Ripon Cathedral School Update

In English, and as an introduction to their history topic - The Battle of Britain, Year 6 have been exploring how emotion can be shown through poetry. They listened to and discussed the meaning behind the poem 'Flanders Fields' before watching an animation clip about the Normandy Landings. Using the poem, the animation and world news as inspiration, they wrote their own poems to show the effects of war. I'm sure you'll agree that their poems are absolutely fantastic! During the week the children also joined a Blue Cross Webinar to learn about the ways that animals were part of the war. They discovered that people wear a purple poppy as an act of remembrance for animals. Well done, Year 6.

This week Year 2 put together a wonderful worship reminding us that we are all special. They told a story about stars and spots, reminding us all that we are special to God. The worship finished with Year 2 singing 'This Little Light of Mine.' Well done Year 2 - a wonderfully enjoyable worship.

Every year we spend time focusing on our community and what makes it special. Over the years we have had some wonderful visitors who have told the children about their different professions and roles and how they serve the community of Ripon. We are organising a range of visitors for the children during our upcoming Community Week and would love to include parents and carers. If you have a role/position/activity etc., that you would like to share with a class, please do get in touch by calling school on 01765 602355 or by emailing admin@riponcathedral.n-yorks.sch.uk

This week Dean John came into school. As part of worship he organised a version of Kim's Game where children have to remember a number of special items. This was to remind the children that this is a time of remembrance. As Jesus was a sacrifice, we should remember all those who have served and gave their lives on Remembrance Sunday.

We were fortunate to have our brass teacher, Mark Sidwell, in school on Friday morning. He concluded our minute's silence at the end of superstar worship, which had featured many of Year 6's moving remembrance poems, with a beautiful rendition of the Last Post on his cornet.

Every year the Ambassadors arrange fun ways to support Children in Need.

This year they have decided that for a contribution to this worthy cause children can come to school in their pyjamas (non-uniform is also fine!).

The children will be able to take part in a design a Pudsey mask competition on the Friday morning with prizes for the best designs. Parents and carers will be able to make a contribution through ParentPay.

We were delighted to present the following children with their well deserved certificates in worship today:

Reception

Sadie for gaining the confidence to have a really great try in our phonics sessions.

Year 1

Sophie K for showing lots of perseverance in reading this week.

Year 2

Maxwell for amazing handwriting and working so hard in class.

Year 3

Dylan for a fantastic effort in English, using prepositions to add detail.

Year 4

Paige for wonderful attitude and effort with column addition and believing in yourself.

Year 5

Bea for her excellent participation in class discussions, her confidence is really beginning to grow.

Year 6

Ellie-Rose for enthusiastic participation in Maths.

As part of their computing and PSHE work, Year 6 were visited by the local PCSOs. The class were shown videos about how to stay safe online. They learnt about how they could become vulnerable online and what they should do if they ever feel worried or scared. There were plenty of questions asked and it was an extremely informative workshop which introduced the class to the consequences of unacceptable online behaviour and digital footprint.

Collective Worship is a very important part of our school. Over the next term there are a number of worship sessions that parents and carers are welcome to attend.

Wednesday 15th November 2023 - Year 1 Class Worship at 9am

Wednesday 22nd November 2023 - Year 3 Class Worship at 9am

Friday 22nd December 2023 - Key Stage 1 Nativity in the Cathedral in the afternoon.

We do our best to let parents know dates in advance. Sometimes we do need to change dates and times so please do check the latest update to confirm when events are happening. Thanks

The Friends have several events planned for this half term. Next week we have the Scholastic Book Fair. Books will be available for purchase after school (in the yard weather permitting). There will be a card reader so we would prefer no cash if possible. School receives books as the commission for all sales.

Bag2School will collect sacks of used clothes (no bedding or logo uniform please) on Wednesday 29th November. School does not have a lot of storage space, so please bring bags on the morning and leave near the cycle racks at the front of school. Thank you.

The school disco will run in its usual format on Friday 24th November. EYFS and KS1 children attend 5.30-6.30pm and parents must stay with them. KS2 children are 6.45-7.45pm. Children must be collected as we cannot allow them to walk home in the dark. For both discos, please inform school if another family will be taking your child home, thank you.

Finally, on Thursday 7th December, we have our Christmas Fair. This happens in the hall after school but we will send more details soon.

We look forward to seeing you all at our events, thank you for your support.

We are currently organising a range of events for the term. Below are dates that we currently have planned. We will add more dates over the term so please do check each week for new events.

Mon 13th - Thu 16th November - Scholastic Book Fair (details above)

Friday 17th November - Children in Need Day

20th - 24th November 2023 - Road Safety Week and Community Week

Tuesday 21st November 2023 - Cross Country Event at Outwood KS2 and KS1

Friday 24th November 2023 - Disco (after school, details above)

Wednesday 29th November - Bag2School collection

Thursday 30th November 2023 - Year 4 sound day

Friday 1st December 2023 - Year 3 Hindu Temple visit

Thursday 7th December - Christmas Fair (after school, details to follow)

Tuesday 12th December - Riding Lights Theatre visiting school

Wednesday 13th December - School Christmas Dinner

Tuesday 19th December - EY and KS1 Christmas Party

Wednesday 20th December - EY and KS1 Celebration worship at 9am

Thursday 21st December - Celebration worship KS2 at 9am

Thursday 21st December - Key Stage 2 Christmas Party

Friday 22nd December 2023 (at 1.30pm) - Key Stage 1 Nativity in the Cathedral

Friday 22nd December 2023 - School closes for Christmas break at 2.30pm

Monday 8th January - Oscar's Holiday Club (advance notice - booking, times and cost TBC)

Tuesday 9th January 2024 - School reopens for the Spring Term

Ripon Cathedral Church of England Primary School

Email: admin@riponcathedral.n-yorks.sch.uk
Website: www.riponcathedralschool.org.uk
Location: HG41LT, United Kingdom
Phone: 01765 602355
Facebook: facebook.com/riponcathschool
Twitter: @riponcathschool