After a super night's sleep, the children were again excellent role models at breakfast.  They are a pleasure to spend time with.

A morning on the water canoeing was followed by pond dipping.  Most of the children managed to stay in their canoes- although some did end up looking a little wet through (including Mr Briant). This afternoon as the storms clouds approached the children created waterproof shelters that they could all fit in!  This evening we have songs by the campfire to look forward to.  More pictures to follow.

Today has been jam packed! The children enjoyed a walk along the canal and exploring Caen Locks this morning. This afternoon really tested their strength and resilience when they battled the high ropes and climbing walls; we have some very talented climbers! We all enjoyed a lovely roast dinner and treacle tart this evening! All children are happy and looking forward to a restful night.

After Year 1 recently took part in a litter picking activity which was noticed by the Trowbridge Town Council, Mrs Tawn decided to put the whole school forward for the Town Council 'Green Award' for all the children's efforts in learning how to make out world a better place as part of last term's topic.  Last night, Laila, Lucas and Chloe attended the Town Council meeting and despite not winning, they were shining examples of how amazing the children at Newtown School really are and in the Mayor's words 'the standard of nominations were so high and so to be invited to the awards meant we were already winners! 

Sycamore class had the chance to show some great citizenship skills recently, as they made a special effort to look after their local environment. They did this by carrying out litter picking along Newtown. You may even have spotted them in the Wiltshire times -

Trowbridge Council certainly did and sent a very kind message congratulating the children on their hard work.

 

Many thanks to all who came and supported our book sale on Friday. It was a huge success and so brilliant to see so many children sharing books with their adults. A very big thank you to our year sixes who volunteered their time to sell the books and count up the cash; we raised just over £30, which will go into the book fund and will be used to buy even more new and engaging books for the children.

 

We will continue to raise the profile of reading here at Newtown because we know that it is paramount to the future success of the children. The teachers and I have now decluttered all classroom bookshelves and they will be filled with new and exciting titles for them to read. Can I please ask for your support in keeping these books well looked after when the children bring them home to ensure that they last and that all of our children benefit from them. Keep sharing books with your children, keep reading wherever you go and keep that enthusiasm going at home to ensure your children get the best out of their future.

Thank you to everyone who donated a gold or silver coin for our 'wear something dotty' day; we even had a visit from Pudsey! Everyone was really generous and raised a fantastic £128.32! 

Trowbridge Youth Parliament

 

On Wednesday 11^th October Willow, Luke and Mrs Cameron attended the Trowbridge Youth Parliament Meeting at The Clarendon Academy in Trowbridge. Trowbridge Youth Parliament allows the voices of our children to be heard in recognising, understanding and debating key issues that affect the youth of today and the wider community.

 

In today’s meeting, Willow and Luke contributed extremely well when discussing how people debate in parliament. Some of the discussions covered the importance of diversity, and how important it is that everyone has a voice, no matter who they are or where they come from. As Willow quite rightly said “It should be fairness for all”.

 

Throughout the morning we also discussed about how to debate effectively, including the key skills you need to have as a speaker such as: good listening skills; good speaking skills; respecting one another; being confident; being articulate and clear about what key points you are putting across; being passionate about what they are talking about and using persuasive language.

 

Willow and Luke now have to work hard at composing an effective argument to debate the topic “Should teachers wear school uniform?” at the next Trowbridge Youth Parliament Meeting. Willow and Luke have both decided to compose an argument to vote for teachers having to wear a uniform. They now need your help…. If you have a good reason or view about why teachers should wear school uniform, please write down your idea and put it in the “TYP Box” in the reception area of Newtown School. Willow and Luke will then look through your ideas and can put some of your views in their argument that they will be presenting at the next meeting. Remember, your voice counts.

Willow and Luke were fantastic role models of the school, and their behaviour was exemplary. Both pupils represented the school extremely well, and will be excellent advocates for the school at future meetings (they even learnt how to make and enjoy a cup of tea!)

 

Mrs Cameron