This week I would like to revisit one of the most important aspects of our teaching pedagogy at John Colet which is the regular practice of the Pause before and after each lesson. The children learn to bring themselves to stillness from the very first day that they start at school. If you speak to any child in any class, they will tell you that the pause clears their mind and brings them to peace. As one child in 3rd class said yesterday, I go to a big space. The effect of continually coming to a point of stillness cannot be underestimated. It allows the children to continually re-set and come back to themselves so that they can give full attention to the next task at hand.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
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Category: Latest News from John Colet School Belrose
Head of School’s Comment
This week our Primary students who had tried out, and been selected to be in a PISA team, had their first competitive matches. By all accounts their performances were strong and they supported each other as a team, as well as showing respect for the opposition. We have seen the same positive approach from students involved in our regular sports lessons as also during our current swimming program.
As we look forward to our Primary Swimming Carnival in just a few weeks, it is the combination of individual personal bests, healthy competition between the Houses, as well as support and respect for fellow students across the board, that makes this event so special.
We are looking at the value of Service, and in particular the concept of our ‘duty’. The points above are great examples of having a duty to perform at our best, or of the duties within a team or
Straight back into the work
When you have the same class teacher for two or three years, there is no downtime at the start of the year. Our 4th Class are really working hard right off the bat.
Writing: The children are enjoying beginning to learn about the Odyssey. This week they have written great dialogues from inside the Trojan horse; they are working on making their writing engaging for the reader with rich vocabulary and on using the correct punctuation and spacing for direct speech.
Dictation: We have begun a weekly program of dictation to help children practise giving their full attention with a focus on handwriting and spelling. Each week, using our spelling focus, the children will copy text (using their cursive script as much as they can), and then write the text in a dictation.
Maths: we have been revising and learning new strategies for adding and subtracting in our heads, and also moving on to
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 3
Monday – Macaroni cheese
Tuesday – Quesadillas with sour cream and Guacamole
Wednesday – Garlic and rosemary with sour cream and sweet chili
Thursday – vegetable mornay pie topped with mash potato
Friday – vegetable pancakes
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Deputy Head of School Comment
This week I would like to acknowledge the excellent service that has been offered by our 6th class students. Each morning there are a number of enthusiastic children waiting to take our new Lower 1st class to their classroom and help them with their bags. In some cases, they have waited with them in the classroom if they need an extra bit of help with settling in for the day.
On Friday morning some 6th class students came to Infants Assembly to sit with Lower 1st and help them negotiate their very first school assembly. Their care, enthusiasm and good example has been outstanding. That afternoon they had their first Buddies session which will be a regular Friday afternoon activity. It often becomes the favourite time of the week for both 6th class and Lower 1st.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
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Head of School Comment
At our assemblies, each week we explore the School Value in focus with a discussion based on practical examples given by the students and a reading given by our leadership team. This week the reading was from a quote by Albert Einstein where he referred to the fact that his work was only possible through the combined effort and service of others and that his discoveries would serve those that are to come.
It was the first assembly for our Lower 1st, and not only did they impress everyone with how settled and attentive they were, they also joined in with many insightful and “interesting” interpretations during the discussion. The honest and personal approach by younger children always brings a fresh energy to our School. It has been lovely to watch them come together as a group this week and we look forward to watching them develop and flourish in the
On the vegetarian lunch menu in Week 2
Monday – Bean Nachos with sour cream, Guacamole, and salsa
Tuesday – Tomato and basil penne pasta
Wednesday – Thai style yellow curry served with basmati rice.
Thursday – cheese and tomato toasted wraps
Friday – sweetcorn and potato muffins
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment
It has been wonderful to welcome all the children back to school this week. I have had the pleasure of visiting all the classrooms and the ease and steadiness with which the children have transitioned back to school has been particularly noticeable. The teachers have already been working together for a week and this plays a large part in creating an atmosphere of warmth and stability, so necessary for the children’s mental and emotional wellbeing. We look forward to 2021 being an enriching and stimulating year for the children so that they can continue to thrive.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
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Head of School’s Comment
It has been brilliant seeing all the smiling faces arriving at school this week and wonderful to welcome many new faces too! It has felt like a bit of a celebration after a quiet summer break for many. We are very much looking forward to our Lower 1st students beginning their first full week of school next week.
The Core Values of our school are Stillness, Truthfulness, Courage, Service, and Respect. With our students and staff, we work through these values in all that we do throughout the year. However, we do select a Value to concentrate on each Term, along with an aspect of that Value each week. This Term we will be focussing on our Value of Service and in particular giving our full attention to whatever is before us. We also do spend some time in these first few weeks going over routines, expectations, and explanations of some
On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 7
Monday Pizza
Tuesday Tomato and basil penne pasta
Wednesday Salad rolls
Thursday Roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes
Friday Vegetable muffins
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