Anti Bullying Week 2024

 

Anti Bullying Week 2024

As part of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week campaign, our children have been thinking about how we can ‘Choose Respect’, and how we can role model this behaviour. 

We know that the term ‘respect’ can mean different things to different people. When we talk about respect, we talk about showing that you value someone, including valuing their feelings, views, and opinions, even if they differ from yours. We also talk about accepting and understanding others, giving them the same consideration you would expect for yourself.

The children have attended an assembly and then completed activities throughout the week around the theme 'Respect'.

The children have also revisited our Anti - Bullying contract:

Pupils are encouraged to STOP and ACT! 

Start

Telling 

Other 

People

Ask the bully to stop, Collect a friend or witness and Take them with you to tell an adult.

Have a look at the wonderful work the children completed!

Odd Socks Day - Tuesday 12th November 2024

Odd Socks Day 2024

This year, we’ll be celebrating Odd Socks Day as part of Anti-Bullying Week. 

Odd Socks Day provides a chance for children and adults alike to celebrate Anti-Bullying Week in a positive way by asking everyone to wear odd socks to school, work or home. There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or buy expensive costumes. All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks, it could not be simpler!

Odd Socks Day will take place on Tuesday 12th November to help raise awareness for Anti-Bullying Week.

As part of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week campaign, we are thinking about how we can ‘Choose Respect’, and how we can role model this behaviour. 

We know that the term ‘respect’ can mean different things to different people. When we talk about respect, we talk about showing that you value someone, including valuing their feelings, views, and opinions, even if they differ from yours. We also talk about accepting and understanding others, giving them the same consideration you would expect for yourself.

The children will attend an assembly and then complete activities throughout the week around the theme 'Respect'.

We will be revisiting our Anti - Bullying contract:

Pupils are encouraged to STOP and ACT! 

Start

Telling 

Other 

People

Ask the bully to stop, Collect a friend or witness and Take them with you to tell an adult.

All pupils sign the anti bullying contract in school and a copy is kept in the class information folder in school and sent home so that their parents have a copy of what they have agreed to.

 

Odd Socks Day - Friday 25th November, 2022

Wear odd socks to school on Friday 25th November to celebrate the end of our friendship and kindness week in school.

It’s an opportunity to encourage pupils to express themselves and celebrate their individuality and what makes us all unique!

There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or to buy expensive costumes. All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks to school, it couldn’t be simpler! Odd Socks day will take place on the last day of our friendship and kindness week to help raise awareness of bullying.

In 2021 over 5 million children, 1,000s of parents, 100s of workplaces and lots of celebrities and influencers got involved. Even had Ant and Dec, Emma Willis, Brian May, Craig David, Sir Mo Farah and Annamarie donning their odd socks! Don't miss out highlighting the important issue of bullying in such a fun way.

We look forward to seeing every wearing their favourite odd socks on Friday 25th November (yes, this means picking out a pair that do not match!). This day is to symbolise that we are all different and that children should be themselves, accepting of one another and celebrate difference.

#wearekind: Y5 RAK In Harold Hill

Our Year 5 pupils were out in force this week in Harold Hill as part of our Spiritual Curriculum. With the support of Rev Rich, the children carried out random acts of kindness (RAK) on the general public: giving out change for parking; handing out flowers presenting people with affirmative notes and greeting people with a smile and a wave.

I didn't realise how enthusiastic the members of the public would be. The gifts we had were only small, but they were so pleased and thankful. In the end I wish we could have stayed out longer because we had so many nice comments.
Bradley

Across KS2 the children get to take part in a range of character building activities: reflecting on who they should thank; performing in a place of worship; looking at spirituality in the locality and carrying out random acts of kindness. This wider curriculum helps to create self confident pupils who have a deeper understanding of their community and the importance of the contribution they can make... whatever their age.

At first the pupils were nervous and unsure of the reaction they would get. Hoŵever the smiles and positive comments from the public really boosted their confidence. We were so proud of them and the way they brightened up so many people's day.
Rev Rich

Afterwards the pupils reflected on how many of the people they spoke to might not normally get to say hello to anyone, or ever receive a small gift. They also thought about the importance of our value: Be Kind and Polite to Everyone You Meet.

It has made me think much more about all the small things I could do to help my grandparents and familŷ. I won't be nervous next time, it made me feel really good too.
Fitzroy

We're In The Paper: Ranita's Award

Congratulations to Ranita who has been recognised by the Romford Recorder for her writing award. Having collected her prize from the House of Lords, Ranita has now been featured in the paper.

Don't forget to pick up your copy!

The Thank You Awards will be back next year and we hope to make it three years in a row of having pupils in the final. What would you write about, who would you thank, why do you feel thankful?

Get planning now as the next competition will be here soon.

#wearekind - Pupils Support Grenfell Tower

Our pupil values explicitly focus on the need to be kind and caring. Therefore we are extremely proud to see how some of our pupils have taken this value and applied it to others they have yet to meet.

Sienna and her friends have managed to collect clothing, shoes, bags, bedding, duvets, toys and books, along with buying nappies, baby wipes and toiletries.  They were very concerned about the residents affected by the terrible fire and wanted to do all they could to help.

Non School Uniform Day - Friday 16th June

Following the horrific events in West London the past couple of days, we have decided as a federation to support the families who have lost everything by holding a non uniform day on Friday 16th June. This is an opportunity for all of our pupils to take part in a small act of kindness to help others in need within the larger community.

The pupils can wear their own clothes for the day and donate money to go towards helping the families who have lost their homes and possessions.

We are asking for the small donation of 50p each or £1 per family.

Thanking you kindly for your support and co operation in this matter.

#wearekind - Scientific Evidence 3

KINDNESS DECREASES:

PAIN

Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins—the brain’s natural painkiller!

STRESS

Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!

ANXIETY

A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods, relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. University of British Columbia Study

DEPRESSION

Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Committing acts of kindness lowers blood pressure. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.

#wearekind - Scientific Evidence 1

There Are Scientifically Proven Benefits of Being Kind!

We are launching our #wearekind project again for 2017. This pupil led action plan resulted in over 2000 acts of kindness last year - and that was just in school. From random affirmative messages, to pupils making an effort to smile and someone in the playground, picking up litter, holding doors open, finding someone new to play with, helping someone in difficulty and paying one another compliments our school was buzzing with kindness.

Now, as we launch the 2017 campaign, a recent article has highlighted the scientific benefits of kind actions!

Keep an eye on our blog to get updates on the progress of the campaign... but don't wait. DO SOMETHING KIND TODAY!

KINDNESS IS TEACHABLE

“It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.” Dr. Ritchie Davidson , University of Wisconsin

KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS

The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people!

#wearekind - Scientific Evidence 2

KINDNESS INCREASES:

THE LOVE HORMONE

Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when we’re in anxious or shy in a social situation.

ENERGY

“About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center

HAPPINESS

A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.

#wearekind - Scientific Evidence 4

KINDNESS INCREASES:

LIFESPAN

“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.” 

Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”

PLEASURE

According to research from Emory University, when you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”

SEROTONIN

Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!

#wearekind 2017

One of the random acts of kindness that we would like to encourage the pupils to take part in is a teddy donation. A member of our school community is organising a fundraising event to support a young lady who is unwell. If we can encourage the pupils to donate one teddy as an act of kindness to help someone in need, we might just start to set the world in the right direction! Look out for more information coming soon. 

West Ham Takeover Day

On Thursday 23rd February the children in years 1-6 will be taking part in a West Ham Takeover day. 

The Takeover Days serve to support pupils with key learning points, in a memorable and fun ‘Hammers’ themed twist. Children are given the opportunity to wear football kits to school, and begin the day with a fun assembly hosted by the Foundation. Following this, the whole school, including the teachers, go into Hammers mode, taking part in activities that help build leadership and communication skills; improve descriptive writing skills; practice writing styles and engage pupils through a wide range of physical activities. All activities are given a West Ham theme, whether it be a descriptive writing challenge or practicing their throwing and catching skills in a PE session with a challenge set by Adrian, West Ham goalkeeper, himself.

The days have been designed to be delivered as part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme, and follow the values to ‘Be Inspired’, ‘Be Connected’, ‘Be Ambitious’ and ‘Be Fair’. Through Premier League Primary Stars, West Ham United Foundation are able to bring the curriculum to life with a variety of fun activities suitable for different age-groups and learning styles, thus motivating children to be ambitious while teaching the importance of teamwork and fair play.

On the day, each class will take part in a workshop with the West Ham coaches in which they will take part in physical challenges and classroom activities. The children can only wear clothing that is related to West Ham. This includes a West Ham shirt, kit or something that supports the West Ham colours of claret and blue. We politely request that children wear their normal uniform into school if they do not have clothing in the claret and blue West Ham colours. We look forward to seeing how many challenges we can tackle!

 

Choir Perform @ Betty Strathern Centre

Our Choir is on tour again with a number of performances this festive period. Today it was the turn of local Briar Road residents to have some musical accompaniment at their Christmas meal.

Singing a range of Christmas carols and songs from their O2 show, our pupils entertained them for 45mins.

Thank you so much for coming to our meal. It really made the event extra special. The singing was amazing. The children were so confident!
Mrs Jacobs - aged 74

I loved the reaction of the audience. I didn't expect them to be so happy we had come along. Mrs Nicholls is always saying that a small act of kindness goes a long way. Now I can see what she means!
Mia Gallagher - Year 5

We're In The Paper: Choir @ Betty Strathern

This week we are featured in the paper for our Choir's festive performance at the Betty Strathern Centre. While the local residents tucked into their Christmas dinner, our pupils ran through a selection of Christmas themed songs. For a grand finale they then performed some of the medleys which will next be seen at the O2 - as part of their Young Voices experience.

Having the choir perform at the Christmas meal really makes the event extra special. We are so glad they could attend as the residents talk about it for weeks afterwards.
M Borrell 

We instil in all of our pupils that they are a key part of the community. The more they put in, the more they will get out. A small act, singing at a meal, can have a huge impact in brightening someone's day and making the festive period extra special!
Mrs Nicholls - Headteacher

#wearekind week - Monday 6th - Thursday 9th February

We are using this week in school to practice kindness and carry out one random act of kindness daily.

Smile at as many people as you can. 

Our facial expressions do more than communicate our current mood — they have the ability to influence our mood as well. Emotions may originate in the brain, but the muscles in the face either reinforce or transform those feelings. Recent studies have revealed that through the enhancement of positive emotions — or the suppression of negative ones — with facial expressions, a person’s mood begins to align more strongly with the emotion his or her face is communicating. That means if you smile on the outside you will be smiling on the inside. 

Ever notice how often a friend or colleague will reciprocate a smile after you share one? There’s a scientific explanation for that phenomenon. We all posses something called mirror neurons, cells that are activated when we perform a given action as well as when we witness someone else performing it. And when it comes to smiling, mirror neurons respond to the acts of both seeing and doing.

Awesome Benefits of Smiling

1. Smiling is contagious

Because of complex brain activity that occurs when you see someone smiling, smiles are contagious. Studies report at just seeing one person smiling activates the area of your brain that controls your facial movement, which leads to a grin. Even in bad situations, if you smile, others are likely to mimic the expression.

2. Smiling lowers stress and anxiety

It’s not easy to keep smiling in stressful situations, but studies report that doing exactly that has health benefits. When recovering from a stressful situation, study participants who were smiling had lower heart rates than those with a neutral facial expression.

The next time you’re feeling stressed, just try smiling to calm yourself down.

3. Smiling releases endorphins

Smiling can help you manage stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, chemicals that makes you happier. Endorphins are the same chemicals you get from working out or running, resulting in what is known as a runner’s high. Smile more to get that high without running.

4. You’ll be more attractive

Smiles are pretty darn attractive for more reasons than one. A smile suggests that you’re personable, easy going, and empathetic. In fact, a study in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that smiling actually makes you more attractive to those you smile at.

5. Smiling strengthens your immune system

Smiling even makes your immune system stronger by making your body produce white blood cells to help fight illnesses. One study found that hospitalized children who were visited by story-tellers and puppeteers who made them smile and laugh had higher white blood cell counts than those children who weren’t visited.

6. You’ll be more approachable

Turn that frown upside-down if you want to make some friends!

Studies have found that people are more willing to engage socially with others who are smiling. A smile is an inviting facial expression that tells people you are willing to talk and interact with them.

7. Smiling will make you more comfortable

Our natural tendency is to stick to things that are familiar, but smiling decreases this need. A study found that smiling can make you more comfortable in situations you would otherwise feel awkward in.

8. You’ll seem more trustworthy

If you want to improve your credibility, simply smile more. What could be easier than that?

Trusting doesn’t come easily to many, but smiling at someone may help. Participants in a University study rated people who smiled as more trustworthy than people with non-smiling facial expressions.

9. You’ll be a better leader

If you’re in a position of power, or want to be, smiling may be the key to your success. A group of researchers from The University of Montpellier discovered that smiling is a more effective leadership technique than having great management responsibilities.

So, the next time you really want to show off those leadership skills, just grin.

 

#wearekind week - Monday 6th - Thursday 9th February

We are using this week in school to practice kindness and carry out one random act of kindness daily.

Use kind words and give compliments.
 

This is a way to share your abundance of kind energy with those in need of a kind voice. We live in a very busy and unpredictable world, and many people have no one to talk to about things they deem important. Our goal is to connect isolated people in communities across the country with kind voices and open ears.

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

5 Reasons to be kind - #wearekind

In assembly today we discussed how being kind has so many benefits for our physical and mental well-being. Here are the top 5 reasons to be kind.

1. Kindness requires less energy. 

It makes good economic sense. Grudges are draining. Too much distracted energy is wasted in worry, resentment, suspicion and criticism. In the words of Jon Huntsman, “In any walk of life, a positive, upbeat outlook trumps any adversarial act. Revenge is counterproductive. Unproductive emotions limit one’s ability to move forward, to focus, to think positively, to act creatively.”

2. Truly successful people are kind. 

Simply having money doesn’t equate to success. I’m talking about someone who knows how to give and receive love, lives joyfully, and attracts abundance through unselfish acts of kindness. Every day we are writing our legacies, what would you like your legacy to be. How would you describe success?

3. Kindness transforms us. 

When giving a lecture near the end of his life, author Aldous Huxley said, “People often ask me what is the most effective technique for transforming their life. It is a little embarrassing that after years and years of research and experimentation, I have to say that the best answer is, 'just be a little kinder'.”

4. Kindness heals. 

Studies show that being kind is a healthy response to almost every situation. It also increases our capacity to heal. Studies have shown that children thrive when treated with kindness. Ill patients heal more quickly when treated kindly. And many have discovered an easy and effective antidote to stress: kindness!

5. Kindness gives meaning to our lives. 

Kindness isn’t flashy. The news media doesn’t report on acts of kindness as much as they cover violence, war and depression. In spite of this, kindness keeps evolving in us because it makes us value our lives. 
 

Kindness is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Maybe if we treat each other, and our planet a little better, we can survive, even thrive.

Piero Ferrucci

 

November 13th - World Kindness Day

I popped into my local supermarket yesterday, I only want to pick up a tray of mushrooms. However, as I walked around the shop I realised that I needed a few more items. It wasn't long before I was trying to juggle mushrooms, grapes, swede, meat and then I remembered I needed to get a birthday card as well. I was also carrying my bag and my car keys. It became very difficult and then, out of the blue, a man approached me and handed me a basket. He said "I saw you struggling and thought you needed a basket!" Wow! A small act of kindness not only made my shopping trip much easier but also put a smile on my face and made my day.

Today is world kindness day, here are 5 ways that you could spread the happiness and make someone's day. In a world full of negativity do something positive today!