All News
| 22 May 2024 Outdoor fun | On Outdoor Classroom Day, children had an amazing opportunity to step out of the traditional classroom and immerse themselves in nature! Forest school art workshops were a fantastic way for kids to explore their creativity while connecting with the environment. In these workshops, children used natural materials like leaves, sticks, and stones to create beautiful artworks. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their artistic skills but also taught them about the importance of nature and sustainability. | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 April 2024 Recent Ofsted report!! |  | Exciting news! Our recent Ofsted report is in! We've maintained our 'Good' overall grading, with 'Outstanding' for Personal Development! Huge congrats to our amazing students, staff, governors, and parents/carers! |
| 29 April 2024 Yr3/4 and Yr5/6 Hockey tournaments! | Amazing job to all the kids at the Yr3/4 and Yr5/6 Hockey tournaments! Despite some ups and downs, they showed incredible teamwork and progress. Big thanks to Mr. Wells, Mrs. Hawkes, Mr. Humphreys, and all the supportive parents! | |
| 24 April 2024 RNLI visit | Last week, we had special guests from RNLI reminding our children about beach safety! Learning to float could be a lifesaver! For more info: RNLI.org/education or RNLI.org/safety #StaySafe #BeachSafety | |
| 29 March 2024 Canterbury Cathedral |  | What a fantastic day year 4 and 5 had at Canterbury Cathedral last week ?? Here are some pictures of what they got up to - lots of smiley faces! |
| 14 March 2024 Bikeability! |  | At St Laurence CE Junior School, pupils enthusiastically engaged in the Bikeability programme, demonstrating their passion for cycling and dedication to road safety. Bikeability, a national initiative, aims to equip young cyclists with skills for safe road riding. Under qualified instructors' guidance, St Laurence pupils honed their cycling abilities, learning essential skills like road positioning and hazard awareness. Through classroom sessions and practical road training, they gained confidence and independence in navigating roads safely. The programme not only promoted physical activity but also encouraged eco-friendly transportation, aligning with sustainability goals. Completing Bikeability, pupils emerged as skilled and responsible cyclists, contributing to a safer, greener community. |
| 07 March 2024 World Book Day 2024 |  | St. Laurence CE Junior Academy orchestrated a captivating literary celebration for World Book Day, featuring lively workshops with Gilbert Giggles and Tamara Macfarlane, alongside online sessions with esteemed authors. A generous book donation from The Classroom kickstarted the immersive week-long event, embodying the school's commitment to nurturing a love for reading. The festivities showcased a blend of technology and traditional engagement, fostering an enriching literary experience for all students. |
| 05 March 2024 Let's talk PANTS | St. Laurence CE Junior School, in consultation with students, parents, carers, and teachers, has introduced Talk PANTS, aimed at empowering children with the knowledge of personal safety. Developed collaboratively, Talk PANTS teaches children that their bodies belong to them and encourages them to confide in trusted adults if they feel uneasy. The programme emphasises children's rights to set boundaries and voice concerns, fostering a culture of safety and trust within the school community. By facilitating open discussions and providing age-appropriate resources, Talk PANTS equips families with the tools to address sensitive topics effectively. Through email updates, parents receive valuable tips to support meaningful conversations with their children, reinforcing the school's commitment to child safety. St. Laurence CE Junior School's adoption of Talk PANTS reflects its dedication to nurturing confident, informed, and empowered individuals who can navigate personal boundaries with assurance. Through collective effort and ongoing support, the school ensures that children feel empowered to speak up and seek assistance when needed, creating a safe and supportive environment for all. | |
| 05 February 2024 Sponsored Read |  | Pupils at St Laurence CE Junior Academy recently engaged in a Sponsored Read, securing nearly £200 for their school library. The initiative aimed to promote a love for reading while fundraising for diverse book additions. Taylor and Jessica stood out as top fundraisers, contributing significantly to the overall success. The funds will enrich the library, offering varied reading options. The event showcased the power of collective effort in fostering literacy and community spirit among the pupils. |
| 19 January 2024 Skip 2 B Fit |  | 'Skip 2 B Fit' brought a vibrant energy to St Laurence CE Junior Academy, encouraging physical activity and inspiring pupils to embrace skipping as an enjoyable exercise. Led by David McCormack, the event aimed to improve fitness and instil the importance of setting personal bests. In the gym, students participated in a 2-minute skipping challenge, recording their scores on integrated skip counters. Despite tired legs, many pupils surpassed their personal bests, showcasing determination. 'Skip 2 B Fit' emphasises individual improvement, with Mr. Wells, the school's PE Lead, expressing enthusiasm for the concept. The workshop not only motivated healthier lifestyles but also promoted nutritious habits, giving participants free blueberries as a snack. |
| 16 January 2024 Year 4 travel to The O2 in London for Young Voices |  | Well done to Palm Bay who travelled to the 02 in London this week to take part in the biggest children’s choir in the world! The children were wonderful! HUGE thanks to Mr. Bottle for organising and teaching the songs and to Ms. Graham, Mr. Wells, Mrs. Hawkes and Mrs. Humphries for taking the class on such a long trip. And last but not least to the parents who when with the children and were in the massive audience |
| 20 November 2023 VR Workshops | .JPG) | Our students had an exciting day exploring science topics through Virtual Reality (VR) workshops on Monday, November 20th. Led by Mrs. Campbell, the Science Lead, the VR sessions delved into subjects like Animals including Humans and Living Things and their Habitats. The workshops allowed students to journey through the human body in 360-degree VR, providing an immersive experience. These VR workshops not only enhanced the understanding of science concepts but also sparked a passion for learning. |
| 13 November 2023 Odd Socks Day 2023 |  | We kicked off Anti-Bullying Week with a vibrant Odd Sock Day on November 13, 2023. Students and staff celebrated individuality by wearing mismatched socks, promoting acceptance and sparking discussions on inclusivity. The day included activities and assemblies focusing on kindness, respect, and the impact of bullying. Mrs. Mountjoy, the school's SENCo, emphasised the importance of inclusivity, stating that Odd Sock Day reinforces that every student is an integral part of the school family. The week-long Anti-Bullying initiative at the academy goes beyond wardrobe choices, aiming to create a supportive environment where empathy and understanding are valued. The colourful odd socks served as a bold statement against bullying, showcasing the school's commitment to a culture of kindness and acceptance. |