Dear Parents/Carers,

It has been a good week at Dr Thomlinson CofE Middle School.  Year 5 & 6 enjoyed a great trip to see The Sorcerer’s Apprentice at Northern Stage, Newcastle whilst Year 8 took part in our annual “Design a Christmas Cake” competition.

Positive Covid Cases

During this week the number of confirmed positive cases at our school has fallen to 2%. The additional mitigations we have put in place over the past three weeks are still in place.  Our school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well. NHS Test & Trace will contact individuals who have been identified as a close contact.

November Reading Challenge

Today was the last day of our November Reading Challenge in which children were challenged to read three books each by a different author.  Well done to all those pupils who have participated.  Every book read will earn a ticket in next week’s prize draw.

During November I too took up the challenge and have read a range of children’s fiction.  This week I read:

Stuntboy, in the Meantime… by Jason Reynolds

As a longtime fan of the Diary of the Wimpy Kid series – I saw Jeff Kinney live at Newcastle City Hall and the book (and subsequent film of) Rodrick Rules holds a very special place in my heart – I do enjoy an illustrated novel.  However there are far more illustrated novels available than Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and this is none more so demonstrated by the excellent “Stuntboy, in the meantime” by Jason Reynolds.

Portico Reeves is a school boy who is also a self styled superhero named “Stuntboy”.  He is the newest superhero in town…or at least he is in his own head. If you like the Wimpy Kid series then you’ll also enjoy the exploits of “Stuntboy”.  I’d recommend this book to children in Year 5.

TOP Awards Week beginning Dec 6th 

This week our core value is Justice

5T – Josh

5H – India

6O – Mary-Anne

6M – Danny

7I – Jacob

7L – Toby / Finley

8N – Imogen

8S – Ellie

This week’s P&Q award winner is Skye in Yr 8.

Well done to all of these award winners

Wednesday 15th December – Christmas Dinner Day!  

Christmas Dinner will be served next Wednesday.  Children are able to come to school in a Christmas Jumper – those doing so are invited to make a contribution of £1.

Take care,

Liam Murtagh – Headteacher