West Rainton Primary School

West Rainton, Houghton-le-Spring DH4 6RN

West Rainton Primary School logo
Home / Archives for alisonmcdonough

National recognition for our dementia friendly village

By

We were thrilled to be nominated in the top three finalists for youth organisation of the year at the Alzheimer’s Society annual Dementia Friendly awards 2019. Representatives from school went down to London for the final and were thrilled to come back with a certificate for the school and a winner’s plaque for the village. As a whole community, we saw off the competition to win the overall title of Dementia Friendly community of the year.

What an amazing achievement for the entire community! We are proud to be such an important part of this initiative.

Our Christmas Fair

By

Thank you so much for your amazing support at our Christmas fair. We hope you all had lots of fun on our stalls, visiting Santa in his woodland lodge or enjoying a makeover at the fairy salon!

Thank you also to so many local businesses who were so generous in supporting our raffle; Tesco, Dragonville, Hetton Swimming Baths, Infinite Air, Kirkley Hall Zoo, Crook Hall, SAFC, Homer Hill Farm Shop, Italian Farmhouse, The Three Horseshoes, Julie’s Deli, Hairs and Graces, Seashells Beauty and Storehouse Pharmacy.

Year 2 supporting winter wildlife

By

Volunteers from Durham Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust came in to work with Y2 pupils on how to create a wildlife-friendly environment for over the winter months.

In our school wildlife area, the children made hanging bird feeders to decorate the trees and give the visiting birds a much-needed treat when it is harder for them to find food for themselves. They also made sturdy winter log-pile homes for hedgehogs looking for somewhere to hibernate once their feeding is done. To ensure the environment also looks good in springtime, they planted some beautiful bulbs around the edge of our field. What a super way to improve our environment, Y2!

Pudsey pays a visit on odd socks’ day!

By

We were thrilled to welcome Pudsey Bear to West Rainton Primary when he called in to see how our preparations for Children in Need day were going.

As we were celebrating Odd Socks’ Day for anti-bullying week, Pudsey of course joined in. He knows just how much hurt bullying causes and that it is unacceptable both on and off line.

On his visit, he joined in three maths lessons, one writing lesson, one phonic session and a Nativity rehearsal. He also found time to meet Barny, the Ambulance Mini Medics’ mascot. Instructed by our trained Y6s, Pudsey and Barny worked together to learn how to give basic life support.

Making positive contributions

By

Pupils in Years 2, 3 and 4 provided helping hands to Durham County Council’s Civic Pride Team recently as thousands of bulbs were planted around the village in readiness for springtime.

We worked safely and sensibly to plant several beds on green areas throughout West Rainton. We can’t wait to see the results when all of the colourful flowers burst into life.

Ambulance Mini Medics on parade in Durham City

By

Two of our fantastic Ambulance Mini Medics joined representatives from North East Ambulance Service at Durham Cathedral’s Service of Remembrance in November.

Taking part in the prestigious ceremony was a huge honour for the children who then proudly marched through Durham City alongside the armed services and emergency services.

We are so proud of you!

‘I felt so proud to represent North East Ambulance Service.’ AMM representative.

 

West Rainton Primary Remembers

By

Every year, armistice day is a very important time in our school calendar. Within history learning, our Y2 pupils learn about poppy day and all it symbolises, looking at the first armistice day, 100 years ago this year.

Building on this prior knowledge, our Y6 pupils look closer at a proud part of County Durham heritage, the regiment of the Durham Light Infantry. They learn about a few key characters and events from the world-renowned DLI, and lead our remembrance day assembly in school.

This year, we were delighted to welcome Rev. Tony Holden, West Rainton’s new priest, who came to lead our children in prayer.

We then went along to Springfield Lodge and the village memorial, to show our respect for the older generation and those who gave so much for our freedom.

‘When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.’ 

 

Ring out the bells

By

As part of our preparations for Christmas performances in our local community, Y6 have been mastering two pieces of music on the handbells.

Their recent experience of composition on the keyboards meant they could transfer their knowledge of reading music with ease into another tuned instrument.

Keep an eye out for them at St Mary’s Church carol service and our own carols around the tree event in school.

Spooky fun with Springfield Lodge

By

Pupils in class 5 went to visit their friends at Springfield Lodge this autumn to help decorate the home with spooky pumpkins. The residents and children enjoyed carving them together before seeing how they looked with battery candles. We love chatting to our oldest friends.

School Achievement Award

Activemark 2008
Quality Mark
Healthy School

Arts Council Silver
Arts Council Gold
Eco Schools Bronze