On Wednesday, the school had a visit from RNLI lifeguards. The children listened very carefully and explored how to be 'water smart'. The children learnt that to stay safe near water they need to take the following steps:
1. Stop and think
2. Stay together
3. Float 
4. Call 999 or 112. 
Each child was given an information leaflet which explain the steps in detail. Please take time to read the information with your child - it could save a life. 

The whole school sang “To The Sound of Trumpets” for the new King, all dressed in red, white and blue! The sun decided to shine, so we took the opportunity to end the day by singing the song on our way out to our parents. Some children waved Union Flags and others wore crowns as they paraded around the playground.  We have also made a recording of the song which can be found here:

https://youtu.be/oyIa7F1wtAI

The children have had a busy morning learning about the life of King Charles III ahead of his Coronation this weekend. They then had the opportunity to write letters to the King, which are going to be posted later today. The pupils also made silhouette portraits which we hope the King enjoys looking at when he receives his letters!

​This week, children from across the school took part in an assembly and follow up activities to mark World Autism Acceptance Week.  The key message was that everyone is different. We learnt that people with autism are not ill but instead see the world in a unique way. We explored ways in which we can be a good classmate to people with autism - we discussed a number of scenarios and how we could support and help one another in these situations. 

For tips on how to talk about autism at home with younger children visit: www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/joinin/pablo-talking-to-your-child-about-autism 
For more information on autism visit: www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

We were treated to a visit from a medal-winning athlete this week, as Maddi Tarrant, Team GB Double Mini Trampoline gymnast arrived at Bridestowe.
In an inspirational assembly, Maddi told us about her journey from starting gymnastics lessons at an early age (in an attempt to outdo her brother) to becoming a European champion in her sport. Maddi showed us videos of her training and successes, as well as some occasions when her jumps and twirls had not gone to plan. Sadly, Maddi could not give a live demonstration as she is nursing a back injury, which she is hoping to recover from in time for her next competitions in May.
All of the children took part in some challenging activities which Maddi led and demonstrated. Many congratulations to the children at Bridestowe for their impressive athletic work, and thankyou for the wonderful fund-raising by so many of you.

Children had the chance to learn more about events in the run-up to Easter in the Open the Book Assembly on the 10th of March. We heard about Palm Sunday, and re-enacted Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, using palm fronds 

On a very icy morning, the Open the Book team welcomed us to the Chapel for a story from Jesus' young life. Bentley put in an admirable performance as the 12 year-old who was lost by his parents and found in the Temple. As usual, all the performers made the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

At the start of term, each child decorated part of a paper plate in a style which represented them, their personality and uniqueness.  The plates have now been joined together to symbolise that everyone is important in our school and together we all fit together to make it a special place. 

​This week in our final mindfulness club session for the term, we made our own glitter jars. Sometimes our thoughts and emotions get all stirred up and it makes it hard to think clearly. A glitter jar can be a good tool to help you settle your feelings. The group enjoyed watching the glitter in the jar and listening to calming music – a great way to end our day at school.  

Recycle Week is an annual event designed to celebrate and promote the benefits of recycling. It creates opportunities for us all to implement positive change that will help protect our planet. The whole school came together in their teams to create a Pudsey model using recycled materials. It was great to see children from all year groups supporting one another and working together towards a shared goal. 

The School Council visited Springfields residential home to play games with, and speak to, the residents. Community connection is key to our personal development journey for the children

The Owlets enjoyed spending the day in their new classroom environment with their peers. They created self portraits and used Chromebooks to write simple sentences about themselves which will be turned into a display in September. Throughout the day, the children had fun in our outdoor learning space where they displayed fantastic qualities such as, sharing. In the afternoon they all created submarines and then had some time in the shade in the environmental area to talk about their favourite parts of the day. 

Our sensory garden fence is now complete- a quiet reflection space for break, lunch and any time it's needed.
Any donations of natural material wind chimes sensory boards or plants would be greatly appreciated.

The Tawny Owls and Owlets had a fantastic trip to Plymouth Aquarium today. They enjoyed learning about various sea creatures, their habitats, feeding and social habits. This exciting enrichment activity has been a great 'hook' for the children's learning this half term. The children were incredibly respectful to the leaders we had and also the general public that were enjoying a day out.

The Owlets have been learning about special places in R.E, we went to visit the local Church to learn about why it is a special place for Christians. 

The school enjoyed their assembly all about bees and why they are so important. The owlets also completed some fun activities in the afternoon! 

On Friday 27th May, the whole school enjoyed an afternoon of celebrations. There was lots to celebrate with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the School’s 160th Anniversary. The afternoon started with a picnic on the field and a special Jubilee cupcake kindly prepared by Mrs Berry. Later we welcomed guests from the community including parents, grandparents, the Mayor, residents from Springfields and the local vicar. We all enjoyed a delicious cream tea and ice creams in the sunshine before the traditional games began. The playground was decorated with artwork created by every child in the school. The boards displayed photographs and memories from across the 160 years of the school’s history. The atmosphere was wonderful with everyone enjoying the opportunity to join to celebrate – it is sure to be a day the children will remember. 

This week, children and staff across the school ran their first mile towards their half marathon. It was great to see children supporting and encouraging one another to complete the challenge.