St James’CE Primary School

Foxes Class had a wonderful parent share event which showcased their instructional writing, their art and their ability to follow instructions independently in order to make their own sandwich. Cucumber and homegrown cress made for an excellent sandwich ingredients for their Royal Tea Party. Thank you to all those parents who came out and joined in your child's learning.

In the Nursery, we've had an amazing week centered around our theme "One Little Butterfly." The children drew and labeled butterflies, boosting their creativity and vocabulary. They also explored the butterfly life cycle, from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. We have focused on the letter "i" for insect, with the children learning new insect-related words. We're thrilled with the children's enthusiasm and growth.

On Friday 23rd, St James' First School will take to the dance floor to Dance all Day in a fundraising Danceathon to raise money for Abby's Heroes. Whilst we won't all be dancing for 6 hours, the idea is to make sure the music is always playing and that the school never stops dancing. Our children will be collecting sponsorship from parents, carers and friends. Howver, you might not have any children in the school and want to show your support. To find out more about why we are fundrasing and perhaps give yourself, why not check out our Just Giving page. https://www.justgiving.com/page/stjamesdanceallday

A huge thankyou to The Stone Zone & Landscaping Supplies for their generous gift of ground mulch and stone for our developing Forest School area. Your donation will go a long way and enables our continued investment in the space.

Year 4 have had a brilliant time on our annual residential at Hooke Court and we cannot be more proud of them! The action began as soon as they arrived, with their bags unloaded they headed to the forest to make their own shelters and to complete a number of challenges on the low ropes course. The evening was dedicated to fossil making and wide games in the grounds before their first night. Despite an early start (apparently 5.30am in the boys room is time to rise and shine), everyone had a wonderful day engaging with our history topic for the day. The children tried their hand at Anglo-Saxon cookery, they made pendants and runes, constructed their own Wattle and Daub fence before recreated a famous battle. In the evening, everyone enjoyed their time around the bonfire singing and laughin together. On our final day together, the children had the opportunity to construct their own model rockets which were then launched to much delight. A huge thank you to the staff team who gave up their time (and their sleep) to give the children such a wonderful experience.

What a wonderful afternoon celebrating some rich traditions at St James'. Children from all classes, joined by parents, carers and wider family, performed a number of country dances culminating with Owls dancing around the maypole. A huge well done to all the children who, despite the heat, danced their hearts out. Our afternoon wasn't over and it was wonderful to join as a community together for cream teas, cake and ice cream (and a huge amount more). Well done and thank you to St James' PFA for all your hard work - it is a blessing to the school. Enjoy the bank holiday weekend - see you Tuesday!

What a fantastic day we had St Michael's CE Middle School competing as part of the Year 3 and 4 Multi-skills festival. Children took part in a variety of six different atheletic events, scoring points for their team. Whilst we weren't the overall winners, everyone competed with great commitment and did St James' proud. A huge thank you to the Year 8 Sports Leaders who led all the sessions and the PE Department for making us feel so welcome. Witchampton CE First School and Pamphill CofE First School you made excellent travel companions so thank you for sharing a coach with us.

Hedgehogs class had a wonderful morning learning all about the Great Fire of London. Ben from Treehouse Theatre told the story of how the fire started and devasted our capital. The children became part of the cast as they dressed up and acted out the story to bring their learning to life. Despite their best efforts with the bucket, they couldn't stop the fire either.

Today, a team of 13 runners took part in a fantastic cross country fixture at Castle Court School with many other primary and first schools. Our children ran valiantly and embodied our vision and values in their effort and determination. Whilst we didn't win the overall team prize, a special mention must be given to Bethany who was first in the girls race and took us all by suprise - what a fantastic and dominant run!

Welcome back to the start of the Summer Term! We hope you had a restful Easter break and your children are refreshed and ready for the start of another action packed term. We have so much to look forward to but why not take five childfree minutes to look back and read our latest newsletter. https://www.stjames.dsat.org.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=160&type=pdf

Thank you to all those parents and carers who came down to be part of Foxes Parent Share. The Reception children did amazing, singing and performing a number of upbeat nursery rhymes as well as showcasing their learning on the Glockenspiel. I bet you didn't expect to be joining in, but great to see you all doing 'Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' with the children - I'll save posting that video evidence.

It was an absoulute privelege to welcome Saltmine Theatre Company to St James' First School and Nursery - Wimborne for their performance of the Rhyming Bible. The adaptation of Bob Hartman's Rhyming Bible journeyed through the Bible, starting at the creation of the Earth, and ending with the story of Jesus at Easter. The children were captivated by the performance, laughing and singing along and thoroughly enjoying themselves. The opportunity to see live theatre every year is so important and will no doubt inspire our children as they start rehearsals for our own big show! A special thank you to the Bishop Wordsworth Educational Trust who gave a full grant to cover the cost of this performance.

It was wonderful to gather the parents and carers of Squirrels class who took time to share their stories they have been writing in English. The children were able to explain how the story, 'The Bear and the Piano' had inspired their writing and illustrations. Other work shared included the storyboards created with Bob Hartman on World Book Day and the fairground wheels which they had made as part of their DT learning. Thank you all for coming out to join your child in their learning, stories are made to be read!

Nursery and Reception had two unexpected visitors join us for the afternoon! The children all loved meeting Dolly and Daisy and having an opportunity to stroke them. It is these unscripted moments that can bring learning alive and inspire our youngest. Thank you to Miss Lewis for bringing them in and showing us how to care for them.

We made it to the news! A huge well done to all the wonderful staff about both the School and Nursery for your hard work and to the children for being so wonderful.