Useful Free Software

Parents and children have been asking about software which they could us at home which would help support learning. We try as much as we can to use recommended free software which does the job of much more expensive software. We'll post a different software title every week or so- one which is being used in school at the moment. Right now we have a group of children planning their own animation based on what it means to be Geordie. They will be using a free animation program called Helium Frog which makes stop start animation really easy. All you need is the program, a webcam and your imagination to get started- we've heard about episodes of Star Wars being re-created already using the software and lego Star Wars figures! The website Helium Frog contains the software and all the information you need to get started. Feel free to store any of your finished work on the VTLE and post here to let us know if you've done it.

http://www.heliumfrog.net63.net/heliumfrogindex.html

Kickboxing Classes

There are still a few places available at our Kickboxing Club. This runs each Wednesday morning 7.45a.m. to 8.45a.m. The Cost is £10 if you are interested please see our Year 3 teacher Miss Smith.

Friends Of St Mark's Meeting

The Friends of St. Mark’s will be having the first meeting of the year next Tuesday 26th January. This will be held in school beginning at 6pm. All parents are welcome to attend. Please try and come along, this is a very informal meeting, giving you a chance to find out more about forthcoming events which will be happening in school.

Parents E Safety Sessions

This Friday January 22nd 1.30pm - 3.15pm


Parents are invited to come along to school for a Free session regarding Internet Safety this Friday afternoon. This will give an insight about the Internet world, and safety issues related social networking sites which we are sure parents will find very informative. Please try and come along. Unfortunately this session will have to be cancelled if there are not enough parents attending. See our Parent Support Advisor Caroline Slack to book your place.

Home Access- Help With Buying A Computer

Home Access is a government drive which will help low-income families to get access to a computer and the internet to get online at home.

If you are a low income family in receipt of certain benefits you could qualify for a grant to buy a computer and/or a minimum of one years’ internet access. The programme is aimed at those that need it most and targets families that do not have access to a computer or the internet at home.


If you want to find out more about the scheme and if you qualify to apply go to http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/