Our student governors meet in school weekly to discuss the school priorities for the upcoming term. After discussing with children in school our student governors requested a Valentines Disco. The children’s behaviour across school has been exceptional since the Autumn term and they have completed 10 consecutive weeks with less than 10 names on the school trackers. Therefore, as a fabulous reward the disco was given the go ahead!

The disco took place on Thursday 9^th February in our school hall. The children were able to get changed into party clothes and enjoyed a disco from local entertainer Andy Carr! Treat bags filled with crisps, chocolates, sweets as well as popcorn and drinks were enjoyed by all!

12 Year 5 pupils had the exciting opportunity to join a community Tree plant event in Grant Thorold Park this week. This event was part of a scheme to turn the East Marsh Green. Together they planted trees that were from various parts of the world and learnt how trees help to keep us and our planet healthy.

As part of our internet safety day, all children have had lots of conversations about how to look after themselves online. They have discussed their digital footprints and how what they post online leaves tracks. They discussed the pros and cons of the internet in a sensible, mature manner. During conversations, they demonstrated that they know who to go to if they had issues- a trusted adult. Our digital leaders did an amazing job in helping to support the afternoon. A highlight in year 5, was playing a game ‘How much do you know me?’ where they had to guess how a friend would deal with an online scenario.The afternoon concluded by them discussing what is better with or without tech. A favourite question was- what do you hope for the internet in ten years time- they said: kinder, safer and free!

On Tuesday, the children enjoyed a visit from Patience Agbabi: a sought-after poet and author. Patience has visited schools across the country and delivered many exciting, awe-inspiring workshops. She shared with us her book trilogy: The Infinite, The Time Thief and The Circle Breakers! Patience gave us an incredible insight into how an author creates characters and the inspirations behind each character and the plot. The children really enjoyed the reading from The Circle Breakers! Some children had bought books from the trilogy and even had them signed by Patience herself!

A selection of children have been out to Havelock Academy this week to learn a variety of new basketball skills with the local Grimsby Phoenix team. They had a fantastic time learning how to dribble and shoot accurately and even had an in-house hoop shooting competition. Lots of children who visited now have a new love for basketball!

On the 31st January, 8 pupils participated in a Year 3/4 Dodgeball tournament at Oasis Academy Wintringham. There were a total of 11 local primary schools. William Barcroft competed in the Large School League against Wybers Wood, Elliston Primary, Healing Primary, Humberston Cloverfield and Waltham Leas.

We lost our first game 2-1 against Wybers Wood before beating Healing Primary 2-1. Then, we drew 1-1 with Elliston Primary before beating Waltham Leas 2-1. Finally, we fell short in our last game against Humberston Cloverfield, losing 2-1. This meant that William Barcroft finished in an outstanding joint 2nd place overall.

The competition’s focus was honesty and being honest if pupils were hit. The team displaying the most honesty were to be awarded with medals. Deservedly, William Barcroft was awarded with the most honest school and the team were rewarded with medals. Mr Dawes is very proud of every single person who represented our school in this competition. You were all simply faultless!

On the 23^rd of January the year 5 and 6 football team competed in a 5 a-side tournament against 3 other schools at Havelock! William Barcroft began the afternoon with a glorious 3-0 win including a hat-trick from Robbie! The boys and girls unfortunately lost their second game, however with many close calls from William Barcroft. The team pulled together and showed a great team spirit. The penultimate match was an incredibly tense game with multiple chances for each team, with 2 incredible saves from our goal keeper, George! The final score was unfortunately 5-3, however the teams showed a great attitude throughout. The boys and girls showed mature resilience and strong team spirit.

This term, we have invested in an after school club called Boxfit, run by an external company called BeGreat Fitness. The club has focussed on improving fitness while exploring aspects of boxing. BeGreat Fitness coach, Carmen, has built a fantastic relationship with all pupils by putting their mental wellbeing first. Each session is started with a fun game that enables them to share how they are feeling and what they have been up to throughout the week. The pupils are thoroughly enjoying the club and can’t wait to continue in Spring 2. Here are some snapshots of our pupils in action.

Year 6 completed Bikeability this half term. The course aims to support the children with staying safe on the road and learning how to signal in a safe way. The children initially demonstrated on the playground the manoeuvres that indicate to oncoming drivers which way they will be going, how to ride a bike safely and the ways in which a cyclist must be responsible when on the road. The year 6 children impressed the Bikeability coaches and received a glowing report for their behaviour, engagement and efforts!

Year 5 visited Normanby Hall for a hands on experience of life in Victorian times. They explored farming machinery and rural life, including making bread and rugs. They also learned how Victorians lived. During a guided tour of the Hall by Mrs Harding, the housekeeper, they role played and handled artefacts from the time. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and educational day.