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Well done to our fabulous Reception class for their first half of term.  There's been so much learning going on, as well as first school trips, new friendships, new skills and they've even finished their first big topic 'People Who Help Us'.  They've met teachers, scientists, surgeons, barristers, renewable energy experts and firefighters!  Phew!  Have a very well-deserved break at half term Reception.  Miss Tapp and Mrs Hayden are very proud of you!  Thank you to our visitors for coming to see us & for bringing their jobs to life.

Pupils had a blast at their Halloween parties this afternoon.  Dressing up, imaginative Halloween party games, sweet treats and our annual Mummy Competition.  A huge thank you to our parent body, The Friends of St Ives (FOSI) for all your hard work putting on this fabulous event.  We are very lucky to have you!

We're thrilled to have just been granted the International School Award 2024-2027 by the British Council. This prestigious award is given to schools who prove a ‘dedication to integrating a diverse and imaginative array of international initiatives within their curriculum’.

The Chief Executive of the British Council, Scott McDonald, said: St Ives ‘has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad. The International School Award ....... recognises schools for their important work in bringing the world into their classrooms. By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.’

We believe a well-rounded education is only complete if pupils understand their place in the world and their responsibility to be a decent citizen, so to have this ambition recognised by the British Council is something to celebrate indeed and we couldn't be prouder!

We love Autumn in Forest School!  We love observing how our woodland changes colour week by week.  Last week Reception continued their learning about patterns by collecting different natural items and using them to make different patterns.  Year 1 learnt how to become Tree Detectives by investigating if trees are deciduous or evergreen. Year 2 played squirrel based games, having terrific fun charging around the forest being squirrels and acorns and Year 3 searched for items for their Autumnal Collection.  What a great week for Forest School!

How wonderful to see our delightful Reception class in this week's Haslemere Herald! 

What a joyful Harvest Festival we had at St Bartholemews Church this week.  With uplifting performances from the orchestra, Prep Choir, Chamber Choir and Pre-Prep choir singing and playing beautifully.  The whole school sang together at the end with Reception all holding up their fruit and vegetables.  The Prep children spoke clearly and confidently in their performances.  Particular thanks to our Year 6 pupil who played the piano to Pre-Prep's Butterfly Song and to our parents for coming along.

Today we've celebrated World Mental Health Day, led by two Year 6 pupils who led an assembly about mental health and came up with ideas for the day.  The assembly involved discussion and pair and share activities as children explored the concept of mental health and the importance of wellbeing.  After assembly the children took part in a musical movement and wellbeing workshop featuring action songs and dances, followed by Painting Rainbows Mindfulness in Pre-Prep and Butterfly Hugs Mindfulness in Prep.

Pupils also did a variety of themed activities such as Pick a Mindfulness Card featuring challenges such as channelling our senses, listening to music and drawing how it makes us feel or focusing on what we are grateful for.  Children also drew their portraits and filled in thought bubbles to show how we can have positive mental health, did puzzles and enjoyed a lovely, calm story time at the end of the day in the library or their classrooms.

Y3 have been enjoying their introduction to STEM lessons through a series of STEM challenges.  This week the children were tasked with designing an island using LEGO blocks or paper.  Shortly into their build, they were thrown a 'disaster card' which challenged them to use their problem solving skills and adapt their build.

On Monday, we started our first inter-house competition of the year with cross-country. Luckily the rain held off & the course wasn't too muddy. The children ran in year groups, winning points for their house.

This week saw the year's first Inter-House event take place - Inter-House Cross Country and luckily the rain held off. The children ran their races in class groups and were awarded points for their House. Despite learning about pacing yourself & not setting off too fast, the adrenaline kicked in & most races started with a sprint! We saw many types of tactical races & some superb sprint finishes which is incredible after completing the final, dreaded St Ives hill! Well done to everyone, but especially Yellow House who were the overall victors!

We're getting into all things Autumnal in our learning in Nursery!  We have been learning about Harvest and the differences between Summer and Autumn.  We have been enjoying the change of colours on the leaves outside and drawing vegetables and making scarecrows.  It is so much fun!