Newsletter 4 Autumn 2020

Outdoor Education
Another week has whizzed by and we managed to make the most of our outside learning spaces before the weather changed. In the photos above, you will see year 5 enjoying outdoor learning in the outdoor education area, year 6 taking part in Quad Kids athletics and year 2 exploring the effect that exercise has on their heart rates. For more photos and information about any of these stories and more, please visit the class blog pages. 

SCARF PSHE Lessons
We have started the term off with our new PSHE scheme of work called SCARF.  All classes will be following the same theme, this half term we are focusing on 'Me and My Relationships'.  Children will have weekly SCARF lessons to develop their personal, social, emotional and health learning.  They will be using online resources, drama, literacy and discussion times to promote positive behaviour, safety, achievement and wellbeing.

SIMS Parent
As a MAT, we use SIMS Parent Lite to collect, manage and handle key information about your child and you as parents/ carers. This puts you in control and makes sure the data we hold is accurate and up to date. We also use SIMS Parent to allow you to provide consents where necessary. You can update these consents at any time. 

Later today, I will send an activation email to the home email address of anyone who has not already registered. This will come from [email protected].  If you do not receive this email by the end of tomorrow, then please check that it has not been diverted into your SPAM folder. If you have already registered, you can log in using your existing details and won't receive the activation email.

Simply click on the link from your tablet, pc or smartphone to activate your account. You can then login using your normal Facebook, Twitter, Google or Microsoft username and password.

More information about SIMs parent and information we would like from you, can be found here.

Please could parents of all children in year 1 visit the page and update their consents ASAP. 

When updating your contact details or consents on SIMS parent, please ensure you scroll down and press the SAVE button before logging out. 

If you have any difficulties in using the service, please let me know via [email protected]

Driving and parking in the village
​I’ve been contacted by the Parish Council to say that parents are parking on the double yellow lines by the church and causing problems for other cars trying to pass. Please do not park here as, in addition to causing difficulties for other drivers, it also endangers our children who are walking to school.
The Parish Council also ask again for parents who are driving to school to slow down when entering the village especially at Zeal Head. The speed of cars travelling through the village presents a real danger to other road and pavement users.

Welfare Support Fund
Please have a look at this link. You may be eligible for financial support
The COVID-19 Welfare Support Fund can provide small emergency payments to help with basic essentials including: household essentials such as sanitary products or nappies or electricity key and gas card top ups, etc. to help people in financial difficulties. The fund is not available for the purchase of food where a food parcel is available. The fund is available to people if:
· They run their own business, and cannot currently trade, or their business has been drastically reduced because of the pandemic.
· Their employment situation has changed and their income now no longer covers needs.
· They have lost their job due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
· They have still not received expected government funding (i.e self-employed).
If you are a resident and have been affected financially by coronavirus (COVID-19), and can demonstrate a need for immediate short-term financial help, you can apply for a grant by clicking the button below and your application will be considered.
Please be aware that repeat applications will not be considered other than in exceptional circumstances 

South Tawton PTA Pre-loved Uniform
We have a wide selection of pre-loved uniform from dresses, to jumpers, to PE kits.
Please like us on Facebook and for any uniform enquiries, please use Facebook messenger to contact Christine Abbott who can safely coordinate pickup and payments. £1 an item. If there is something you are short of, please do not hesitate to ask, as it is very likely we will have it!
Thank you, PTA

PTA 100 Club
Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who has signed up for this year's 100 Club. Your support is really appreciated.  The first draw has taken place with the help of Year 3 and the following numbers/people won

1st    80    Nan Passmore
2nd   25    Sally Whiteley
3rd    50    Duncan Coventry

New members are welcome to join the 100 Club at any time throughout the year. Please email the school office for a sign up form and confirmation of the subscription payable if you are interested.

Crisp packet recycling
Crisp packet recycling has now started again. There is a collection box in every classroom and these are coordinated by our school councillors.

Meal Time Assistant Vacancy
We currently have vacancy for a meal time assistant (MTA). Please use the links below for more information
advert_sept_2020.pdf
MTA job description
Application form
The vacancy closes on 16th October.
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​I hope you're all having an enjoyable weekend, despite the rain! The weather forecast suggests that waterproof coats will be needed in school next week.

If any of our community have run the Virtual London Marathon this weekend, please send us a picture and your story so that we can celebrate your achievements!

Best wishes,
Sarah Marvin