World Book Day Celebrations at Ranelagh
Ranelagh Primary school celebrated World Book Day, on Thursday 3rd March, with lots of reading and book based activities, including the children and staff dressing as their favourite character and a special assembly. But, one day was not enough for the eager staff and children, so Ranelagh Primary School turned the day into a week long event. There was so much to accomplish they just could not fit it all into one day, so Ranelagh Primary School celebrated 'World' Book Week.
The aim of the week was to promote an enjoyment of reading through activities that involved parents, carers and the wider community. Early in the week, parents were invited into school to read with their children, in a twenty minute session that included word games and stories. Encouraging a bond between the pupils and a parent or carer ensures that reading is an enjoyable activity at home, as well as at school.
School Governor and Mum to a Ranelagh pupil, Evgenia Pregyova, said,"It is always a great opportunity for me to visit the school. It has a bright and warm atmosphere and reminds me of the days when I was at school myself. The Reading Day was a lovely way to get to understand more about the learning process and reading in particular. My daughter and I had a fantastic time reading and playing games together."
It is true to say that the staff at Ranelagh look forward to World Book Day and enjoy it as much as the children. The pupils were delighted to see Mr and Mrs Wry dressed as Burglar Bill and Burglar Betty from Allan Alhberg's book 'Burglar Bill' and a World Book Day wouldn't be complete without a character from Roald Dahl, so Mr Jenkins came dressed as 'The Big Friendly Giant'. Mr Samra outdid himself once again as the Scarecrow form the 'Wizard of OZ' and many of the staff were 'Wallys' for the day, much to the amusement of the children.
During the special World Book Day Assembly, Deputy Head Teacher and 'Gangsta Granny' for the day, Leigh Welburn, along with Yousef and Mirrador from the Ranelagh School Council, awarded prizes for the best dressed character from literature for each age group at the school.
Leigh Welburn added, "One of the children from Year 6, Savanna Sharon Medley, came dressed as an original character from her own book, written when she was in year 2. It is amazing to watch each child at Ranelagh growing into a confident reader and then becoming inspired by their experiences to write their own incredible stories."
Following a wonderful week of storybook inspired activities, Ranelagh Primary School was delighted to have raised £154, which Teacher Susie Tsui and the School Council have decided to donate to Sport Relief, taling place on Friday 18th March.
Ranelagh Primary School Children Meet Sir Chris Hoy
On World Book Day, Thursday 3rd March, a group of lucky Ranelagh Primary School pupils met up with British Olympic Champion, Sir Chris Hoy, at a book signing event at the Old Town Hall, Stratford. Following a successful career on the cycling track, Sir Chris has now become the author of children's books centred around a young boy and his magic bike. 'Flying Fergus'.
Sir Chris Hoy's co-author, Jo Nadin, and book illustrator, Clare Elsom, were also on hand to sign copies of the 'Flying Fergus' books and to discuss their careers. Hamza, a year 4 pupil, said, "I really enjoyed it because we got to meet Sir Chris Hoy and we saw the illustrator Clare drawing. She was super good."
When Sir Chris was asked what motivated him to write children's stories, he said, "To inspire children to ride their bikes, read more books and use their imaginations."
One inspired Ranelagh pupil, Hilary, said, "The trip was awesome and I loved it because we got to see how much fun it is to create a book and how the illustrator used her imagination."
Sir Chris told the attentive pupils his inspiring life story and related how having confidence will enable the youngsters to reach their goals. At the start of his cycling career he said, "I was never the best. It's about improving gradually, it's about listening to your coach and your teacher. It's about being the best you can be."
Executive Head Teacher, Angela Tapscott, said, "World Book Day, this year, has proved to be a very successful time for creating an excitement around reading great stories. Meeting a famous author, dressing as a favourite character and entering writing competitions have all inspired the pupils at Ranelagh to recognise the enjoyment that can be gained from the written word. At Ranelagh our goal is to develop literate children who have a lifelong love of reading and writing."
To sum up the importance of World Book Day and the need to inspire children to love literature goes to class teacher and trip organiser, Susie Walsh, who was delighted to see the children reading their new books as soon as they left the Old Town Hall. She said of the photographs taken on the day, "I particularly love the one of the children reading their signed copies of 'Flying Fergus' on the way home - I took that after realising some of them were actually reading whilst walking down the street."
Ranelagh Raise Money for Sport Relief
On Friday 18th March, Ranelagh Primary School took part in Sport Relief. The pupils raised money for the charity by wearing red clothing and sportswear, instead of their usual school uniform. The School Council, along with School Council Leader, Susie Tsui, organised a fun-filled day of sporting workshops for the whole school. The School Council members devised, organised and demonstrated the activities, making sure that the pupils warmed up and cooled down to avoid injury. From shooting basketball hoops to taking part in egg and spoon races the children all had a great time, while improving their dexterity and raising money for a good cause. Drubo, from year 3, stated, "I liked the spoon race because it was fun and I've never tried it before. Now I can do more exercise."
The day was a chance for the younger pupils to work alongside role models in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Marley, a CPS in Reception, commented, "It is really positive for the children from different age groups to work together to achieve the same goals, it helps the older and younger children to relate to each other." This integrated approach meant that the older pupils were able to assist the younger children and not only those on the same team. Mihaela Borzoi, year 6 Class Teacher, exclaimed, "It was surprising to see how nurturing the year 6 children were towards the young ones. Unbelievable!. My class was very mature."
Sport Relief is one of the Uk's biggest fundraising events and Susie Tsui said, "During the day it was wonderful to see the Ranelagh pupils rising to the Sport Relief challenge. The School Council designed an interesting circuit of activities and it was great to see positive attitudes amongst the year groups taking part. The pupils did not give up when an activity was difficult and they helped others who were struggling. Everyone had fun and at the same time Ranelagh raised money for some of the most disadvantaged people in the UK and around the world."
From an organisational point of view, Reuben, a School Council member from year 5, commented, "I think the egg and spoon race was really good because everyone was listening and really determined to win. The children had really good sportsmanship and helped other children who were not on the same team. I liked watching them and making challenges to suit their level." This event was a great opportunity for the School Council to enhance their leadership skills.
Ranelagh Primary School is delighted to add the money raised on the day, £260, to the £154 that was raised when the pupils dressed as their favourite character on World Book Day, Thursday 3rd March. So, in total, the pupils and staff at Ranelagh Primary School raised £414 for the Sport Relief Charity. Congratulations to them all.
