Latest News

• Fair Trade Fortnight

  Tue 26 Feb 2019 Mr Pardoe
  Today is the start of Fair Trade Fortnight!
  
  We had an exciting assembly presented by the Global Neighbours and Miss Tait. The focus this year is coco and the role of women in the production of chocolate. As part of Fair Trade fortnight, there are going to be some different activities for children to have a go at and even some prizes up for grabs!
  
  The Global Neighbours will be holding a Fair Trade Tuck Shop on Wednesday after school in the lower hall for anyone who wants to buy any Fair Trade products. All shoppers will automatically be entered into a raffle with a huge Fair Trade hamper as a prize which was kindly donated by The Co-op in Norton.
  
  Well done to the Global Neighbours for all of their enthusiasm and hard work - we are really lucky to have such an active and inspiring group as part of our school.
  
  We look forward to an exciting (and chocolate fuelled) fortnight!
  
  Thanks for all of your support

  

• SHOW THE LOVE! A Green Half-Term Challenge

  Wed 13 Feb 2019 Mrs Jo Seker

  Children of OCEPS, I am challenging you to "Show the Love" this half term and take action against climate change. Think about all the things you love that could potentially be affected by the rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. It's not just plants and animals, think about the food you love: cheese, pizzas, burgers...they could be affected! Think about sports you love: cricket, football, rugby...they could be affected too! Think about holidays you love: the seaside, ski-ing, camping...guess what? Yes, they could be affected!

   

  It's no good just being angry- that won't help to change anything. You need to do something about it. So, this half term, decorate a green heart and take a photo of it next to something you love which could be affected by climate change. Upload it to your class dojo page via the portfolio. Then, think about a campaign that we as a school can get involved in; a way we can get companies or politicians to make the kind of changes we need to see to help save our world.

   

  We are all connected to every plant, animal and person in the world. God gave us the responsibility as stewards of the earth to take care of the planet and the people on it. It reflects our values, the story of Creation and our responsibilities as global neighbours.

   

  Below are links to the Climate Coalition website and 'Show The Love' campaign. There's a raft of resources, activities and challenges you can get involved in.

   

  There are also links to a video about climate change and a clip of "Wonderful Worlds from David Attenborough's BBC show, to remind us of the beauty in and diversity of the world we are trying to save.

   

  I can't wait to see your photographs and hear about your campaign ideas.

   

  https://www.theclimatecoalition.org/whats-affected

  https://www.theclimatecoalition.org/show-the-love/

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ZvZQT81OY

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8unGCTWUWI

   

  

• Happy 1st Birthday Buddy!

  Tue 12 Feb 2019 Mrs Jo Seker
  Happy 1st Birthday Buddy!
  Buddy has had a wonderful day, with banners, cards, presents and the whole school singing ‘happy birthday’ to him in assembly! 

  

• Maths Quiz Success!

  Tue 05 Feb 2019 Mr Pardoe
  This afternoon our Year 3 and 4 children were very busy competing in the Maths Quiz at Bell Vue Primary School. They had to work very hard throughout lots of different rounds which were designed to test their maths skills and ability to work together as a team. All the children did a super job and came second overall which means they are now through to the final in June. A very big well done to them all!

  

• Safer Internet Day 2019

  Tue 05 Feb 2019 Mr Pardoe

  Today is Safer Internet Day!
  
  The Junior Leadership Team have been to the Dudley Council Chambers and took part in a debate against children from Peter’s Hill Primary School. We discussed the motion: ‘Spending too much time online affects the way you feel.’ We agreed with the motion and gave lots of reasons to support our opinions. The children did a fantastic job and really thought carefully about the reasoning behind their ideas. It was a great experience for the children and a brilliant way for us to consider how much time we spend online. Perhaps at home, you would like to discuss as a family how much time you all spend online and whether or not you need to cut down!
  
  Below is a link to the Safer Internet Day website - there is lots of information and guidance for parents and children as well as videos and a quiz for you to have a go at, so please take a look if you get chance.
  
  https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2019

   

  

• Candlemas Service

  Mon 04 Feb 2019 Mrs Jo Seker
  Our Candlemas service at St. Mary's this morning was really special! A huge thanks to all the team at the church for all the preparations and for such a warm welcome. It's the first time we've visited St. Mary's as a whole school and the first time we've celebrated Candlemas in this way.
  
  The service was led by Rev. French. The 'Open The Book' team acted out the story of Jesus' first visit to the temple (along with some actors from Year 5.) Our worship candles and class candles were blessed with prayers and incense. The singing was uplifting, in particular "Shine, Jesus Shine." All in all, it was a very spiritual experience for our school community.
  
  The whole service made clear and relevant links to the Holy Trinity and the way in which we open our collective worship: "We light the candle to remind us that Jesus is the light."
  
  This is the prayer that was written and read by children from The Worship Group~
  
  God of Glory, thank you for light,
  For light that shines in the darkest of days;
  For the sun's warm rays that give us hope;
  For the light of Jesus that guides our journeys.
  
  God of Glory, thank you for light,
  Give us wisdom to use words wisely;
  Pour your blessings on the people in and around our school;
  And help us to be shining lights of helpfulness, wisdom and care.
  
  God of Glory, thank you for light.
  Amen.