A look back at theAutumn term

We have arrived at the end of the Autumn term here at Cockton Hill Junior School. It has been exciting and eventful with our refurbishing programme going ahead at top speed.

We now have two classrooms refurbished and the second hall. Plans are in place to adapt the building to make it more accessible and to ensure all pupils are kept as safe as they possibly can be. Our new offices and entrance gate will mean that visitors can come into school without walking across the yard so children can play safely.

We had a visit early in the term from Ofsted and we are delighted that the hard work and commitment of the team, parents and community has been recognised. We continue to work hard to provide the very best for your children.

We have had many interesting visits out of school including the Kingswood outward bound centre visit for year six and the Bishop Auckland town walk for our year three children .We have also had a number of people coming into school to help us enhance our learning such as Education Enterprise to deliver PE with older pupils . We have had music teachers teaching violin, guitar and recorder too! Also the drama club on Fridays.
Year five have had a 'Victorian Day' where they experienced life as a Victorian school pupil as part of their themed learning.We all particularly enjoyed the two theatre groups who came to tell us stories and make us think and laugh! Year three pupils enjoyed inviting the year two friends from the infant school to share a show with them- it was fun being hosts!

The friends of CHJS held a fantastic xmas Fayre and raised over £900 -an amazing achievement and thanks to all who supported the event to develop the lower school library. We also raised over £400 for children in need with a no uniform day and a cake stall and over £90 for the poppy appeal.

The term ended with a wonderful and unusual re-telling of the Christmas story held in the fitting venue  of the Methodist Church.Thank you to  Reverend Pitts and his team for the warm welcome to us all. Performing in a church taught our children that the birth of Jesus holds the true meaning of Christmas and is rooted in the Christian faith.

A group of children went to spread Christmas cheer by singing at Tescos and raised over £90 toward the lower school library. The term ended with four wonderful parties with music, dancing and fun had by all including the teachers!

I have enjoyed meeting many parents, carers and members of the community- thank you all for your warm welcome. I look forward to many happy years ahead at Cockton Hill Junior School.
Wishing you all a peaceful and happy Christmas season and a prosperous new year.
Best wishes,
Mrs Boyd