Norton Junior School

First and foremost, I am delighted to hear that all children will be back to school on Monday 8th of March. It certainly has been a rocky road over the last three months but finally we can be reunited as a CREW and continue are learning journey in becoming the best version of ourselves through hard work, resilience and respect.

This week, our expedition fast forwards a few years to the grim WW2. This was also a difficult period for the children during this time and they would have certainly felt the horrors of the war. One particular experience that children had to go through was being evacuated. I am extremely pleased once again with the hard work which has gone in to writing. The children have written some brilliant diary entries containing emotion and feeling and they have been able to empathise and think carefully about what it must have been like to endure such an emotional experience. Please take the time to read just some of the examples of the children’s work below. I am sure you will agree with me in saying that the quality of work produced is amazing! Very well done to you all in producing such fantastic pieces of writing!

Dear Diary, 

As soon as I woke up, I remembered that today was the day! I felt scared because I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I was also excited because I was going off on an adventure. Today was the day I got to see the countryside. I packed all of my essential belongings, like my clothes, shoes, coat, hat, bathing suit and most importantly my gas mask. I even packed my favourite teddy bear to remind me of home, and a picture of my mum and dad. I’m going to miss them so much, and I keep crying every time I think about them. I hope I still get a bedtime story tonight, because that’s the only way I can fall asleep. I hope my mum and dad are OK but I know I will see them again soon.

When I got to the countryside, I was so surprised! I had never seen so much green stuff! There were fields everywhere, and I even spotted a little cave that I might explore tomorrow if I’m allowed to. I think I might like it here. There’s no bombs! There’s no explosions! I feel a lot safer, even though I’m missing home. Maybe when the war is over, me, my mum and dad can visit the countryside together! I think I might draw them a picture to take back with me when I get to go home!

Good night

Monday 8th September 1941

Dear diary, 

As soon as I woke up I remembered that today was the day! I felt so nervous and sad because I would miss my mum and dad so much. I was being sent away to the countryside so that myself and my brother were safe from the bombs. As we boarded the train all I had was my suitcase with a few belongings, a pack lunch and my gas mask. It was an adventure as I had never been to the countryside before so I was excited to see what it would be like. I keep thinking to myself that we would be much safer than in the city but I just hope and pray I get to see my parents again and that they are safe.

Monday 8th September 1941

Dear diary, 

As soon as I woke up I remembered that today was the day! I felt nervous and excited because I was going to a new place. I was looking forward to seeing new animals because I’ve never been to the countryside. I’m scared to leave my mum and dad but my brother is coming with me. I made sure I packed everything I needed. Especially my gas mask, name tag and my favourite teddy bear. My mum made us a packed lunch for the journey. I’m scared I’ve never been on a train before. I wonder what it’s like. The view from the train window was amazing. I could see sheep and horses. There were so many trees but the train ride was bumpy. I stood in a gigantic hall surrounded by children. We were excited to see who would get chosen. Me and my brother were the last two to be collected and we wondered if we would get picked to go to a home. When a man and woman walked in and said we were going with them. I was unsure at first when we arrived at the house, they showed us to a room me and my brother would be sharing. I could see out the window. I couldn’t wait to explore the area and garden. We were sitting at the table ready for tea when I realised that I wasn’t with my parents anymore. It was different. I missed them already.

Please see below XP School Trust’s Invitation to Tender for External Audit Services.

All tenders must arrive no later than 5pm on Friday 9th April 2021.

Additional details can be found within the below document.

The deadline for comment and critique of the Academic Holiday Calendar will be 12pm Thursday 25th February. If you haven’t already, please use your voice.

Find out more here!

Thank you for your feedback regarding the future holiday pattern that was shared with you on Friday 5th February. We appreciate and understand the concerns raised by some of you. You are invited to give your feedback about a new proposed calendar. Please follow the link below to the XP Trust Holiday Pattern Consultation page, where you will find a letter from Gwyn ap Harri, the CEO of XP Trust and a Google Form for you to complete. Thank you.

https://xptrust.org/xp-trust-calendar/

This week, the children have been writing their own stories inspired by the novel, ‘Street Child’. After looking at extracts from the original story, the children then used these and their own ideas and imagination to conjure up their own. The standard of writing during this period of remote learning as been nothing short of outstanding and it is clear that maximum effort and thought has gone into ensuring the writing produced is of a quality standard. Below is a selection of the children’s writing which I am sure you will agree echos the statements I have mentioned. Very well done to ALL of you for your hard work during this half term. Keep working hard, getting smart and most importantly being kind to one another.

A loud tapping noise came from the direction of the staircase. Someone was banging noisily as they made their way up the stairs towards the room where the children had been sleeping. The children woke up in fright as they realised who the noise was coming from. “It’s the Stick Man!” whispered Emily as her face turned white with fear and her eyes got wider. Just as the children realised who their terrible visitor was, the door slammed open and in stomped a shadowy figure. The children scrambled to their feet and ran to protect their mother who was sick and sleeping on the floor. In walked Mr. Spink, who was the owner of the house. He walked proudly into the room and stopped to catch his breath, which wheezed and cracked. He growled at the children “Where’s my rent money?” The children gasped and didn’t say a word.”

As soon as Jim woke up, all he could think of is when Mr Spink will be coming for the rent. So after breakfast, Jim went out looking for work because during the night that’s all that he could think of.  Over the road, furiously stud Mr Spink. Very slowly, Jim walked over the road to him. “Please help me!” whispered Jim. “Can you give me a job cleaning your chimney so I can pay you the rent money? As you know my mum is very sick and can’t work. “Hurry up then boy!” shouted Mr spink. Inside the dreadful chimney, Jim was so upset and felt sick. When he got home, he looked at his hands and knees and they were so red and scratched.

Jim’s mum could see in the children’s eyes that they were scared. She felt helpless that she could not help because she was so ill in bed.  They could all see that Mr Spink was starting to get angrier, “I am starting to get impatient.” he shouted at the top of his voice. “Have you got my money or not?” Jim explained that they did not have the money right now and begged for a few more days to get it together. “Please Mr Spink, please may we have a few more days.” Jim pleaded. Mr Spink was not happy but said, “I do not know why but i will give you some more time. I will be back in a few days.” Jim looked at his mum and sister and saw how much better they looked. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do to get the money but he knew they had to do something fast.

The next morning Jim set off really early in hope that someone would feel sorry for him. Hours passed by and Jim was still sitting in the cold, wet street. Suddenly a tall man appeared in front of him. He was a scruffy looking man, covered in dust and black soot. “Do you want a job boy?” asked the man. “There is some work to do down the mines.”  Jim shot to his feet. “Yes please!” he said excitedly. Jim followed the man down the mines. The job was very hard work, it was so hot and dusty Jim could hardly breathe. He was relieved when the day was over. “Come back tomorrow morning, 5 o’ clock sharp!” yelled the man. Jim ran home to tell his mother the good news. “I got a job working down the mines!” said Jim with excitement. “I am so proud of you my boy. We finally have the money to pay Mr Spink!” said his mother happily.