A Friday Night Round Up from Mr Schumm
Bible Verse of the Week
Psalm 30 vs 2
Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
A busy few weeks with the sun shining down on us to help with all our fantastic events, trips and learning!
Zambian and Zimbabwean Celebrations
Today we enjoyed a talk from Elizabeth, Shyheim’s granny, who told us all about Zambia and Zimbabwe. We learnt so many interesting facts and even had time for a Q&A. Lunch was an absolute feast of traditional Zambian and Zimbabwean delights. Thank you to everyone who helped to make the day such a great success but especially Shyheim and Benjamin’s mums for taking such a lead in shaping this wonderful celebration of African culture and food.
Reception Assembly
Mrs Ghoul’s reception class delighted us with a super assembly on Thursday launched by our very own mini David Attenborough! The assembly was packed with information about lots of different animals. They taught us key facts in such a memorable way – singing and dancing up a storm. And the costumes were superb too!
SATs Week
Well done to Year 6 who completed their SATs this week! A massive thank you to the whole Year 6 team who have worked so hard for this week. I know the children will have all tried their very best and we are very proud of them all. Although these tests are important, so is running, drawing, acting, playing an instrument and all the other exciting experiences we prioritise at St Stephen’s! And so, as soon as SATs were done, we swiftly moved on to auditioning for the summer musical, which again they all took part in brilliantly!
Book News
It has been an exciting few weeks to say the least in the Library.
Firstly, well done to Arthur for winning this year’s Daunt Books Short Story Competition and having your story published. Another St Stephen’s author! We can’t wait to get a signed copy for the Library.
Secondly, we received a staggering amount of Usborne books thanks to this year’s Reading Challenge – 300 new books in total. These are currently being colour coded, barcoded and scanned into Reading Cloud ready for the children to borrow from next week.
Furthermore, our amazing grandparent’s bought another 200 carefully selected books which will be spread between the Library and our revamped Key Stage 2 reading scheme. The aim is to provide more choice to cater for the taste and ability of every child.
In the words of Dr Seuss we, at St Stephen’s couldn’t agree more; ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go’
St Stephen’s Got Talent
Last week the children took to the stage for a spot of St Stephen’s Got Talent. They were amazing and even Lola Young popped by for a solo to get us started! All the acts went for it 100% and were just astounding! Our judges really struggled to find the winner but they did – Rose (from Year 4) who sang and played the piano like an absolute professional! Pink Pony Club eat your heart out!
Swanage
On Bank Holiday Monday, Year 2 set off from school with eager anticipation, their backpacks brimming with essentials and hearts full of curiosity. The picturesque Swanage Bay, with its golden sandy beaches framed by dramatic cliffs, set the perfect backdrop for exploration.
We explored Brownsea Island, did a spot of fossil finding, splashed about in the sea and even had time for some well-earned chips!
This memorable journey not only broadened their horizons geographically and emotionally but also instilled a sense of confidence and camaraderie.
Grandparents Day
We have enjoyed another wonderful Grandparents Day this year with over 200 Grannies and Grandads / special people joining us on the day for, a sing along assembly, a Q& A session with Lord William Waldegrave, a grand tour of the school and of course a rather scrumptious tea. Thank you to FOSS for organising such a lovely day and to the grandparents/ special people who shared their knowledge and expertise with our children but more importantly their love and support to their families.
Heritage Museum
Our Heritage Museum took shape this afternoon. The artefacts on display were packed with memories and oh what an amazing range and variety. We had a stunning Chinese wedding dress on show from one parent and a beautiful saree from another. There were impressive war medals from the UK (Mr Brown’s relative) and Denmark (Aggie and Clemmie’s relative), a World War 1 medal box, reminders of Knighthoods and industrious acting careers. Khalid brought fabulous representations from his Irish and Egyptian heritage. And a bit of Schumm heritage through family photos from Middlesbrough to boot! Thank you to every one for your contributions.
Sponsored Runs
Our recent sponsored runs not only advanced the message of the benefits of a healthy running regime but has helped raise a whopping 10 k for school sporting equipment amongst other things. A huge thank you to Susie Charrington in particular for organising this amazing event and inspiring future runners. It’s a staggering achievement and very much appreciated.
The Secret Artist
Get your paint brushes out and start painting in those numbers because the Secret Artist is heading your way next term.
We have had some amazing donations, but it would be great to have lots more.
So, a massive shout out to all those Artists and hobbyists in the school community, or if anyone knows someone who is, for art donations to be auctioned off at the Secret Artist (12 June). Art of any medium-literally anything goes.
If someone has a donation please can they email Laura (lcolonnese3@gmail.com) & Justine (justineflockhart@gmail.com) by 1 June 2025.
Piano teacher/ Musical Director
Job Opportunity: We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Music Teacher or Musical Director to provide part-time music teaching across the school and to help bring our whole school’s Summer Production to life!
Please contact me if you are able to offer your skills and expertise to enhance our school community. Music is hugely valued at St Stephen’s and we would love to hear from you if this role appeals.
Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you after half term as next week I am travelling with Year 6 Ayres to Spain to stay in a language school! I leave you in the capable hands of the Assistant Headteacher Mrs Bouwman and our amazing school team.
Mr Schumm
