Anti-Bullying Week & Odd Socks Day
During the week of 10th November, our whole school came together to launch Anti-Bullying Week with the help of our School Council. They led presentations across EYFS to Year 6, reminding us how important it is to use our Power for Good by choosing kindness, speaking up if someone needs help, and celebrating our differences. Classes discussed how it feels to be treated with kindness, what we can do if someone is left out, and the simple ways we can make school feel happy and safe for everyone. We proudly wore our odd socks to show that being unique is something to celebrate!
During the week, we continued to reflect on our school values — Love, Respect and Integrity — and how bullying has no place in our community. We also marked World Kindness Day, where our Wellbeing Team surprised staff with lunchtime treats as a gesture of appreciation and to model the power of small acts of kindness. We want St Michael’s school to be a place where kindness grows and every child and adult feels safe, supported and respected.
UK Parliament Week at Our School
This week, our pupils are taking part in UK Parliament Week, learning about how decisions are made in our country and why democracy matters. Through PSHE lessons, children are exploring the role of Parliament, taking part in debates, and building their knowledge of voting and representation.
As part of this learning, pupils across the school are preparing School Council manifestos, sharing their ideas on how they would support our school community should they be elected. Over the next two weeks, children will present their manifestos to their classmates before taking part in a class vote using a real ballot box, helping them experience democracy first-hand. We look forward to seeing our young leaders step forward and use their voice with confidence and purpose!
Outdoor Classroom Day – Let’s Get OUT!
On 7th November, our pupils took part in Outdoor Classroom Day, embracing the fresh air as lessons moved beyond the classroom. Despite unpredictable weather, children across the school explored new ways of learning outside, from maths activities using natural resources to descriptive writing inspired by the sounds, colours and textures around them. Many classes enjoyed reading outdoors, created art using leaves and twigs, and used nature to support phonics, science investigations and problem-solving activities.
As part of the day, groups of pupils also worked with staff and volunteers to plant flowers around the school grounds. We are extremely grateful to GP Garden Services for generously donating plants and a tonne of compost, helping us make our outdoor spaces brighter and more welcoming. Thank you to our staff, parent volunteers and enthusiastic pupils for embracing the outdoors and turning learning into an adventure – it was so much fun!
Climate Justice Week
First week back after half term, our school marked Climate Justice Week, learning about how climate change affects communities around the world. Using resources from Christian Aid, pupils explored climate change as an issue of fairness and social justice, thinking about how it impacts people, places and environments - from disappearing islands to the loss of habitats.
Children began by expressing their emotions through creative tools (Blob People) and new vocabulary, before discussing ways we can all help build a fairer, more sustainable future. Each class then produced artwork to share their hopes and ideas for protecting our planet. It was inspiring to see every year group approach such big issues in age-appropriate, meaningful ways, showing empathy, understanding and imagination. All month I have had children talking to me about our responsibility to care for the our community and the world.
