With the Tokyo Olympics just around the corner, Cardinal Newman School is getting in training with participation in the Get Set “Travel to Tokyo” scheme. This helps us log children’s activity levels as a whole class and is a fun way of encouraging the whole family to stay healthy and active. Why not take a look and log your activity online here.
This week has been a particularly active one in school, with the whole of Key Stage 2 taking part in intra-school multi-skills competitions on Tuesday (KS1 and Reception had their turn at this a couple of weeks back). The Y5/6 Football team have played two matches this week and Year 6 children have also been completing their Bikeability training, enabling them to begin to ride on the local roads safely. Of course, the regular Newman Mile is still going on in addition to our PE lessons and Year 3 are also making great progress with their swimming skills! What a healthy and active bunch!
In the hype of “Black Friday” deals and Christmas bargain hunting, please do remember our Christmas Fair next Saturday – there are sure to be lots of bargains on offer and all the proceeds will go directly to support the school! Please note too the Parent Association’s new initiative – Carols by Candlelight around the Christmas Tree after school two weeks today. They have put a great deal of hard work into preparing for these events and I am sure they will reflect our wonderful community spirit. Do come along!
In all the hubbub of Christmas preparations in an ever more secular society, it can be hard to maintain space for Advent and that time of joyful waiting. There is a short two minute clip about the meaning of Advent here. In school, there are two opportunities on a Friday morning for some quiet Advent reflection time led by Fr Bill – all families are welcome and I would encourage you to come along if you can. Year 5 have had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in school today in preparation for Christmas. There is an opportunity for St Erconwald's parishioners to attend Confession on Thursday 12 December 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
In collective worship this morning, I talked to the children about trying to use Advent Calendars a bit differently this year. The children are coming home with a blank Advent Calendar – the idea is that they do something loving or kind each day and fill in the calendar. I have encouraged the children to bring the completed (to 20 December!) Advent Calendars into school on the last day, so that we can present them to the baby Jesus in the crib as we have our final liturgy. The Advent Calendar blank is here and the thoughts about alternative Advent calendars are here.
Finally, some exciting news to finish the week. Mrs Rosie Langmore (Y4 Opal teacher) has had her baby: a little girl named Matilda Elizabeth. We are delighted for her and wish the Langmore family all the best with their new arrival!
All best wishes for the weekend
Catherine Burnham
