Newsletter 8 Autumn Term 2021

Covid 19 Update
I don't wish to tempt fate, but I'm delighted to report that we have not had any reports of new Covid cases this week. Fingers crossed that this may continue. 

Tempest Photographs
On Tuesday 9th November, Tempest photographers will be in school taking individual photos of all the pupils. Please ensure that your child has their school jumper or cardigan with them on Tuesday. Family group photos of siblings within school will be organised and taken within school time, but if you wish for a photo of your child with a sibling from preschool or another school, then the photographer will be available in the school hall from 8am and you are welcome to bring your children to school for a photo at this time. Please note that children may not be left at school until the usual time of 8:40. Breakfast club will run as usual on this day from the other end of the hall.

Late Arrivals
We currently have a lot of children arriving at school a little late. The school gates are open between 8:40 and 8:50. Registers are taken at 8:50. Please try to arrive before 8:50, but if you arrive after this time, please come straight to the school office to sign your child in. We have had some cases of children arriving late and without their parents which can be upsetting for them. Please accompany your children to the school gate and ensure that they are in safely before leaving them. 

Lunch Menus
Thank you to all those of you who have given feedback on the new menu. From tomorrow, we will once more be able to offer a jacket potato each day. If you would like to change any current meal choices to jacket potatoes, please email the school office admin@southtawton.org.uk

New Play Equipment

As you will have seen, a new climbing structure was erected on our school field just before half term. With the final adjustments made during the half term holiday, the children were finally able to start climbing. Year 3 had a fantastic time exploring the new structure and a different type of play. There were many laughs and giggles. Year 4 have also had a go this week and commented on how much fun it was. The classes will all have access to the climbing structure throughout the year and we’re sure it will make a very enjoyable addition to the school field during those summer lunchtimes.

Year 6 and Year 2 also have a new addition installed on their playground; a new goal end and basketball hoop has been added and they have already had plenty of use.

COP 26

We're extremely excited and grateful that we will have a team of scientists in school for the day on Monday 8th November leading every class through a day of themed learning activities relating to the COP26. We'll look forward to bringing your photos and news from this, but just wanted to remind all KS2 classes that they need to bring a plastic bottle into school tomorrow for making rain gauges. 

Children in Need Friday 12th November

​To raise money for Children in Need, the school council have chosen to have a Pyjama Day. All children are invited to wear their pyjamas to school on Friday 12th November in return for a £1 donation to Children in Need. 

​

Wellies wanted!

If anyone has any outgrown wellies at home, please could you donate them to the school. Miss Rowe is seeking spare wellies for her year one class to enable them to take part in outdoor learning come rain or shine.

​Many thanks

This week is Radon Awareness Week

Radon surveys are quite easy to perform - it's just a matter of purchasing some radon monitors from the UK Health Security Agency, formerly Public England, and placing them in appropriate places.  It could be that you've monitored for radon already.  Also as it is radon awareness week I was wondering whether we could let parents know about home monitoring as well.   Anyhow, I'd be glad to help out in any way I can.  Useful information is at:

https://www.ukradon.org/


and at:

https://radonweek.co.uk/

Book Winners

You may remember that we had a competition on Census Day where all children who had a school dinner had the chance to win a book. Congratulations to the children pictured below who were some of our winners. We hope you enjoy reading and sharing the books at home.

Nicholas Bryant - Violin and Singing Teacher available

Probably best known for reaching the semifinals of Britain's Got Talent 2016 with the Collaborative Orchestra I now have over 10 years experience as a piano, violin and singing teacher. 

I specialise in teaching the ABRSM and Trinity syllabuses and am a experienced choir leader now teaching in Chagford and North Tawton schools. 

I teach all ages and abilities. My students would say my lessons are fun, encouraging and that I have a caring teaching style. For violin lessons I can also help with buying or hiring of equipment. Please get in touch to book a free trial lesson. 

Thank you, 

Nick Bryant

07912 117 957

Nick has received one enquiry from a parent seeking lessons. In order to make the journey feasible, he needs at least one more pupil. He comes with excellent references from North Tawton and Chagford parents. Please contact him directly if you are interested.

PTA News

We are thrilled to announce the PTA have funded a further 15 Chromes books. So that we have now donated a full class set! They have been delivered and are already being used and enjoyed by the children!! 

We have really busy term of fun things happening...

​SCHOOL DISCO
We are so excited to be planning a school disco on Friday November 26th.
3.30 - 4.30pm: Years R, 1 and 2
4.45 - 5.45pm: Years 3 and 4
6.00 - 7.00pm: Year 5 and 6 
We have had to stagger the groups and times like this due to Covid restrictions, but we hope this won't stop the children from having a great time! The tickets will be £2.50 and this include squash and crisps. We will send out further details/permission slips with the children next week.

If anyone would like to volunteer to help us out with any of the sessions then please email southtawtonpta@gmail.com

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 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!
This was an incredibly popular event last year and spaces are limited, so BE QUICK to book your place!

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

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

PTA 100 Club

October's 100 club draw was done on the last day of half term by Year R. The winning numbers were:
86 Sarah Angel
38 Shirley Culverhouse
34 Jo Hilton

Congratulations to the winners!

There are still some numbers available if anyone else would like to join the 100 Club. Please email southtawton100club@gmail.com with any queries.

Coronavirus case rates in Devon continue to be above the national average, as they are across the whole south-west region, but over the past couple of weeks they have reduced and appear to be plateauing.
Cases continue to be highest in the school age and working age population.
To read the latest update from Devon County Council, please click here.

Governor Recruitment