half term. Children return Tuesday 4.11.25
Please take a look at what the PTFA have planned this term….
Autumn disco: 10th October for both key stages (4.30-5.30 KS1, 6-7 KS2) There will be a payment option on parent pay for tickets (£2.50 inc a drink and snack)
Family bingo night: 14th November
Christmas movie nights: KS1 - 28th November, KS2 - 5th December
Christmas Fair: 12th December (after school)
On Wednesday this week we were very lucky to be visited by Mr Bloom who many of you may remember from Cbeebies. He taught us all about healthy eating and the importance of milk.
Judging by the volume, the children all had a wonderful time!
At Our Lady's we like to support our parents/carers in Online Safety matters.
Keeping children and young people safe online is one of the biggest challenges facing society today and it is all of our responsibility to ensure that children are educated to make positive, informed choices when they are online.
This month’s online safety guide gives helpful advice about…
What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Snapchat This updated online safety guide examines Snapchat’s latest features, including AI tools, Snap Map, and subscription content, and the potential risks they pose to young users, from screen addiction to sextortion.
We hope you find these guides informative and helpful in promoting the positive use of technology to make the online world a better and safer place for us all. Thank you.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mr Whetnall, Mrs Bowdell and Mrs Gilheaney
