Thursday 16th March 2023 - Norfolk Hospice Visit
Today we had a visit from Norfolk Hospice, so we were able to present the cheque for all the money raised from our Rudolph Run. Victoria and Nikki gave a very informative, sensitive and age appropriate assembly for all children about what a hospice is, all the people who work there and how much money they need to raise. They were very impressed with all the children at Norman and how much they knew and how kind the pupils all were. They were also very impressed with the amount of money donated.
Wednesday 15th March 2023 - National BSL week - BSL lesson
Sign Language Week 2023 - Norman Primary School was very excited to be taking part in Sign Language Week 2023. We signed up for a free online British Sign Language (BSL) lesson delivered by a Deaf BSL teacher. The lesson was arranged in partnership with two leading charities in the world of BSL: the British Deaf Association and Signature. The lesson took place on 15th March and all pupils participated, they explored and practised the BSL signs for the alphabet, hello, goodbye, members of their family and much more!
Thursday 9th March 2023 - Latin Lessons
Today children in Nightingales had their first Latin lesson, Owls will have theirs on Monday! They were very excited about learning Latin. They explored why Latin is important and about the character Minimus who will be helping them learn along the way. Minimus lives in a place called Vindolanda on Hadrian's wall. Pupils learned how to say hello and goodbye in Latin today.
Tuesday 7th March- Phonics Session - Robins class parents and children
This morning we welcomed parents of Robins children to our Reception class once again for the third session on Phonics.
Tuesday 7th march After school Club
Children enjoyed Archery after school club this afternoon. Those who attend are developing their skills within Archery and are certainly enjoying the competition element of the sessions!
Friday 3rd March - After School Club (Tri-Golf)
Children are enjoying the new half-term of after school Clubs. This term it is Archery on Tuesdays and Tri -Golf on Fridays.
School Council Meeting Friday 3rd March
This morning School Council members met to give their suggestions for this year's Carnival theme.
Some of the ideas they have thought of are : King Charles' Coronation, The Industrial Revolution, The Vikings, The Victorians and Under The Sea. - It seems that our Knowledge Curriculum Topics in History this year have really made an impact on the children! These ideas will be presented to the PTFA at the next meeting.
Thursday 2nd March - World Book Day
Today we celebrated World Book Day and the emphasis is on the importance of Reading. The children were able to come to school dressed as their favourite book character, or to bring in a copy of their favourite book. the children attended an assembly in the morning led by our English Lead - Mr Tim Coote who was dressed up as Harry Potter. In the afternoon the PTFA held a second hand book stall in the playground, and we had a very special visitor come in to read us some stories after school.
Here are some highlights from the day.
Year 6 Jumpers - Friday 24th February 2023
Today was the day that Year 6s were awarded with their unique jumpers. At Norman we recognise that our Year 6s are role models to the younger pupils and that they are preparing for the transition to high school. All jumpers are very well deserved and have been funded by our PTFA. The Year 6 jumpers have been a tradition at Norman for many years and they truly understand what the jumper represents. It represents our school values of always being ready, being respectful and showing others how to be safe. It means excellence in every aspect of our school life and community. Well done to all Year 6s you looked very smart this afternoon.
Ash Wednesday 22nd February 2023
Today we welcomed the Reverend Juanita Hawthorne to our school tiro celebrate Ash Wednesday. The children learnt about why we have Ash Wednesday and watched Miss Smith have her forehead ashed with a cross. As always thank you, Rev Juanita for coming into our school.
Tuesday 21st February - Shrove Tuesday.
Today we celebrated Shrove Tuesday by ending the day with pancake races across our playground. Each year raced against each other from Wrens class (preschool) up to Owl class (Year 5 and 6)!. The Year 3s were the ultimate winners!
Tuesday 21st February - Phonics Session - Robins class parents and children
This morning we welcomed parents of Robins children to our Reception class to get a real feel for what our amazing Phonics programme - Sounds Write is like when being taught in the class. The children really enjoyed having their grown-ups in class with them taking part in the lesson. The children were proud to show off their skills in 'saying the sound and reading the words', building words independently and sounds swap. This was the first of three weekly sessions to be held, we are looking forward to the next two sessions!
Tuesday 7th February - Valentine's Disco
The first spring half-term is coming to an end and what better way to celebrate all the children's hard work than have an after-school disco for Valentine's Day.! As usual the children who were in attendance had an amazing evening, Miss Rachel Smith won the prize for best staff dancer!
Friday 3rd February - PTFA Movie Night
A huge thank you to the PTFA for organising a highly successful movie evening for all in our school hall . Children from pre-school right up to Year 6 came back to school in their pyjamas, slippers and blankets to snuggle down and watch a great film. Popcorn and sweeties were given out and a great night was had by all. Some pupils even fell asleep! Thank you to all those volunteers who gave up their time to help out.
Thursday 26th January 2023 - How Hill Visit KS2
Nightingales and Owls went on their Buddy Building trip to How Hill. After a long bus journey, we arrived and Owls built dens in the woods and Nightingales learnt how to thatch a roof, the classes then swapped activities. In the afternoon, both classes enjoyed orienteering, they worked as teams to track down certain letters using a map of the location. The children really enjoyed their day and were a credit to the school, they impressed all adults who attended.
Friday 20th January 2023 - Celebration Assembly
A huge well done to two of our pupils, both have been awarded swimming certificates which they have shared with us in celebration assembly on Friday.
Monday 16th January 2023 - God and The Big Bang
Once again we welcomed God and The Big Bang to Norman CE Primary to work with Owls class.
'God and the Big Bang gives students in Years 5 and 6 (9-11 year olds) an exciting opportunity to discover, discuss and debate the compatibility of science and faith. The day aims to equip young people with the all-important tools they need in order to form their own opinions and engage in rational, exciting, well-reasoned and thought-provoking discussion about the place for science in God’s world.'
Owls class had an enjoyable afternoon with some fascinating activities and discussions.
Friday 13th January - Celebration Assembly
As our first full week after Christmas came to an end we finished off as we normally do each week with our celebration assembly. We celebrated all the outstanding work that has been achieved in the week, those who have upheld our school values of Ready, Respectful and Safe, and we also encourage pupils to bring in and awards they may have achieved outside of school.
Friday 13th January - Fundraising donation
A representative from Tapping house came and collected our sponsor money from our Rudolph Run in December. She was very impressed that children had managed to raise almost £1200! A huge well done to all of you and certificates will be distributed to the children.
Thursday 12th January 2023 - Wrens Class (Preschool)
In Wrens class this week we have been very lucky to receive from the Norfolk County Council some new Nurturing resources. The children in Wrens class have been exploring the different packs. These packs with help with Communication and Language, Physical Development and -Personal, Social And Emotional development.
2023
Friday 16th December - A very special visitor!
Well goodness me... a very special visitor took time out of his
very busy schedule today to see the children at Norman Primary School. The PTFA have kindly been in contact with him and had let him know how hard the children had all been working at school. He was very impressed with all this hard work and wanted to come and drop off a little gift for each child ready for the Christmas break. He had lots of fun going to each class - he even borrowed our school bell to let everyone know he had arrived! What a way to end the Autumn Term.
Friday 16th December - Christmas Reading Challenge
A couple of weeks ago Mr Coote set a very special reading Challenge. We have been very impressed by the amount of pupils who took part. The prizes and certificates have been awarded today.
Well done each and everyone of you - and in the words of Dr Seuss...
Friday 16th December Carols and Christingle Service
This morning we held a very special service. Our Christingle, Carol and Posada service was due to be held in St Andrew's Church but due to the sub-zero temperatures and the icy paths to the Church, we decided it would be safer to stay in school. The Reverend Juanita kindly came to us, and we held the service in our hall.
We had a very special visitor, Mrs Peate brought her new baby to join in, which made the service extra special as we were celebrating the birth of a baby, Jesus.
Wednesday 14th December -PTFA Christmas Bingo Night
Our amazing PTFA held a successful Christmas Bingo evening in aid of funds for the school.
There were prizes galore for children and grown ups. We are very grateful for the hard work and commitment of our PTFA group who work tirelessly in aid of our school.
Thank you to all members of PTFA, the volunteers who gave their time on the evening, and of course all the amazing community members who donated prizes.
Wednesday 14th December - Whole School Christmas Lunch
Children enjoyed their Christmas Lunch today, Roast Turkey, Roast potatoes, festive vegetables and gravy. Children tucked in whilst listening to some Christmas music. A big Thank you to PTFA for supplying the festive table cloths and the crackers.
Tuesday 13th December 2022 - Christmas Disco
Children had the opportunity to attend our Christmas Disco after school this week to celebrate the end of term. There were lots of fun and games and prizes were given out. Once again Mrs Smith won the Best Adult dancer and was rewarded with a medal and certificate! The snow machine was by far the most exciting event of the evening, great fun was had by all.
Monday 12th December - Local Carer's Lunch in Northwold Village Hall
Three of our Year 6s helped out at the annual village carer's lunch held in the village hall. As always they were absolutely impeccable and served with a smile throughout the lunch. The elderly locals who attended the lunch were very impressed with the children and the whole lunch was finished off with Christmas Cake and some festive songs sung by Owls class who popped over to the Village Hall.
Monday 12th December Virtual Christingle Service
Once again we were invited to join the annual Christingle Service taking place at Ely Cathedral. We joined in online after our lunch and the Children enjoyed the Festive Hymns and the Story of The Christingle. Children are looking forward to our very own Christingle and carol service being held on Friday 16th December.
Monday 12th December - Robins (reception) Class Open Morning.
Today we welcomed pupils who may be joining us in September 2023.
Parents and children were able to join in with Robins Class activities and meet all the staff who work in early Years.
Friday 9th December - Norman Annual Toy Service St Andrew's Church.
Today at St Andrew's Church at 3.30pm the annual Toy service took place. Families were invited along to a short Christmas service led by Jane Luckman, Brenda Ayres and the reverend Juanita Hawthorn.
Children donated small cuddly and handheld toys for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Children's Ward in King's Lynn. All these kind donations will be used to support children when they are having procedures when in hospital. As usual this was a lovely service with stories for the children. The children really enjoyed playing the instruments and singing songs with their families. Thank you to all families who attended and all families that made donations - they are very gratefully received.
Thursday 8th and Friday 9th December - Christmas Sc
hool Performances
This year we held a whole school performance with children from Preschool right up to Year 6. The children worked very hard on learning lines and dancing ready for the performance. The reenacted the nativity story which remains one of the most important stories for Christians around the world.
Tuesday 6th December - Messy Church 'Celebrating Advent'
Today we held our First messy Chucrh sessions in school. Messy Church used to held locally but has not happened for a long time. During talks between the School and the Church we thought it wild be a good idea to reintroduce this to celebrate special Christian festivals.
We were extremely lucky to have Mrs Tammy Wright from the Church to come and lead the session, the children took part in lots of activities, making reindeer food, a wreath, painted special stones and more.
The children really enjoyed the story telling, learning about the Nativity Story and the importance of Advent.
Thursday 1st December - Multi-Sports Event - Breckland Leisure Centre Thetford
On Thursday 1st December, nine children from Key Stage 1 took part in a multi-sports event at Breckland Leisure Centre against other schools. They all showed great grit and determination to have a go at all of the activities and were a credit to the school. They came away with Third place and bronze medals for their efforts. Well done everyone!
Monday 28th November 2022 - Posada Assembly
This morning we began our celebration of Posada with an assembly for the pupils. Each year at Norman CE primary we have a Posada service in school and then in St Andrew's Church nearer Christmas.
Posada is of Spanish origin and is celebrated in Spanish speaking countries around the world. The posadas re-enact Mary and Joseph’s cold and difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter; in Spanish, the word means “lodging.” 
We were joined by Mrs Howarth from the Parochial Church Council and Jane Luckman from St. Andrew's Church to help us celebrate the beginning of our Posada. The children are looking forward to hosting the young Mary and Joseph and their Donkey in their homes each night. The Posada will be completed on Friday 16th December where we will return the special family including baby Jesus to St Andrew's Church before we break for Christmas.
Saturday 26th November - St Andrew's Christmas Bazaar
Pupils and staff helped out at the annual St Andrew's
Christmas Bazaar on Saturday. They helped on a stall and also carried out the very important job of picking the 
raffle tickets at the end of the afternoon. All proceeds were in aid of the Church. Children also had their work on display in the church - well done to the two pupils who won the art competition!
Thursday 24th November - Happy Thanksgiving
We celebrated Thanksgiving with our American families today. One of our parents kindly made some traditional pumpkin pie for the children to try. The children thought it tasted delicious and some liked it so much they had a second slice!
Wednesday 23rd November - Sounds Write Phonics Evening for Parents.
Parents of EYFS and KS1 classes were invited in this evening to find out more about the Phonics programme that we use in school. The session was led by Miss Hayley Smith and Mrs Leanne Bagge who talked parents through the programme we use, how it is taught in school and what
parents can do to support at home. The session was well received by parents who found it very useful. The PowerPoint and supporting resources are available in our curriculum section at the top of this page.
Tuesday 22nd November 2022 - Rudolph Run in aid of Norfolk Hospice.
The weather was against us today, but spirits were not
dampened, and the children still participated in our Rudolph Run to raise much needed funds for Norfolk Hospice. All classes from Pre School through to Year 6 used their PE slot to complete their run in the hall. We are very proud of each and every one!
Monday 21st November 2022 - Anti Bullying Week - Odd Socks Day
Children and staff wore odd Socks today to celebrate 
our uniqueness.
We are celebrating Anti-Bullying Week from 21st November this year, and the theme this year is ‘Reach Out’. It is coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, which is based at the National Children’s Bureau. Bullying affects millions of lives and can leave us feeling hopeless. But if we challenge it, we can change it. And it starts by reaching out. It doesn’t stop with young people.
At The Norman Primary School, we encourage pupils, teachers and parents to reach out, as we all have a part to play. Reach out to someone you trust if you need to talk. Reach out to someone if you know they’re being bullied. Reach out by being the change you want to see. It takes courage, but it can change lives. So, this Anti-Bullying Week, let’s come together and reach out to stop bullying.
Pupils at Norman have recently completed some work around who their trusted adults are, please talk to your child who their trusted adults are if they are worried.
Monday 21st November 2022 - Special delivery of Antlers!
Tomorrow is our Rudolph sponsored run in aid of Norfolk Hospice. To help us prepare, a very special visitor came and delivered the pupils antlers today. Rudolph made an appearance at lunchtime to the 
delight of all pupils and staff members. We are looking forward to the run tomorrow to raise money for a very special charity. 
Friday 18th November 2002 - Children in Need!
As usual the Norman children were determined to raise money for those who are less fortunate than themselves. The school council discussed with pupils and decided that children and staff should wear their clothes backwards for the day! Children also collected 1ps and 2ps to cover Pudsey's face to raise money. A total of £60.84 was raised just from this activity! Well done all those who donated.
Friday 11th November 2022 - Armistice Day 2022
We will remember them….. Here at The Norman the whole school filed outside to gather on the playground to pay our respects to both those who have fallen in service and also those who still serve today. We observed two minutes silence, then listened to the last post before saying The Lord’s Prayer.
A pupil from Robins class has been busy volunteering for The Royal British Legion. She helped her family sell poppies in Methwold and the surrounding area last weekend. This is the second year she has taken part in the appeal. Well done!
Friday 4th November - People who help us.
Robins class had a visit from Elsie's Mum who is a nurse to finish off a week on 'people who help us'. We thought of some questions to ask her such as "Do you use a stethoscope", "which hospital do you work at?" And "Do you give people injections everyday?" She brought in some equipment that the children were able to use including a stethoscope, a Doppler to check pulse/heart beat, bandages and a peak flow monitor. The children really enjoyed exploring all the different equipment and asking questions to a professional about how they work.
Thank you to Elsie's mum and all the other amazing people who work for the NHS keeping us well.
Friday 4th November - Celebration Assembly
Well done to all the pupils who were awarded with certificates and thank you to all the parents and grown ups who attended this week.
Congratulations to the pupils who shared their fantastic achievements from outside of school this week. We are very proud of you!
Thursday 3rd November - Banham Zoo trip for Starlings Class
On Thursday 3rd November, Starlings Class visited Banham Zoo. We had an absolutely fantastic day launching our new Science topic- Amazing Animals.
The zoo was very quiet, which meant that the animals were feeling a little braver than usual and were extra keen to come and see us and put on a show. We saw playful tigers bundling 
one another, majestic giraffes feeding, sea lions leaping through the water, sloths slowly creeping through the trees and howler monkeys calling out overhead.
We also had a discovery session where we learned about food chains and classified animals into three groups: carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.
We even got to stroke Alan the cockroach!
Sunday 23rd October - Family Service St Andrew's Church
Today we joined with our wider community and celebrated our families at St Andrew's Church. The children did a wonderful job of singing 'Our God' and read out some personal thoughts on family, a poem and an extract from the Bible. the survive was led by Rev Juanita.
It was a joyous occasion, and it was a delight to see both our oldest and youngest residents of Northwold join together at such a personal service. We also welcomed ex-pupils who came to join with us, Once a member of Norman family, you remain a member of Norman family and will always be welcome at our services! Many thanks to Ann and some of the congregation for the offerings of cake, tea and squash afterwards - it was a lovely opportunity to sit and share our thoughts. 
The children enjoyed seeing their work on family on display in the church!
Thursday 20th Oct 2022 - Celebration assembly.
Our weekly celebration assembly was a day early this week due to half-term finishing on Thursday. Well done to all the pupils who received certificates and shared their achievements from outside of school, from stage shows to taekwondo and muddy cycling!
Thursday 20th Oct 2022 - Harvest Celebration Trail with Hot chocolate.
We have ended this half-term with a harvest trail for all to enjoy on our beautiful school field. Did you solve the Autumn Clues to find all the beautiful pumpkins!
Thank you to the amazing grown-ups who volunteered their time to organise and run this for our school community.
Wednesday 19th October 2022- Robins Class Trip to Sandringham
Robins had a fantastic class trip to Sandringham Estate today, the visit was linked to their current theme of “All About Me” and included a Forest School workshop on Harvest and potion making. Children also had the opportunity to walk and explore the estate.
The children visited Sandringham back in t
he summer and were able to spot the changes due to the seasons.
Community Soup Share Monday 17th Oct 2022
Our annual EYFS Soup share had a few changes this year, firstly they were helped out by KS1, and secondly, for the first since Covid, we were able to share our soup with the wider community.
Reception Class and Year 2s learnt how they can use vegetables harvested from the ground to create food for us. We peeled, chopped and mixed the vegetables in the pan with stock, hot water and tomatoes grown in Starlings outside area and then blended them into a soup ty
pe consistency.
Year 1s baked some delicious bread rolls to accompany the soup. We used a special yeast-free recipe, which comprised of just flour and yoghurt. We mixed these together and then kneaded the dough - it was quite sticky and lots of fun.
Monday 17th October 2022 - Reverend Joan Horan
We are pleased to share the news that our very own Rev. Joan Horan has been appointed Honorary Canon of the Cathedral Church of the Holy and undivided Trinity of Ely by The Bishop of Ely. A wonderful honour for Rev. Horan who was installed during Evensong at Ely Cathedral today. Rev. Horan is a regular visitor to our school, and we are incredibly proud of her.
Saturday 15th October 2022 - Pond working party - Phase 2
Thank you to the parents who came and helped us in the Pond Working Party Group. Volunteers gave up their Saturday to help us clear the pond area, so we are able to use this as part of our learning. It was a fresh Autumn day with a breeze, but it remained dry and two truck loads of green waste were taken away. Thank you to Jade for bringing the truck, Dave Leech for advising us on what to cut back and leading the group and Heidi, Lou, Ami, Kerri, Adam, Mrs Banwell and Mrs Rickard for working so hard to help us. Miss Smith had organised this and has spearheaded the group, a big thanks to all of you. We look forward to developing this area over the next couple of terms. If you would like to be involved please contact the school.
Before ... After!
We also spotted a little visitor to our pond area, we made sure he was protected and replaced into his pile of twigs and dry leaves ready for the chillier Autumn Days. Mrs Fisher
Friday 14th October 2022 - Wear something Bright day - Mental Health Awareness
This week we have been looking at Mental Health and I would like to say thank you to all of you that have generously donated to our Just giving page for Young Minds, we raised a whopping £133.00 which is incredible. It was lovely to see all the children in their bright colours, discussing how we can improve our Mental Health in our very special assembly this morning. The children were very insightful when discussing mental health and showed an understanding of what ment
al health is and why it is important. They watched a video and presentation as part of the assembly led by Miss Smith. Charlie Fisher highlighted to us all that the assembly looked like a Rainbow with all the different colours, and with the symbol of the rainbow representing hope, I thought that this was very apt.
Mrs Fisher
Monday 10th October 2022 - PTFA AGM 6:00pm in school Hall
It was a record turnout for the PTFA AGM. The first one in person since before Covid. It was an evening of changes, after a long term of service the following committee members stepped down. Gary Cater - Chairman, Jenny Mason and Tammy Wright.
We would like to thank them for all they have done for the school and the money they have raised! We would like to warmly welcome the new committee members of the PTFA.
Chairperson - Jason Cooper
Vice Chair - Adam Keep
Secretary - Kerri Strutt
Treasurer - Coralie Fletcher
PTFA Officers - Lou, Michelle and Jade
If you would like to help our school and are able to give a little of your time please get in contact with the school office.
Mrs Fisher
Friday 7th October 2022- Harvest Festival
What a wonderful way to finish the week with our annual Harvest Festival in St Andrew’s Church. It was a joy to see the church so full. Thank you to all of you for joining us and sending in donations with your children. St Andrew’s is a beautiful building and part of our community, it is open every day between hours of 10am and 4pm and you are welcome to pop in and explore or just have some reflection time. You will always be made welcome. To hear the children singing their Harvest songs filling the Church is
something that I feel very proud of and thankful for.
Thank you to all the family members who came and supported us with walking the children over to the Church, we have more children on roll than we have had for many years and I am very grateful for all your help. Thankyou to Cuffie and Sharon for doing the road crossing!
Mrs Fisher
Monday 3rd October 2022
Today we welcomed Rev Joan Horan and Mrs Howarth to our school for lunch. Both Rev Horan and Mrs Howarth were able to share lunchtime with all our teachers and pupils. It was a joyous event with lots of conversations.
Thankyou for accepting our invitation Rev Joan and Mrs Howarth.
Mrs Fisher
Friday 23rd September 2022 - Reflection Area
Development of our Reflection area has now been completed. Thank you to all the parents who donated items to make this area comfortable and cosy, and to the volunteers who came in and moved around the library, designed and painted the mural, hung the fairy lights and created and area that encourages our pupils to take time out to either use the prayer corner or just quietly reflect on their thoughts. Mrs Fisher
September 16th 2022 Pet Service 3.30pm
Pupils and staff attended the Pet service in St Andrew's Church after school on 16th September. We give thanks every year for all creatures, great and small particularly 
our pets. Children are invited to bring their pet along or bring a picture of their pet or a favourite cuddly toy to give thanks and receive a blessing. This year we saw many dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and some noisy baby ducks along with a cuddly horse. 
September 8th 2022
We are very saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
"God of love, we give thanks for the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II who gifted us with her extraordinary faithful life, her dedicated leadership and unwearied devotion of duty. Be close to all who mourn and may they find comfort and hope in your love. Amen. "
We have opened a condolence Book at school - please feel free to come into reception and sign. Celebration assemblies will not happen during the Official National Mourning period and our school will be closed on September 19th to enable pupils, families and staff to watch the funeral and pay their respects.
The passing of our Queen may possibly raise some emotions in children and families, particularly in light of the extensive coverage and what she meant to the country and world. If you would like some support with talking to your child about the death of Queen Elizabeth Nelson's Journey have given some advice on their website . Please follow link below. We have a Thrive Practitioner in school and Mental Health and wellbeing staff, if you feel your child may need extra support please see your child's class teacher in the first instance.
https://nelsonsjourney.org.uk/talking-to-children-about-the-death-of-the-queen/
