Our Community Links
I have been asked to write to you by the President, Chairman and members of the Featherstone Branch of the Royal British Legion to thank you for attending our Armistice Day service.
It was wonderful to see you all, students, staff and parents and to join with you in an Act of Remembrance for the Fallen once again.
Your students conducted themselves impeccably as usual and we very much appreciate their hand made tributes and formal wreaths. The children's tributes are very poignant mixed among the more formal tributes.
We look forward to welcoming you next year.
Kind regards
Jacqueline Barker
Secretary
Quiz Night
As part of our on going fundraising for school, The Friends of Featherstone, organised a fantastic quiz night for all parents, children & even staff to get involved with! Everyone had a fantastic night with lots of mind boggling questions of various categories. We would like to say a massive thank you to all who came along and contributed that night, it would not be possible without you!
Afternoon Tea with Santa
As part of our Christmas celebrations and working closely with our community, our Friends of North Featherstone J & I school arranged an Afternoon Tea with Santa this week. Tickets for this event were in such high demand, we had to organise and additional session with the first lot of tickets selling out in just 1 hour. The second, 5:00 p.m. session, was also planned to enable working parents to attend. Both events were a huge success and here are some of the comments made by the parents and carers:
'Thank you all for such a great event as always! Afternoon tea with Santa was perfect and my children loved it! You ladies should be so proud of all the work you do for our children and for the school. I am very thankful to you all X'
'Thank you. I didn't manage to go but my mum and auntie went with my little boy. They couldn't praise you enough - it was a lovely afternoon.'
'Fantastic event and hats off to all the staff and volunteers who made the event such a success! Big thank you and Merry Christmas.'
'Fab - thanks! Thank for giving up your spare time to do an evening one too!'
This was an amazing event enjoyed by all who attended. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel when I think about the things that they have done for our children and our school. We are very lucky to have such a committed and dedicated team of volunteers supporting us. I would like to express my appreciation for the work that the three ladies, Claire Fox, Karen Parker and Jane Asher do to continually think of different ideas to include our families in school events, as well as raise funds to support our incredibly strained budget. They dedicate many of their days off to ensure that these events run like clockwork. All the funds raised will go towards replacing the dated bikes for our foundation stage children.
Making Hunger Disappear
Every month we, as a school, collect different items of food to donate to the Featherstone and Pontefract food banks. These food banks provide free food to families who need that support. We would like to thankyou all for contributing every month, this makes a massive difference to those who need our help. Check our Facebook page, monthly newsletters and posters around school to find out what were collecting this month.
Ploughmans Afternoon Tea
After our recent success of the Mother Day afteernoon tea, where mums & Grandmas were invited in for tea, coffee, cake and sandwiches, we felt it was only right that we celbrate Fathers Day in the same way.
I think you would agree with us, that the afternoon was enjoyed by all with many laughs, conversations and quality time spent with your children/grandchildren, all whilst raveshing on the gorgeous spread laid out by the Friends of North Featherstone.
It was an honour to be invited to the unveiling of the Featherstone 'War Horse' to commemorate the 353 Town's servicemen who were killed in the First World War. Six Year 5 children impeccably represented NFJI at the service at Mill Pond Meadow Nature Reserve - 11th May 2018.
NHS Community Event at North Featherstone
A group of volunteers from the NHS come into school and carry out improvements to site as part of a NHS community event. The team of 5 volunteers led by Mrs Hill came into school and transformed the damaged exterior walls of the school into usable black boards for the children to use at break and lunch times. The volunteers worked tirelessly to improve our school and the hours that they put in was an incredibly generous gift to our school and our children. The transformation to the site has been awesome and commented on by everyone that sees it.
On behalf of the school, governors and parents thank you for your kindness and taking your time to support us: we are sincerely grateful.
Witty, creative and imaginative entries in to the Egg Competition!
Egg-cellent Easter Celebrations
The children at NFJI had a great visit from the Easter bunny and friends, where each child recieved an egg. The children also celebrated with the Easter Disco and many participated in the annual egg competition. There were some wonderful, creative designs!
The Big 50 Sofa Challenge
The children and staff have shown their support for Look North's Sport Relief challenge. The children enjoyed cheering on Paul, Harry and Amy as they pulled the famous red sofa through Featherstone! Good luck to them on the remaining days - a hard challenge for a good cause.
Afternoon Tea for Mother's Day
To celebrate Mother's Day all mums and grandmas were invited to attend an afternoon tea at North Featherstone, the children, staff and Friends of North Featherstone worked together to present and serve a memorable afternoon of fun! The children of all attending were allowed to join their families for a delcious treat.
It was a busy, but wonderful afternoon for all involved, it is clear from the pictures how delighted the children were to be a part of it!
Our Number Morning
On Friday 2nd February, North Featherstone J & I School opened their doors and invited the parents and carers to work along side their children with maths. The entire morning was dedicated to promoting maths across the school from the 3 year olds in foundation stage to the 11 year old children in year 6. This was an opportunity for the teachers to show the parents many different practical and fun ways of teaching maths across the curriculum. Some activities were: solving problems using the Ancient Egyptian number system; making Egyptian pyramids and making the tallest tower of sugar cubes; in year 6, the children were solving problems using the nth number, which was very challenging.
Feedback from the parents and carers were extremely positive
Wakefield Music Service.
At Chirstmas we were lucky enough to have a visit form the Wakefield Music Service band, who performed informed for the whole school. They played lots of Christmas carols we could all join in with and gave us an insight into each of the musical instruments they had brought with them on the day.
Billie's Band
Featherstone Pyramid of Schools with Billie's Band presented a wonderful evening of music and entertainment at North Featherstone, parents and friends from all the schools enjoyed the impressive show in memory of Ian Clayton's daughter, Billie.
Christmas Christingles
Key Stage 1 hosted an open morning where parents came in to help their children make Christingles, and chocolate Rudolfs which they sold at the end of the school day. The children in KS1 then performed a Christingle assembly for the parents, where they explained the meaning behind each part of the Christingle and why they are made. An extremely well-attended open morning - enjoyed by all.
Key Stage Two Drama Club's production of Hansel and Gretel.
Children from Years 3 to 6, showed their dedication in their practising and rehearsals throughout the year, in order to present a very impressive and entertaining performance of Hansel and Gretel. The children took on their characters, danced and sang with confidence as they performed to their class mates, and to their parents and carers during an evening performance. The children loved their outfits and stage make-up.
Tweet Town - Supporting anti-bullying week
A drama group came to NFJI to educate our children about different aspects of bullying. This was a fantastic performnacebthat covered all areas of this delicate subject and informed the children about how to stop, prevent and report any type of bullying.
A group of Year 5 children decided they wanted raise some more money for Children in Need, together they gathered the support of parents and family, to help to hold a bun sale at school. The children advertised their event, set up the stall and served their keen customers, and were then in charge of counting their takings, a total of more than a £100 - an impressive effort for their hard work.
Pudsey making his annual visit to see the children: a fun day in school, amazing outfits and lots of money raised for a good cause!
French Day at North Featherstone J&I
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Year 6 Leavers' Prom
The eagerly anticipated Year 6 Leavers' Prom: the children look forward to getting dressed up and celebrating their time at North Featherstone. It has to be said it is often an evening of mixed emotions, but the children always have a night to remember, as staff and pupils wish them well for the next step in their lives.
Afternoon Tea at NFJI
A small group of children has hosted an Afternoon Tea for those lucky enough to receive an invite. The children have worked closely with Learning Mentors in order to design invitations, prepare the food and drink and carefully decorate the venue. This time is was the 'Friends of North Featherstone' and some School Governors, and a handful of teachers who were the guests. Each child has a specific role during the event. A wonderful afternoon enjoyed by all. We are all hoping to be included in the next round of invitations!
MacMillan Coffee Morning
Friends of Featherstone work alongside NFJI to host a Macmillan Coffee Morning every year. We feel that supporting charities, such as this one, is very important and close to many of our hearts. Each year we have a successful morning and hope to raise even more money the following year. Thank you to those who support us every year!
Easter Eggstravaganza at NFJI
The Easter bunny was accompanied by his friends who delivered Easter eggs to every child in school. During the day there was a 'Design an Egg' competition and the children were invited to an Easter disco. The entries for competition were outstanding where parents and carers worked with their children as a home - school project; Eggie Eagle Edwards on a ski slope and an Eggie Stobart truck were a couple of the winners. There was a winner for every class and they all won an Easter egg.
Memorial Day
Each year North Featherstone Junior and Infant School remembers those who lost their lives serving this country. Every pupil, from Foundation to Year 6, sculpted a ceramic poppy to help create our memorial to commemorate the 352 people from Featherstone who lost their lives in World War 1. The oldest children in school visit the Featherstone memorial.
Local graphic design company, Cod Steaks worked with 30 children in UKS2 to create a War Horse. This project was in addition to the memorial which was planted for the Centenary of WW1; a Featherstone community project. The War Horse is now pride of place in the main entrance to the school.
Eco - Schools
We have achieved Eco Schools Silver award and as part of this, the children have organised a collection of food to be donated to the Faithnet Food Bank, South Featherstone Gospel Church. This photograph is taken with David and Barbara from the Gospel Church. The children who are involved in the Eco Schools are totally committed to improving the environment at a local level as well as globally.
THANK YOU!
These children were very happy to receive a new bench, donated by a supply agency. It is now situated in the newly designed Reflective Garden.
Eco Schools
As part of our Eco Schools, children from North Featherstone Junior and Infant School have been completing litter picks both in school and in the local area. This work ensures our community is cleaner and a nicer environment to be in.
Mayor of Wakefield comes to NFJI
Children enjoyed a special assembly when the Mayor of Wakefield came to explain her uniform and her role in the city. The pupils had many questions they were keen to ask her. One pupil was even selected to be a 'Mini Mayor' for the morning - she delighted in trying on her outfit.
Gala Day
Every year NFJI joins Featherstone Gala parade, starting at St Wilfrid's, walking down to Purston Park. All staff and children that participate enjoy this every year and love seeing all the community come together, celebrating this day.
Lower Key Stage Two residential to Castlehead.
NFJI's Choir
Miss Marsh collecting a certificate of appreciate on behalf of the North Featherstone Junior and Infant School Choir, who were awarded for their contributions to the Dr Jackson's charity by Sir William O'Brien, accompanied by Mr Bill Munroe.
Pirates of the Currybean
Key Stage 2 Drama Club put on a wonderful end of year show - Pirates of the Currybean. It was an outstanding performance by the young actors and actresses, with some very comical and memorable roles. The children performed it fantastically to their peers during the day and in the evening for parents and carers. There was even a surprise dance routine from some 'pirate' teachers - much to the delight and hilarity of the pupils involved.
Mr Munroe
Children presented Mr Bill Munroe a gift from North Featherstone Junior and Infant School to show our appreciation for the work he has done to support the school, when he retired from being one of our Governors. Bill had been involved with school for an impressive sixteen years! He will be missed around school, but we are bound to see him at many events in the local community.
Our Local High School Visits
When children reach years 5 and 6, they are invited to attend lesson and activities in our local high schools. This allows children to make informed decisions about their next steps in education and create relationships with future educators as well as preparing them for the changes in the next few year. These children are enjoying a taster day at Featherstone Academy - science experiments, fixing bike punctures and baking biscuits!
Make a Pound Grow
'Make a Pound Grow' was a wonderful event in our school calendar. Each class was given a pound for every pupil, children were then set the task of making that pound grow and producing a profit. They were full of wonderful entrepreneurial ideas and couldn't wait to get started. There was lots of secret planning and preparation in the weeks leading up to the big event. Every class was allocated a space on the playground to present their business, there was such a variety of stalls: handmade creations, cake sells, homemade lemonade (that was a top seller in the July heat), obstacle courses, photo shoot with Disney characters, sponge-throwing, a vote to gunge a teacher and many more! The children from each class were proudly in charge of manning their stalls and dealing with their profit, as the parents and community came in to explore what was on offer for an afternoon of entertainment and business. It was a wonderful day, the children worked incredibly hard and had a great time whilst gaining experience in business and understanding the value of money.
Operation Christmas Child
Halloween
Some scary-looking children turned up for the annual fun-filled Halloween disco. Wonderful effort had gone into these costumes and it was a terrifying but exciting evening at North Featherstone J and I.
Billie's Band
For ten years, the children of Featherstone have had the opportunity to enter a writing competition run by local writer and broadcaster, Ian Clayton, in memory of his daughter, Billie, who was very passionate about music. The winners each year receive a musical instrument of their choice and lessons for a year: this is our winner who was presented with her new guitar, by Ian Clayton himself, at a wonderful night of celebration and music at St Wilfrid's School.
Deck the hall with........................ Christmas Trees!!!
Outside every classroom stands a real Christmas tree. Each class chose a different theme relating to the meaning of christmas and used the things they made as decorations for their Christmas Tree.
I am sure you will agree they are all look beautiful !!!
Mad Science Assembly
Professor Helium is a Mad Scientist who knows how much fun Science can be!! After watching some really incredible things in our assembly, everyone wanted to take part in his experiments.
We are really lucky he bumped into Mrs Cunnington this morning and that she invited him into school ........Now, Professor Helium would like to invite the children of NFJ&I to engage in some imaginative learning after school on a Thursday (see school letter for more information about the Mad Science program).
Featherstone in the First World War 1914-1918
Children were presented with a book about 'Featherstone in the First World War' to commemorate the centenary from the Deputy Mayor of Featherstone
Burning of the Guy!
Thank you to every child who brought in a Guy for the Guy Fawkes celebration on the 5th November 2014, and to parents for their support in this activity.
A really big thank you to Fireman Gregory who gave us some really important fire safety messgages and made sure that the 'Guy' bonfire burnt safely.
Competition Winner!
Dannah was the winner of the Macmillan Balloon race. She was presented with her new bike from Halfords on Friday 19th September by the Mayor.
Ice Bucket Challenge
Councillor G Isherwood taking the ice-bucket challenge.........
.............nominated Mrs M Cunnington, Headteacher at NFJI!
Mrs Cunnington Ice Bucket Challenge
The winning pledge came from James who was, at that time, in year 4. He thoroughly enjoyed soaking Mrs Cunnington with the four freezing buckets of water. Well done James!!
A big thank you to Mrs Cunnington, you were a great sport for such a fantastic cause.
Harvest Festival
Thank you to everyone who made generous donations of tinned produce, fruit and vegetables. School was over whelmed by the kindness shown. The donations were sent to the local church who have distributed the much needed supplies to members of the local community through the food bank.
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