Newsletter 10 Autumn Term 2021

We've had a lovely week at school with some very memorable moments. Year R took part in both Islamic and  Christian weddings on Wednesday and even had a reception with dancing and wedding cake! Year 4 continued their interest in climate following COP26, and welcomed in Mark Sidaway to help them learn more about the weather. Year 1 have been palaeontologists and have used tools and safety equipment to search for fossils. (A big thank you to Andrew Shaddick for making this possible by mending their broken sand tray.) Finally, the whole school came together in pyjamas on Friday to raise money for Children in Need. Don't forget that you can visit the blog page for each class to read and see more on these stories. 

I'm delighted to announce that, with no Covid cases in school last week, we were able to move back to Stage 3 of our Covid Contingency Plan meaning that we started the week with a whole school assembly to discuss this year's Anti-bullying week slogan - One Kind Word. This assembly was then followed up in all classes with special SCARF (this is our personal, social and health education scheme) lessons as follows:
YR- I am caring
Y1- Unkind, tease or bully?
Y2- An act of kindness
Y3- Let's celebrate our differences
Y4- What would I do?
Y5 - Kind conversations
Y6 - Respecting difference

We were also able to meet together indoors this week for our weekly celebration assembly. The number of certificates given out reflect how proud the staff are of our pupils for their resilience, hard work and kindness towards each other. 

Remembrance Sunday

Early last week, I was delighted to receive the photo above from a parent and the following email from Emma Neath, the Chair of our Local Stakeholder Board:

I attended the Remembrance Day Service at South Tawton church on Sunday. There were so many children there, and although many of them were attending as Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Brownies, the majority of the younger ones would attend South Tawton school. There was also some lovely artwork, poems etc on display.

With my Community Governor hat on can I say how lovely it was seeing them all there, they made up a large part of the congregation and the service, and I was very proud of them all. They were an absolute credit to both the organisation they are in and the school. 

Thank you and well done to all who took part both in this service and any others.

The Dartmoor Line

Last Wednesday saw the first train to leave Okehampton for Exeter in 50 years, dispatched by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. One of our pupils was lucky enough to be a part of these celebrations. Chloe represented Okehampton Brownies at the opening ceremony, and was one of the first passengers to board the train, She was given a commemorative  ticket in a glass frame amongst other momentos of the day. I expect many of our pupils took the opportunity to travel on the train this weekend and I couldn't resist sharing one of the photos below which I found when looking at the new Dartmoor Line website.

Dogs at drop off and pick up times

If you bring your dog to school at drop off and pick up times, please ensure that they are always on a lead and under very close control. Please do not stand too close to any of the gates which the children use, as some children are very nervous of dogs. Many thanks.

Safeguarding - NSPCC leaflets and advice for parents

Handle with care 
Gives advice on safe ways of holding a baby and suggests ways parents can soothe and cope with a crying baby.
Home alone guide
Helps parents decide when it is safe to leave their children home alone and how to choose a babysitter or childminder.
Out alone 
Helps parents decide if a child is ready to be out on their own and gives advice on preparing them for different situations such as walking to and from school by themselves, attending sports or holiday clubs, or going out to play with friends.
Positive parenting
Gives advice on setting boundaries for children, building relationships with them and keeping cool when children’s behaviour is challenging.
Look, Say, Sing, Play
A set of resources to help parents interact with their baby, boosting child development and setting up positive behaviour as their child grows.
Other helpful resources for parentsFind more information for parents on the NSPCC website:

• Supporting a child who has mental health problems and/or suicidal thoughts
• What parents can do about self-harm
• Online safety information for parents
• Advice on talking to children about drugs and alcohol
• Help talking about difficult topics
• Talk PANTS with your child (the underwear rule)
• Helping children deal with divorce and separation
• Advice on keeping children safe in sport on the Child Protection in Sport Unit website

For further resources to share with parents, search the NSPCC Library catalogue using the keywords "parenting" or "parents' books".
If you need more specific information, please contact our Information Service.

PTA News

It's not too late to join the fun on Friday at the disco, permission slips and payment in cash need to be returned to school no later than Wednesday 24th November please.
 
Thank you for all your Christmas card orders. The deadline for orders has now passed but there are plenty of other festive fundraising activities to come…

Make a Christmas Wreath

Do you fancy making a beautiful Christmas wreath for your front door? We will supply you with all the things you will need and expert tuition to create a beautiful, hand crafted wreath! Friday 3rd December, £20 per wreath - but numbers are limited and going fast so if you would like to join the fun here's how...
 
1. Pick a style for your wreath: Rustic, Glitzy or Traditional
2. Email southtawtonpta@gmail.com to order your kit by Monday November 29th. Use the subject ‘Christmas Wreath’
3. Your kit will be sent home with your child on Friday 3rd December (or pick up/delivery by arrangement)
4. Join us on Friday 3rd December at 8pm via Zoom!

'Get your orders in ASAP to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited!'

Coloured Hampers
The colours have been drawn! There was much excitement on Friday when each class drew their colour out of the hat! Classes have their hampers and now need to fill them full of new items in their colour! You can now send in food, drink, toiletries, gifts - anything new and in that colour goes! The more creative the better!
 
Preschool ….Pink
Year R …. Blue
Year 1 ….Yellow
Year 2 …. Red
Year 3 …. Orange
Year 4 …. Gold / Silver
Year 5 …. Purple
Year 6 …. Green
 
On Monday, your child will come home with books of raffle tickets to sell. To qualify for the draw and to be in with a chance to win a colourful hamper, ticket stubs and money must be returned to your child's class teacher no later than Monday 13th December 2021.

Remember - the class with the most tickets sold will receive a reward! More tickets are available from the PTA or School Office. The draw for the hampers will be on Wednesday 15th December 2021.
 
Christmas Packs
These packs will be crammed full of creative crafts and festive fun and will be designed to keep your children occupied during the Christmas holidays!
Look out for more details soon!
 
Date of next meeting - Monday November 29th - all welcome!