Newsletter 4 Summer Term 2023

Year 6 Trust Normandy Residential

Please click the link below to keep up to date and see all the news from the Trust Normandy Residential which our Y6 pupils will be enjoying next week:
https://dartmoormat.org.uk/news-type/trust-normandy-residential/

We will also be sharing photos and news on the Year 6 blog throughout the week, so please do check there.

Bon Voyage and have a wonderful week, year 6!

Years 4 and 5 Residential to the Manor Hotel

The children from years 4 and 5 spent the end of last week engaged in a huge variety of activities and an overnight stay at the Manor Hotel. Our school staff, the hotel staff and other hotel guests were full of praise and admiration for their excellent behaviour, manners and enthusiasm for all activities. We have many, many photos which will be shared with the children in class next week, but here are a few favourites:

School Uniform

With the summer term well underway, I am aware that many children are growing out of their school uniform and shoes. Before any new items are purchased, I just wanted to give you some advance notice that, from September, we would like to see all children in smart trousers, dresses and skirts (not leggings, tracksuit bottoms or very short skirts) and completely black shoes or trainers without coloured soles or edges. The uniform expectations are as follows:

White or pale blue polo shirts or shirts,  
Navy blue jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan 
Grey, navy or black trousers, shorts, skirt, pinafore (not leggings or jogging bottoms)
Blue check summer dress 
White, grey or black socks 
Plain black shoes/boots 

For PE lessons
White T-shirt
Black or navy shorts
Trainers or plimsolls

The only jewellery which may be worn to school are watches and stud earrings. Make up and dyed hair colours are not allowed. 

Congratulations, Year 6

Congratulations and well done to all our Year 6 pupils (and staff) who sailed through their SATs calmly having put in the hard work throughout the year. On Friday, after the last paper, they were treated to a fun day of adventure at Okehampton Youth Hostel.

​Menu Change Thursday 18th May

Our summer school census will take place on Thursday 18th May. Please help us to maximise our funding for next year by booking your son/daughter a school dinner on this day. There will be a special census day menu as follows:

           Fully Loaded Breakfast MAT Muffin served with Baked Beans 
                                                         Or 
           Fully Loaded Vegetarian Breakfast MAT Muffin served with 
                                                Baked Beans 

                                                Followed by 
                                Rainbow Sprinkle  Celebration Cake 

If you would like to change an existing booking, please contact the school office. 

Upcoming Events

Sunday 14th - Friday 19th May - Year 6 residential to France
​Monday 22nd May 3:30pm - PTA Preloved Uniform Sale
Wednesday 24th May - PTA Break the Rules Day
Monday 29th May - Friday 2nd June - Half term
Monday 5th June - Friday 16th June - Year 4 Multiplication Check
Tuesday 6th June - PTA Bag to School Day
Monday 12th June - Friday 16th June - Year 1 Phonics screening check
Friday 23rd June - Trust Rainbow Day. Details to follow
Friday 23rd June - PTA Disco
Wednesday 5th July - proposed Sports' Day TBC
Thursday 13th July 1pm - Music Concert *DATE CHANGED
Friday 14th July - PTA BBQ
Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th July - proposed Y5/6 production
Friday 21st July - Year 6 Leavers' assembly
Friday 21st July - Last day of the academic year.

Many calendar and term dates can be found in the calendar at the bottom of our website home page.
2022 23 Term dates can be found here.
2023 24 Term dates can be found here.

Force Cancer Charity Fundraising

As many of you will know, some members of our staff and parents are currently being supported through cancer treatment by Force. Force are an independent charity and the majority of their work is funded by local donations and fundraising. If you are interested in reading more about what Force and the hugely positive impact they have, please click here or read the document below. 

Because we believe that the support given to our colleagues and friends has been so invaluable, my family and I will be running the Great West Run for Force next Sunday. This is a half marathon through the streets and surrounding area of Exeter and my progress is likely to be impeded by having hurt my back recently. However, I am determined to make it round to earn the sponsorship money which has already been pledged. If any of our parents and families could possibly contribute to our fund raising efforts and sponsor us, then we (and Force) will be extremely grateful. Please visit our Just Giving page if you are able to make a donation. 

Many thanks!

Three Hares Local Stakeholder Board Chair’s update

I would like to pass on my thanks to everyone who took the time to contact me in relation to the Trust’s proposed restructure.  I have collated all of the various stakeholder voices – those of parents, staff and communities – and this has been submitted to the Board of Trustees for their consideration.  I would like to assure you that every voice has been heard.  This is a key role of the LSB, and we recognise the importance of that.  Whatever the outcome of the Trust’s decision, as always, the LSB will continue to work to support the schools, the principals, the staff and the pupils as best we can. 

As you know, SATs have been taking place this week.  I was fortunate enough to see a couple of schools “in action”, and I must commend your children on their resilience and the coping mechanisms they demonstrated.  All of the pupils I saw remained calm, and observed the rules of the test situation perfectly.  They were a real credit to you as parents and carers, and to the staff that have nurtured them over their school journey.  I hope they all enjoy their well-deserved “end of SATs” treats!

Mel Holyoak

PTA News

PTA 100 Club
April's draw took place in assembly last week. Congratulations to the winners!:
1st 60 Carolyn George
2nd 28 Claire Grubb
3rd 62 Leigh Forrester

There are three more draws left this academic year, so if you're interested in joining then please contact [email protected] for details. As always, many thanks for your support. ​

Break the Rules day - Wednesday May 24th
For one special day, the children are able to pay for the privilege of breaking the normal rules of School!! On Wednesday 24th the children can choose to break one or more (or all!!) of the following rules ; 
- wear school uniform
- do not wear nail polish
- only bring in a healthy snack
- only bring in water to drink
- no toys or games (the school does not accept any responsibility for the toys that are brought in)
For only 50p per rule!!
It's simple - break your rules and pay your teacher when you arrive at school!!

Bags2School - Tuesday June 6th
Please bring your unwanted clothes and textiles, which are recycled and the PTA are paid according to the weight of the donation. Please bring your bags to the function room in the The Kings Arms pub (a huge thank you to Carolyn for allowing us to be use the pub!) on either Monday 5th or Tuesday 6th morning please!

WHAT WE COLLECT
We accept the following ‘good quality’ items for RE-USE*:

Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s clothing
Paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around)
Handbags
Hats
Bags
Scarves and ties
Jewellery
Lingerie
Socks
Belts
Soft toys
Household linen
Household curtains
Household towels

Household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers)

We DO NOT accept:
Duvets and blankets
Pillows and cushions
Carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats)
Soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing
School uniforms with and without logo
Corporate clothing and workwear
Textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material


Date of our next meeting - Monday 5th June, 8pm via zoom. We will be planning the summer fair so please do join us if you're interested in helping out in any way - big or small!!