Category: Latest News from John Colet School Belrose

I have spoken about this before, but it is hard to overestimate the value of the practice of the pause. I was reminded again just how valuable it is when I spoke with 6th class during their Philosophy lesson this week. After sharing a moment of deep stillness with the children, they spoke about the effect. One child said it was like having the opportunity to start with a blank canvas, another child said that a pause is a chance to leave all the thoughts from the previous activity behind and step into a great space where you are free. There were many different examples and I wish I had written them down. This is one of the most valuable tools that we can offer to our children.

Di Renshaw
Deputy Head of School
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This Term we have been exploring our school value of Courage, looking at different aspects such as having the courage to reflect on our own behaviour, to persevere in giving our best both in and out of the classroom, plus the courage we have had to have in meeting the challenges that this year, in particular, has brought.
As we near the end of the Term we are coming full circle and connecting with our Value from Term 2, Truthfulness. We are all learning, and often mistakes are made, however having the courage to admit when we may have been wrong and owning up to our faults is powerful. It firstly releases any burden of guilt, but also encourages self-growth and the reinforcement of right action.
Julian Wilcock
Head of School
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PERSUASIVE WRITING
It is certain that the beach is more fun than the pool. I think the beach is the best because there are waves, sand, shells and fish.
Firstly, there are no waves in swimming pools. Waves are absolutely fantastic for swimming through, and on, as when you go body surfing. Moreover, you can use a boogie board or surfboard to ride the waves.
Secondly and surely you can enjoy the sand by using it and walking on it. There are many ways you can use the sand, make sandcastles and dig holes. Definitely, the sand dunes are perfect for riding and surfing down on a board. You could dig holes to make mini pools to play in.
Thirdly, there are lots of beautiful, shiny shells to collect. It is obvious that you can collect many different shells. They can be used to decorate sandcastles or you can decorate craft objects. You may

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Second Class enjoyed a great Incursion and learning experience on Thursday. Hilary and Tim from the Coastal Environment Centre came along to school for a half day incursion. The children’s activities enhanced the Science unit Living Things and Change. So much new learning on the features of Living Things and their habitat and environment. The children explored the features of animals through the Blindfold Game and then participated in an outdoor activity to build a habitat for a creature and explain to a group the needs of the animal they had chosen.
The Incursion finished off with the children making their own insect habitat in a bottle and a visit from Billy the Bandicoot.
Mrs McDermott and Mrs Connell
Teachers
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Monday Vegetarian bolognaise
Tuesday Salad rolls
Wednesday bean nachos with sour cream, guacamole and salsa
Thursday Smokey roast potatoes with sweet chili and sour cream
Friday Cheese and spinach puff pastry triangles
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This week I would like to continue with the theme of excellence. During the week, the comment was made by one of our teachers, “If you set the bar high, the children will rise to it.” This was certainly the case in our Infants Assembly this morning. Two of our Upper 1st children presented an experiment for Science Week. The confidence with which the children presented themselves, and the clarity and precision of their explanation were exceptional. All the children and teachers present were understandably enthralled. You can watch a video by clicking this link.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Head of School
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We continue to have a great deal of interest from prospective parents, both for starting Lower 1st next year and in higher year levels. Due to current restrictions, we are unable to take group tours, so visits have been with individual families. This has meant more tours, which has allowed more students across the school to answer questions from our visitors. They are always impressed by the pride of our students in their school and how articulate they are. From Lower 1st through to 6th Class our students are great examples of how our unique program can enable each child to reach their potential.
Julian Wilcock
Head of School
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Makes 10
 Ingredients
225g self-rising flour
100g grated zucchini
Pinch of salt
Pinch pepper
175ml milk
1 egg beaten
2 small or 1 large grated carrots
100g crumbled feta
55ml olive oil
 
Method
Pre heat oven to 200 C
Grease 10 muffin moulds
Mix flour, carrot, zucchini salt and pepper in a bowl
In a separate bowl mix the milk, oil and egg together
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture slowly stirring in-between
Fill the mixture 2/3rds of the way up the mould
Turn the oven temperature down to 180 C and bake for 20Min until golden brown.
 
Serving suggestions
Serve with sour cream and Guacamole
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This week I have had the opportunity to look at some of the Infants children’s writing. I was struck by two things. Firstly, by the level of excellence in the writing, and secondly by the beauty of the presentation of their work. It was wonderful to see that the children were so proud of their efforts, and that each child had strived to do their very best, which is all that we can ask from any child. Striving for your best is an equal playing field because a personal best is unique to each child. It demonstrates that a love of learning and pride in achievement go hand in hand, and it is wonderful to see this being cultivated in children at such a young age.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Head of School
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This term we continue to explore the Value of Courage, and we are exploring the importance of reflection and self-improvement. When we are not happy about something we often look externally to what needs to change, however sometimes it may be our pre-conceived ideas, personal limitations or entrenched habits that require attention and the courage to confront. There have been some insightful and very practical examples from our students at both our Infants and Primary Assemblies this week.
Julian Wilcock
Head of School
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