Newsletter 7 Autumn Term 2021

Happy Half Term Holiday

The first half term of the school year is completed and the children have responded so brilliantly to all the challenges and changes that they have faced. I hope that everyone enjoys a well-deserved break and look forward to seeing all the children back in school on Monday 1st November to continue with the excellent learning and enrichment opportunities we have planned.

Covid19 Update

Last week was not without obstacles as we had our first cases among the school staff. We have everything crossed that the half term break will allow a 'circuit break' as well as giving time for those of us who are isolating to recover, complete our isolation periods and be fit and ready to return on the 1st. Unfortunately, Mr Pester from Y5 has also received a positive test result, alongside another Y5 pupil and one of our MTAs. We wish them all the best for a speedy recovery. 

I'd like to say a huge thank you to those of you who have sent best wishes and get well soon messages. They are very cheering and much appreciated.

Please do keep me updated of any more cases during the week as I need to report these to Devon County Council. 

New Menu

We have a new menu for the second half of the Autumn Term. It can be viewed through the Parents' Information section of the website, or by clicking here. Allergen information will follow very soon.

​The menu has been developed by our new executive chef and runs on a two week basis. Bookings are now live through your school gateway accounts. Please ensure that your child has a booking for every day, even when this is a home packed lunch; this ensures that numbers given to the kitchen each morning are correct. 

COP26

We are very excited that we will be having a programme of activities and visitors for all classes in school on Monday 8th November. More details will follow soon, but, in the meantime, you may wish to visit St Mary's Church to view some of the pupil's artwork as detailed below:

SUPPORT & ACTION FOR COP26
Many of us in the village & church community support the purpose of COP26 (The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference), which is to eliminate fossil fuels from our economy and thereby reduce CARBON DIOXIDE from the Earth's atmosphere. The aim of COP26 is for people to reduce their Carbon Footprint by taking such measures as e.g. using the car less, changing to electric cars, fitting solar panels, insulating their homes, installing smart meters and use heat pump technology for warming our houses in winter.
With this in mind, we are inviting people, both young and old to visit St Mary's Church in the middle of our village to see posters, prayers and pictures created by South Tawton Primary children. Feel free to bring your own ideas along, adding your ideas, thoughts and prayers for the future of our grandchildren and great grandchildren. We aim to keep this display up for the duration of the COP26 - from 31st October to 12th November. We look forward to welcoming you !

Thank you all for the hugely generous donations to Okehampton Foodbank for our Harvest Festival collection. We have collected more donations than ever before and are so proud of our school community.  The children have said 'We wanted to give people food if they can't get some themselves' William. 'It makes me feel happy to help others' Caitlin. 'I don't like beans, so I thought I could give them to someone who does' Eva.  'I had grown out of my coat and thought a family might like it as it's quite cold at Winter' Sid. 'Soup warms you up' Jack.  'We like to help others because one day we might need help, you never know' Dorothy and Martha.

Thank you so much everyone. 
Miss Peggy Chalcraft

PTA news

​We hope you all enjoyed the autumn animal safari?! There were some wonderful and inventive window displays - thank you to all who took part!

Unfortunately we have had to cancel the cake sale on November 5th - hopefully we might be able to do this in 2022!

Christmas wreath making
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 limited so if you would like to join the fun please email southtawtonpta@gmail.com - More details to follow!

​Coloured Christmas hampers! 
Back by popular demand - we will be organising for each class (including preschool) to pick a specific colour and we will be asking for donation in that colour! Food, drink, toiletries, gifts - anything new and in that colour goes! We will then send home some raffle tickets for you to sell to friends and family! The class with the most tickets sold will receive a reward! The draw for the hampers will be on December 19th!

Christmas activity pack
These will be designed to keep your children occupied during the Christmas holidays! More details to follow!

Wow its going to be a busy half term - lots of things to look forward to!!

Date of next PTA meeting - Monday November 29th - all welcome!

Please click here to read about half term activities with OCRA

Half Term Library Activities

Good morning, 

Please find details of our upcoming Half Term events below. We would be very grateful if you would share these with parents, staff and students.

MON, 25 OCT 14:00-16:00 - Winnie the Witch Stories and Craft

Okehampton Library

Drop in to enjoy a story about Winnie and Wilbur and make a paper cat to take home.
Free event. Donations welcome.
Suitable for ages 5+

No booking necessary

FRI, 29 OCT 10:00-17:30 - Halloween Badge Making
Okehampton Library

Colour in and make your own spooky badges! Drop in throughout the day.
50p per badge
Suitable for ages 5+
No booking necessary
(You may need to wait if staff are busy)

FRI, 29 OCT 16:45-17:30 - Halloween Competition & Story
Okehampton Library

Join Ellie the Library Witch for a spooky story time for older readers and be entered into a prize draw! Fancy dress strongly encouraged!
Suitable for all ages, guidance 5+
Free, donations welcome
No booking necessary

We are also hosting an escape room in November, which may be of interest. It is based on historical events and utilises interactive technology which we believe will be educational and inspiring to youngsters and adults alike: 

13-27 Nov - The Lost Librarian 
Okehampton Library 
60 minutes, 10 books, 1 Mystery.  Come and solve the mystery of The Lost Librarian, an escape room for inquisitive explorers of all ages.
(12+ guidance, younger audiences must be accompanied by an adult)
£12 per group - six people of less.
Book online:  https://librariesevolve.org.uk/the-lost-librarian

Please note venue is on first floor - if you have any access requirements contact Zoe at Evolve PRIOR to booking.  zoe.buttling@librariesunlimited.org.uk

Thank you very much for your continued support,

Ellie Austin
Library Assistant

Okehampton Library