May 11, 2008

Moving In The Wind!

This year’s technology challenge was to design and make something that would harness the power of the wind. What a spectacular array and assortment of machines, devices and turbines there were! Well done to everyone who entered, the standard was extremely high. Congratulations to the winners Olivia, Charlotte, Luke and Ellen.
Take a look at some in action!
Download file

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Categories: Events

April 29, 2008

Newsletter Issue 58

By now all parents and carers will have had, and taken the opportunity to discuss children’s progress for the second time this academic year.

Doubtless you’ll have applied a simple test of progress, and one we encourage all children to use—”look back at your work in September and look at it now”.

In many cases, and this is often most obvious with our youngest children, this can and does show an astonishing rate of progress in writing and maths.

Expert teaching at school, combined with that essential support from home and of course the enthusiasm of our children enable almost all our children to achieve our aim of ‘learning to read’ in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One, enabling them to ‘read to learn’ and develop advanced skills in Key Stage Two.

We were delighted at the response from parents of younger children to our Phonics for Families workshops run by Mrs Armstrong and Mrs Balkwill. Similar workshops are sure to take place in the Autumn Term.

As you are aware we make every effort to enrich and enhance our curricular and extra curricular provision and always celebrate success and progress in the arts, sports and social aspects of school life. We never lose sight of one of our core purposes—ensuring our children are literate and numerate. The ‘nuts and bolts’ of primary education.

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Categories: Main School

Nursery Newsletter Issue 39

By now all parents and carers will have had, and taken the opportunity to discuss children’s progress for the second time this academic year.

Doubtless you’ll have applied a simple test of progress, and one we encourage all children to use—”look back at your work in September and look at it now”.

In many cases, and this is often most obvious with our youngest children, this can and does show an astonishing rate of progress in writing and maths.

Expert teaching at school, combined with that essential support from home and of course the enthusiasm of our children enable almost all our children to achieve our aim of ‘learning to read’ in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One, enabling them to ‘read to learn’ and develop advanced skills in Key Stage Two.

We were delighted at the response from parents of younger children to our Phonics for Families workshops run by Mrs Armstrong and Mrs Balkwill. Similar workshops are sure to take place in the Autumn Term.

As you are aware we make every effort to enrich and enhance our curricular and extra curricular provision and always celebrate success and progress in the arts, sports and social aspects of school life. We never lose sight of one of our core purposes—ensuring our children are literate and numerate. The ‘nuts and bolts’ of primary education.

Download Newsletter (Adbobe 190KB)

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Categories: Nursery

March 28, 2008

Nursery Newsletter Edition 38

It’s all go! In the two weeks since half term so much has happened to enhance life at Fellside.

Year Six have had their residential outdoor activity visit to Robin Wood Centre near Alston. Wild country and some pretty wild weather but hugely rewarding with our children attracting many positive comments for their immaculate behaviour, enthusiasm and positive attitude.

Many of our Karate Club members are now proudly wearing new coloured belts. Our swimmers competed at Felling Pool last week. Year Five children have now had two days working with a professional film crew on a film project to be screened later this year at the newly refurbished Tyneside Cinema.

… And what about last Thursday? World Book Day with Friends of Fellside Discos after school. Newcastle Utd’s well practised goalkeeper, Steve Harper was here in the afternoon promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles. A real bonus arose after a phone call from London on Thursday morning. A BBC Match of the Day TV crew travelled north to film the whole event for a slot on this weekend’s Match of the Day*. While all this was happening at Fellside I was heading south (staff say escaping!) to London to 10 Downing Street at the invitation of the Prime Minister. So all in all an exciting day for everyone.

What I’m well aware of is that all these events which excite, enhance and enrich school life require the extra effort of teachers, support and admin staff and others, often volunteers.

Sincere thanks to all.

* Sunday morning Match of the Day

Download Nursery Newsletter (Acrobat 243KB)

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Categories: Nursery

Newsletter Issue 57

It’s all go! In the two weeks since half term so much has happened to enhance life at Fellside.

Year Six have had their residential outdoor activity visit to Robin Wood Centre near Alston. Wild country and some pretty wild weather but hugely rewarding with our children attracting many positive comments for their immaculate behaviour, enthusiasm and positive attitude.

Many of our Karate Club members are now proudly wearing new coloured belts. Our swimmers competed at Felling Pool last week. Year Five children have now had two days working with a professional film crew on a film project to be screened later this year at the newly refurbished Tyneside Cinema.

… And what about last Thursday? World Book Day with Friends of Fellside Discos after school. Newcastle Utd’s well practised goalkeeper, Steve Harper was here in the afternoon promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles. A real bonus arose after a phone call from London on Thursday morning. A BBC Match of the Day TV crew travelled north to film the whole event for a slot on this weekend’s Match of the Day*. While all this was happening at Fellside I was heading south (staff say escaping!) to London to 10 Downing Street at the invitation of the Prime Minister. So all in all an exciting day for everyone.

What I’m well aware of is that all these events which excite, enhance and enrich school life require the extra effort of teachers, support and admin staff and others, often volunteers.

Sincere thanks to all.

* Sunday morning Match of the Day

Download Newsletter Issue 57 (Acrobat 182KB)

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Categories: Main School

March 27, 2008

ICT Club: The Power of Powerpoint

The ICT Club have been using Microsoft Powerpoint for all sorts of fun activities including creating interactive quizzes, writing their very own adventure games and diaries of school trips. Click below to have a look at some of their work for yourself!

Continue reading "ICT Club: The Power of Powerpoint"

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Categories: Out of School Clubs , Year 5 , Year 6

March 12, 2008

Steve Harper Visits Fellside!

On Thursday 6th March, Steve Harper, Newcastle United’s goal keeper, visited school; he came to promote healthy lifestyles and diets. He enjoyed a healthy school lunch and also had time to give some tips to a couple of our budding goal keepers! Many thanks to Steve who was great with all of the children, especially Year Six when they needed to be put at ease in front of the Match of The Day cameras!

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Categories: Year 6

February 28, 2008

Robinwood Adventure

The Year Six residential visit took place this week and what a time we had! We visited the Robinwood Centre in Alston and spent three days crawling through mud, working as teams, solving problems and much, much more! A fantastic time was had by all. We were extremely proud of every single member of the class, behaviour, attitudes, support for each other were second to none. A huge thanks must go to the staff of the centre and the group leaders in particular who took care of us all so incredibly well.

How many layers?

Who is leading the way?

Make sure it's tight!!

Wellies, the essential item of clothing.

Is that mud on those faces?

Continue reading "Robinwood Adventure"

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Categories: Year 6

February 26, 2008

Year One Newsroom

Our role play area this half term has been transformed into the 'Newsround' newsroom with a writing table set up for budding reporters and another set up for our news team presenters.
With a model clapper board and televsion camera, we have been playing at filming and presenting the news.

In place of 'Show and Tell' this half term we will be asking children to read their news items (which have been prepared at home) in the style of a news reader. We aim to write some recounts of events in our English lessons that will be presented from the 'Newsdesk'.

We have been discussing how we might 'get into role' and we think that watching 'Newsround' on CBBC might be useful. There is also a handy BBC Newsround website where we can read news articles written by other children which may give us ideas for our own news items.

Could we have the next Trevor MacDonald and Katie Durham in our class?

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Categories: Year 1

Reception class celebrate Chinese New Year

Reception class had a fantastic time on Thursday 7th February celebrating Chinese New Year.
We tried different creative activities and worked with many parents during the day.

Continue reading "Reception class celebrate Chinese New Year"

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Categories: Reception

Our favourite animals

We have been thinking about animals in nursery.
Outdoors, children have been collecting twigs and sticks to make a jungle for the animals in the sand.

Continue reading "Our favourite animals"

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Categories: Nursery

Year Two Wedding 2008

On Tuesday 29th January Year Two held their wedding at St Mary's Church, Whickham. Father Barry performed the ceremony in front of a congregation of family members. Everyone had a wonderful time!

Click below to download an extract of the wedding movie! Please note that this is a large file and my take a few minutes to download. You will also need to have QuickTime Player installed on your machine to view this movie file. The best way to download this file is to click the link below with the right hand mouse button and select 'Save Target As...' from the menu that appears. Then select Save to save the file on your computer and select Open once the download is complete.

Download Movie file (mp4 format)

Here are a few snapshots of our special day!

Don't the wedding guests look fantastic in their best clothes!

Listening intently to Father Barry's words!

The serious part - the vows!

Signing the Register.

The Wedding Party!

The photographer was busy all morning!

The guests blew bubbles over the 'Happy Couple'!

We all enjoyed eating the delicious wedding cake back at school!

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Categories: Year 2

Ancient Egyptians

.

Continue reading "Ancient Egyptians"

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Categories: Year 3

Investigating Materials

Year One have a go at weaving

Year 1 have been working hard producing a series of weavings which have been displayed together to create an impressive 'Art Installation' in the Key Stage One corridor.
We started our unit of work by sorting fabrics according to their textures and moved quickly on to sorting in terms of colour. We chose a range of blue and green fabrics for our weavings and brought in boxes from home to make box looms. We learned to weave using strips of fabric to create the 'weft' and learned to work our strips of cloth going under and over the 'warp' threads. The tricky thing was to remember to start differently with each strip that was added.
What fun we had! Our classroom seemed full of green and blue strips of cloth!
We would like to thank our parent helper, Mrs. Barras, who came to assist us.

Continue reading "Investigating Materials"

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Categories: Year 1

Bringing the past to Life

Remember the Newsreels which were once such a major part of a trip to the cinema? Year 5 have been recreating these mini-films as part of the new Film Narrative topic for Literacy. Our pupils have learnt all about the film-making process including: writing a Production Sheet; planning different camera angles and assigning roles within Newsreel teams. We also researched and watched numerous Newsreels from the 1930s through to the late 1970s.

Continue reading "Bringing the past to Life"

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Categories: News , Year 5

February 8, 2008

'Flyers 2008!'

Over the last couple of weeks, Year 6 has been learning about forces in science. We have also been learning how to devise and carry out our own science investigations. We used ‘Flyers’ to help us with this, we developed questions to investigate, devised a method and ensured the test was fair. We learned a lot and had fun too!!!
Making the protoypes.

Testing them out.

Testing and re-testing!

Changing the launch height!

Watch them in action!
Download file

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Categories: Year 6

Buddy Shelters

During the autumn term, Year 6 designed and constructed buddy shelters as part of their design technology work. Some of the best designs were then selected to be constructed from living willow. This week has seen the installation of these in both the school playgrounds. The children had the opportunity to work with the gardeners and weave with the willow, a huge thanks to all of the gardeners whose help and expertise was invaluable!

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Categories: Year 6

January 28, 2008

Fellside Nursery Matters Issue 37

On behalf of everyone at school, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a belated Happy New Year. The start of a new calendar year it may be but we are close to half way through the academic year and in the term where we often see the most rapid progress by children.

I note from last January’s Fellside Matters that I gave an indication of some plans and expectations for 2007—the introduction of a childcare facility, the new Primary Strategy and increasing awareness of sustainable energy, ideally through the installation of wind and solar energy. Well … Fellside Funclub has been in operation since September as has the Primary Strategy (revised guidance for teaching of Maths and English). The installation of wind and solar power has not been as straightforward as we’d hoped for. We submitted plans in October for a wind turbine close to Burnthouse Lane, the ideal location for wind. The proximity to a road and the likelihood of bats (a protected species) in the neighbourhood has necessitated further work to move these plans forward. Similarly a structural survey of our roof is needed to determine suitability for solar energy.

Any structural engineers or bat expert parents please get in touch!

Sustainable energy plans roll forward into 2008 alongside the introduction of foreign language teaching from September. The installation of interactive whiteboards in all classrooms is planned as are further improvements to outdoor learning and play facilities. Lots to anticipate.

Download Newsletter (Adobe 134KB)

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Categories: Nursery

Fellside Matters - Issue 56

On behalf of everyone at school, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a belated Happy New Year. The start of a new calendar year it may be but we are close to half way through the academic year and in the term where we often see the most rapid progress by children.

I note from last January’s Fellside Matters that I gave an indication of some plans and expectations for 2007—the introduction of a childcare facility, the new Primary Strategy and increasing awareness of sustainable energy, ideally through the installation of wind and solar energy. Well … Fellside Funclub has been in operation since September as has the Primary Strategy (revised guidance for teaching of Maths and English). The installation of wind and solar power has not been as straightforward as we’d hoped for. We submitted plans in October for a wind turbine close to Burnthouse Lane, the ideal location for wind. The proximity to a road and the likelihood of bats (a protected species) in the neighbourhood has necessitated further work to move these plans forward. Similarly a structural survey of our roof is needed to determine suitability for solar energy.

Any structural engineers or bat expert parents please get in touch!

Sustainable energy plans roll forward into 2008 alongside the introduction of foreign language teaching from September. The installation of interactive whiteboards in all classrooms is planned as are further improvements to outdoor learning and play facilities. Lots to anticipate.

Download Newsletter (Adobe 163KB)

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Categories: Main School

January 18, 2008

The Bulb Man - Summer Flowering bulbs

A reminder that the closing date for orders of summer bulbs/perennials from the catalogues distributed last week is 31/1/08.

For every £11.75 spent the school gets £3.33 and all the money raised will go towards funding a fabulous theatre experience for the children in March, M&M's recent pantomime was their best performance yet, enjoyed by children and staff alike, and we look forward to their production of 'A Little Princess'.

Thanks for your support and if anyone requires additional order forms we have some in school.

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Categories: Fundraising

December 21, 2007

Fellside Nursery Matters - Edition 36

With the temperature in recent days hovering around zero, it’s difficult to believe that this term started with some of the best weather of an indifferent summer.
Sixteen weeks since the start of term. Lots of hard work from children and staff and an Ofsted Inspection to keep us on our toes. No surprise in this last week there are some flagging faces among staff and children.
It’s time for everyone to take a well earned break and spend some precious time with families and friends. On behalf of all at school I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

We start back for the new term on Monday 7th January 2008.

… and coming in the New Year.

Download Nursery Newsletter (Adobe Acrobat 197KB)

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Categories: Nursery

Fellside Matters - Issue 55

With the temperature in recent days hovering around zero, it’s difficult to believe that this term started with some of the best weather of an indifferent summer.
Sixteen weeks since the start of term. Lots of hard work from children and staff and an Ofsted Inspection to keep us on our toes. No surprise in this last week there are some flagging faces among staff and children.
It’s time for everyone to take a well earned break and spend some precious time with families and friends. On behalf of all at school I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

We start back for the new term on Monday 7th January 2008.

… and coming in the New Year.

Download Newsletter (Adobe Acrobat 253KB)

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Categories: Main School

December 17, 2007

PowerPoint Perfection

Our history topic this term has been World War Two and Britain since 1948. We linked this with ICT and produced these PowerPoints based on aspects of the Second World War. We learned a lot and hope you do to!
Adele Download file
Chris A Download file
Callie Download file
Jessica Download file
Katie Download file
Laura Download file
Bethany Download file
Liam Download file
Sianna Download file
Claire Download file
Sarah Download file
Nathan Download file

Continue reading "PowerPoint Perfection"

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Categories: Year 6

December 2, 2007

Poetry Perfection

Over the last few weeks we have been studying personification in poetry. We also looked at other techniques poets might have used to paint powerful images in the mind of the reader. We based our poems on an icicle and the sea. Read and enjoy!
Download file

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Categories: Year 6

November 29, 2007

Fellside Matters - Issue 54

There’s something of the calm before the storm about school this week. It will be clear from the diary of events in this Newsletter that there’s lots happening in school before the end of term—Pantomime, Christmas Fair, concerts, carol service, Christmas Dinner, parties etc., etc.
Lots to look forward to in the next four weeks, including some ‘big occasions’ such as the Carol Service—our single biggest gathering of the year.

Download Newsletter (Adobe Acrobat 305KB)

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Categories: Main School

Fellside Nursery Matters - Edition 35

There’s something of the calm before the storm about school this week. It will be clear from the diary of events in this Newsletter that there’s lots happening in school before the end of term—Pantomime, Christmas Fair, concerts, carol service, Christmas Dinner, parties etc., etc.
Lots to look forward to in the next four weeks, including some ‘big occasions’ such as the Carol Service—our single biggest gathering of the year.

Download Nursery Newsletter (Adobe Acrobat 225KB)

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Categories: Nursery

November 16, 2007

Busy days in the nursery

'Elmer The Patchwork Elephant' is a favourite in nursery. Everyone painted an elephant and glued on coloured squares.Can you see lots of elephants hiding in the jungle?

The children have also been painting 'Elmer' on the interactive whiteboard.

Continue reading "Busy days in the nursery"

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Categories: News , Nursery

November 7, 2007

Diary of Events to Christmas

The second half of the autumn term is traditionally very busy both in school, and I'm sure at home, and this year is no exception. Please find below a list of the events up to Christmas.

Download Diary of Events (Word 27KB)

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Categories: Events , News

November 6, 2007

Y5 Data Handling

Year 5 have created some fantastic bar charts and line graphs this term. Firstly, the class collected their data using tallies and frequency tables. Next, the children plotted both bar charts and line graphs by hand and then, in later lessons, they linked this numeracy work with ICT to present their charts using Microsoft Excel.

Click below to see some more examples of their super graph work.

Continue reading "Y5 Data Handling"

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Categories: Events , News , Year 5

Evacuated!

What a fantastic day! Today Year Six travelled back in time and became evacuees. The children and staff dressed in costume from the 1940's and were evacuated to Home Farm at Beamish Museum. We had the opportunity to work on the farm as children would have done during the Second World War and experience a little of the life of an evacuee. A huge thanks to the Richard Stevenson and Katy Swainston from the museum for organising the activities and bringing history to life.

Pickling eggs!

Scrubbing turnips!

Continue reading "Evacuated!"

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Categories: Year 6

Look how well Reception Class have settled into Fellside.

The children in Reception Class have settled into school life so well.
They have learnt new routines and love all the different areas in their new classroom.
Look how busy we've been...

Continue reading "Look how well Reception Class have settled into Fellside."

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Categories: News , Reception

Year Four I.C.T.

Year Four have been looking at repeating patterns in their I.C.T. work this term.

Continue reading "Year Four I.C.T."

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Categories: Year 4

Year Two Puppets

This term, Year Two's Design and Technology topic has been 'Puppets'. First, the children made moveable stick puppets which they joined using paper fasteners.Here are some of them:

Next, the children made simple finger puppets with holes for their fingers to wiggle like legs. They designed their character, then added colour and paper decorations.

Here are some of their wonderful characters:

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Categories: News , Year 2

Computer Aided Design

Year Six have been designing buddy shelters as part of their design technology work this term. We worked with Michael Mullen at Gateshead City Learning Centre to develop our ideas and produce 3D models.

One of these will be selected and constructed from living willow, this will then be placed in the Key Stage Two playground.

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Categories: Year 6

Eat more fruit and vegetables

Year One have been working hard in their Design Technology lessons sorting fruits and vegetables and taking part in tasting sessions. We have been discovering how they are prepared before they are consumed and trying our hands at making food.
One of our activities was to make 'Fruit Kebabs'. With fruit kindly donated by parents we set about making a delicious healthy snack. What fun we had! All of the children tried a new fruit they had never tasted before as we had an array of exotic fruits to choose from. After all the washing, peeling and assembling we all tucked in! It was finger licking good - quite literally!
Want to find out more? Read on...

Continue reading "Eat more fruit and vegetables"

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Categories: Year 1

Building up a story Y3

To write a good story opening
We looked together at a painting of Neptune and some web pictures of underwater kingdoms.
We discussed how to open a story:- grabbing the reader's interest so that they want to read on
To describe a setting - use of exciting vocabulary
The next day we discussed underwater settings and how the children could use their senses to help descriptions.
To develop a character
The following day we decided which of the characters- Neptune, a diver, a mermaid or a merman ,we should develop. We needed to think about their appearance and their personality.

Continue reading "Building up a story Y3"

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Categories: Year 3

Term Dates 2008 - 2009

Term Dates for 2008 - 2009

Autumn Term Mon 1 September 2008 to Fri 19 December 2008
(note: Mon 1 September is an In-Service Training day, children will not be expected to start until Tue 2 September)
Half Term Mon 27 to Fri 31 October 2008

Spring Term Mon 5 January 2009 to Fri 3 April 2009
Half Term Mon 16 to Fri 20 February 2009

Summer Term Mon 20 April 2009 to Fri 17 July 2009
Half Term Mon 25 to Fri 29 May 2009

Additional Days

May Day Bank Holiday - Mon 4 May 2009
One Occasional Day (To be Agreed)

Posted by V Hogarth | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Term Dates

Ofsted Report

Dear Parents and Carers

On behalf of the Board of Governors we commend this OFSTED report to you, and would like to congratulate every member of the Fellside team in their outstanding achievement. Such inspections shine a spotlight on the entire team and highlight a snap shot in time of a team who continuously strive to give their very best for our children, each and every day.

The outcome of the inspection is of no surprise to the Governing Body who are acutely aware of the strong and purposeful leadership of Mr Doran in transforming vision into action, together with superb teaching and learning delivered by all staff, which makes Fellside a truly exceptional environment.

This achievement is a result of the professionalism of everyone within the Fellside team, all of whom have contributed significantly to the development of our school. I am certain you will agree with me when I say that the professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm of all staff at Fellside make our school a truly unique and inspirational environment in which our children can, and do, flourish.

Furthermore, this report recognises the efforts of all partners within the Fellside community; staff, parents, carers, Friends of Fellside, Governors and supporters within the local community, who together have assisted in achieving our vision of “providing an inspiring and caring environment in which we are all challenged to maximise our potential”. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the continuing support that you give to Fellside and look forward to your ongoing support as we strive to maintain these exceptional standards and further develop both the learning environment and curriculum.

Together we really are making a difference.

John Baines
Chairman
Fellside Community Primary School

Download Report (Adobe 166KB)

Continue reading "Ofsted Report"

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Categories: News , Ofsted Report

Newsletter issue 53

Phew! A busy week for us all—nothing new there—but yesterday of course we were subject to the close scrutiny of an Ofsted inspector.
At this stage I am not able to give you any detail of the judgment as the findings are not yet within the public domain. You can look forward to receiving the full report in two or three weeks time.
From the feedback we’ve received it will certainly be a report to look forward to.
Your children, as ever, were exemplary yesterday, as were all staff. May I take this opportunity to thank the many of you who extended your best wishes to us in the last few days. It’s much appreciated.

Download Newsletter Issue 53 (Adobe 264KB)

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Categories: Main School , News

October 17, 2007

Song Writers!

Our music work this term has involved learning about how songs can convey messages and emotions and reflect the time that they were written. We have listened to the structure of songs and will be using this to write a pollution rap togther. To begin this process we thought about football chants and came up with one of our own. We hope you enjoy it!
Download file

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Categories: Year 6

September 18, 2007

School Prospectus 2008-2009

The School Prospectus is now available for download.

Please note the information given in this brochure relates to the academic year 2006/2007.

Download Prospectus (Word 1180KB)

Posted by K Doran | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Prospectus

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Parents

Need to buy a musical instrument for your child? The Arts Council has introduced a loans scheme, details of this may be found at:

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/takeitaway/

Jane Armstrong

Posted by V Hogarth | Permalink
Categories: News

Fellside Matters Issue 52

What a pleasure it was to welcome your children back to school last week. May I extend a particular welcome to those families new to Fellside either in Reception or as new starters in other years.
We fully expect your children to settle quickly and enjoy a happy, productive learning experience throughout their time with us. Having visited every classroom a number of times already, that’s precisely what’s happening throughout the school.
It’s been great to hear from the children of their holiday venues and experiences. A five year old described her holiday to California to Mrs Balkwill. She particularly enjoyed ‘France Dance Disco’, a west coast city north of Los Angeles! … Brilliant

Download Newsletter (adobe 201KB)

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Categories: Main School

July 20, 2007

A Fond Farewell

Today we say goodbye to our Year Six class. They have been a fantastic group of children who we wish the very best for, as they make the transition to secondary school.

Posted by M.Maitland | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Year 6

July 17, 2007

SPORTS DAY!

We intend to go ahead with Sports Day this afternoon.

BBC weather for the North East indicates the possibility of "showers, heavy and thundery in places".

Postponement until tomorrow offers little advantage from available forecasts - more heavy showers.

Fingers crossed for this afternoon - an umbrella is probably sensible.

Posted by V Hogarth | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: News

July 13, 2007

The Beach Comes To Fellside!

Everyone had a fantastic time when the beach was brought to school! Year Six and Year Four worked together to build, shape and even bury people in the sand!

Posted by M.Maitland | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Year 6

July 11, 2007

This is your Wife

Year 5 have travelled back 500 years through the mists of time with their class assembly today. Their special guests, Henry VIII and his wives amongst other Tudor characters, appeared alongside Ant and Dec for this summer special edition of This is your Wife.

Continue reading "This is your Wife"

Posted by K.Ellerbrook | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Year 5

Adventure Stories by Year Three

The children of Year Three are all huge fans of Doctor Who and in English one day we started to think about what it would be like to time travel in the Tardis. As the school had recently celebrated our 40th Birthday, we began to imagine what the school would be like forty years into the future...
Read our adventure stories to find out what we envisaged.

Continue reading "Adventure Stories by Year Three"

Posted by J.Armstrong | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Year 3

Beamish Museum Visit

On Tuesday 10th July Year One and Year Two spent a day visiting Beamish Museum. Year Two experienced what it must have been like to be a Victorian schoolchild. They took part in a lesson which covered handwriting, a recitation of a poem and learning times tables. We had great fun and the sun shone all day!

Posted by J.Cameron | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Year 2

Persuasive writing

Y4 try to persuade Mrs Ducker not to give them homework!

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Categories: Year 4

Year Two - Arts Week Activity

Year Two made Victorian samplers for their Arts Week activity. Nature was this year's theme so we included ladybirds, snails, butterflies and flowers in our designs. We had lots of help from our relatives and friends. Thank you!

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Categories: Year 2

Y4 sing at the Sage

On Thursday 21st June Y4 were given the wonderful opportunity of singing at the Sage Gateshead. .

Continue reading "Y4 sing at the Sage"

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Categories: Year 4

Nursery Children On Sandcastle Day

Fun in the sand.

We love to dig in the wet and dry sand in nursery.

The children are digging with trowels to find hidden vegetables in the sand.

It's fun to find and match the plant pot with the same picture as the vegetable.

Continue reading "Nursery Children On Sandcastle Day"

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Categories: Nursery

Year One Time Capsule

For our 40th birthday celebrations we decided to visit our favourite places at school. We took lots of photographs. Come and have a look at them!

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Categories: News , Year 1

Fellside Nursery Matters Edition 34

Next week we say goodbye to our Year Six children and around half of our nursery children. Whether they’ve been with us one year or, as for may of our Year Six children, eight years we thank them for their contribution to our school and wish them the very best for the future.

The exemplary attitude to learning of our current Year Six has been evident as they’ve moved through the school. This attitude and their ability when combined with high quality teaching and learning opportunities with a number of teachers has enabled these children to record the school’s best ever SATs performance—surpassing last year—with 100% reaching the government target of Level 4 in all three subjects and stunning results at level 5 (the highest level) English 70%, Maths 93% and Science 100%. Wow! As ever what is important is that children fulfil their potential whatever their ability.

Maximising potential is a central value to us. Job done again by all concerned—not just on the academic front but also the lighter side of school.

For the second year we’ve run a business enterprise project in Year Six. With a loan of £3.00 per child, Year Six pupils have operated a number of small business schemes this half term—the advertising directory accompanying this newsletter is one example.

They’ve repaid the loan of £90.00 and made a clear profit of £458 for their leaver’s party—a disco and buffet at Blaydon Rugby Club with transport to the venue by stretched limo!

Great attitude, tons of hard work, astonishing results, lots of laughs. Enjoy the party—you deserve it.

Children return to school on Tuesday 4th September (Nursery and Reception have their own induction arrangements). Fellside Funclub, our new childcare facility has an open evening for interested parents and children on Monday 3rd September from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

It remains for me to wish everyone an enjoyable, well deserved summer holiday.

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Categories: Nursery

Fellside Matters Issue 51

Next week we say goodbye to our Year Six children and around half of our nursery children. Whether they’ve been with us one year or, as for may of our Year Six children, eight years we thank them for their contribution to our school and wish them the very best for the future.

The exemplary attitude to learning of our current Year Six has been evident as they’ve moved through the school. This attitude and their ability when combined with high quality teaching and learning opportunities with a number of teachers has enabled these children to record the school’s best ever SATs performance—surpassing last year—with 100% reaching the government target of Level 4 in all three subjects and stunning results at level 5 (the highest level) English 70%, Maths 93% and Science 100%. Wow! As ever what is important is that children fulfil their potential whatever their ability.

Maximising potential is a central value to us. Job done again by all concerned—not just on the academic front but also the lighter side of school.

For the second year we’ve run a business enterprise project in Year Six. With a loan of £3.00 per child, Year Six pupils have operated a number of small business schemes this half term—the advertising directory accompanying this newsletter is one example.

They’ve repaid the loan of £90.00 and made a clear profit of £458 for their leaver’s party—a disco and buffet at Blaydon Rugby Club with transport to the venue by stretched limo!

Great attitude, tons of hard work, astonishing results, lots of laughs. Enjoy the party—you deserve it.

Children return to school on Tuesday 4th September (Nursery and Reception have their own induction arrangements). Fellside Funclub, our new childcare facility has an open evening for interested parents and children on Monday 3rd September from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

It remains for me to wish everyone an enjoyable, well deserved summer holiday.

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Categories: Main School

Athletics Festival

On Friday 22nd June children from Years 3 to 6 travelled to Gateshead International Stadium to take part in this years Gateshead Primary Schools Athletics Festival.

Everyone competed brilliantly and a good day was had by all, the journey home was accompanied by the tinkling of the various medals won, from bronze through to gold.

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Categories: Events , News , Year 3 , Year 4 , Year 5 , Year 6

July 9, 2007

Moving On

Today Year Six visited Whickham Secondary School to try out a couple of science lessons. They had the opportunity to learn how to use a microscope and prepare a slide, as well as learning how to use the bunsen burners!

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Categories: Year 6

July 5, 2007

Mini Games at Whickham School

Year Six visited Whickham School last week to take part in the Mini Games Tournament. We were given the Netherlands as the country to represent and there was a parade to begin the afternoon's activities. The children then took part in a variety of sporting activities and had to gain as many points as they could for their team. Well done to one of our teams who came second out of all the teams who took part.

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Categories: Year 6

June 29, 2007

Fellside Nursery Matters Issue 33

A glance at the Diary of Events to the end of term in this edition of Fellside Matters gives an indication of just how busy the end of the school year is. Just two days without a significant visit, performance or social event.

Many of our children are ‘out and about’ this term and as ever we expect them to exhibit the highest standards of behaviour and manners.

Last night and today we have received plaudits for Year Four’s performance and exemplary behaviour at a concert at the Sage. Not just from our justifiably proud parents, but Mrs Ducker reports from total strangers and teachers from other schools. Well done Year Four.

Many (not all) of the visits this term require a sometimes considerable parental cash contribution. We are aware that, particularly if you have two or three children in school, this can be an expensive time of year. Indeed this issue has been discussed at governors meetings and by the F.O.F. committee.

There’s a tricky balance here—yes we want our children to experience some of the North East’s unique venues (Vindolanda, Beamish etc.) but costs, particularly transport have rocketed recently. As a school we already subsidise or pay completely for some visits—e.g.. weekly swimming transport. It may be that prior to this time next year we look to extending the school’s contribution to visits. This would impact, of course, on provision in other areas. Be assured we’ll give this issue due consideration.

Please also be aware that no child would ever be excluded from a visit for the inability to pay. If there are insufficient parental contributions a visit cannot actually take place. In reality, experience shows that parents make the full contribution requested for all visits, though in isolated cases of genuine hardship the school has and does discretely help with finance.

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Categories: Nursery

Fellside Matters Issue 50

A glance at the Diary of Events to the end of term in this edition of Fellside Matters gives an indication of just how busy the end of the school year is. Just two days without a significant visit, performance or social event.

Many of our children are ‘out and about’ this term and as ever we expect them to exhibit the highest standards of behaviour and manners.

Last night and today we have received plaudits for Year Four’s performance and exemplary behaviour at a concert at the Sage. Not just from our justifiably proud parents, but Mrs Ducker reports from total strangers and teachers from other schools. Well done Year Four.

Many (not all) of the visits this term require a sometimes considerable parental cash contribution. We are aware that, particularly if you have two or three children in school, this can be an expensive time of year. Indeed this issue has been discussed at governors meetings and by the F.O.F. committee.

There’s a tricky balance here—yes we want our children to experience some of the North East’s unique venues (Vindolanda, Beamish etc.) but costs, particularly transport have rocketed recently. As a school we already subsidise or pay completely for some visits—e.g.. weekly swimming transport. It may be that prior to this time next year we look to extending the school’s contribution to visits. This would impact, of course, on provision in other areas. Be assured we’ll give this issue due consideration.

Please also be aware that no child would ever be excluded from a visit for the inability to pay. If there are insufficient parental contributions a visit cannot actually take place. In reality, experience shows that parents make the full contribution requested for all visits, though in isolated cases of genuine hardship the school has and does discretely help with finance.

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Categories: Main School

June 26, 2007

Diary of Events

You will find a full listing of the events happening until the end of term using the following link.

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Categories: Events

June 20, 2007

Saftey First!

Today Year Six visited SafetyWorks in Newcastle. We took part in several superb workshops, learning about the recovery position, how to deal with burns, how to deal with peer pressure, how to put a fire plan into action in the home, as well as much, much more!

Off the rails!

Oh no, call for help!

SATs pressure too much!

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Categories: Year 6

June 19, 2007

All The Fun of The Fair!

Today, Year Six had great fun developing their control technology skills. We had the opportunity to work with Michael Mullen at the Gateshead CLC and use the Junior Control Insight software. We learned how systems can be created to produce movements on and off screen. We made ferris wheels at school and then made them work using the software at the CLC.
Making lights work!

Spinning a little too fast!

Clockwise or anticlockwise?

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Categories: Year 6

June 14, 2007

Young Entreprenuers Part 2!

Mr Baines visited school today to teach the children about the importance of teamwork and how this will help towards the Year Six Enterprise Project.

We learned what the most important aspects of teamwork are and had the opportunity to try some of them out! A huge thanks to Mr Baines, parent and Chair of Governors, for giving up his time to come along and work with Year Six.
Communicating!

Listening!

Continue reading "Young Entreprenuers Part 2!"

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Categories: Year 6

June 11, 2007

Cricket Competitors!

Year Six spent a fantastic day at Whickham Cricket Club on Thursday 7th June, taking part in the Year 5/6 tournament and despite temperatures being freezing, a great day was had by all! Many thanks to Mrs Bright and Mrs Nevin who accompanied the children and helped to umpire many matches!

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Categories: Year 6

June 1, 2007

Young Entreprenuers

Friday 25th May saw the launch of the Year 6 Enterprise Project. Year 6 are given a loan from school (which they have to repay!) and must come up with the most enterprising way of making a profit. Any profit they do make is used to pay for their end of year party. To help them to understand about business and enterprise, Mr Pringle, a local businessman and parent of children in our school, gave a fantastic talk to Year 6. They learned a great deal and a huge thanks to Mr Pringle for giving up his time to help.

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Categories: Year 6

May 25, 2007

40th Anniversary Celebrations

40th Anniversary Evening Celebration

Tickets for the Fellside School 40th Anniversary Evening Celebration at The Coachman on Friday 8th June 2007, are selling quickly. Numbers are limited, so get your tickets as soon as possible from the school reception desk!
Time: 7.30pm till 12 midnight
Price: £6.50

There will be entertainment from the Dads’ band, Take Cover, as well as a buffet supper, quiz & raffle.

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Categories: Events , Friends of Fellside , News

FELLSIDE FUN CLUB

That’s the name chosen for our out of hours childcare. Nathan Haley (Y5 who suggested the name) received a prize from provider Karen Renner in Friday’s assembly.
Many of you expressed an interest in school based childcare in surveys a year ago. We are now in a position where you can register interest in Fellside Fun Club directly with Karen. She can be contacted on 07748829206 or at Karen.Renner@btinternet.com.
Karen will attend prospective nursery and reception parents meetings in June and will hold a meeting for all interested parents in school at 6.00 pm on Thursday 6th July.
Pricing structures will be competitive and available in June.

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Categories: Out of Hours Childcare

Fellside Nursery Matters Issue 32

Music in the Nursery

Following on from the success of last year Dr Brendon Renwick will be coming into nursery next term to do several music workshops called Musical Discoveries with your children.

Children explore the elements of music through a fun range of singing, playing & movement activities. Each session provides good opportunities for children's creative development and fully supports related Early Learning Goals.

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Categories: Nursery

Fellside Matters Issue 49

A huge collective sigh of relief emanated from Mrs Maitland's classroom on Friday morning as Year Six completed their final SATs paper, the last of nine tests in a tough week.
The attitude of the children has been exemplary throughout and we expect their efforts, not just in recent weeks but throughout their time at Fellside, will be appropriately rewarded with results reflecting their ability and effort.
Academic success of course has to be a priority for us and whatever one’s feelings about statutory tests for eleven year olds, SATs performance is a measure used by DfES, Ofsted and Local Authorities.
Equally important is that children are given the opportunity to flourish, achieving their potential in other areas: sport and the arts for example. We’re committed in this respect with both curricular and extra curricular provision through the variety of clubs we offer. Wherever possible we support those who demonstrate talents away from school. Just last week Newcastle United Academy Player, Steven Hindmarsh in Year Six, has been chosen to play in a tournament in Rome in June with squads from the likes of Manchester Utd and Barcelona FC.
Can he have a week out of school to further develop his footballing talent? Of course he can! - Congratulations Steven.

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Categories: Main School

May 2, 2007

Birthday Celebrations

Fellside will celebrate it's 40th Birthday on 5th June 2007. There will be a number of events organised on or around this day to mark this auspicious occasion - watch this space for details.

If anyone has photographs or memorabilia of past events that they would be prepared to share with us they would be warmly welcomed. Please contact Mr Doran or any of the committee members of Friends of Fellside.

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Categories: Events , Friends of Fellside , News

Fellside Nursery Matters Issue 31

The first entry in a weighty leather-bound log book in my office reads “School opened on Monday 5th June 1967�?. Effectively Fellside is forty on Tuesday 5th June this year—Something to celebrate we think.
Friends of Fellside and Staff are developing ideas for how we can mark this day (the second day back after the half term break) making it memorable for our current children, and equally for adults who actually worked here or who attended Fellside in the past—possibly even in 1967.
We’ll be in touch again about ‘Fellside at Forty’ before half term. In the meantime, if you, family members or friends attended Fellside in the past, know anyone who did, or who has taught here please alert them to this milestone and the likelihood of events at school on Tuesday 5th June. Photographs, memories, memorabilia will all be welcome. Look out for further information during May.

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Categories: Nursery

Fellside Matters Issue 48

The first entry in a weighty leather-bound log book in my office reads “School opened on Monday 5th June 1967�?. Effectively Fellside is forty on Tuesday 5th June this year—Something to celebrate we think.
Friends of Fellside and Staff are developing ideas for how we can mark this day (the second day back after the half term break) making it memorable for our current children, and equally for adults who actually worked here or who attended Fellside in the past—possibly even in 1967.
We’ll be in touch again about ‘Fellside at Forty’ before half term. In the meantime, if you, family members or friends attended Fellside in the past, know anyone who did, or who has taught here please alert them to this milestone and the likelihood of events at school on Tuesday 5th June. Photographs, memories, memorabilia will all be welcome. Look out for further information during May.

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Categories: Main School

March 5, 2007

Term Dates for 2007 - 2008

Autumn Term Mon 3 September 2007 to Fri 21 December 2007
Half Term Mon 22 to Fri 26 October 2007

Spring Term Mon 7 January 2008 to Fri 4 April 2008
Half Term Mon 18 to Fri 22 February 2008

Summer Term Mon 21 April 2008 to Fri 18 July 2008
Half Term Mon 26 to Fri 30 May 2008

Additional Days

Easter Weekend - Good Friday (21/3/08) and Easter Monday (24/3/08)
May Day Bank Holiday - Mon 5 May 2008
One additional INSET day (To be Agreed)
One Occasional Day (To be Agreed)

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Categories: Term Dates

Fair Trade for Fellside

Children from Year 5 have been involved in an event aimed at encouraging Fair Trade products. Players from the Newcastle Falcons also attended the event, much to the delight of the children.

One child has written a report to explain exactly what happened.

Continue reading "Fair Trade for Fellside"

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Categories: Governors , News , Year 5

March 3, 2007

Year 6 Residential Visit

Year 6 have just returned from a fantastic three days at the Robinwood Centre, Alston. They have been challenged, encouraged, covered in mud and wet, but have thoroughly enjoyed every single minute! A huge thanks must go to all the staff at the centre, they were friendly, kind, helpful and ensured that the safety of every child was paramount.





It's no good you can't avoid the mud!!!

Continue reading "Year 6 Residential Visit"

Posted by M.Maitland | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Year 6

March 2, 2007

Fellside Nursery Matters Issue 29

We are now exactly half way through the school year with children in all year groups working hard, being well taught and learning lots, and crucially, happy. That’s certainly the conclusion I drew from time spent in every class last week.
Teachers constantly assess the progress of all children. You’ll shortly have another opportunity for an update on your child’s progress with parent consultations scheduled for week beginning 12th March.
The typical child’s response to the parental “what did you do at school today?�? question is “nothing�?. I’m sure evidence in their books and displays will contradict this.

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Categories: Nursery

Fellside Matters 46

We are now exactly half way through the school year with children in all year groups working hard, being well taught and learning lots, and crucially, happy. That’s certainly the conclusion I drew from time spent in every class last week.
Teachers constantly assess the progress of all children. You’ll shortly have another opportunity for an update on your child’s progress with parent consultations scheduled for week beginning 12th March.
The typical child’s response to the parental “what did you do at school today?�? question is “nothing�?. I’m sure evidence in their books and displays will contradict this.

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Categories: Main School

February 14, 2007

Year Two Wedding

On Tuesday 30th January 2007, Year Two performed a wedding ceremony at St. Mary's Church in Whickham. Father Barry conducted the service and parents were invited to attend. Here are a few snapshots from Year Two's 'BIG DAY'!

Pre-wedding nerves!

Wedding Vows

Signing the Register

Bubble Parade!

"Congratulations to the bride and groom!"