​Thanks to everyone who shared their beautiful and colourful traditional clothes and their wonderful, natural hair.

​We are delighted to have secured funding to be able to provide our children with tasty bagels to enjoy every morning. We also have cereals for any child who requires an extra boost to keep their
energy levels up throughout a busy day of learning.

We were joined by three storytellers who delivered an exciting and hands on workshop to each class. We had a fantastic time learning the African Art of Storytelling thanks to IROKO Theatre Company. We learned about why story telling was important in African cultures and many cultures across the world. Storytelling was how morals and history were passed through generations (preserving culture). We learnt some of the key elements needed to be a great storyteller such as voice projection, props, repetition, enthusiasm, choral speaking and expression.

​Working in partnership with a local charity, we are delighted that the children of St Mary's were once again able to enjoy a day of African drumming workshops. The children were learning from an experienced and talented performer and every class made great progress. They also learned about West African culture and the importance of Drumming throughout the History of the region.

​Every class enjoyed a fun cooking activity with Miss Brown. They learned about the fruits and herbs from the region, before preparing delicious salt-fish and banana fritters.

We enjoyed a special lunch as the children got to 'Build a Burger' and 'Scoop a Sundae'. The children added some healthy toppings to their burgers and ice-cream sundaes and their feedback was very positive!
The activity enriched our curriculum by:
• Engaging children in designing their own food – linking to the Design Technology curriculum
• Supporting children’s knowledge of a healthy and balanced diet – linking to the PSHE and Science curriculum
• Encouraging children to try a range of healthy fruit and vegetables
• Providing the children with a fun and engaging lunchtime experience

The whole school shared a special worship together in St Mary's Church, led by Reader Marion. Each class had contributed a Harvest box filled with generous donations from our families. Thanks to everyone who contributed, the food will be shared with LEWCAS to help support asylum seekers. Marion helped us to reflect on everything that we should be grateful for in our lives, sharing the parable of the ten lepers and her own experiences growing up in an Indian leprosy hospital. Children from Year 6 delivered the Bible readings and prayers. At the end of the worship, Marion blessed a special Harvest loaf, kindly made by one of the parishioners, Kate.