Newsletter Issue 10
Ferncumbe Friday
Friday 9th February 2024
children’s mental health week
School has been a hive of activity this week as we have focussed on improving our mental health. Our theme has been about expressing our individuality and being thankful for our differences. Each class has reflected on what makes us happy and we have celebrated our wonderful school community by coming together to dance and sing.
Mrs Reid
wroxall class
In Wroxall Class, we reflected upon the basic human needs that we have and then went on to explore those things that make us feel valued and seen. After exploring so many ideas, we then considered how we could help others to feel like they matter. Ideas ranged from giving the gift of time and support (like helping with jobs at home!), to a cuddle, a reassuring smile and a friendly greeting each day. Each pupil wrote a letter of gratitude to another class member and we made a window display of our ideas. Great reflections Wroxall!
hatton class
In Hatton Class this week we have been talking about our Mental Health. We have been thinking about the things we can do to have good mental health and how we can help our friends to be mentally healthy too. We had an awards ceremony where each of us received a certificate for something we had achieved and could be proud of. We all went to Forest School together to enjoy the fresh air and toasted marshmallows. What better way to improve our Mental Health than time in the great outdoors with a delicious treat! We have also been learning about staying safe online. We looked at how technology has changed and thought about all of the different ways we use technology every day.
Mrs Stephenson
Shrewley Class
This week, we have been thinking about mental health and E-safety. We have been exploring the theme ‘my voice matters’ and we thought about the many things that we are proud of. Some of these were academic or sporting achievements but we also discussed things we are proud of such as our friendships and treatment of others. We also thought about how our mental health can be affected by spending tine online and how the internet can be both a positive and a negative influence on us. We discussed what we can do to stay safe online and what we should do if we see or read anything that makes us feel uncomfortable.
Miss Reid
Safer internet day
The 2024 edition of Safer Internet Day took place on Tuesday, 6 February 2024. This special celebration, which takes place in February of each year, aims to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all, and especially for children and young people.
This year the campaign will be focusing on change online, this includes covering:
• Young people’s perspective on new and emerging technology
• Using the internet to make change for the better
• The changes young people want to see online
• The things that can influence and change the way young people think, feel and act online and offline
Throughout this week, the children have been exploring the theme of safe internet use and the changes we experience in technology in their classes. Have a look at some of the fantastic learning below…
Miss Forbes
how are we persuaded?
For e-safety week, in Wroxall Class, we talked about the different things we see online and how they are designed to persuade us to stay on line for longer, to click on things and to buy things! The class were really clued up and knew the rule - if in doubt, STOP and tell an adult. We completed a task which matched the pop ups, with its meaning and how it persuades us!
Mrs Grier
Rowington Class
In Year 3, we explored technology through time to look at the changes. From the rotary phone, to a sturdy Nokia, to the modern smart phone, and from record players, to CD players to iPods and wireless headphones, there have been so many developments in technology over the years. We had a think of the changes that have already happened and thought about where technology might go next. Year 3 had a go at inventing their own developed technology and had a think about what it might look like in 20 years time. We came up with 4D gaming experiences like games that suck you into that world, smart phones that allow you to play your Playstation, XBox and Nintendo Switch games on the go and unbreakable phones. What amazing ideas!
Miss Forbes
Haseley class
We have been so busy in Haseley class with E-Safety Week and Children’s Mental Health Week.
Year O1 explored the story ‘Digiduck's Big Decision on Safer Internet Day’. We wrote some advice for Digi Duck to help him make safe choices when he is online. We had lots of discussions in the classroom about what we should do and who we can speak to if we see something online that worries us.
In Year 1, we know that we all have the right to have an opinion and have our voices heard. We learnt how to say "my favourite" in Makaton and used this to share our likes and dislikes. Miss Constable then asked us to draw the things we liked and disliked. Great job!
Miss Constable
key stage 2 cross country
What a fantastic afternoon we had at the cross country event on Wednesday 31st January! Eight children from Years 3-6 took part in the event, each running an amazing distance. Every child showed such great resilience, stamina and determination not only to cross the finish line but to do their very best to represent the school! It was cold and windy but the children ran so well and the rest of the group supported each other so wonderfully. A parent helper on the day reiterated this by saying how supportive the children were of each other, grouping together, cheering and congratulating each other at the of the race no matter what the result. To top the event off, we also had two winners in their category! A huge well done to you all and thank you for such great parental support.
Mrs Eaves
year 5 netball competition
On Monday 5th February, a group of Year 5 children represented the school in a Netball competition at Warwick prep astro. They took part in skill based activities and then a tournament along with 25 other schools from the area. The children enjoyed learning new skills and playing with children from other schools. They rotated around different positions when playing matches in the tournament, so that each child had a chance to play both attack and defensive positions. They supported each through every match, where we saw some amazing interceptions of the ball, fantastic passes and fabulous goals. The children made it through to the semi-final, finally coming 4th in the tournament overall. What an amazing achievement again from The Ferncumbe! Well done!
Mrs Eaves
Year 3 Gymnastics competition
On Wednesday, a group of 10 Year 3 gymnasts went to Leamington and Warwick Gymnastics Club to compete. The children worked so hard to learn their different routines and some of them learned so many new skills! The Ferncumbe team came 5th and we are so proud of their achievements, as well as their determination and perseverance.
Mrs Taylor
science week logo competition winner!
After much deliberating in the staff room (with all entry names hidden!) a design was chosen for Science Week and the winner is Tilly Phillips! Well done Tilly - a great design featuring the Ferncumbe wren tucked into a conical flask!
update from the friends of ferncumbe
Friends of Ferncumbe 100 Club
Congratulations to our January winners! Helen Bick won the first prize of £50 and Daryl Lilley was our runner up, winning £25.
If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning this month you can purchase a number here.
Quiz Night
Thanks to everyone who came to the annual parents' quiz, sponsored this year by Hatton Heating. The teams battled it out over 8 very close rounds, but finally the Teachers' team managed to retain their title, well done!
As always it was fun night with some great banter, tricky rounds and an impressive raffle.
We raised over £700 to continue to contribute toward enrichment activites for our children.
Amazon Gift List
The staff would like to extend their thanks to all those that purchased a gift for the school from the Amazon wish list. The wish list remains open for all those who may wish to purchase a birthday book for their child's class.
Easter Bingo - Save the Date!
Our much loved Easter Bingo event is back on Friday 15th March. Ticket info coming soon!
shrove tuesday pancake party
Please see details below… I have heard a rumour that Mrs Reid and Rufus, our therapy dog, will be in attendance!
calling all of ferncumbe’s amazing singers!
There are some wonderful singing opportunities available for children in Warwickshire. Please see details in the flyers below.
Half Term at Market Hall Museum, Warwick
We are leaping back to Tudor times at Market Hall Museum, dress up, make Tudor crafts, learn how to juggle and party like it’s 1559!
Arty Tots in the Museum – Dress like a Tudor King and Queen
Tuesday 13th February, 10am - 1pm
Let's go back in time to the days of old and dress like Tudor royalty. Create a design for your shield, a crown that will shine and jewellery that will sparkle. Suitable for under 5’s. £3 per child. No need to book just drop in.
Party like it’s 1559!
Wednesday 14th February, 10am – 2.30pm
Find out how Tudor Lords and Ladies celebrated with huge feasts and the entertainment they had. Learn the rules of some Tudor games, make decorations for elaborate pies and try on replica Tudor clothes. Join us for a beginner’s juggling workshop to see if you could entertain the Tudor Lords and Ladies.
£5 per child, includes a 30 minute juggling workshop, pre booking required at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/heritageboxoffice £3 per child, to drop in (does not included juggling workshop) Juggle workshops at 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.45pm and 1.30pm
molly olly’s wishes fundraising
Mrs Foss’ husband Rob is running the Manchester marathon fundraising for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a local charity which supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to help with their emotional wellbeing. Please do follow the link for further details of how you can sponsor him… https://www.justgiving.com/page/robert-f-1706287564320
Thank you in advance for your support.
With very best wishes for a lovely half-term,
Tracey Webb, Head of School