Newsletter 6 Autumn 2020

Week 6 in South Tawton
With one more week to go until our half term break, the children have been really settled and focused on their learning. The photos above show some highlights of the week and link to stories which can be found on the class blog pages.

Congratulations to Miss Bennet
For the rest of the year, Miss Bennett will be taking responsibility for the coordination of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities across all of the Three Hares Schools. This role sadly means that her teaching commitment in year 4 will now drop to one day a week. However, we're delighted that Miss Chalcraft has agreed to teach four days a week to ensure continuity and an excellent learning experience for the pupils.
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Coronavirus - a book for children
Please click here to read a lovely book for children about Coronavirus. It contains a wealth of information written in a child-friendly way. 

Attendance
Following the period of school closures through the last academic year, it is now more important than ever that children attend school whenever they are well enough to do so. Obviously, if they or anyone in the household has Covid symptoms, then please self isolate as a family and get tested. The children can return to school as soon as evidence is received of a negative test. I'm delighted that our attendance for the academic year so far is 96.8%. However, we have a statutory duty to monitor attendance very carefully at this time. Through this week, all children with attendance levels which have dipped below the average will be receiving letters detailing their attendance so far. Please do get in touch if, having received one of these letters, you have further questions or would like any support in maximising your child's attendance. 

​PTA News
Proceeds from this term and next term's fundraisers will go towards some new playground markings! As we won't be able to pay for the usual trips, workshops and other events for the foreseeable future, we are contributing over £1500 towards some new markings for the Year 6 and main playgrounds. These will be for fun and fitness but also educational and can be used by the whole school during playtimes and as part of interactive lessons to enhance the children's outdoor experience when other play equipment is restricted. We are very excited that these will be in place really soon - either over half term or the following week!

The PTA are running an Autumn Trail this half term holiday. It takes in the villages of South Zeal, South Tawton and Sticklepath and you can purchase a trail sheet for £2 from PTA members or South Zeal and Sticklepath shops. The trail starts and finishes by the South Zeal shop and the questions on the sheet are about things you will see on a walk around the villages, so keep your eyes open!  There are three sections to the trail so you can do as much or as little walking as you feel able to. Hand your completed sheets in to a teacher by November 9th to receive a reward and a Team Point!

It's dress down day the last day of term on Friday 23 October!! Wear what you like but don't forget to bring £1 each to your classroom to go towards PTA funds. 

Did you know that the PTA have a Facebook page? Please search for South Tawton PTA and like our page. 

Finally, recipe books have arrived! You should have received information via email about how to make payment. Distribution will begin once payments are received.