Steeple Claydon School and Preschool

A big thank you to all of those families who contributed to the ‘Christmas Shoe Box Appeal’. The boxes will be delivered to families in need overseas, in time for Christmas. Operation Christmas Child

We think you’ll agree that the children embraced ‘Odd Sock Day’ fabulously! This was a fantastic opportunity to show off our uniqueness and diversity across the school.

Our whole school assembly focused on how we can support each other, and prevent any form of bullying together as a school.

Last call for the ‘Christmas Shoe Box Appeal’. Ideas for things to include can be found here: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/how-to-pack-a-shoebox/

Just bring your box to school by this Friday and it will be included in the collection.

As part of ‘Road Safety Week’ our ‘Road Safety Officers’ have passed on some very important safety information during assembly, and each class will be doing their own activities related to road safety.

This week we will be engaging in a number of activities with the children to show how, as a whole school, we stand in solidarity against bullying.

Today, as a whole school community, we will hold a two-minute silence to remember all those people who have lost their lives in wars around the world.

steepleclaydonschool.com

Is your child starting primary school in September 2023? If so, we would love to show you around our school.

Our vibrant and welcoming environment offers wraparound care, forest school, day trips, music tuition and so much more!

To book a tour, and for further information, visit bit.ly/3fM3pUb. Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th January 2023.

steepleclaydonschool.com

We have one final book to share that underpins our school values. ‘The Most Magnificent Thing’ by Ashley Spires teaches the wonderful skill of perseverance. When the main character in this book gets tired and frustrated whilst trying to make the ‘most magnificent thing’ she wants to give up. However, her supportive dog suggests a walk, and with this, it slowly becomes clear to the girl what needs to be done to succeed.

Stay safe and have a happy…

This Thursday 3rd November…

Year 6’s value of focus is ‘Determination’. Reading ‘I am Malala’, Year 6 learn about the incredible story of Malala Yousafzai.

At the heart of this true story is an exceptionally determined young girl who, in the face of discrimination, bravely fights for girls’ rights to education. Winner of the ‘Nobel Peace Prize’ at just 17 years of age, Malala’s story instills belief “in the power of one person's voice to inspire change in the world.”

Happy…

Photos from Claydon Estate's post

As a whole school community, we walked to St Michael’s Church for our Harvest Festival.

The children really enjoyed taking in their surroundings and we were very impressed with how they walked in pairs to the church.

All of the children from Reception through to Year 6 came together to perform a beautiful service. The audience were treated to the children’s harvest inspired artwork, poetry and song.

Our Eco Club - highlights this half term!

It’s been another busy period for our Green Team. So far this term they have been foraging for leaves, leaf painting, butterfly making from recycled gardening and food magazines and creating welcoming bug hotels for insects to explore.

We were thrilled to receive the bug hotels and materials including cones and wood shavings from ‘Men in Sheds’ in Winslow. A special thank you to Ivo Haest for organising it all.

The children’s drawings and painted pebbles were also judged at the ‘Steeple Claydon Allotment Horticulture Show’ by local artist Peter Keegan Artist. Well done to all of our children for their fantastic entries.

Year 3 & 4’s smoothie sensations were a great success! In groups, the children chose ingredients for their smoothie and then went on to make and sample their creations.

Year 5’s value is ‘Respect’ and together they read the exceptional eye-opening book, ‘The Island’ by Armin Greder.

This book is an extremely powerful tool in opening important conversations about the prejudices that exist in society. The actions of those in the book demonstrate the significance of how we treat each other, and the impact we can have by standing up for what is right. The book also highlights the need for individuals to realise when it is necessary to defend the rights of others.

Our Year 5 children spend every Thursday afternoon at Forest school with Mr Rogers from S4A. As you will see from the pictures, this is a wonderful outdoor space to explore, and it is proving to be an extremely positive break away for children to be free with nature.

Most recently, children have learnt how to prepare kindling, light a fire, toast marshmallows (safely) and build a shelter.

S4A also run a Forest School session for all ages, every Thursday from 3.30-5.00pm.

Steeple Claydon School - Giving Every Child the Chance to Shine

In May 2022, we were delighted to be rated ‘GOOD’ by Ofsted.

Ofsted reported that “Pupils are proud to be a member of Steeple Claydon School. They relish the challenges of the curriculum and work hard.”

You can read our full report here: bit.ly/3yY9Aej

Steeple Claydon School - Giving Every Child the Chance to Shine Steeple Claydon School & Nursery - Rated ‘good’ by OFSTED in June 2019. We have approximately 170 pupils ranging from 2 to 11 years old.

Photos from S4A's post

Year 4’s school value is ‘Compassion’ and their very special class book is ‘The Girl with a Brave Heart’ by Rita Jahanforuz.

This book tells a story about a girl whose beauty from within shows kindness and empathy to all those she meets. The girl with a brave heart “listened and understood that when people are sad, they do not always know how to ask for what they need.”

As part of ‘Cycle to School Week’ we were very lucky to welcome John Bull from Claydon Cycling Club to one of our school assemblies this week. John talked about the importance of following a number of safety checks when cycling, and our ‘Road Safety Officers’ from Year 6 were presented with their uniform.

Our Eco Club needs your help….

We’re delighted to see our ‘Pre-school’ officially added to our new signage.

The school value for Year 3 is ‘Confidence’. Their book, ‘The Little Yellow Leaf’ by Carin Berger illustrates how it takes one leaf a little longer to feel ready to face the unknown. However, with a little encouragement and help from a friend, the little leaf soon finds the confidence to take the leap.

Year 2’s school value is ‘Trust’ and their class book is ‘The Truth According to Arthur’ by Tim Hopgood. Arthur makes a mistake, and when asked what happened, he comes up with a number of different versions of the ‘Truth’. However, it doesn’t take Arthur long to realise that ‘honesty is the best policy’ and he becomes the best of friends with The Truth.

Our value of the week is….

🍃🍂 Challenge for outdoor play - https://www.instagram.com/p/B3fN4CtBFo1/

We have been lucky enough to be included in the ‘Free Book’ incentive at The University of Buckingham Bookshop. Every time you buy a book from the bookshop, a vote is placed for our school and for every five votes, we get a lovely new book!

The shop has a huge range of children’s books as well as lots of fiction and non-fiction books for you too. There is also a half price children’s book range to choose from.

This is a great opportunity to support a local independent bookshop, and your school! Head over to the page for more details or email [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/BuckinghamUniversityBookshop/posts

Year 1’s value is ‘Positivity’, which is brought to life in class by the colourful and honest account of ‘Penguin Problems’ by Joey John.

In this funny and characterful book, we hear all about one little penguin’s dislikes, annoyances and challenges. It takes the positive words of a friendly walrus, to help ‘Mortimer’ see his life a little differently.

We thought this was a beautiful tribute to Her Majesty. Created entirely with pebbles and shells by a family on Sandymere beach in Devon.

Today, we completed our period of national mourning at school by accompanying the new JLT to St Michael’s Church to sign the book of condolences from each class. The classes created some lovely messages for their representatives to write, demonstrating their respect for the Queen and all that she has done for our country.

Our Eco Club - highlights so far!

Steeple’s Green Team have been very busy. The team kicked off activities with a tour of our allotment and a hands-on introduction to growing fruit and vegetables. We now have green beans, peas, carrots, potatoes and cabbage growing on our school premises!

Their first craft session was pebble painting inspired by the theme ‘wildlife’. The children definitely agreed that ‘Rocks rock’ and their finished work will be entered into the Steeple Claydon Allotment Horticulture Show.

The entrance to our allotment is now adorned with beautifully recycled wellies and we have new recycling posters put up across the school. We’re thrilled by the fantastic contribution the Eco Club has already made.

Reception’s chosen value is ‘Generosity’, and their class book is ‘Rainbow Fish’ by Marcus Pfister.

A beautifully written, gentle story, in which a very important message about giving kindly to others is shared. ‘Rainbow Fish’ finds that when he decides to share his most precious possessions with the other fish, he is filled with happiness as he watches their delight in receiving the gifts. ‘Rainbow Fish’s’ generous act gives him a sense of belonging among the other fish.

Let’s get nominating!

🎉🎉🎉 School Book Incentive 🎉🎉🎉

We have an exciting promotion for all our lovely customers!

The focus on reading is something shared by all schools as they start the new term and we want to help. As anyone who has visited will know, we have rather a lot of children’s books (there are worse addictions to have) and we love picking them out.

Now, whenever you buy or order any book from us, you will have the chance to nominate a local school.
When that school gets 5 nominations they will receive a beautiful new book!

If you need any books then order through us and know you are helping children to love reading again 💙

Following the sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll, we held a school assembly this morning to mark the beginning of the National Period of Mourning, and to help the children understand the historical significance of the Queen’s reign and this event.