It was wonderful to welcome Year 6 back and hear all about their Easter breaks.
With only a few short weeks until SATs, our focus has been on revision and being as prepared as we can be. As part of this, we were visited by Beth Cullen, our school mental health practitioner, who reminded us about ways to feel calm and reduce stress. In particular, we considered the power of positive self-talk and being kind to ourselves.
In PE, Year 6 were taught by Mr Moretti, our specialist sports coach. He introduced some games and promoted focus and teamwork. Mr Moretti will continue to work with us on Tuesdays for the rest of the term. This means a change in our PE days: Year 6 will need to wear their kits on Tuesdays and Thursdays from now on.
With the sad news of Pope Francis’ passing, Year 6 have thought about his life and impact and considered how we can follow his example. They created posters on this, some of which will be displayed in the narthex of OLSV.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend
Mrs Lines and Mrs McNamara
Please note that maths enrichment before and after school will continue for the next few weeks. The last session will be on the morning of 15th May. There will be no afternoon session that day.
Home Learning
mathletics
Literacy Gold
Spag.com
spellingshed
https://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9310-1-rotated.jpg640480Margaret Joycehttp://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ppnewlogo.pngMargaret Joyce2025-04-25 13:47:412025-04-25 14:35:23Friday 25th April 2025
There have been many highlights from this week but we feel what stood out was how the children took on the special role in bringing the Easter story to life in a truly meaningful way. Alongside Year 5, the children led the Stations of the Cross with a moving and creative presentation through mime and songs. The service not only captured the essence of the Easter journey but also allowed the children to express their faith in a powerful, visual, and musical way.
The mime segments were particularly impactful, with each station thoughtfully portrayed to illustrate key moments of the Passion of Christ. The children worked hard to convey the emotions and significance of each scene, bringing a sense of reverence and reflection to the audience in the church. A special mention must go to Finn, who portrayed Jesus. His performance was powerful and emotive, conveying the depth of Christ’s journey with grace and reverence.
In addition to their beautiful mime performance, Year 6 students shared their heartfelt spirit of giving by creating Easter cards for the residents of Seabrook Court. These cards, made with care and love, were delivered alongside Easter eggs to brighten the residents’ day. It was a wonderful display of compassion, as the students took the time to personally connect with the elderly residents, spreading the joy and hope of the Easter season.
The residents at Seabrook Court were also blessed with a special moment from Deacon Sean, who offered a meaningful blessing. The children, then, gathered to sing “Born For This,” a song from their Way of the Cross service, adding a layer of joy to the occasion. Sienna’s beautiful solo performance added a personal touch, touching the hearts of everyone present with her voice.
This Easter activity not only allowed Year 6 to reflect on the true meaning of this special time but also gave them an opportunity to put their faith into action, strengthening their sense of community and deepening their connection with others. It was a beautiful example of how service, creativity, and faith can come together to make a lasting impact on those around us.
Thank you for all handing in your PGL forms. We have spoken to the PGL team about our forthcoming trip.
SATs Revision: Small Steps, Big Progress!
To support the children in their preparation, we’ve added some helpful revision activities to the class blog. The key is to keep it manageable—just a little bit each day.We encourage the children to spend short, focused periods each day, just 20-30 minutes of practice as this can make a big difference to their understanding and build their confidence.
We wish you and your family a joyful and blessed Easter filled with grace, togetherness, and the peace of knowing that we are all held in God’s loving care.
With our heartfelt blessings,
Mrs McNamara and Mrs Lines
https://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/7.jpg286256Margaret Joycehttp://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ppnewlogo.pngMargaret Joyce2025-04-04 13:40:152025-04-04 00:36:53Friday 4th April, 2025
Year 6 have been busy this week preparing for the Stations of the Cross service; we have no doubt they will be amazing on Wednesday evening. The children have been told what they should be wearing for the night. For most of them, they should wear all black (no trainers) and this outfit should be in school on Monday for our dress rehearsal. Home Learning for this week, as last week is for the children to learn all the songs.
In English, the children have been building up their knowledge of how to provide a point backed up with evidence and developing their grammar skills. In maths, we have continued to consolidate concepts in shape, volume, perimeter and area.
On Tuesday Year 6 led the liturgy alongside Year 5 at the Parish Mass for the Feast of the Annunciation. Thank you to Loui, Sophie, Francine, Chloe A and Jon-jo who read and Nathan and Raylan who served.
Wednesday was World Maths Day! Ms Varga led an interesting and interactive assembly for the children and following that, the children took part in timed, team engaging maths games and challenges to celebrate and improve their skills.
Take a look at the photos to see what they got up to:
A BIG thank you goes to: Sarah, Isabelle, Maddie, Tiya, Sophie, Teddy, Rian and Zach who led the maths dice games at lunchtime in the Main Hall. Many children from both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two took part and enjoyed competing against their peers!
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Next week, we will have our class photograph on Thursday. All children should be in winter school uniform for this.
On Tuesday and Wednesday– the children have been asked to bring in a clean soft toy that they do not need any more and later on Wednesday, swap it for a new one. This is part of our Whole School Lenten charity fundraising organised by members of the School Parliament.
On Friday- it is the Easter Egg hunt (in school time). Please log onto school comms to contribute towards this event.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Wishing all our mothers, grandmothers and god mothers a wonderful Mothers Day On Sunday!
Mrs McNamara and Mrs Lines
Home learning:
Learn the songs for our Way of the Cross Service. Click here to see get to the link.
Mathletics
TTRS
Maths.co.uk
Literacy Gold
https://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Happy-Mothers-Day-banner.jpg3451119Margaret Joycehttp://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ppnewlogo.pngMargaret Joyce2025-03-28 21:30:592025-03-28 22:50:34Friday 28th March 2025
Science Week continued this week with a visit from Dr Cracknell who is a parent to three children at our school. He is an animal anaesthetist and has worked at a variety of zoos and wildlife centres. Over this time, he has amassed a large collection of animal bones and skulls, which he shared with us today. The children’s knowledge was fantastic and they enjoyed exploring the items he brought with him.
In English we have been focusing on our grammar, particularly tightening up on terminology. In Maths the children have been introduced to plotting coordinates in the four quadrants and solving problems involving these.
The children have started preparing for the Way of the Cross and have been given their roles in this. Please can you ensure that your child has a black outfit to wear. If your child is a reader, they are asked to wear their school uniform on the night. We will be attending mass at OLSV on Tuesday morning. We made an error in our original post, stating it was on Wednesday so children could not wear PE kits. This is not the case and we apologise for any confusion. The children are able to wear PE kits as normal on Wednesday.
This afternoon, Emily and Sienna went down to the church with Clodagh, Tara and Sive and performed their lovely Irish dancing to the people there! The girls showcased their dancing skills brilliantly and received much applause.
Home Learning:
In preparation for World Maths Day, please see the attached letter from Ms Varga who is inviting us to take part in an whole school activity. Click here :World Maths Day Whole School home learning
Maths.co.uk
TTRs
Spelling Shed
Literacy Gold
Many children have outstanding spag.com activities. Please catch up with these.
https://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_9189-rotated.jpg640480Margaret Joycehttp://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ppnewlogo.pngMargaret Joyce2025-03-21 15:47:572025-03-21 20:35:28Friday 21st March 2025
CHALLENGE: Coordinates Task 2 This task is allowing you to practise your ability to draw reflections, rotations, translations and enlargement online. Have fun! Click here
This week, we celebrated British Science Week by exploring the theme ‘Change and Adapt’.
On Tuesday, we had an engaging session with Mr. Adu, a Science teacher from Nicholas Breakspear School. The children designed mazes and used magnets to skillfully guide ball bearings through them, learning about forces and magnetism in a fun and interactive way.
On Thursday we took part in a biscuit investigation like the other classes in the school. In Year 6, our focus was on how the sugar content of a biscuit affects the time it takes to break. There were some surprising results with a particularly strong Rich Tea that lasted over 49 minutes!
Year 6 also included some oracy skills in their science this week. When presented with the scenario ‘What if we woke up and there was no more electricity?’, the children thought carefully and had fantastic ideas. They used language to build, challenge, probe and clarify each other’s ideas.
We have also been busy with some assessments this week which we will continue on Monday and Tuesday. The children have received their test results so far and have demonstrated great maturity in handling them. Their positive attitude, resilience, and willingness to learn from the experience have been truly commendable. It’s wonderful to see them embracing both their achievements and areas for growth with such a responsible mindset!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs McNamara and Lines
Home Learning
Spelling Shed
Spag.com
Literacy Gold
Maths.co.uk
TTRs
The Way of the Cross Service is taking place at the end of term so please learn the songs. There is a link to the blog here: https://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/ks2-way-of-the-cross-lyrics-to-learn/
Stay with me
Remain here with me
Watch and pray
Watch and pray
The Servant King
From heaven you came helpless babe
Entered our world, your glory veiled
Not to be served but to serve
And give Your life that we might live
This is our God, The Servant King
He calls us now to follow Him
To bring our lives as a daily offering
Of worship to The Servant King
There in the garden of tears
My heavy load he chose to bear
His heart with sorrow was torn
‘Yet not My will but Yours,’ He said
Come see His hands and His feet
The scars that speak of sacrifice
Hands that flung stars into space
To cruel nails surrendered
So let us learn how to serve
And in our lives enthrone Him
Each other’s needs to prefer
For it is Christ we’re serving
My Soul is Sad
My soul is sad. My heart is breaking tonight.
Could you not watch and comfort me until light?
Am I alone, surrounded only by night?
Could you not watch one hour with me?
Could you not keep awake for one hour with me?
Is it so hard that you should do this for me?
I die for you that you might always be free.
Could you not watch one hour with me?
And so I weep, and there is no one to hear.
I am in pain; will no one witness my tears?
I am your God, and as my Passion draws near,
Could you not watch one hour with me?
Walk Alone
Take your cross now Jesus man.
Walk the road to Calvary alone.
Your innocence a mockery Nazarene for what crime do you atone?
Walk alone.
Battered bruised and bloodied now, stumbling on the long and dusty road.
Stripped of all your dignity.
This final journey holds a fate well known.
Walk alone.
Death’s dark journey calls your name.
Crown of thorns, crown of shame.
Faces filled with hate and blame.
The good you’ve done forgotten now.
Take your cross now Jesus man. Walk the road to Calvary alone.
Walk alone.
Walk alone.
Walk alone.
Born For This
Born for this. You were born for this.
Born to walk this road and bear that rugged cross.
But it’s breaking my heart to see you like this.
My son, my precious child.
The agony, Oh, the agony.
I see you suff’ring and there’s nothing I can do.
But I’ll walk by your side till we come to the end.
My son my precious child.
I see the anguish in your eyes.
I’ve prayed this cup will pass you by, but I know that it has to be so. Though I don’t understand the reason.
So much pain so much confusion,
but you were born for this,
you were born for this.
My son, my precious child.
Fallen Again
Fallen again. Kneeling in shame.
Frightened, rejected unbearable pain.
Suff’ring in silence such patience unknown, not moving.
Can he go on?
Fallen again. Face to the ground. Soldiers abusing, heckling crowd.
Slowly he rises feet heavy unsure.
Strength fading still he goes on.
All Hail, King of the Jews
O great king O royal one, your cross awaits. Is there anything your majesty desires?
Is your cross too heavy sire?
May I shine your crown?
Let us relieve you of your splendid royal attire!
All hail king of the Jews!
All hail King of the Jews!
Come now king and rest awhile you’ve walked so far!
We bet you’re very glad the journey’s almost done.
We like your regal garments so we’re sharing them around.
Casting lots to see what can be won.
All hail king of the Jews!
All hail king of the Jews!
Murderers and brigands,
We thought we’d seen it all.
Every kind of criminal there can be.
But this one they call Jesus is the strangest of the lot!
A self proclaimed Messiah is he!
All hail King of the Jews!
All hail king of the Jews!
All hail king of the Jews!
Father, Forgive Them
Father forgive them for what they have done. They know not the scale of their crime.
Guilt in their eyes and my blood on their hands.
Forgive them dear father forgive.
Father why have you forsaken your son.
Alone I am left here to die.
My flesh and my spirit both wounded the same. Forgive them dear father forgive.
Eli Eli lama sabachtani. Repeat
Precious Saviour
Precious Saviour laid to rest.
Shattered hopes, such emptiness.
Lifeless Lord. It is over now.
Night has come, the darkest hour.
Our hope has gone.
Here in this stone-cold grave the one we thought would save us, where is solace to be found?
It is over now.
It is over now.
Song of Hope
We are pilgrims on a journey, Journeying together, Journeying together with you, O Lord.
We are called and chosen, Called and chosen, Called and chosen by you, O Lord.
To sing a song of hope, Hope for all the world; To bring the grace of jubilee alive!
Fan the flame of hope, Bringing light to all the world. May my song of hope Rise to you, God of love, Lord of all.
We have hope within us, Hope within us, Hope within us from you, O Lord.
We are called to shine bright; Children of light, Children of light and truth, O Lord.
To sing a song of hope, Hope for all the world; To bring the grace of jubilee alive!
Fan the flame of hope, Bringing light to all the world. May my song of hope Rise to you, God of love, Lord of all.
Given gifts of service, To serve one another, Serve one another, and you, O Lord.
https://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Way-of-the-Cross.jpg306748Margaret Joycehttp://popepaul.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ppnewlogo.pngMargaret Joyce2025-03-12 09:00:202025-03-28 22:35:45KS2 Way of the Cross - lyrics to learn
