Small Steps, Big Goals
"There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time." Desmond Tutu
It has been wonderful to welcome the pupils back to school this week. A particularly warm welcome to the pupils who have joined our school community this term: Maryam, Marion, Cléa and Logan. We look forward to learning and laughing together, and to getting to know you over the coming weeks and months.
As is customary at the start of a new year, our classroom and assembly discussions this week looked back to reflect upon the year that has passed and then forward to our individual and collective hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Below are some of the goals and aspirations articulated by the pupils in Year 6C.
"To go to sleep earlier because right now I sleep at 11pm and I am always sleepy and am not as focussed as I should be." - Kevin
"Not being late for school because I don't want to miss the start of the day." - Marko
"To wake up earlier so I can help my parents with the horses." - Patrick
"To try to run or cycle every weekend. I want to become more fit." - Mia
"To become a better swimmer." - Paula
"To eat healthily and take my dog on a walk." - Emma
But how do we take on the challenges and goals that we have set ourselves, especially when they seem daunting? In the words of the fearless human rights campaigner Desmond Tutu, who sadly passed away over the Christmas holidays, the best way to face these challenges is “one bite at a time” and to break down the goals into small chunks. These bitesize chunks should be specific, measurable, achievable, attainable and time-bound, and it is also good to share our goals with others, whether that be friends, teachers or family members. This accountability spurs us on to keep pursuing our aspirations and dreams.
I look forward to making steps towards my own goals and walking alongside the pupils as they do the same in the weeks and months ahead.
Duncan Barrable, Head of Years 4-6
The Coming of the Kings
THE COMING OF THE KINGS | Epiphany, or the Coming of the Three Kings, is celebrated each year by Christians around the world on 6 January which, this year, was the first day of the Spring Term at St Leonards. The Year 2 pupils enjoyed hearing the story of how the Magi - Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior - followed the star to find the baby Jesus after he had been born. They also learned about how different cultures and countries celebrate this feast day.
In France, families mark Epiphany with Galette des Rois, a delicious pastry dessert made with almonds, in which small figurines of kings or lucky coins are hidden. Others celebrate the feast day by marking front doors with the letters C, B and M to signify the kings and the date of the new year to bless the household and bring good fortune to all those who reside within. Finally, the Year 2 pupils created some fantastic small gold crowns bedecked with jewels to mark the importance of the date.
Teddy Bear Toast
TEDDY BEAR TOAST | This week, Year 1 enjoyed reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Inspired by the characters of this fantastic story, the pupils made a delicious break time snack using toast covered with chocolate spread as a base, before adding bananas and blueberries to create eyes. Needless to say, the snacks were 'just right'!
Swimming in the Sea
SWIMMING IN THE SEA | The pupils of Years 4-6 (together with the Head, Mr Brian) headed down to the East Sands this morning to brave the chilly waters of the North Sea for their first dook of the year. Very well done to all those who took part - a memorable and refreshing way to welcome in the new year and the new term!
Spring Term Smiles
SPRING TERM SMILES | Yesterday, pupils and staff returned to St Leonards for the start of the Spring Term. After a spectacular sunrise first thing, it was a rather chilly January day, but that didn’t stop everyone enjoying the first day back with friends!
Play Time Fun
PLAY TIME FUN | Over the past two days, it has been wonderful to watch the children play creatively and collaboratively in their break times, using hula hoops, skipping ropes, and the colourful playground markings to come up with some fantastic games!
Marvellous Measuring
MARVELLOUS MEASURING | This week, Year 1 headed down to the beach to work on their measuring skills. They worked together to find long and short items on the beach, as well as heavy and light objects. Next, they measured how many big steps it was from the wall to the steps, and then how many 'tick tack toe' steps it took to get there. Finally, they counted how many star jumps they could do in one minute... it was a long time to keep going!
Round of Applause
ROUND OF APPLAUSE | A round of applause for Amber who showed great resilience in the Year 4 PE lesson this week, leading to her being awarded the Most Valued Player Award by Mr Hislop!