Friday 20th May

Happy Friday everyone,

I hope you have all had a great week filled with learning, fun and friendship. This week is about forgiveness. I have seen such beautiful examples of children saying sorry for their actions, being forgiven and moving on in their friendships starting all the way down in reception. Forgiving someone when they are sorry shows strength and courage. Without forgiveness we cannot have peace.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 13th May

What a week we have had. Year 6 have worked hard and supported each other through their SATs making everyone very proud. Year 4 have celebrated making their First Holy Communion with their families. Their smiling faces and beautiful voices also made us very proud. 

A very important message that Mrs Smith, Mrs Cheap and Mrs Hawkins reminded Year 6 throughout the week was to 'try your best'. You must always remember that your best is all that you can give. 

Here's to another wonderful weeks at St. Marie's,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 6th May

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope you have had a week filled with learning, friendship and fun.

This weeks thought is about adventure and taking a step into the unknown just as Year 4 and 5 are doing on their residential. We are proud of them for being independent, trying new things without their families and supporting each other. 

Try something new this weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 29th April

Happy Friday everyone,

I have seen some beautiful examples of friendship this week, from the very youngest children in our school right through to Year 6. Remember to look out for your friends and be there to support them, but also pay attention to your own feelings and don't be afraid to share them. 

You can talk to me, Mrs Scott or your teachers; we are here for you. 

Listen to this song and think about the lyrics.

Lean on me - Bill Withers (lyrics) HD - Bing video

Have a happy, healthy weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 22nd April

Happy Friday everyone.

What can you do today to make the ordinary...extraordinary?

Hold your head high, work hard and believe in yourself. Make today count!

Andra Day - Rise Up (Lyrics) - YouTube

Have a happy, healthy weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 1st April 

Happy Friday everyone,

I hope you have had a lovely week and are looking forward to a well deserved rest with your family.

Here is my thought for the week, easter story and ideas for the Easter break.

Have a happy and healthy holiday,

Mrs O'Neill

The story of Easter - YouTube

Friday 25th March

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and having fun outside with your friends. Thank you all for being such fun and joining in with the music and dancing at lunch time.

Have a safe and happy weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 18th March

Spring is on here! 

Sunday marks the first day of spring. Look around you and take note of the changes in nature, such beauty.

Have a happy weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 11th March

Happy Friday everyone!

Spare a thought for others this week and make a note of those kind thoughts. I'm sure at St. Marie's we think of others everyday as I see it in your kindness and friendship.

Have a happy, thoughtful weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 4th March

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope you all enjoyed celebrating World Day, it was lovely to see you all together sharing your love of books. Here is my thought for the week and 'make your own bookmark.'

Have a happy weekend filled with books and adventure,

Mrs O'Neill

18th February 2022

Happy Friday everyone and well done on what has been a very busy half term.

During the break, try to make time to play. Play is not only fun but also good for you!

Have a look at my thought for the week and list of play ideas (Fun February).

Have a fun filled half term holiday,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 11th February

Happy Friday everyone!

Have a look at my thought for the week and discuss what it means. Have a go at the mental health wordsearch too, I have included some words linked to mental health and wellbeing. Perhaps you could listen to this song whilst you complete it.

ITS ok not to be OK lyrics - YouTube

Please keep your eyes open on the wellbeing twitter page - Y5 have completed a 'Feel Good February' calendar in wellbeing club with ideas to make you feel good about yourself. Y6 have also made posters which each of you will have in class. There are some lovely ideas on how to improve your mental health such as putting down your device and getting some fresh air!

Have a happy, healthy weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Children's Mental Health Week 7th - 13th February

Hi everyone,

As Monday is the start of Children's Mental Health Week, we are looking at Place 2 Be's theme 'Growing together'.

When thinking about growth, we do not mean your height but rather your growth as a person emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically. 

Take a look at my thought for the week and the activities and links below.

Keep growing,

Mrs O'Neill

Video: Developing A Growth Mindset - YouTube

Art activity: Support Balloon | Children's Mental Health Week 2022 - YouTube

Art activity: My Changing Shapes | Children's Mental Health Week 2022 - YouTube

Video: Growth Stories - Children's Mental Health Week (childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk)

Friday 28th January

Happy Friday everyone and well done on another wonderful week.

This week, we are thinking about ourselves and what we can do. Forget what everyone else is doing and focus on you!

Have a happy, healthy weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 21st January 

Happy Friday everyone. Today we are thinking about mistakes and how we should learn to keep going and move on. Don't let a mistake take away from your achievements.

Have a great weekend, 

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 14th January

Your brain works hard every minute of every day. It's time to say thank you by learning to switch off and give it a break! Please let me know if any of the activities work for you; RO'Neill@saintmaries.org.uk.

Have a happy, relaxing weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 7th January

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.

Today is all about reflecting on the past year and looking ahead with excitement and positivity.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 17th December

Happy Friday everyone, 

It has been a magical week at St. Marie's. We have enjoyed Christmas parties, nativities, Christmas dinner, talent shows and Christmas jumper day.

I hope you are all ready to spend time with family and friends as we celebrate Christmas.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 10th December

Happy Friday everyone,

Today is about working hard and trying new things in order to reap rewards.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 3rd December

Happy Friday everyone!

The first week of Advent is about hope. Hope can keep us strong in difficult times, it is the glimmer of light in the darkness.

Choose hope!

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 26th November

High five everyone!

This week we are thinking about our breathing. Take a look at the picture below and my thought for the week and give it a try!  I would love to see pictures, you can email them to me; RO'Neill@saintmaries.org.uk

Have a lovely, calm weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 19th November

Wow! I am blown away by the work you have done for Anti-Bullying Week. Your support in wearing odd socks (which was lots of fun), your activities in class and the conversations I have had with so many of you about the importance of kindness and raising awareness of bullying have been amazing. They show what a kind, caring and loving community we have here at St. Marie's. Well done!

I have attached my thought for the week along with a template for a gift of kindness that you can write, decorate and share with someone as well as a reminder about positive affirmations.

Being kind to ourselves is every bit as important as being kind to others!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 12th November

Happy Friday everyone,

Next week is Anti-Bullying Week where we will raise awareness about bullying and focus on being a good friend to others. This week's thought for the week is about surrounding yourself with positive people as you deserve to feel happy and loved every day!

Enjoy your weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 5th November

Happy Friday everyone,

This week we are thinking about climate change as world leaders meet to discuss the challenges our planet is facing. 

Watch the video below as children around the world give their messages urging everyone to come together to take action.

COP26: Kids around the world give their messages to world leaders - CBBC Newsround

Have a lovely, safe weekend.

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 22nd October

Spread joy this half term by showing kindness to others. Try offering an act of kindness to someone just to show them you care.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and spread some joy!

Have a lovely half term break,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 15th October

Happy Friday everyone,

Next week we will be focusing on geography. As we prepare to study our earth, we must remember to appreciate how lucky we are to live here.

Step outside, take it all in and be thankful.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 8th October

Say 'Hello Yellow' for Mental Health Day.

Mental health affects how we think, feel and act which is why it is so important we look after it in the same way we do our physical health. Just as we would eat healthy food and exercise for our physical health, there are things we can do to support our mental health and wellbeing.

One positive thing we can do is to raise awareness and talk about our own mental health so that it doesn't seem scary. We can talk about our mental health when we are feeling low and need help, but it is just as important to recognise when our mental health is good. Sharing happiness with others is a lovely way to spread positivity.

Below are some links you can try in class today or over the weekend, thought for the week colouring page, bingo and a challenge to try over the weekend.

I would love it if you could share your activities with me RO'Neill@saintmaries.org.uk. I look forward to seeing them.

Mrs O'Neill

Feelings and Emotions - BBC Bitesize

Rainbow Relaxation: Mindfulness for Children - Bing video

(1) Sit and Stretch (Jaime's Brain Breaks) | Cosmic Kids - YouTube

Friday 1st October

Happy Friday everyone,

At St. Marie's, we are so very good at sharing. I feel proud of the kind, generous children you are.

Not everyone is good at sharing and it is up to us to keep shining and setting an an example. 

Be sure to share something special with your family this weekend whether it be quality time, a song, a dance, a story, your favourite treat or a really good laugh.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 24th September

Music is in the air at St. Marie's and it sounds great! 

It had been so uplifting to hear the children's beautiful singing with Mrs Bond on the piano, Y4 drumming with Mrs Lord, singing and signing with Fun Box Jo and the return of music lessons with Wigan Music Service.

Music is a lovely way to escape, relax, dream or simply have fun.

Keep singing,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 17th September

Think about what friendship means to you. There are so many beautiful friendships within St. Marie's. Being a true friend means thinking about their feelings as well as your own. 

Sometimes we may not notice people outside of our own group of friends. Make time to talk to someone new or ask them to join in with a game showing them the love and kindness they need.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 9th September

Happy Friday everyone. What a wonderful week we have had!

As you have all worked so hard settling in to your new class, learning about your new topic and spending time with friends, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what you have achieved. It can be a really positive activity spending a few moments in the morning when you wake or before you go to sleep thinking about the things you are proud of. I have noticed lots of children helping others, using their listening skills and working hard so I'm sure there are lots of things you can think of. What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Proud - Heather Small - YouTube

Friday 3rd September

Happy Friday everyone! How lovely it is too see everyone back together again.

As you are settling in to your new class, I thought a little game would be a fun way for your teacher to get to know you, all you need is a dice.

I have also included my thought for the week. This week, we have been thinking about how 'a city on a hill cannot be hidden' and how we must let our own light shine to help others.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Return to school

Dear parents,

Here is a powerpoint to help you prepare your child for their return to school.

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 16th July

Happy Friday and what a week we've had!

As this week is diversity week, we are thinking about coming together as one, regardless of our differences.

We are all different, God made us that way so that each one of us is special in our own unique way. Celebrate your differences and those of others, they are a part of what makes you who you are.  Listen to the song as you colour and if you can, head outside for a game of 'diversity four corners.'

Bob Marley - One Love - YouTube

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 9th July

Happy Friday everyone,

This weeks theme is team work, you can guess why? England football team have shown us what working together as a true team can achieve. Whatever happens in the Final, they will do it together!

I hope you enjoy today's task, it should be lots of fun!

High School Musical Cast - We're All In This Together (From "High School Musical") - YouTube

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 2nd July

Happy Friday everyone,

Today, we are thinking about our worries and how to deal with them. We all have worries, some big, some small and that's ok. Ask yourself, can I do anything about it? Yes.....then make a plan and fix it. No......then let it go!

Try the activity and learn to let your worries drift away.

I hope you enjoy it,

Mrs O'Neill

(1) DISNEY SING-ALONGS | Let It Go - Frozen Lyric Video | Official Disney UK - YouTube

Friday 18th June

Happy Friday Year 1,

This week is Healthy Eating Week so I have made an outdoor food facts quiz to get you thinking about food. There is also a taste test activity where you can colour in the foods you have already tried and list other foods you would like to try. Perhaps you could ask a grown up to try these with you? 

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 11th June,

Happy Friday everyone! We were thinking about positive affirmations before half term, now it's time to put them into practise. As the weather has been so lovely, I have done an outdoor activity...an 'Affirmation Boot Camp."

Say the positive affirmations loud and proud, shout them, sing them, (or whisper them if you feel unsure) just as long as you say them. Then, complete the activity. I hope you enjoy it!

Here is my thought for the week.

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 28th May

Happy Friday Year 1,

Last week, we thought about our words and how they can affect others. This week, we are thinking about our inner voice, our thoughts and how we talk to ourselves. Sound a little funny? It can seem strange at first but once you get used to it, positive self talk and using affirmations daily can really improve your mood and how you feel about yourself.

I hope you enjoy making your affirmation tree, you can come up with your own affirmations or use the list provided - I would love to see some pictures of these. RO'Neill@saintmaries.org.uk

Listen to this uplifting song as you work on your tree: GET BACK UP AGAIN - TROLLS ( HD Lyrics ) - YouTube

Have a fantastic half term break filled with nature, fresh air and positivity.

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 21st May

Happy Friday everyone,

This week we are thinking about our words. The words we choose to use are really important as they can make people feel happy or sad. Decorate the THINK flower as a reminder.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 14th May

Hi everyone,

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is Nature. Watch the video below; look at the beautiful colours, listen to the soothing sounds.

Nature Sounds: Early Spring Afternoon - UK Garden 2018 - YouTube

I have added my thought for the week and Positivity Pebble hunt. If you have already done this, I hope you enjoyed it. I will be moving them around at lunchtime so you can do the hunt more than once if you like.

Have a lovely weekend and don't forget to spend time in the great outdoors!

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 7th May

Happy Friday everyone; today is all about you!

Take a look at my thought for the week and 'This is me' activity. I have included some examples to give you an idea of what kind of things to include in your frame and a song to listen to whilst you get creative - I hope you enjoy it. 

(2) The Greatest Showman Cast - This Is Me (Official Audio) - YouTube

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 30th April

Hi everyone, happy Friday!

This week, I would like you to think about taking care of yourself and what that means. Here is a lovely meditation for you to try in school or at home, and my thought for the week.

Rainbow Relaxation: Mindfulness for Children - YouTube

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 23rd April

Happy Friday everyone!

As yesterday was Earth Day, I would like us all to think about ways we can help to look after our Earth. You may be wondering what you as children can do and the answer is, so much!

Just by learning about our wonderful planet, encouraging others to help and leading by example, you can all make a difference.

Further to yesterday's CAFOSD assembly, I have also attached 'Eyes of the World' template to complete if you wish. 

Video link:  Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World (Official Video) - YouTube

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 26th March 

Hi children,

As it is almost time for the Easter holidays, I have set you a 'Spring into Spring' challenge. Get creative and decorate your basket and fill it with 5 activities you would like to try over the break.

There are some colouring pages, the story of Easter and some activities you may want to include in your Spring basket - I hope you enjoy them.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cL_OWeeJuts

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 19th March 

Hi Y1,

I hope you are all having a lovely week. Here is a story and a colouring activity for you, I hope you enjoy them! Perhaps your Miss Taylor could send some of them to me to add to my Superstar gallery?

Enjoy your weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 12th March

Happy Friday everyone!

Mrs O'Neill

Friday 5th March

Happy Friday everyone,

I hope you are having a nice week and are looking forward to being back together with your friends next week.

Today, I am sharing a lovely story with you called 'Augustus and His Smile'. There is an activity for you; colour in your own Augustus but don't forget, you need to add his smile!

Parents; there is a short PowerPoint below with some wellbeing tips for a calm and happy transition back to school.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mrs O'Neill

Don't forget to send your pictures to me; RO'Neill@gmail.com and keep an eye out for them in the Superstar gallery.

Friday 26th February

Happy Friday everyone,

Today I'm reading a story called 'The Crayon Box that Talked' and there is an activity for you to try.  You will need some colouring pens or pencils, or you could make a collage using paper and other materials. I hope you enjoy it!

Have a lovely weekend - try to get lots of fresh air as the weather is getting warmer.

Mrs O'Neill

If you would like to see your work in the Superstar gallery, please email it to me; RO'Neill@saintmaries.org.uk

Friday 12th February

Happy Friday everyone! 

This week, I have set you a challenge to try some new things. Take some time this afternoon to design your own bucket list and try to complete each activity over the half term break, you may even find a new hobby or learn a new skill!

Please share some of your bucket lists with me; RO'Neill@saintmaries.org.uk

Have a safe and relaxing half term,

Mrs O'Neill

Brave - Touch the Sky - With Lyrics! (HD) - YouTube

Friday 5th January

Hi everyone, I hope you have had a lovely week and enjoyed our Wellbeing Wednesday.

Listen to the story 'While We Can't Hug' and have a go at making your own Pocket Hug to give to someone you are missing. It could be a family member or a friend you haven't seen in a while, or someone you just miss giving a hug to.

You can also listen to the song whilst making your pocket hug - read the lyrics and sing along!

Don't forget to send me some pictures to RO'Neill@saintmaries.org.uk.

(1) Toy Story - You've got a friend in me - lyrics - YouTube

Children's Mental Health Week 1st-5th February.

Here are some colouring pages and creative activities for you to try.

Please also see the introduction to Wellbeing and ideas below.

Inside Out Movie Clip - Get To Know Your Emotions[HD1080i] - Bing video

The Squiggle Game - Children's Mental Health Week 2021 - YouTube

Draw Your Feelings - Children's Mental Health Week 2021 - YouTube