St. Gerard's Primary School - Class Blogs

Year 4 Residential - everything else inbetween!

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:33:57 GMT

From making beds to celebrating a birthday!

The many challenges Year 4 faced included: making beds, overcoming heights, working together, playing together, competing in team games, embracing the dark and sleeping in a new bed, away from home. Our highlights included celebrating a birthday, but most of all, EVERYONE staying and succeeding at EVERYTHING their residential had to offer. You superstars Year 4, well done!

Year 4 Residential - Abseiling off the roof!

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:14:52 GMT

...and overcoming fears!

So much resilience and determination from our Year 4 pupils. They were absolutely outstanding today in their effort, approach and encouragement for one another. We couldn't be prouder. The instructors commented that they were lovely children, with so many characters, it was a pleasure to be with them.

Year 4 Residential - Let's play, vertically...

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:02:13 GMT

Year 4 took on the Vertical Play Pen!

And no matter what height they overcame, every single one of them had a go and climbed their way up. This activity not only nurtured their confidence, resilience and bravery, but also their teamwork and empathy, as every single child had to hold and pull the rope to help their fellow classmate climb. Well done everyone!

Year 4 Residential - Mastering Archery!

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:24:38 GMT

Get your bow and arrows ready, Year 4 have just become pros!

On Monday 3rd February, Year 4 embarked on their first ever residential to Kingswood (PGL) in Dearne Valley, and they had the most wonderful time. First up for many of the children was archery. Children worked in a team to score as many points as they could, they shouted splat when they hit the target, and some even popped a balloon or two. Fantastic work Year 4.

Year 4 "Rise and Shine"

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:49:45 GMT

Year 4 children visited St. Bernard's Catholic High School for "Rise and Shine" with the school Chaplin Tammy.

A message from Tammy at St. Bernard’s

" I just wanted to let you know that your children and staff were absolutely fabulous on Friday. They were so full of energy and enthusiasm throughout the day. The singing in particular was spectacular! Please do say a huge thank you from me to the children, they were great to have in school and we are looking forward to working with them again soon "

Class 3 Visit to Magna

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:02:11 GMT

Steel, Steelworks, and lots of Science in between!

As part of Class 3's history topic - Thrybergh's Industrial Past, Class 3 went to Templeborough Steelworks to discover how steel was made. They were very engaged during a Forge Demonstration which showed us how steel is forged to make different things. We watched the Big Melt show with all the machinery, noises and sparks to help us understand what it was like to be a steelman. Class 3 then spent the rest of the day enjoying all the science activities in Fire, Earth and Air.

Sketching the Peaks

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:43:44 GMT

Class 3 visit to Surprise View in the Peak District

Class 3 came to school in their walking boots today. They jumped on a coach to the Peak District and took a walk up Mother Cap to Winyard's Nick. There certainly was a 'Surprise View' when we reached the top and so we sketched and painted what we could see. We had a scramble on the rocks before walking to Millstone Edge for our lunch. What a beautiful day.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 18:54:56 GMT

Class 1 visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Class 1 saw some amazing sculptures today to inspire their artwork, including "a rainbow man" and "a rocket or a banana peel". They all laughed on the HaHaHa bridge and enjoyed time in the obstacle course. We're all looking forward to seeing what they create themselves in a few weeks time.

D Day

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:23:23 GMT

D Day 80th Anniversary

Every class was taught today's significance. The children have been so engaged in their lessons about D Day. Many were keen to tell us about their Great Great Grandparents who were part of the war effort. Many showed great reverence when listening to Veteran's talk about their experiences. KS2 watched the BBC Newsround Special which is an excellent watch for the whole family at home.

Holy Communion

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:14:45 GMT

The season has started...

...and these beautiful girls had such a beautiful day. They made their families, teachers and whole parish community very proud. Congratulations to Violet, Daisy, Rose and Chloe who made their First Holy Communion at St. Gerard's Mass on Sunday. We ask you keep them in your prayers, and pray for our children who will be making their first communion over the next few weeks.

Pentecost Celebration

Fri, 17 May 2024 20:09:34 GMT

GIFT Team visit St. Bernard's for a day celebrating the Holy Spirit

There was prayer, music, Mass, craft and lots of fun at St. Bernard's for our GIFT Team members and school councillors. St. Gerard's joined other GIFT Team members in our learning community and spent time with one another, to celebrate this weekend's feast of Pentecost. Many thanks to St. Bernard's for hosting us.

Virtues to Live By

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 20:01:32 GMT

St. Gerard's persevered!

Our new Virtue to Live By is 'Perseverance and Resilience', and our children, as they always do, have stepped up to the challenge and showed us all how they persevere in many different ways. Through their many sporting achievements, to overcoming fear during Forest School. They have had to brave when they've hurt themselves, and shown perseverance to make themselves better. Mary Openshaw has received a St. Stephen medal for her one year service as an altar server, which at times has required perseverance. Even Mrs Baxter and Miss Jenkinson have shown resilience. Well done to all.

Our Journey through Holy Week

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:58:48 GMT

Opportunities embraced to learn, reflect and pray for Jesus

Everyday our St. Gerard's family have gathered together and prayed the Stations of the Cross before the start of school. It has been lovely to be joined by so many families and has helped the children reflect on Jesus journey to the cross. To end our Holy Week together, we had thinking stops in every classroom and children, joined by their parents, visited each thinking stop and reflected on it's significance in the Easter Story. Thank you to everyone who came, it truly was wonderful to pray with you all. We'd like to wish each and every member of our St. Gerard's Family a blessed Easter together.

Godly Play

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:42:52 GMT

The Holy Family and The Story of Creation

Godly Play recognises and grows children’s spirituality. Through exploring stories from the Old and New Testament, children discover languages of word, gesture, symbol and silence. Class 2 and Class 3 have been exploring some of these stories and creating, in any way they want to, something of their own choice. Our thanks go to Barlborough Hall School who have kindly loaned us some of their Godly Play resources.

Lenten inspired Forest School

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:24:13 GMT

Class 2 and Class 3 explore Jesus' cross outside

Children in Class 2 and 3 came together for a Forest School session today. They were taught how to do a Clove Hitch know to attach a piece of wool to a stick. They then wound wool around diagonally to join a short stick to a long stick to make Jesus' cross. Lot's of talk was had about Jesus and some children worked together to make a resurrection garden. We ended our session with hot chocolate.

Class 4 'The Passion'

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:16:51 GMT

Class 4 superb and reflective performance of 'The Passion'

We are immensely proud of Year 4 who led us through the journey of Holy Week in their performance of 'The Passion'. The children sang their hearts out, with stunning solo performances and powerful liturgical dances. Many tears were shed. Well done Year 4.

Holy Week 2024

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 22:21:59 GMT

Holy Week at St. Gerard's - Monday 25th - 28th March 2024

Holy week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. The week begins on Palm Sunday and includes the events of The Last Supper, Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane, Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

We will be exploring themes of Holy Week with the children in school.

Stations of the Cross

Each morning we will begin with Stations of the Cross over in Church at 8.15am and we invite any families to come and join us.

School Mass

We will celebrate School Mass on Tuesday 26th at 10am

The Passion of our Lord

The children in Year 4 will perform 'The Passion of the Lord' on Tuesday 26th March at 1.30pm. We invite parents/carers from the children in Year 4 to join us.

Journey through Holy Week a Thinking Stop Reflection

We invite parents/carer to join us on Thursday 28th March for our interactive Thinking stop reflection. We will begin at 9.30am in the school hall and you can journey with your own children as they go through school reflecting on the events of Holy Week.

We do hope that you will join us to mark one of the most important weeks in the Liturgical year.

Click here for our parish newsletter with further details events during Holy week at St. Gerard's and the Immaculate Conception.

Class 3's Big Lent Walk

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 21:24:37 GMT

4.2 miles for Class 3! (Or is that 105 miles to smash school's target?)

Today Class 3 did their Big Lent Walk, as part of school's Lent mission to give as much as we can. Big Lent Walk is part of the nationwide Cafod mission to help raise funds for the impoverished countries they work in. The children planned their walk, plotted it on a map and sent invites to their friends and family to join them. In just under two hours, they walked an impressive 4.2 miles from school, through Thrybergh to Thrybergh Reservoir. We walked around the reservoir and then back to school. A big thank you to everyone who came today, and especially to Father Desmond who led the way, and set the pace! If anyone would like to donate please visit our just giving page by clicking here

Forest School Appeal

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 22:52:35 GMT

Forest school needs some help

We are developing our areas in the garden to be more purposeful and Forest School related. We've started with a mudkitchen, which some of our children are already enjoying immensely. They are also starting to get a little muddy while playing in there...

So, if there are any unwanted:

pots, pans and kitchen utensils
wellies
waterproof jackets, trousers or splashsuits

Please could you donate them to Forest School. We are also looking for:

crates
tyres
planks of wood
climbing rope
tarp or old tents
wool

It is hoped that as we develop our areas, we will be able to offer Forest School opportunities to more children and even put it permanently on our St. Gerard's curriculum.

Thank you.

Class 4 Theatre Visit

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 21:06:55 GMT

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Miss Hughes, with Mrs Jenkinson, Mrs Hadley and Miss Green, took Class 4 to the theatre. They went to see 'The Boy at the Back of the Class' which is a play from the much loved book which Class 4 are currently reading as their Novel Study this term. The children were impeccably behaved and a credit to our school. The children said the play was amazing, it made them cry at times, and they'd completely recommend going to see it.

World Book Day

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:01:52 GMT

Wonderful fun had embracing every World Book Day character

How well do you know your character? These children sat on the hot seat and answered questions about their chosen character, excellently. There was much celebration in Assembly of all our outfits and the children who talked about their character with enthusiasm and knowledge received certificates and book vouchers. Well done St. Gerard's

Class 1's Big Lent Walk!

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 20:52:27 GMT

Walking, learning and looking our environment

As part of Class 1's topic: 'There's No Place Like Home', the children explored their local area. They looked at places on a map, kept safe on the roads and even completed a litter pic to make their home a nicer place to live. Well done Class 1.

Skipping Festival

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 20:40:11 GMT

Year 5 and Year 6 skip to it!

Fantastic effort at today's Skipping Festival. The children represent our school brilliantly in every sports event they go to. We couldn't be prouder.

Internet Safety Day

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:23:12 GMT

Internet Safety Day 2024

School Games 2024

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 20:35:39 GMT

Outstanding effort at Indoor Athletics competition!

Today children from Year 5 and Year 6 competed in throwing and running events at Indoor Athletics. In the running events, 9 of our fabulous children came first, 4 came second and 4 came third. Outstanding effort everyone!

Number Day

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 21:09:00 GMT

From Numberblocks, rockstars, mathematical wizards to many many more... St. Gerard's truly raised the bar for 'Number Day 2024'!

With huge generosity from our families and children, a wonderful amount was raised for the NSPCC, alongside a day full of Maths fun. Thank you so much!

Activities throughout the day included: Maths orienteering, number escape rooms, battles on TT Rockstars and many more exciting lessons. the children thoroughly enjoyed the day and the costumes were out of this world!

KS1 Science!

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Class one and two science!

Robotics club!

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:30:00 GMT

Robotics club!

Class 5 STEM Day!

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:32:51 GMT

STEM Day!

Class one science!

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:30:06 GMT

Science with Miss Green

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Half Time Cup

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:24:16 GMT

Half Time Cup!

Our boys football team had a great time competing in the Half Time Cup on Friday! Well done to everyone who took part!

Class 4 Shang Dynasty

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 11:23:20 GMT

Shang Dynasty Day!

Class 4 had an amazing time for Shang Dynasty day! We explored many parts of our topic and celebrated different cultures. Children were able to draw on a variety of skills including cooking , DT and art which allowed for all children to thrive and immerse into the shang world.

We're Going on a Water Hunt!

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 22:08:40 GMT

We're going to find all three... Solid, Liquid and Gas... Let's go and see!

For Forest School this week, and for Class 3's learning about water, we went on a water hunt. Some of Class 5 joined Class 3 on Thursday afternoon for this session. The children all found droplets of water in different places around our school. They could see water vapour as they breathed in and out. They made ice ornaments to discover water as a solid. We left the ornaments over the weekend and so the children discovered them this morning. I wonder how long they will last?

Reading Buddies

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 21:59:35 GMT

When Class 1 visited Class 3...

There were lot's of smiles on faces this morning when Class 1's Year 1 children joined Class 3 for Free Choice Friday. They chose Christmas inspired picture books to share with one another. Two of the most popular books, judging by the amount of laughter they caused, were 'Father Christmas Needs a Wee' by Nicholas Allen and '101 Christmas Bums' by Sam Harper.

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:48:20 GMT

With lot's of festive fun all round!

Two beautiful nativity plays, two Grandparents Christmas Parties, two Christmas Parties organised by the Friends of St. Gerard's, two visits from Father Christmas, a (cancelled/not cancelled) Christmas dinner and, not forgetting, our Christmas Karaoke. A very jolly time has been had by all. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped make our children's Christmas a very magical and special time in school.

Advent Travelling Bags

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:10:10 GMT

An Advent Travelling Bag will be making its way home to you soon!

This year, every class has three Advent Travelling Bags that will go home with every child this Advent. Each bag has a beautiful Nativity storybook and a prayer that you can share together as a family. Here are some of the photos that families have shared with us already. Thank you to Bella, Isla, Will, Luca and Eve for sending these in.

A special start to Advent

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:54:37 GMT

A special start to Advent

Our week started with the launch of the Mini Vinnie Reverse Advent Calendar, many thanks already to those of you who have bought donations in. Every class have led special Celebrations of the Word reflections everyday. On Tuesday, Fr Desmond blessed our wreaths at School Mass and on Wednesday our Performing Acts group performed at a wonderful parish event. This is only the beginning of what already is a very special Advent at St. Gerard's. We can't wait for all the excitement over the next two weeks.

When St. Gerard's went to the Pantomime

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:03:02 GMT

Oh no they didn't... Oh yes they did!

St. Gerard's annual visit to the Pantomime did not disappoint. What a fabulous time we all had. The children thoroughly enjoyed their special bus ride, driven by the Transport Museum's very own Rudolph. They gathered in the theatre and devoured their treats provided by The Friends of St. Gerard's. There were gasps of amazement and lots of laughter from the performance of Cinderella. It has kick started our Christmas celebrations in school brilliantly. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Ancient Greek Day- Class 5

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:28:31 GMT

Class 5's Ancient Greek Day!

Class 5's Ancient Greek day was an epic blend of history and hands-on activities. The children made Greek traditional dishes; were engrossed in the arts trying their hands at soap sculpting; completed a masterclass in pottery making; painted intricate designs on terracotta pots; completed chariot racing, discuss throwing and boxing at our very own Olympic Games and even had the chance to complete orienteering in our school grounds. It certainly was a day to remember!

Class 3's Trip down t'mine!

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:23:13 GMT

When Class 3 visited the National Coal Mining Museum...

...they were engaged and enthralled throughout, learning so much about what it was like to be a miner. They spent the day: exploring the exhibitions; pondering what the miners did at the Pithead baths; learning about the importance of a Davy lamp; stroking the pit ponies; and, most importantly, exploring the coal mine, 180m below ground level. The class very sensibly wore their hard hats and were in charge of their own torches. They, very bravely, went down the mine shaft and listened to their tour guide tell them all about working underground. The children even crawled through tunnels that miners would have used in the early 1900s. The tour guides, who were ex miners themselves, independently commented on how our children were an absolute credit to us. They were amazing and we were very proud of them. A thoroughly good day was had by all.

Prayers for the Persecuted

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:53:43 GMT

#RedWednesday for Aid to the Church in Need

Inspired by this week's Mark 10 Mission, the GIFT Team asked children to wear something red for Aid to the Church in Need's Awareness Day. The day was to 'break the silence' about all the Christians in the world who are not free to pray to God, whenever they want to. The school came together and, led by the GIFT Team, they prayed for the persecuted Christians all over the world.

Anti-Bullying Week

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:44:49 GMT

St. Gerard's 'Made A Noise' about Anti-Bullying

Starting with Odd Socks Day, to lessons, group work and an assembly, St. Gerard's certainly made a noise about Anti-Bullying. Click the video to hear our important message.

Class 1 celebrate Diwali

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:22:38 GMT

Class 1 learnt all about the Hinduism Festival of Diwali

To support their learning, Class 1 enjoying making their own Diwali clay pots. They enjoyed painting them after. Some of us made our very own rangoli.

Class 3 STEM Day

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:09:06 GMT

A fun filled STEM Activity morning for Class 3

Class 3 were joined by Cathy from University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre this morning. They learnt all about famous engineers and technologies that enhance people's lives. They got the opportunity to try a technology and they created their very own 3D nature inspired ornaments using a 3D pen. All the children were so enthused and eager to try and use the 3D pens. They were challenged to understand the science behind the technology too!

Forest School Day

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:00:03 GMT

Our Harvest inspired Forest School day

Part of our Forest School curriculum explores nature's treasures and teaches outdoor skills. The children embraced the delights the season of Autumn offers and started their Forest School session with a hunt for their favourite Autumn treasure. They then learnt skills including cutting with a sharp knife, carving with a spoon and how to use a hammer. Class 4 and Class 5 enjoyed a fire with a toasted marshmallow. What a lovely day had by all. Every class returned with enough pumpkin to try a recipe or two. We can't wait to try what they come up with later in the week, fingers crossed!

Bike Ability

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:46:35 GMT

Bikes at the ready!

Class 5 took part in Bike Ability this week. Every step of the way, there was a challenge for the children to complete and show how competent they were on a bike. Despite the cold, all the children rose to the challenges and tried their very best to safely ride a bike. Well done Class 5.

Class 5 Black History Assembly

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:13:25 GMT

He's our Arthur! Arthur Wharton! Local hero! Super Sportsman!

Class 5 presented Arthur Wharton's Story during Key Stage Assembly today as part of raising children's awareness about Black History. The class confidently recited Alec William's poem about Arthur Wharton's impressive sporting career and how he was the world's first black professional footballer in Britain. The children loved that he played for Rotherham! Thank you Class 5 for a powerful assembly, we heard your voices clearly and very child in school now knows who Arthur was.

Head boy Alex and head girl Darcie left the children with a black history challenge - can they present a presentation of some sort on another influential figure? It could be a poem, a dance, a piece of writing or artwork. Entries to be given to Alex and Darcie on Monday. See Class 5's page for more information.

Operation Christmas Child

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:45:16 GMT

A packing party to send Jesus' love around the world

Last Friday, St. Gerard's welcomed our friend from the parish Liz Ventura and her lovely team at Operation Christmas Child into school. They brought everything we needed to have a packing party and every child here at school packed a shoebox for a child this Christmas. Each box had essential toiletries, small toys and small stationary to enable them to go to school where they live. The children also wrote a prayer for each box so God blesses the child that receives it. A special thank you to all our helpers and for everyone's generosity.

Class 3 Minibeast Mansion

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:45:37 GMT

Class 3 made a Minibeast Mansion, a Bug Cottage and a Home for Worms today

Thank you to everyone's donations of cardboard and pipes, Class 3 absolutely loved making these homes for our Minibeasts. The class showed excellent team working skills as they assembled all the materials and made their homes. Some of us enjoyed finding some very unusually looking creepy crawlies too! Merits available for anyone who can identify them!

Class 3 Spider September

office@stgerardsprimary.org (St. Gerards Catholic Primary) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:37:01 GMT

Class 3 have embraced all things Spider during their Forest School session

Class 3 went on a spider hunt and found different types of spider webs, including sheet, triangular, orb and funnel. We learnt that an important part of Forest School is to respect every other and every living thing. So we didn't catch the spiders we saw, instead, we made some. We made stone spiders and learnt to knot and weave with wool to make our very own webs. We drew spiders using charcoal from Mr Watt's fire circle.