Student Council raise awareness of Ukraine refugees

Pupils at Colburn Community Primary School chose to swap their red noses for blue and yellow outfits to raise money for the Ukraine refugees.

School council representatives Jake and Keevie researched the charity Sunflowers of Peace after hearing about it on BBC Newsround.

They found out that the charity was raising money for medical supplies for paramedics and doctors on the frontline in Ukraine.

The charity uses the sunflower in its name as it is the national flower of Ukraine and symbolises hope and resistance.

Pupils paid to wear their own blue and yellow clothes and purchased cookies made by their school cook, decorated with the Ukraine flag.

Head teacher Jane Knowlson said: “I am very proud of our pupils; they have shown compassion for the people of Ukraine and initiative in organising their fundraising activities.”

Year 5 pupil Jake said: “It’s good to help the Ukraine people because we’ve all seen the sad pictures of Ukraine children carrying everything they own in a bag.”

Miss Douglas, the educational officer from Dog's Trust, spoke to the children about staying safe around dogs.

Phonics and Early Reading Workshops & Key Stage 2 Reading Cafes have taken place this week. The children thoroughly enjoyed demonstrating their reading techniques and sharing their love of reading with parents and members of the school community.

Exciting news to share from Antarctica!

Britain's new polar research vessel, the Sir David Attenborough Research Ship, currently in Antarctica, heard about the Y2 Arctic Survival Day and sent messages to the children! We are looking forward to making contact with the crew once they return to the UK!

Colburn Pupils join forces with the Military to raise awareness of mental health

Pupils at Colburn Primary School enjoyed an activity packed day, finding out about the work of the British Armed Forces while at the same time raising money to support the mental health of veterans, serving soldiers and their families.

The children were visited by the Royal Lancers who taught them how to use binoculars for looking at images of military vehicles. Soldiers from 32 Engineers talked to the children about the importance of metal detectors in their work and pupils used a detector to find a rebar post on their school field. The school was privileged to be visited by the newly formed Army Multicultural Network who worked with pupils on diversity and equality issues in Britain and across the world. Classes who worked with 5 Medical Regiment learnt how to administer first aid to Santa and his reindeer when they had a nasty accident preparing for Christmas Eve!

Scots Guards allowed children to try on their various equipment and 4 Scots were met with cheers when they erected a huge inflatable assault course which was enjoyed by staff and pupils alike! North Yorkshire Police also attended and talked to pupils about road safety, internet safety, and alcohol awareness. 

At the end of the day, pupils, parents and staff met on the playground to enjoy a rousing display from 1 Yorks Drum Team followed by a wonderful performance from the Fijian Military Choir. Stalls were open for the purchasing of Christmas themed products and a raffle of more than 60 prizes was held. The total raised was £750 which will be divided equally between the Army Benevolent Fund, the Veterans’ Foundation and the local charity The Beacon.  

Headteacher, Jane Knowlson said ‘The whole school community had a wonderful day and we are very grateful to the Military and North Yorkshire Police for their contribution. Living on the edge of Catterick Garrison, it is so important that our pupils are aware of the work of the armed forces and the opportunities that are available to them as they progress through education. Due to the huge support of our parents, we were able to raise funds for Military Minds while at the same time raising the aspirations of our pupils.

Jayden in year 5 said  ‘The whole day was inspiring and now I want to join the army.’

Disala in year 4 said ‘I enjoyed it because my Dad used to be in the army and I got to try on the army uniform.’

Della-Shaye in year 2 said ‘I liked the medics because they told us how they look after soldiers and how we can look after each other.’ 

Ms Davina Wardle

04.08.1967 - 11.09.2021

Today we had the sad task of informing the school community of the sudden death of Ms Davina Wardle, a teaching assistant, who has worked at Colburn school, for 20 years, supporting children and families.

Ms Wardle was a wonderful member of Colburn school, loved by all the children and staff, she will be missed greatly.

Her commitment to the children, school, community and love of learning has touched us all over the years.

A memorial flower garden will be created, in school, as a special place to go and remember Ms Wardle.

The pupils, ex-pupils and staff are also creating a book of memories, including photos’ poems and pictures to share with her family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms Wardle’s family.

Summer Activity Ideas

SUMMER ACTIVITIES THAT ARE FUN, CHEAP OR FREE

• Visit Colburn library
• Go for a nature walk.
• Fly a kite
• Have a picnic
• Set up a snail race
• Make a daisy chain crown
• Make a bug hotel
• Grow a plant
• Make a mud creation
• Play hopscotch
• Set up an obstacle course
• Create a picture using natural materials such as twigs, petals and leaves.

Free Things to Do in Yorkshire

• National Science & Media Museum. Credit: The National Science & Media Museum.
• Harrogate Valley Gardens.
• Ripon Cathedral. 
• Hackfall Wood. 
• National Railway Museum. 
• Yorkshire Wolds.
• Painted Illusion Trail.

Check out these websites for ideas too!

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50-things-to-do

A webinar with Liz Pichon - 'Believe and Achieve'

This morning Year 5 took part in a webinar with the author and illustrator, Liz Pichon. They found out about what inspires her stories, as well as who inspired her to want to be an author.

Here are some of what Class 5 thought about the session:

 Lilly: 'I'm inspired to draw my own characters when I get home.' Jessica: 'I like how creative she is!'

Gracie: 'I liked that she believed in herself to achieve her goals of being an author, despite being dyslexic, she has achieved her goal. Even though it took her until she was in her 40s.'

Jack and Ethan both liked that her drawings were simple, and done in pen or pencil, that no colour was needed.

Marcus Rashford Book Club!

Well Done Mrs Noble!

Colburn Primary School Pupils Take Part

in Decorated Egg Contest

April 5, 2021 Joe Willis

Richmondshire Today

Pupils at Colburn Primary School celebrated the end of a very unusual term with a decorated egg competition.

The children had to work on their creations at home and the eggs had to be taken to school several days before judging in order for them to be quarantined.

Once quarantine was over, David Miller, a school governor, and his wife Maureen, both retired teachers, had the difficult task of choosing a first, second and third place in all ten classes with different themes for the different age groups.

Headteacher Jane Knowlson said: “It was important for us to hold our annual egg decorating competition as it was not possible last year.

“The children have shown true resilience in how they have coped with the third national lockdown, eight weeks of remote learning and then confidently returning to their classrooms for the end of term.

“We are very proud of how well they have adapted to the challenges of these uncertain times, they are an inspiration to us all.”

School Marks Remembrance Day Despite Lockdown

November 13, 2020 Joe Willis

Richmondshire Today

Pupils at Colburn Primary School managed to mark Remembrance Day despite the current restrictions.

The school held a virtual Remembrance assembly as they were unable to meet all together in their school hall.

The assembly was led by the year 6 school council representatives, Elizabeth and Emily.

The school remembered the sacrifices that have been made by the Armed Forces in all conflicts since World War One.

This year, the assembly also recognised the work the Armed Forces did in building the Nightingale Hospitals and working with the NHS on testing programmes across Britain.

After the assembly, pupils in their year group bubbles or family bubbles visited the school garden of remembrance to plant their crosses to show respect for family members who have lost their lives in military conflict.

Headteacher Jane Knowlson said: “Even during this national lockdown, it is very important that staff and pupils recognise the work and sacrifices of our Armed Forces.

“It was a privilege to attend the outdoor Remembrance Service at Hipswell Church on Sunday with a Colburn School staff and pupil bubble group and to watch our pupils laying the school wreath.

“It is so important that these services continue in a safe and sensible manner.”

Colburn Primary School leavers celebrate with afternoon tea

July 19, 2020 Joe Willis

Year 6 pupils at Colburn Community Primary School celebrated the end of their primary education with a socially distanced afternoon tea.

The children were able to invite a guest to the event that was held in the school hall on the last afternoon of term. The afternoon included an awards ceremony, where children had nominated their classmates for roles that they may fulfil in the future. The year group included a future Prime Minister, fashion designer, best-selling author, astronaut and millionaire.

The children shared their special memories of being a pupil at Colburn School, and the guests and staff enjoyed the video that the children had made. As a surprise for the pupils, all school staff had made a humorous video for the children, demonstrating a sillier side which the pupils don’t normally see.

Angie Dale, chair of governors, provided the afternoon tea. She said: “The children have coped well with the huge disruption to their learning. I wish them luck for the new chapter in their lives, beginning secondary school.”

Headteacher Jane Knowlson added: “Our afternoon tea event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the perseverance and courage our year six pupils have shown through this challenging time. We are all very proud of them and know they will grow into thoughtful, caring, resilient members of our community.”

Colburn Primary School holds street party to celebrate VE Day anniversary

May 8, 2020 Joe Willis

Pupils at Colburn Community Primary School ended a fun-filled week of 1945 activities with a street party to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of VE Day.

The children, who are in school as their parents and carers are key workers, learnt about life in 1945 through a variety of activities delivered by their teachers and teaching assistants throughout the week.

Activities included dressing up as evacuees and writing letters home, listening to speeches made by Winston Churchill, making and flying Spitfire planes, designing and making their own patriotic bunting, learning the song ‘We’ll Meet Again’, making their own butter, playing traditional games from the era and decorating army boots with flags and poppies.

The children made ration books and competed in their very own 1945 Bake Off. Without adult support, they used 1945 ingredients to make orange and honey drop biscuits.

Year 6 pupil Josh said: “It is important that we remember all the people who fought in World War Two so that we can live in a free country.”

Headteacher Jane Knowlson said: “Our key worker children in school have enjoyed finding out about World War 2, the importance of VE Day, and the community spirit across the country during and after the war. “This is very significant in the current climate as during lockdown our children are aware of the sacrifices made by front-line workers today, including their parents and carers and are experiencing the same community spirit.”

Our Message of Hope

Pupils at Colburn Community Primary School decided that they wanted to cheer up their community by painting a rainbow and filling it with messages that people could see as they passed the school gates.

All the pupils involved in the activity are the children of key workers and are attending Colburn School every day while their parents and carers provide care and support for others.

Many of the children were already aware of how the rainbow has become a symbol of hope for countries suffering with coronavirus.

Italy was the first country to use the rainbow and the USA, Canada and Spain have all adopted this significant emblem which represents better things to come after hard times.

Year 6 pupil Finlay said: “We made the poster to remind people to stay inside and stay safe.”

William, year 5, said: “The poster is to raise awareness and to help the community feel safe.”

Five-year-old Daisy added: “It is to say thank you to the people for killing the bad bugs.”

Headteacher Jane Knowlson said: “I am very proud of the children and staff at Colburn Community Primary School for creating a rainbow banner for our school gates to cheer up the local community and send out a message of hope during this very worrying time.

“Rainbows serve to remind us all that there is hope and light to follow, even after dark times.”

Colburn Primary School pupils show off music and drama skills

Acclaimed author visits Colburn Primary School

Celebrating the end of the school year

Reception pupils at Colburn Primary School took part in a special graduation ceremony to celebrate all their success in Foundation Stage before they move up to Key Stage 1. The children invited family and friends to attend the ceremony in the hall and all pupils wore mortar board hats. The graduation included songs and a slide show of photographs of the children’s activities, achievements and visits over the last year.  Every child was presented with a graduation certificate unique to them for their individual achievements.

Interim Head Teacher Debbie Nicholas said ‘The transition from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1 is a very significant stage in a child’s life as it prepares them for the rest of their educational journey. We wanted to mark this important development with a special event that will be a lasting memory for the children and their parents.’

End of year celebratory trip to London

Year 6 children from Colburn Primary School celebrated an excellent year with a trip to London. Staying at the Youth hostel at St Pauls, they used this as a base to experience the sights and sounds that London has to offer; they climbed to the top of St Paul’s cathedral, watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and learned how government makes decisions during a 90 minute visit to the Houses of Parliament. They fed the parakeets and squirrels at St James’ Park, met Pikachu in Trafalgar Square, found out amazing facts at the Natural History Museum and watched a performance of Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre. They ended the two day visit with a 30 minute ride on the London Eye, giving them a birds’ eye view over London and they had fun spotting all the places they had visited.

One child said” it helped me to become more independent and I realised I didn’t need my mum for everything”

Another said “I overcame my fear of heights by going up St Paul’s cathedral and on the London Eye”

Interim Head Teacher said “The visit was able to take place due to generous donations from a variety of sources. The children’s behaviour was excellent and a member of the public commented on the children’s politeness and good behaviour whilst we were on the train. “

Bagel-Mania

Our pupils are enjoying free bagels for a year from the government scheme run by Magic Breakfast.

Hot toasted bagels are served by ‘bagel monitors’ on the playground every morning, and are available to all children and their families.  Bagels are also available from the school office for children arriving late to ensure no child goes hungry.  The children have been so excited, they have named it ‘Bagel-mania’!

“I like that the bagels are free and they give me lots of energy.”

“It’s good they’re offered to everyone for free.”

“They’re crispy and really tasty!”

Our FS2 pupils have been reading ‘Naughty Bus’ by Jan and Jerry Oke. The story and activities, including the bus visiting the classroom during the night and playing pranks, has brought the children’s learning to life.

‘This is a disaster,’ said Emilie, after the children found the bus had managed to get itself frozen in ice overnight.

As a surprise for the children, we organised a visit from a London Routemaster bus. The children were very excited to get their tickets from the conductor, boarding the bus, ringing the bell, beeping the horn and reading a story on the upper deck.

We have had a fun-filled week of Christmas activities.  As well as a traditional nativity performed by Year 1 pupils, a Foundation Stage Christmas singalong and a Year 2 ‘Christmas Around the World’ assembly, we have also put on a Year 3 - 6 musical called ‘Poptastic’.

Miss Nicholas commented, “All children in Key Stage 2 were given the opportunity to take part in our disco-themed production; the on-stage cast of singers, dancers and actors were supported by the enthusiastic school orchestra and a very capable stage crew. I was delighted that our whole school community was involved in so many lovely Christmas activities.”

Chloe said, “I loved being in the Poptastic production because it was fun and educational. I was able to include some of my own ideas into the script.”

Jasmine added, “I enjoyed learning all the different dances and performing for my friends and family.”

Abbey said, “I will miss being in our productions when I move to secondary school next year; I have been in every play since Year 1. My Great Nanna travelled all the way from Dover to watch me and my sister in Poptastic.”

Our current Year 6 pupils recently took part in an art project - their work was displayed at County Hall in Northallerton.  For further details, click the link below to visit Richmondhsire Today: