The Big Winter Wander
Good morning, A huge thank you to those who have taken part in The Big Winter Wander, an annual event organised by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). This challenge has been a wonderful way for our children to connect with the natural world during the colder months while raising vital funds to help protect our planet and its amazing wildlife. The UK is currently one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and by joining this "wander," our pupils are helping to fund WWF’s work in restoring habitats and tackling the climate crisis. It is not too late to take part and what a great way to give something this Lent. We would love to celebrate every child’s effort and see the "winter wonders" they discover along the way. Donations: Please make your contributions directly to our school fundraising page here: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-nzymxvnokwdn?currentTab=feed A special thank you to Lyla who has made our first donation! Please send details of distances achieved and any photos of your child’s wander to Mrs Wilkinson or Mrs Ham. We would love to see pictures of them in action or any wildlife they spot! Remember, spending time in nature is proven to boost mental health and well-being, especially during the winter. By taking part, the children aren't just raising money; they are also learning to appreciate and protect the local environment right on their doorstep. Thank you for your continued support in helping St Barnabas make a difference for our world. Thank you, Mrs Wilkinson
Year 4 Lead Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week Worship
This morning, Year 4 led a truly inspiring Whole School Worship, centering their message on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. It was a colourful and vibrant start to the day, as all the children arrived 'Dressed to Express.' It was wonderful to see the hall filled with different outfits showcasing the children's unique personalities, hidden talents, and favourite colours—a perfect reminder that being ourselves is key to our wellbeing. The children did an amazing job showcasing their oracy skills. They projected their voices clearly and confidently, ensuring their important message was heard by everyone. The other classes were captivated, listening intently as Year 4 explained the vital link between kindness and mental health. They highlighted how simple acts of kindness are not just good for others, but also boost our own happiness and sense of belonging. The class reminded us all that kindness is a superpower that supports a healthy mind and a happy school community. We brought the worship to a close with some beautiful, thoughtful prayers and raised the roof singing along to ‘My Lighthouse.’ A huge thank you to the parents and carers who came along to support the children; your presence made the morning even more special.
Year 5 - Growing Our Future
Year 5 visited Jacks Key to contribute to a new micro forest in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council Treescapes. Even though the weather was inclement and the ground was muddy, the children embraced the opportunity to get their hands dirty and plant our trees. It was also a great way to support our mental health and wellbeing for Children's Mental Health Week. We cannot wait to see how it grows!
Year 1: Big Winter Wander
We had such a lovely Big Winter Wander today. It really did feel like a Bear Hunt, long wavy grass, thick oozy mud, a deep cold river and even a swirling whirling snowstorm! The children behaved wonderfully and represented the school well. What a brilliant way to end Children's Mental Health Week by getting out in the fresh air! Donations to WWF can be made here: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-nzymxvnokwdn?currentTab=feed
WOW Badge Design Year Group Winners Presentation
We are really proud of our WOW badge designs that the children have created for the national walk to school badge competition. The Wellbeing Warriors met last Friday to pick a winner from each class. Today we awarded our WOW Badge Design year group winners with their prizes. We are super proud of their amazing designs and we look forward to hearing if they are selected in the National walk to school design competition.
Year 5 - PSHE
Because it is Children’s Mental Health week, we had a special lesson considering what mental health is and how to look after it. We talked about the range of human feelings and how there are bigger and smaller emotions. They can affect all of us in different ways but talking to a trusted person about our feelings can help us understand them. We discussed who the children might want to talk to and how they can be a good listener.
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Online Safety: Fostering a sense of belonging
Feeling a sense of belonging plays a vital role in children’s wellbeing, confidence and gives them the ability to thrive, both academically and emotionally. This weeks #WakeUpWednesday guide explores why belonging matters and how small, everyday interactions can make a meaningful difference in helping children feel accepted and included. Download your FREE copy here >> https://vist.ly/4r52x
Year 4 WOW Badge Design Competition
We are really proud of our WOW badge designs that Year 4 have created for the national walk to school badge competition. The Wellbeing Warriors met on Friday to pick a winner from each class which will be announced shortly and these will go forward to represent the school. If selected in the national competition, the badge will then be made for a month in next year’s campaign.
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WOW Badge Design Year Group Winners
A huge thank you to everyone that took the time to create a design for the WOW walk to school badges for the next academic year. This years theme is “Walk the Senses’ and the children were super creative with their designs in order to incorporate this. Well done to our year group overall winners who were chosen by our Wellbeing Warriors team: Reception - Bowen Year 1- Ava Year 2 - Mollie Year 3- Lyla C Year 4- Lyla F Year 5- Sofia Year 6- Millie
Year 3-The Big Winter Wander and Birdwatching,
Year 3 enjoyed a fantastic afternoon participating in The Big Winter Wander! While completing their sponsored walk for the WWF, the children also took part in the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch. They did an amazing job identifying different species around the school grounds and recording their findings to help track our local bird populations. While on the route, the children also spoke to a member of the council about the location where they will be planting their very own tree this Thursday! It was a wonderful afternoon of nature-focused learning and preparation for our upcoming sustainability project. Donations to WWF can be made here: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-nzymxvnokwdn?currentTab=feed
Year 4 PSHE Preparing for Mental Health Awareness Week
Year 4 have been working hard on their Mental Health Awareness Week Worship which they will lead next Friday morning. In our PSHE lesson we have being using our oracy skills to project our voice and ensure that we are loud and clear when we speak. We can’t wait to share it with everyone and highlight the importance of good mental health.
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Online Safety: Supporting safe use of AI
AI is becoming a familiar part of young people’s online experiences, with a growing number of school tools and entertainment platforms now using it. This #WakeUpWednesday guide breaks down what AI really is, helping adults explain it clearly and realistically so children don’t overestimate its abilities or trust it unquestioningly. With Safer Internet Day coming up on 10th February, it’s the perfect moment to start meaningful conversations about how AI systems work, where they appear online, and why understanding them matters for safe, confident digital use. Download your FREE copy here >> https://vist.ly/4qaac