Holywell Primary School RSS Feed

Holywell Primary School RSS Feed http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php News and events from Holwell Primary School en-gb Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:46:08 +0100 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:46:08 +0100 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss July 2010 Final Newsletter Please download the last newsletter of this year http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1279827968 Year 1 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1279827968 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:46:08 +0100 Newsletter Please download the latest newsletter http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1277978215 Newsletters http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1277978215 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:56:55 +0100 Waseley Hills Walk On Wednesday, 24th June 2010, Year 4 spent the day on the Waseley Hills.   The aim of the day was to explore their local habitat, as this is their topic in Science for the half term.     While up there, they were able to hear and see a number of different birds ranging from pigeons, magpies, blackbirds and a large buzzard.   They also got to do some sketching of the fantastic view and enjoy the open space.     They ate their picnic lunch at the Waseley Centre and had lots of fun afterwards on the adventure playground.     The weather was fantastic, the views were amazing, and everyone had a great day.     http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1277474528 Year 4 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1277474528 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:02:08 +0100 Bell Boating Regatta 2010 Holywell Year 4 Makes Waves!   June 22nd 2010. On a beautiful sunny day on Upton Warren Lake, 240 children from schools all around Worcestershire gathered together for the annual Bell Boating Regatta. All 24 teams had to row the whole length of the lake twice. Both times would be added together, with the quickest 3 teams going into the final race.     Before Holywell were due to race, the team had the opportunity  to climb the bell button pole. The first part of the climb was up a very tall ladder. Then they climbed the last 5 metres by using the small grips on the pole.     The terrifying final part of the challenge was to stand on the tiny top of the pole and wave to the people way below! Amazingly, all the Holywell pupils completed the challenge and were voted "Bravest School of the Day" by the instructors.     11:44am soon arrived and an excited Holywell crew put on their lifejackets and boarded the boat for our first race. We lined up at the start, determined to do a fast opening time. The starter shouted "Ready, steady" and as the loud horn blew, we started to paddle furiously. Suddenly, we heard a loud bang! Disaster struck! The boat next to us had made a steering mistake and crashed into us. We recovered well and finished our first run with a time of 1 minute 56 seconds. We were 11th fastest and a little disappointed, but really glad the crash had not cost us more time.     After a short break we prepared to race again, knowing that we would need to do something a little special to qualify in the top 3 and make the final. Once again we lined up and the moment the horn screeched, we pulled away. The whole crew rowed with all their might, as we pulled further and further away from the other boats. The gun sounded as we crossed the line and the excited referee raced over to tell us that we had achieved the quickest time of the morning, 1 minute 37 seconds. Mr. Harrigan was very proud of the Holywell team, who cheered on and encouraged the other teams who had finished behind us.     After a nervous wait, we finally found out that we had made it to the fastest three finishers, and that we would be in the final race of the day. Holywell proudly took their place at the start of the final race. Over 500 spectators lined the shore waiting to watch the outcome of the Grand Final. Once again, the starter blew his horn and all the teams started rowing, finding power and energy they did not realise they had. All three finalists were very even at the start, but by the halfway stage, it was just Holywell and Finstall left in it. Both teams gave their all, but as the finish line approached, Finstall just edged us to take top spot.     However, Holywell were not sad at all. We had finished second out of 24 teams and we had broken our personal best time in the final, with:   1 minute, 29 seconds !!!   Holywell received a huge cheer and much applause from the spectators, as they were presented with their certificates and shield. Mr. Harrigan and Mrs Harford could not have been more proud of our pupils and their magnificent teamwork. They certainly earned their success.     http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1277385608 Year 4 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1277385608 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:20:08 +0100 The Think Tank The Think Tank is an amazing place. It is like a museum but you can actually touch stuff! There are also five galleries to look at and an IMAX cinema where you can watch films in 3D (what a great place!)     Anyway, on April 21st when 4JD and 4JM went, they had a great time. Firstly, they went to a gallery called The Street. They looked at things like recycling, police work and builders' work. After that, they went to a gallery called The Wildlife. They looked at a crocodile's skeleton, polar bear blubber and lots of other animals and their skeletons.     The next gallery was called All About Me. They liked this one very much since they are learning about bodies in Science. They looked at things like the large intestines and the heart. Next they went to a gallery called The City. They looked at the old life of Birmingham and the old cars.     After a very short lunch, they went to the IMAX cinema and watched a great film called Sea Monsters. The final gallery was called The Past. They looked at all the old cars, trams and bikes; they even watched an exhibit which showed how to make a Jaguar car!     Overall, they had a great time and you should go too, as it is absolutely fantastic!   Written by a Year 4 pupil.     http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1276596127 Year 4 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1276596127 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:02:00 +0100 Facebook Mobile Phones Important information - please download here http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1274421753 Letters to Parents http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1274421753 Wed, 19 May 2010 16:17:00 +0100 Florence Nightingale visits Year 2 On 7th May 2010, Year 2 had a special visit from Florence Nightingale as part of their History work.     They took part in many activities including: packing parcels for the injured soldiers, dressing up as soldiers and nurses, and practising using crutches and a sword!!       Everyone really enjoyed the day.... including the staff.       http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1274104814 Year 2 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1274104814 Mon, 17 May 2010 15:00:00 +0100 Football Crazy! At the end of March 2010, children from Reception Class to Year 6 took part in a fundraising event. They had to score a penalty goal against the West Bromwich Albion mascot, Baggie Bird.     It was a fantastic fun-filled day, with lots of cheering, shouting and goal-scoring.     Lots of sponsor money has been raised for the school and the West Bromwich Albion Foundation community programme. Thank you everyone!!    http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1273238653 News & Events http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1273238653 Fri, 07 May 2010 14:24:00 +0100 Year 3 Trip to Bishops Wood Centre Year 3 travelled back in time and became Anglo-Saxons for the day at Bishops Wood. We were greeted by an Anglo-Saxon, who took us to a tree marked with runes where we had a meeting.     The decision was made to cross the North Sea in our boat and settle in Great Britain.     We all became skilled at jewellery making, weaving with willow and spinning sheep's wool.     Everyone helped to build a shelter in the woods. It was hard work but what an achievement!     Even Mrs Goddard and Miss Blundell (scary face!) wanted to sit inside.     A great day was had by all and a big thank you to year 3 children, who were so well- behaved.  http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1272463791 Year 3 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1272463791 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:09:00 +0100 Newsletter 10 Please download the Easter Newsletter: http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1270116614 Newsletters http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1270116614 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:10:14 +0100 Building Work Starts On Monday Please find information about the building work starting on Monday 29th March http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1269603063 Newsletters http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1269603063 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:31:00 +0000 Term Dates for 2010 - 2011 Please download the latest term dates for the next academic year http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1269435586 Newsletters http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1269435586 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:59:46 +0000 Busy Spring Term for Year 5 What a busy term we have had! Here are some of the highlights...   Titanic   We have been learning about the Titanic, through Literacy, History, Geography and even Art. The children have been allowed to become more independent in their learning and to research their own interests. They have really enjoyed this topic, and to conclude, performed an assembly to the school, parents, and Mrs Thompson, our year 5 Governor.       Titanic passenger George Phillips     Where The Wild Things Are   Six students from Newman College came into school for a week to work with children from Reception to Year 6. They delivered an exciting, fun-packed week of activities based around the well-loved book "Where The Wild Things Are". The activities covered all areas of the curriculum and gave the children a wonderful opportunity to develop their independent learning.   The children show-cased their work with a whole school assembly at the end of the week, when each year group was presented with a carefully thought-out activity bag made by the children.     Rainforest Animals   Year 5 have been studying the Rainforest. We have had a visit from the animal man, who brought along animals, reptiles and birds from the rainforest. We were able to learn about them and handle them. Have a look at the pictures - weren't we brave?         Sound   We have investigated the topic of Sound. We made telephones using yoghurt pots and string and tested them out around school. Science lessons are fun!       http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1268837868 Year 5 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1268837868 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:57:00 +0000 Eco Update February 2010 By selling salt dough Christmas decorations that sent energy saving messages, the Eco Committee raised a huge £114.97 - Congratulations!   We are now discussing how to spend the money. Our latest project is "Wattage Wednesday". As a school, we are aiming to raise the profile of energy saving. Wattage Wednesdays are being discussed in classes to see what changes we can make. Watch this space...   http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1268834104 News & Events http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1268834104 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:55:00 +0000 Spring Term in Foundation Stage The children have been very busy in Foundation Stage this spring. Here are a few of the activities we have been enjoying.   Library Walk - 21st January   Nursery and Reception children walked to the Library in Rubery. We listened to stories about Transport. The Librarians told us that we could all join the library with our parents. It sounded like good fun.       Chinese New Year - February 14th     Reception celebrated Chinese New Year. The children spent time during the week, learning about the story of Chinese New Year. We made animal masks, dragons and fans to take on our parade. We also enjoyed tasting Chinese food; we liked the noodles best!      This is the year of the Tiger, so we made a large Tiger and a traditional Chinese Dragon to lead our parade. We paraded all round the school to help everyone remember and celebrate the Chinese New Year.     Outdoor Growing Area   We are trying to develop our outdoor growing area. All the children helped to dig the weeds out of our existing planters. Then we asked Mr. Dodds the Caretaker to order some new topsoil for us. The lorry arrived and unloaded some huge sacks of soil. The lorry was very big and we enjoyed watcing the large crane.     Next, Mr. Dodds moved all the soil in his wheelbarrow and shovelled it into our planters. Mr. Read, who comes in regularly to tend our school garden, helped him. It was hard work and we are very pleased that they did this for us.     We are looking forward to planting our new bulbs and seeds now the weather is warming up for Springtime. Watch out for our gardening news and pictures.           http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1268829327 Reception http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1268829327 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:35:00 +0000 World Maths Day 3rd March 2010 On Wednesday 3rd March it was World Maths Day. Holywell Primary and Nursery School took part in an online Maths competition. Each year group participated in the challenge. The challenge included Mental Maths questions which lasted for sixty seconds.   They worked up through the different levels whilst playing against children from around the world. Every child took part and enjoyed playing against children on the other side of the world!   Mrs Penfold would like to thank all the children for practising at home and all the staff for their help.  http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1267803250 News & Events http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1267803250 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:34:10 +0000 Multi-Cultural Week Please download the newsletter: http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1266936382 Newsletters http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1266936382 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:46:22 +0000 Year 1 make yummy jelly! Year 1 have been making jelly this week. As part of our Literacy work on Instructions, we have been thinking through the steps to make jelly. It was great fun, and the best part was eating it!   First, wash your hands.   Ingredients and utensils ready   Put jelly cubes into the jug   Stir in the hot water   Pour carefully into dishes to set.   EAT!   http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1264607324 Year 1 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1264607324 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:48:00 +0000 Letter to Parents Snow Closure Please download the latest newsletter http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1263304686 Newsletters http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1263304686 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:58:06 +0000 Letter to parents re snow Please download the latest snow information to parents http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1263202178 Newsletters http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1263202178 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:29:38 +0000 Snow Information for Parents Download the Snow information http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1262692317 Letters to Parents http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1262692317 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:51:57 +0000 December Newsletter Please download our December / Christmas Newsletter http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1261147946 Newsletters http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1261147946 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:52:26 +0000 Holywell Choir at the NIA What an exciting term it has been for the choir, but what hard work! Way back in September, we received a CD from the Young Voices team, with an hour's worth of songs to learn. It took many hours of practice, but we did it!     On Wednesday 9th December, 36 children accompanied by Mrs Biggs, Mrs Goddard and Miss Davies sang in an amazing concert at the NIA in Birmingham. We left Holywell at 1.30pm and didn't get back until 10.30pm. It was very tiring but the most amazing experience ever.       We are all looking forward to listening to the CD and seeing ourselves on the DVD. Mrs Goddard would like to thank all the choir for their hard work and Miss Davies and Mrs Biggs for helping her with this huge venture. http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1261144008 News & Events http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1261144008 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:46:48 +0000 Living Stable Visit On Monday 7th December, Year 1 visited St. Chad's Church in Rubery to experience the Living Stable.     At the church, children were invited to join one of the wise men to follow a star to a special stable. At the stable, the children participated in a live retelling of the Christmas Story. They were invited to join in with songs, and they sang "Away In A Manger" beautifully. All of the children enjoyed the experience and wrote thank-you letters to Reverend James the following day.       http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1260881745 Year 1 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1260881745 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:55:45 +0000 House of Fun Week The last week in November 2009 has seen the children in Key Stage 2 taking part in a second House of Fun week. The curriculum-enriching activities have included music, design technology,art and dance. The theme this year has been "Wattage", as this is linked in with the aims of our Eco-committee. In year 3 music, the children were encouraged to re-write a well-known song and think of their own chorus. Year 4 children created an animal or cartoon character and slogan which would encourage people to turn off unwanted lights. In year 5, the children created their own townscapes with lights that matched their house colours. Finally in year 6, the children created their own dances to the song "Flash" by Queen.     The highlight of the week was Friday, when the House Captains stepped up to the mark to test their knowledge in University Challenge. This was followed by the judging of live performances of each house's entry in the dance and music competitions, and the awarding of prizes for the art and design entries.   All the children and staff have thoroughly enjoyed the week and are looking forward to House of Fun 3. Congratulations to Elm who are the overall winners this year.       http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1260452828 News & Events http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1260452828 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:47:08 +0000 Eco News Update November 2009   Holywell was invited to attend an ECO Conference at Waseley Hills High School. We were asked to discuss the 5 "W's": WALKING WASTE WATER WATTAGE WORLD We discussed these "W's" in school and decided that we would focus on WATTAGE as our main topic, but we would also like to investigate WORLD.     We presented our ideas at the conference by giving an ECO Newsflash! We included a Powerpoint presentation with photos of school activities and even a song! I think everyone was impressed.     Lickey Hills, Beaconside and Waseley gave their presentations too, and as a group we decided upon WATTAGE and WASTING THE WORLD as our priorities. We then got into mixed school groups to discuss how we could develop our ideas.       This conference was great for Community Cohesion. The children from all the different schools worked excellently together. We learnt a lot from each other and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Rupert Brakespear who chaired our meeting was thrilled with all our fantastic ideas. We are now awaiting the collated list of ideas to give us our next step.   Miss Troth, Mrs O'Rourke and Mrs Millett were all very proud of our Eco Committee. They represented Holywell brilliantly - a real credit to the school. Thank you!   **** NEWS FLASH ****   Holywell has been awarded a SILVER Eco Schools Award. This is due to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic Eco Committee! Thank you very much from Miss Troth.     Eco Schools Slideshow     http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1259337670 News & Events http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1259337670 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:01:10 +0000 Year 5 Geography topic - Rivers Year 5 are studying rivers as a Geography topic. Mrs Cooper organised a trip to Callowbrook to help us investigate our topic. It was great to get out and about and we learnt a lot too!           http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1258560187 Year 5 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1258560187 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:03:07 +0000 Professor McGinty visits Year 5 We were so happy to see the return of Professor McGinty, he did not disappoint, and we had a fabulous morning of fun, learning all about the Ancient Egyptians. Some of us even got to dress up! Take a look at our photos.               http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1258559805 Year 5 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1258559805 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:56:45 +0000 100 miles for Mencap in the Himalayas Mrs Penfold, Year 6 class Teacher, took part in a 100 mile race in the Himalayas over October half-term, to raise money for Mencap. The race lasted five days and she had to run up mountains, up to 12,000 feet! Thankfully, she completed the challenge and was ready for the Year 6 residential trip to Red Ridge in Wales with her class when she returned!     The staff and children at Holywell helped Mrs Penfold to raise money by taking part in a sponsorship activity called Millions of Miles for Mencap. They had to cover as many miles as they could in one week. This involved skipping, walking and running around the school field with Mr. Harrigan at lunchtime.     Mrs Penfold would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who took part in this challenge, as the children raised a massive £1,000. The money will help children and adults who experience severe learning difficulties in everyday life, helping them to gain independence in their daily activities.       http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1258559322 News & Events http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1258559322 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:48:42 +0000 Professor McGinty visits Year 4 On Wednesday 4th November, Professor McGinty came in to year 4 to teach us about the Romans. He was extremely funny and the children loved everything about his visit. Some of the children were able to dress up as Roman Gladiators, Roman women and Roman men. Everyone was able to handle artefacts from Roman times. His visit was well worth waiting for!                 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1258558526 Year 4 http://holywellprimary.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1258558526 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:35:26 +0000