Well done to ALL CLASSES who achieved our 95% target

This week, our overall attendance was 96% Please ensure you make every effort to ensure your child gets to school every day to help us achieve our target.

Class Reception Year 1 A Year 1 B Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Attendance 99% 96% 96% 97% 98% 97% 96% 98%

Poor punctuality means your child misses valuable learning time and that lessons are disrupted for

all other pupils. Please make sure that your children are in the yard by 8.45am every day.

HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY St Patrick's Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on or around March 17. It particularly remembers St Patrick, one

of Ireland's patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. St Patrick's Day is celebrated in countries with people of Irish decent.

Dear parents, grandparents & parishioners,

Happy Red Nose Day. Thank you all for your kind contributions towards the event. The Lenten term is quickly drawing to a close, with only three weeks left, and we have so much to look forward to. Our annual sponsored Fun Run takes place on Wednesday 3rd April at 2pm. Parents are invited to take part in this event and we enclose our sponsor form for those that would like to help raise funds for our charities.

This year, we will divide monies raised between our chosen school charities which include Disabilities North east, Zambia and Breast cancer care. We normally ask the children to see how many laps they can do in approximately 15 - 20 minutes. We again ask that children bring in a spare pair of shoes or trainers on the day. This is a non-uniform event and many of the children will stay for the Heart Zone disco, scheduled for the same day.

On the theme of Lent, we also look forward to our Penny Challenge, which takes place on Monday 1st April at 10.40am. The challenge has always been a success and we continue to ask everyone to send in any spare change available for this event. If parents wish to attend, they are more than welcome.

As always, we will be holding our annual Easter egg competition on the last day of term (April 5th), with special prizes donated by the Friends; time to start thinking about what your decorated egg will be. Eggs can be dropped off from 8.30am (or Breakfast Club), and parents can view from 8.50am with children attending from 9.05am. The eggs will be judged by a special guest at 9.15am and winners will be chosen for each class for a Gold Book presentation award.

This week has been such a busy week, following last week’s London Visit and I have to pass on a huge thanks to the Staff across the school who have been involved in supporting the Y5 outdoor activity residential at Hexham and last night’s Space Camp in school. Tonight we will see not just shattered Y2 and Y5 children go home but staff also for that matter. Both

residentials will leave life long memories for the children and I can’t thank the staff enough for their continued dedication to the extension of our curriculum. Please see the news section and Facebook for some fantastic examples of these events.

On Wednesday we also had a beautiful Lenten Liturgy from Miss Walker’s class, which was well attended. The children showed how well they are preparing for Easter and the parents loved the sacrifices and promises that the children have set themselves. Many thanks to Miss Walker and all parents for attending.

On the same day Mrs Coates’ class took part in the 'Spring Sing' at the Sage in Gateshead. The children sang so well and Mrs Coates was so proud of their efforts. This was a fantastic experience for the children and I can only apologise to parents for not having the chance to come and watch this event, due to a lack of communication from the event organisers.

I managed to Visit Kingswood on Thursday and the children were having a great time. It was wonderful to see them all arrive back safely in school this afternoon with so many stories. Apologies about the scale of washing that parents now face…

Mrs Gritton's Y2 Space Camp finally took place on Thursday night with telescopes and space tents carefully set up in what was a fun- filled night. Today’s assembly gave a flavour of what the children learned throughout the 24 hour camp. I was so proud of the 30 Y2 Children that took part, with Mr Dixon, Miss Walker, Mrs McCarron, Miss Cook, Miss Wise and Mrs Gritton supporting the event.

Tonight, Heart Zone welcomed The Nutty Professor in a fun night of laughter and creativity ending in a brilliant disco. We still have tickets left for Heart Zones Easter Disco if you would like your child to attend.

Finally, Next Monday we will hold our second parent consultation evening with teachers, after school. Miss Hudson’s cancelled evening will now take place on Monday the 25th March.

15 March 2019

Bulletin Number 23

ST THOMAS MORE PARTNERSHIP OF SCHOOLS (07900532)

When we welcome the child, we welcome the family

Tel: 01207 270396 / Email: info@sacredheartgateshead.org / Website: www.sacredheartgateshead.org

NEWS

Little Hearts: The children have enjoyed playing on the trikes and scooters, as well as playing games in the yard.

Year 1 B had lots of fun yesterday taking part in a variety of colourful science experiments.

Year Two shared their Lenten liturgy on Wednesday morning with all of their families. The liturgy was a lovely, reflective time in which

we all thought about the sacrifices Jesus made, and the promises we are all going to try and keep during Lent to become closer to

God. The children read beautifully and the signing was fantastic too. Thank you to all families for such a wonderful attendance, we

really appreciated it. Well done, Year Two.

Well done to our Year 4 class on their

wonderful singing at the Sage Gateshead,

today. The class were taking part in the

Spring Sing along with other Gateshead

Schools, an event organised by the

Gateshead and South Tyneside Music

Education Hub. Following workshops in

school, the children learnt a range of songs

from traditional folk songs from the North

East, to songs written especially for the

event, with one or two pop hits thrown in for good measure. After a rehearsal

with a live band in the morning, the children were ready to perform and

thoroughly enjoy themselves. Well done, everyone.

Y4 had great fun testing flight using a variety of variables including wing span,

weight, and height and using wind.

Before lunch on Tuesday, Year 6 had some down time as they enjoyed

reading and completing puzzles. This is a great way to stimulate the brain as

well as helping the children to relax after a crazy morning in Year 6.

For Red Nose Day we have had a cupcake challenge, pin the nose on Mr

Tumble, pass the parcel and treasure hunt. Then for snack we decorated

biscuits with red noses and had strawberry milkshake and strawberry jelly.

Year 6 spent their Thursday as mad scientists, conducting several experiments all based on their topic, light. They found some

fascinating things and were very surprised with some of their results.

The Year 5 children had a fantastic time this week on their trip to Kingswood. The children completed lots of different activities

including climbing, orienteering, outdoor laser, zipwire, 3g swing and obstacle challenge. The children set their own personal

challenges for each activity and showed great courage to push themselves to their limits. They also worked well as a team and

showed encouragement to each other which was lovely to see. It was a tiring few days but the children loved every minute. Well done

Year 5!

Space Camp: Sacred Heart's first ever Space Camp yesterday was a roaring success! The children had so much fun and although

they were pretty tired today, the fun didn't stop this morning! We had a visit from a scientist and people from the Durham Astronomical

society. We competed lots of experiments, went stargazing and moon gazing using a telescope, slept at school in tents and watched

a space film. The children behaved outstandingly and really did us proud! Well done Y2.

MEMOS AND REMINDERS

Parking: Please can I ask that parents park sensibly at home time. Parents are still parking outside of school and around the no-

parking signed areas. This creates a risk of accidents occurring with children. Drivers need to be able to turn in and out of the car parked areas. Please don’t be lazy. If there are no spaces, then please park down the hill or use Byermoor estate and walk the short distance to school to collect your child. Let's all work together to keep our school safe; we are lucky to have so much parking compared to other schools.

Head Lice –We seem to have a recurring problem of head lice in school. Many parents are understandably

upset by this. The only way we are going to eradicate head lice in our school is if all parents are extra vigilant

and treat their children at the first sign. This means a nightly check of your children’s hair and use of shampoos,

lotions and of course, the ‘nit comb’ if you spot them! Parents can access treatment for head lice via their GP;

available on prescription, free to children. Amazon also sell an electronic ‘nit comb’ which apparently ‘zaps’

them, priced approx. £15. You can also buy a fab comb called a "nitty gritty" comb that is specially shaped to

remove the eggs. In addition, it would help if girls with longer hair had it tied up or dressed in a plait. If staff inform me that they have

spotted head lice in a pupil’s hair, I will personally check to confirm and then contact parents/carers directly to discuss treatment.

Many thanks in anticipation of your full cooperation with this matter.

Match Attax club will now take place on a Thursday break time on the yard and a Thursday lunchtime in the year 3 classroom.

Children must only bring them in on these days and they must be in an envelope or have an elastic band around them to prevent

anyone losing them.

Gold Book Assembly Awards:

Brilliant Manners – Max (Y2)

Mathematician of the Week – George (Y2)

Writer of the Week –Faith (Y2) Mrs Knox’s Award – Grace (Y3)

Pupils of the Week– Beth (R), Josie, Amy, Oliver (Y1), Max, Amy H, Amy T (Y2), Samuel (Y3), Lyndon and Ruby (Y4), Eve and

Ava (Y5), Luke, Jessica and Finley (Y6)

Little Hearts Award: Molly

Head Teacher’s Award – Rio, Harrison, Olivia,Dolly, Sophia, Angus, Owen, Maddie, Grace,Daniel, Millie

In our Prayers - Prayer booklet: If there is anyone you would like us to pray for in our school community please drop comments

into the prayer box or email the school office and we will remember those intentions in our prayers.

Taken from the Gospel for Sunday 18th March 2019 - The Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36)

Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and

Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were

leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah,” – He did not know what he was saying. As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when

they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.” And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one

what they had seen.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Monday 18 March: Parents Evening Wednesday 20 March: Y5 Liturgy @9am Thursday 21 March: Big Clean Up LH and Rec Friday 22 March: Y1A Liturgy @9am Monday 25 March: Big Clean-up Y1A and Y1B Wednesday 27 March: Big Clean-up Y2 and Y3 Friday 29 March: Y1B Liturgy @9am Friday 29 March: Big Clean Up Y5 Monday 01 April: Lenten Penny Challenge @10.40am Tuesday 02 April: Big Clean Up Y4 Wednesday 03 April: Lenten Fun Run @2.00pm Thursday 04 April: Big Clean Up Y6 Friday 05 April: Easter Egg Competition

Friday 05 April: Reception Liturgy @9am Friday 05 April: Easter egg Competition (TBC) Friday 05 April: School closes for Easter Tuesday 23 April: School reopens Sunday 28th April: First Holy Communion @12pm Tuesday 30 April: Open Day Wednesday 5th June: Y5 Liturgy @9am Wednesday 12th June: Y4 Liturgy @9am Wednesday 19th June: Y3 Liturgy @9am Wednesday 26th June: Y2 Liturgy @9am Wednesday 3rd July: Y1B Liturgy @9am Wednesday 10th July: Y1A Liturgy @9am Friday 12th July: Reception Liturgy @9am

Wednesday 17th July: Y6 Leavers Mass

W.C Monday 18th March will be Spring Menu - WEEK 1

On behalf of Fr Dixon, staff and governors, may I wish you a happy weekend.

God bless, Paul Naughton.