Christmas Lunch at Manor Way

Last Friday, children across both sites enjoyed a festive Christmas lunch whilst wearing their winter jumpers.

Year 2 celebrate Christmas Jumper Day!

 Last week, Year 2 got into the festive spirit by wearing their Christmas and winter themed jumpers! We had a great day taking part in a fashion show and then posing for class photos!

Looking after our mental health during winter

The Young Minds website has lots of tips and advice to help us all through the winter.

A guide for parents and carers: Money and mental health

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/money-and-mental-health/

"Information on the links between money and mental health, how to support your child's wellbeing and look after yourself in the cost-of-living crisis, and where to find practical and financial support for your family."

This includes where to find practical support and further advice.

Tips for coping with seasonal affective disorder

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/tips-for-coping-with-seasonal-affective-disorder/

"Although seasonal affective disorder is very common, it’s not something you hear talked about enough. It is similar to depression, except it comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, with the symptoms usually being mainly present during the winter. These symptoms include low mood, a lack of energy, a loss of pleasure in activities you would normally enjoy, and feelings of irritability."

• Sunlight and walking
• Stop scrolling in the mornings in bed
• Journaling
• Creating a routine and planning my days
• Therapy/ Talking with someone you can trust

How to help your child if Christmas makes them anxious

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/blog/how-to-help-your-child-if-christmas-makes-them-anxious/

"Gifts, gingerbread houses, advent calendars and chocolate. Trips to see Santa, trips to see his ‘elves’, ice skating, movies and more chocolate - the stuff of Christmas that children so often love.

But for some children, the festive period can be a time that makes them anxious."

1. Check in with your child

2. Plan ahead

3. Discuss plans for time with extended family

4. Understand their needs

5. Get out of the house

6. Be aware of what your child picks up on

7. Look after your health (adults)

8. Do what's best for you

Year One at Santa’s Grotto

Some children in year one went to visit a truly magical grotto yesterday. They were very grateful for presents they received from a jolly Father Christmas!

 

Santa's Grotto in a Winter Wonderland (Y2)

 Santa certainly brought the snow with him to this year's Grotto experience! 

The children enjoyed walking over to Manor Way looking at the beautiful snow covered trees and paths, seeing Forest School covered in school and most importantly, how amazing Santa's Grotto looked!

We shared our favourite parts of our Grotto experience, you can see some of them below.

 

Preloved Christmas Jumper Sale - Eco Squad

 A big thank you to everyone who donated their preloved Christmas jumpers for the sale. We sold nearly all donations and will be donating the proceeds to Greenwich Foodbank. Well done to the Eco Squad for coming up with the idea!

Festive Fundraising at Abbey Wood Station

On Friday a group of Festive jumper-wearing Year 5 and 6 children from a combination of Pupil Leadership Groups - Community Champions, Junior Travel Ambassadors and Fundraising Team - visited Abbey Wood Rail Station, where they performed a selection of Christmas carols and festive hits for commuters using the station, who could make a donation in our collection bucket if they so wished. Their enthusiasm and effort created a " sterling performance" according to one of the customers using the station.

Kerry Vye, station event organizer said, "We are pleased to confirm that a total of £46.68 was raised in donations. This is amazing, particularly as the event was conducted during off peak time, which is the station's quieter period. Our station colleagues were overjoyed at having the children sing at Abbey Wood station, and the customer feedback and comments throughout the session were truly heart-warming."

 

Year 2 Christmas Sneak Peek!

This week Year 2 have been busy dusting off their acting and singing skills to create a Christmas show extravaganza!

Here are some photos to give you a festive sneak peek!

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing over the holidays, and during a pandemic!

No matter whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the festive period is different for everyone. 

It may be something you look forward to, or it may be a time of year you find a bit tough. 

What the holiday period brings will be individual to each of us.

 mentalhealth.org.uk

There are many websites that provide tips and advice.

• You-and-your-mental-health-still-matter-christmas
• How-to-help-your-child-if-christmas-makes-them-anxious
• Looking-after-your-mental-health-at-christmas
• How-can-christmas-affect-your-mental-health?

Some have suggestions that are particularly relevant during Covid-19 restrictions.

• Christmas, coronavirus and mental health (MIND)

"This year we are seeing my sister, who lives alone and we are her support bubble. We are going to make it as festive and cosy as we can, given the pandemic."

Young Minds have a Wellbeing Advent Calendar with lots of great ideas.

French singing lesson with Year 3 and 4

This week, Year 3 & 4s have been practising French Christmas song as part of their French lessons. They have been able to sing the songs fluently and are excited about performing to the families and friends next Wednesday. Underneath the photos you can find the words for you to get practising!

Woolwich Winter Warmer 2018 - record numbers of Bannockburn families!

On Saturday 1st December over 100 children and family members from the Bannockburn Community took to the streets of Woolwich to take part in the lantern parade, as apart of the Woolwich Winter Warmer 2018.

The lanterns were made by pupils in a workshop with arts and crafts group, Parrabolla, the previous week, using old plastic milk cartons and other recyclable materials to fit with the theme, which was Recycling.

When we all met at The Woolwich Centre, small lights were put inside our creations so they looked like lanterns and would light up the winter night's sky.

Due to the huge, excellent turnout form our school, we were even given the opportunity to carry one of the arts company's masterpieces, a huge Christmas tree pyramid covered in recycled plastic bags.

Thanks to all the children and adults who came and took part - and well done for gaining all those extra house points for your houses as a thank-you!