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 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?
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 4,
This week is Healthy Eating Week. The aim is to make us think about what we eat and the effect it has on our body. I have made an outdoor food facts quiz to get you thinking about food, some of the answers may surprise 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 4,
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 list: 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 can really make a difference, good or bad. Think before you speak and choose use your words for the right reasons.
Have a look at my thought for the week and decorate the THINK flower as a reminder.
Here is a song to listen to as you colour: Your Words Matter (Official Music Video) - YouTube
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, my thought for the week and a self care plan that you can use or create your own.
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 Y4,
I hope you are having a lovely week in school, I know you've all been working really hard in your assessments - well done!
As it is almost the Easter holidays, I would like you to 'Spring into Spring'. Listen to this uplifting song whilst decorating and filling your basket. There are lots of ideas for spring/Easter activities for you to try at home too.
Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now With Lyrics - YouTube
Have a wonderful weekend,
Mrs O'Neill
Friday 19th March
Hi Y4, I hope you are all having a great week!
Today, I would like you to watch the video below, discuss the questions and then make a poster with your amazing art skills. Don't forget to send them to me so that I can share some of them around school.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs O'Neill
Friday 12th March
Today's theme is all about working as a team and thinking of each others happiness as well as our own. I hope you enjoy it!
Mrs O'Neill
Friday 5th March
Happy Friday everyone. Today, I am sharing one of my favourite songs with you - I really hope you like it.
Have a lovely weekend, I look forward to seeing you all together next week.
Parents; there is a short PowerPoint below with some wellbeing tips for a calm and happy transition back to school.
Mrs O'Neill
Friday 26th February
Hi everyone,
This week I have chosen a song for you to listen to; think about the lyrics and discuss what you think they mean. There is also a colouring activity and my thought for the week. I hope you enjoy them.
Have a lovely weekend - try to get lots of fresh air as the weather is getting warmer.
Mrs O'Neill
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
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