Dear Parents & Carers,
I hope this email finds you well. It has been a productive week at Dr Thomlinson CofE Middle School.
Trip to Barter Books
On Tuesday a group of keen readers led by a number of pupil school librarians went on a trip to Barter Books to restock our 50 Book Reading Challenge (a reading challenge that our Year 8s take part in). Mrs Lamont said that she was really impressed with the attitude of all the children who went on the trip. I was especially pleased as I was presented – on the trip’s return – with a hardback copy of The Sea by John Banville (my current favourite author) that the children had found during their trip.
Youth Parliament Elections
Children at Dr Thomlinson Middle School took part in the Northumberland Youth Elections on Thursday, 17th February. The children voted for candidates for both the Youth Northumberland Parliament and the Youth Northumberland Cabinet. A huge thank you to our School House Captains who organised the whole process at our school. They were very helpful and the voting was completed very successfully. It was great to see so many of our children involved in this important democratic process.
30 Lucky Children win a free book
Courtesy of Vision Education we had 30 copies to give away of the excellent book: “You are a champion – how to be the best you can be” by Marcus Rashford. We conducted a prize draw during Celebration Worship and 30 pupils drawn from the hat won a copy of this highly recommended book.
World Book Day News
Thursday, March 3rd is World Book Day and Mrs Watson updates on our school activities below:
World Book Day celebrations are beginning straight after half term. Although the actual day is Thursday 3 March, we are starting early! Firstly, we have four competitions that the children can choose from and complete over half-term if they wish:
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Decorate a potato as your favourite character from literature.
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Paint a stone illustrating your favourite book cover.
We have had some wonderful entries in the past and it has become something of a Dr T’s tradition!
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Take a photo of a parent/relative reading their favourite book in an unusual position/place.
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Write a book review of your favourite book.
There will be prizes for the best potatoes, stones, reviews and photos. The closing date for all entries is Thursday 3 March.
We know that some students enjoy to dress up or face paint as a favourite character. It will be lovely to see you in role on the day, but please do not feel the need to spend money on expensive costumes- be creative with your disguise! There will be prizes for this too. Also, every child will receive a £1 voucher to exchange for a special WBD book, or money off a book of their choice from participating shops.
Author Events
There are other various activities planned for celebrating World Book Day. One event we are especially looking forward to is acclaimed author, Emma Carroll, dropping in for a ‘virtual visit’ on Wednesday, 2 March. We were lucky enough to scoop this opportunity when we signed up to complete a whole school Readathon in the summer term.
We are expanding our School Library
Other exciting news is that we have increased the number and range of books in the Library, both fiction and non-fiction. All pupils are now visiting the School Library in their tutor groups at least once per month, and of course, it is open every lunchtime for all.
Hopefully there is something here for everyone, including parents!
Thank you to Mrs Watson and everyone at our school – adults and children alike who do so much to further develop our strong culture of reading.
TOP Award Winners for Week beginning 14th February
The theme for this week was Creation
5T – Violet
5H Hannah
6O Lily & Poppie
6M – Jessica
7I – Michael
7L – Toby
8N – Alexander
8S – George
P&Q Winner Week beginning 14th February – Emily in Yr 6
Well done to these award winners
I hope you have a good weekend and a restful half term. We look forward to seeing all our pupils back at school on Monday, 28th February.
Take care,
Liam Murtagh – Headteacher
