There were some unfamiliar ‘senior citizens’ in class, when a Newcastle school held a special celebration to mark the first 100 days of the academic year.
Pupils of all ages at St John Vianney Catholic Primary in Denton took part in the 100 Days of School event, which featured a range of imaginative activities and costumes around the theme – including children dressed as they imagined they might look as centenarians.
“The day involved a wide range of fun, creative, and educational activities, all centred around the theme of ‘100’,” explained Sinead Rice, Reception Teacher and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Lead at the school, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.
“Children were invited to come to school in their own creative costumes linked to the theme. This could include imagining what they might look like at 100 years old, decorating a T-shirt with the number 100, or any other idea their creativity inspired.”
“For our children in Early Years, this milestone was particularly special, as it marked their first 100 days of attending school and becoming part of the St John Vianney Family,” she continued
“Across the school, it was a chance to recognise that, with each year, children are becoming 100 days’ brighter, 100 days’ smarter, and 100 days’ richer in learning and experiences.
“While each year group’s experiences are unique, the event brought everyone together to recognise effort, progress, and achievement.”
Among the activities on offer across the day were creating and wearing 100-day celebration crowns; building towers using 100 cups; counting, creating, reading, and writing exercises based around the number 100; and even reflecting on things teachers might have said 100 times.
“The celebration was a whole-school idea, developed to acknowledge the different journeys our children have taken during their first 100 days of the academic year, while also celebrating that they share the same learning environment and school community,” added Miss Rice.
“Events like these are extremely important to us. They help build a strong sense of community and belonging, promote creativity, and give children the opportunity to celebrate learning in a joyful and memorable way.
“They also encourage confidence, teamwork, and pride in both individual and shared achievements across the school.”
