Last week we took part in Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Mrs Silvanus led Key Stage assemblies introducing the week. The children found learning about famous neurodiverse people particularly exciting. Some of our pupils shared their experiences of being neurodiverse or the experiences of their close friends or family members. We loved hearing from parents, who told us that discussions in school had continued at home with very positive outcomes.
The week also saw applications open for a brand new, exciting opportunity for our pupils…to join the first of its kind, our Pupil Inclusion Team. This team will work with Mrs Silvanus to further develop inclusion for all and be the voice of inclusion within our school.
Following on from Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we have two upcoming visitors. They are coming to talk to us about the books they have written around the theme of inclusion, diversity and disabilities and their passion for making a difference to the way others view neurodiversity and disability.
If you would like to find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week, please visit their website:
Through our link with AK Teaching, we are delighted to offer 6 pupils the chance to attend a Sunderland AFC football game as a flag bearer prior to kick off and then watch the match.
Mortimer Primary School has been allocated the fixture between Sunderland and Huddersfield on Tuesday 18th April: Kick off 7:45pm.
We are offering this opportunity to our Year 6 & Year 5 pupils.
Each child will be able to bring one adult with them to watch the match, with staff from school also in attendance. Selected pupils (and their adult) will need to be at the Stadium of Light by 6:20pm.
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the form below. The lucky pupils will be notified before the Easter holidays.
We will be completing some exciting activities in school linked to this year’s theme ‘Connections’, but we also invite children to take part in a ‘Science Selfie’ Competition.
If your child would like to take part, please encourage them to look for Science connections in the world around them and take a selfie to show this.
This could be as simple as a picture of themselves with the rainbow in the background. The picture can then be attached to the following Google Form along with a title/name for the photo and a sentence or two explaining the Science link. (A Google account is needed to upload via the form).
Alternatively, a picture could be printed out and brought into school, with the information as above. Please let us know if you don’t want the picture to be used in any publicity for the school.
We warmly invite you to hear from Mrs Douglas (English Lead) as she takes us through all the information you need as a parent to understand and support your child through the screening process. In June 2023, the Year 1 Phonics Screening Test is scheduled to take place for all children in Year 1 in England
What: Phonics Screening Meeting for Parents
When: Wednesday 15th March 3:30pm
Where: School Hall
Please let us know you are attending via the online form below:
Wow! What an incredible two days we have had! First our author visit by Karen Langtree and then World Book Day yesterday. The children looked fantastic in their costumes and it was clear to see how much effort had gone into creating them. A very well done to all of our pupils (and families!) for being so creative and imaginative. It was incredibly difficult to choose a winner from each year group but we are delighted to announce that the following children have gone home with a book prize this afternoon:
Nursery – Lenny (stickman)
Reception – Henry (Polar Express)
Year 1 – Matthew (Mr Strong)
Year 2 – Jessie (Miss Trunchbull)
Year 3 – Violet (Queen of Hearts)
Year 4 – Lovelle (Jane Austen)
Year 5 – Kaden (scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz)
Year 6 – Isabelle (Grinch)
During Wednesday’s author visit, Karen Langree led an advanced writing class for some of our year 6. After that she led an assembly detailing her journey to becoming an author and we joined in her song about believing in ourselves and our dreams! Year 3 classes then delved into the world of the “Knights of the Wobbly Table” and even met Sir Trumpsalot! Pupils and staff commented on a fantastic day being had by all.
Can you spot anyone in our video from the two fantastic days?
We have arranged for Karen Langtree, an internationally published children’s author, to visit KS2 tomorrow (1.3.23). She will be working with various groups of children throughout the day and will also be delivering an assembly.
She will be hosting a book-signing after school in the hall and all children are welcome to attend with their parents / carers. After picking up your child, please enter the hall through the front entrance of the school at approx 3:35
Below is a list of the titles available to purchase. Karen is also offering a deal of buy one get one half price on all books. You can pay cash, card or cheque made payable to OneWay Press.
If you would like to order any of Karen’s titles but are unable to attend the book signing, please send in the cash amount in sealed envelope, along with the name of the book you would like to order and the child you would like it signed to. Please look at www.onewaypress.co.uk to find out more about Karen’s titles.
Title
Age Range
Price
Heaven’s Big Secret – NEW for EASTER!
Ages 3-7
£7.00
Angel Small
Ages 3-7
£7.00
Angel Small – Follows the Star
Ages 3-7
£7.00
Santa’s Dreams
Ages 3-7
£7.00
Knights of the Wobbly Table
Ages 6-11
£6.00
My Wicked Stepmother
Ages 9-13
£7.00
Fairy Rescuers
Ages 6-11
£6.00
Fairy Rescuers – Return to Elysia
Ages 6-11
£6.00
Breaking Silence (part 1)
11+
£8.00
Breaking Lies (part 2)
11+
£8.00
Breaking Up (part 3)
11+
£8.00
The Breaking Trilogy (all three titles)
11+
£18.00
Excellence for Pupils – Excellence for Staff – Excellence for Parents
School crossing patrols across South Tyneside are being issued with body cameras to help improve road safety and crackdown on drivers who fail to stop.
Under the Transport Act 2000, school crossing patrols have the power to stop traffic when wearing their uniform and using the Stop sign.
South Tyneside Council Cllr Ernest Gibson and Mortimer Primary School headteacher Peter Bennett with school crossing patrol staff wearing new body cameras.
Any driver who fails to stop when signalled to do so by a school crossing patrol officer is breaking the law and can be reported to police. This can lead to a fine of up to £1000 and three points on their driving licence.
Crossing patrol staff serve nearby schools at 37 sites across the Borough. Staff will wear the cameras while on duty.
Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Transport and Neighbourhoods at South Tyneside Council, said: “Road safety is a key priority for us and we are always looking at what more we can do to reduce the risk to all drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.
“The majority of drivers respect our school crossing patrol officers and the safety of the children and families they help cross the road on the extremely busy school run.
“However, there is a small minority who are impatient, can be abusive or simply ignore the signal to stop when approaching these areas.
“Vehicles that fail to stop when directed to do so put both our crossing patrol and pedestrians, including school children, at risk. The body cameras will help to record any incidents with the footage passed on to the police to determine whether an offence has been committed.
“Our school crossing patrol officers are loved by the local families they serve and work in all weathers to help keep people safe. We urge drivers to drive slowly and be mindful of their surroundings when approaching crossing patrol points.”
The cameras will also help the Council to monitor driver behaviour at school crossing points while pedestrians are being helped across the road.
The school crossing patrols staff serving the Mortimer Primary School communities are among the first staff members to be issued with body cameras.
Mortimer Primary School Head Teacher, Peter Bennett said: “The Crossing Patrol staff play a vital role in keeping our children safe by supporting the healthy choice of walking to school.
“We hope that the body cameras work to support the crossing patrol team, whilst increasing safety for our pupils and parents, as they make their way to and from school.”
The implementation of body cameras is just one of the ways the Council works to help make journeys safer across South Tyneside, particularly for young people. Officers in the Council’s road safety team deliver activities in schools, helping children to learn how to cross the road safety, choose routes that ensure they stay as safe as possible and provide Bikeability courses which give school children the skills and confidence to cycle safely.
I am delighted to send you the 1st “Mortimer Moments”, which takes a look back at the first half term of the year.
So much happens in our school that it is good to reflect, share and celebrate. Let me know what you think when I am out and about, as I really appreciate your feedback. I hope this becomes a regular review for our school.
Monday sees the start of a 5 week half term before we hit Easter! On Wednesday, I am delighted to welcome the author Karen Langtree into school. She will be working with lots of our KS2 pupils throughout the day and leading an assembly. Having seen Karen in action before, I know children will enjoy her story about the Knights of the Wobbly Table. Karen was once a primary school teacher and has a passion for children’s literacy. She will be available after school for children to purchase signed books.
On Thursday, we have World Book Day 2023! We always look forward to seeing the costumes that the children come to school in.
For now, enjoy the rest of the weekend and we will see you Monday!
We have been successful in organising a second outdoor residential week to be held during the week of Monday 12th June to Friday 16th June 2023 for our Year 6 pupils. We understand that many children were disappointed to not be selected for the 1st trip and we are delighted to offer a second chance. These opportunities don’t appear often. Priority will be given to any child who was unsuccessful in the draw for the trip that has taken place this week. Children who have attend the 1st trip are welcome to apply to go again.
The accommodation is Thurston Outdoor Education Centre on the shore of Lake Coniston in Cumbria. The centre can accommodate 36 children. Members of staff from school will accompany the group.
The week will comprise of a variety of outdoor activities during the day led by qualified outdoor instructors, classroom based work led by members of school staff and group/team games on an evening.
Thurston meals are ‘typical home cooking’ and designed to provide the children with the energy they require for the activities. Therefore, it is essential that your child is aware of a typical menu before you decide whether Thurston is suitable for them.
Breakfast: Cereal and toast. Tea and juice Packed lunch: Choice of sandwiches, fruit, cake and juice/water Evening meal (sample): Monday Home-made burgers, wedges, vegetables Tuesday Chicken curry, rice, vegetables Wednesday Roast Dinner Thursday Home-made pizza and chips
Vegetarian/dietary requirements will be catered for.
The charge for the full week with transport to and from the centre is £245 and a reduced rate of £190 for children in receipt of free school meals. The amount can be paid in full or in instalments, via Parent Pay.
If after discussion, you would like your child to be considered for a place, please complete the online form by Friday 17th February 2023. Please be aware that numbers are limited.
A meeting for parents and children going on the residential week will be held prior to the visit.
