Marvellous Music

Last night our school choir performed in front of a packed audience at Burnside High School's Aurora Centre. The event was the North West Schools Music Festival and was outstanding. Our children were up first but showed no signs of any nerves as they performed two pieces. The choir were buzzing all day in anticipation and they certainly worked incredibly hard in the days and weeks leading up to the big event.

Speaking as someone with zero musical talent, I was hugely impressed by the talent on show, not only from the children but from the teachers who helped bring it all together and accompany the choir. Special thanks to Maggie, Letesha and Kirsty for making it such a special occasion for our children, one I'm sure they will never forget.

Terrifying Tuesday

Today was Terrifying Tuesday at Fendalton School. All the children came to school in mufti to raise money for Marchar Sarita, an Indian girl who the school sponsors.

We had everything from witches and pirates through to mummies and the grim reaper as the children attempted to find the most imaginative way to live up to the name "Terrifying Tuesday". More photos are available here...

Dyslexia Awareness Week

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week, this also marks the high point of Team 14's inquiry on dyslexia.
The children in room 14 have spent the last few weeks researching dyslexia, talking with the dyslexic children in their own class and putting together a roadshow for this week.

All week the children are presenting their roadshow to groups from all across the school, explaining about dyslexia and making suggestions as to how we can all help to make a difference. Not only is their work helping to remove some of the stigma attached to dyslexia, it is also helping us teachers to understand more about what life is like for these children. The dyslexic children from room 14 were able to, very eloquently, explain what it is like, but also what helps to make reading and writing easier for them.
The message from room 14 is:
"It's not a disease, it's a different way of thinking!"
Well done room 14.

Kidnapped by Pirates

Last Friday I was kidnapped by pirates!
There I was, working away in my office, quietly, not bothering anyone, when I was jumped on by a large gang of enormous pirates and dragged away. I tried to fight them off but they were just too strong for me.
As it turned out these vicious pirates were part of a gang calling themselves the Fendalton Junior School. They had a wicked plan to turn me into a pirate too and set about training me in their pirate ways. They taught me how to make treasure, sing sea shanties and use a treasure map. I had a fantastic time and by the end of the day I was transformed into Captain Sibson.
Thank you to all the pirate trainers (teachers) and the Junior team for all their hard work on Friday, it was certainly an experience. It took me most of the long weekend to get my voice back but it was well worth it!