Lyonsdown News - 23rd March 2018

From the Headmaster’s Desk The Six Nations is a distant memory, the national cricket team were skittled out for 58 (only the fifth side ever to be all out in the first session) and the press have started to fool us into believing that England might have a chance at winning the World Cup. Setting optimism to one side, it seemed an appropriate week to focus on another British value we hold so dear: democracy. My assembly on Monday focused on voting and the importance of respecting the opinions of others. As much as I tried to persuade the boys and girls that there is only one flavour of ice-cream, they would not allow me to influence their opinion. This bodes well for next week, when for the first time in the 111 year history of Lyonsdown, the School lion will be named by secret ballot. Add Year 6’s trip to the Houses of Parliament and Year 3’s wonderful piece about British values and the new (very hard to collect) ten pence piece, and we have a very well-informed School. Keeping parents well informed was at the forefront of the School’s mind during this week’s parents’ evenings. However, it was a case of performing, rather than informing, in the magnificent Lower School Spring Concert – a show that I was privileged enough to see twice. Thank you to all of those who were involved in preparing the boys and girls; it was a wonderful way in which to lead into the end of term. Looking forward to Easter, Mrs Young taught the school about the message of forgiveness in a wonderful assembly, and also the meaning behind the gifts we exchange. Said gifts were in abundance at the FLS cake sale on Thursday– thank you to all of those parents who contributed or pur- chased. And what an end of term we have in store: the FLS Easter bonnet competition and the Upper School Spring Music Concert are the tip of the iceberg. With a final burst of energy, I am sure we will all be able to make the most of the last half week of the Spring Term. Have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to seeing you on Monday. C. Hammond

Headmaster’s coffee morning On Tuesday 24th April, from 8:50am to Follow and like our 9:30am, Mr Hammond will be hosting an page on Facebook! informal gathering of parents. Do come along to chat over a cup of tea or coffee. If you would like to attend, please gather at the foyer entrance for an 8:50am start.

1 Reception Computing- Reception

This week Reception pupils have tried out their skills to solve

problems and use on screen instructions. Locking away the rotten monster and

saving your cows is the order of the day! Good logical thinking and Reception sang their hearts out as teddies and explorers and animals in the working out how best to achieve your Lower School Spring Celebration. goal. Well done!

Huge thanks to the Mums and Dads for the wonderful costumes. Mrs Everett Reception Team

Lower School

Well done to the Lower School for putting on a magnificent performance of Round The World in Eight Songs. It was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone!

A letter will be emailed to parents with details of how to purchase the DVD shortly.

Year 3 From roll baking to sandwich making – Year 3 are continuing to experience the pleasures of preparing a healthy snack. The girls are paying particular attention to presenting their sandwich rolls in an appetising manner. We hope they taste as good as they look!

Mrs Silve

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Year 6’s day “Out and About” in Town

Well, what a splendid day Year 6 had on Wednesday, beginning with a coach drive into London, arriving at their first destination: The Houses of Parliament. Before going in, there was time to stop by Victoria Tower Gardens, and in this centenary year of women getting the vote, an opportunity to see the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst – leader of the suffragette movement. As you can see, we also met some other people in the park! Once inside the , Year 6 had a tour, consisting of Westminster Hall, built nearly 1,000 years ago by William the Conqueror no less, and the scene of many important events in our nation’s history, including the trials of Guy Fawkes and King Charles I. Henry VIII is even reputed to have played tennis in there! In more recent times, Westminster Hall has hosted Barack Obama and Pope Benedict XVI. Then it was through Central Lobby – passing the corridor where suffragettes– as part of their protest - had chained themselves to statues of past prime ministers, and on to the public gallery of The House of Lords, where their Lordships were debating proposed legislation related to Brexit (unfortunately, as it was Prime Minister’s Questions, we were unable to visit The House of Commons). After the tour, Year 6 were involved in a workshop on how the election system in our country works. From joining a political party (fictitious ones for this exercise) to forming manifestos; standing as a candidate; to voting and being elected, then forming a government with Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Education Secretary, Year 6 girls had a thorough run through the whole process from start to finish! After lunch, we walked from Parliament to Carnaby Street, passing and stopping at and Downing Street. We said “hello” to the horses at and then walked on to . After stopping to see the lions and fountains (including ducks), we carried on through Pall Mall and The Haymarket, arriving in . Then it was on up through a busy Regent’s Street, turning right just passed into Carnaby Street for the next part of our adventure.

Mrs Windsor Year 6 visit to Irregular Choice

After an exciting morning spent at the Houses of Parliament, Year 6 pupils had a fabulous time on Wednesday afternoon visiting a highly inspirational shoe shop in Carnaby Street called ‘Irregular Choice’ owned by shoe designer, Dan Sullivan.

The visit was organised to support pupils’ learning on a unit of work based on the theme of shoes. Pupils have recently designed and made their own eye catching 3D shoes, and Mrs Cowie was very proud to show the shop staff photographs of the Year 6’s finished work which the staff were extremely impressed with! The girls spent time looking at the fantastic interior design of the shop as well as sketching some of the colourful, eye catching shoes and bags.

Mrs Cowie and Mrs Young had fun trying on some of the unusual designs selected by the girls and we all left Irregular Choice feeling truly inspired!

Mrs Cowie

Inspirational People

With the sad news of Stephen Hawking’s death, it seemed apt that Year 6’s assembly last Friday was all about remembering and celebrating the lives of people who inspire us. The assembly closed with this inspirational video clip from Professor Hawking and it’s well worth a look if you have the time: YouTube video clip. https://youtu.be/BBcxxhqsz34

Well done Year 6!

Mrs Brighton

4 Year 6 Food Technology Project: Sushi Making After weeks of research and meticulous planning, Year 6 made their own vegetarian sushi this week. They firstly prepared and chopped their selected vegetables (and fruit!), then used bamboo mats, sushi rice and nori seaweed to create the most delicious sushi. The sushi not only tasted great - it smelled delicious and looked beautiful too! The girls really enjoyed presenting their sushi with all the traditional condiments and garnishes, and they had fun learning how to make such a healthy dish from another culture. Mrs Cowie

Sports News On Friday 16th March, the Under 9A and Under 8A netball teams travelled to St Joseph's in the Park for a netball match. Both matches were extremely close throughout and all of the girls showed plenty of grit and determination. The Under 9s match finished 2-2 and the Under 8s fought back to earn a 1-1 draw. Well done girls! Thank you to everyone who has supported our teams in all of their sporting events this term. We now look ahead to the Summer Term when we will begin our athletics training in preparation for Sports Day 2018. More details to follow. Miss Doyle

Readathon Week and Literacy Day

Next term we are going to hold our Readathon week once again during week commencing Monday 23rd April – more details to follow! We are also going to have our literacy dress up day on Wednesday 25th April.. So lots to look forward to.

In the meantime, …

Keep calm and carry on reading

4 Artist of the Week

WIND

By Ellie Y6 The breeze comes silently

On graceful feet. It caresses the leaves, Congratulations ANYA (YR 4) Year 4 have been investigating the work of Vincent Van Gogh in art lessons. They completed a research Over the rivers it flies- homework about him and Anya drew this fantastic portrait of Van Gogh together with some well-presented Until it slows down information about his life and personal opinions about some of his paintings. Well done Anya! This is a wonderful pencil drawing showing good use of mark And comes to a halt. making.

The Week Ahead

Lunch Menu: week commencing 26th March 2018 26th March— 2pm Upper School Spring Music Concert at St John’s Church. Yogurts & fresh fruit available daily. HM—Homemade V—Vegetarian Final Dramarama for Rec MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 27th March — Last Chess Club 28th March— Last Day of term Main Course Meat Free Cod Fish Barbeque Option 1 Monday Fingers Chicken Falafel + Spinach + Potato Drumstick HM Burger + Raita Wedges + Oven Chips New Potatoes

Vegetarian Penne Arrabiata Sweet Potato + Cheese + Option 2 HM Lentil Curry V Tomato Pizza HM + Turmeric V HM Rice

Sides Broccoli Baked Beans Sweetcorn Peas Cauliflower Carrots Mixed Salad Mixed Salad Mixed Salad Desserts Sultana Rock Fruit Pots HM Easter Bunny Cakes HM Yoghurt Cupcake HM Strawberry Yoghurts Mousse Fruit

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