June 22nd, 2023

Flourishing!
Congratulations to our colleague James Green who has won an 'Inspiring Educator ​Award' from his supply agency. Luke from Supply Register came into school on Wednesday to present the award in assembly. We had managed to keep this a secret and Mr Green had his socks blown off. What a lovely surprise! James will continue to work with us next year I am pleased to say. He is a much loved colleague.
Year Four had a brilliant time on their watersports days on Thursday and Friday. I am  hoping to share some photographs of this in next week's newsletter.
Well done to Year SIx for sucessfully passing their Bikeablity course this week. It was lovely to see them diligently and carefully learning to handle their bikes according the rules of the road. The instructor was very pelased with their behaviour and attitude. What great ambassadors for our school.
Well done and thank you to every child (and every parent and carer) who was involved in the Celebrating the Earth event with Brian Froud - the faery invasion looked like huge, huge fun. if anyone has still photos they would like  to share, we would loive to see them.

Rainbow Day
Today was Rainbow Day -  the day when we make sure we take time to remind ourselves that everyone is different, everyone is special and everyone is welcome in our school.
We loved seeing the children coming into school in clothes that expressed something special about themselves - we had bright colours, strips of favourite teams, clothes that reminded us of favourite characters and clothes that were just plain fun.
In assembly, Year Three presented the story of Nen and The Lonely Fisherman - reminding us that you can be friends with anyone - and that difference is nothing to be afraid of. They did a great job - well done Oak Class and well done Mr Newland.
In the afternoon we headed up to the park to have fun together in the heart of our community. We are proud to belong to Chagford and we hope Chagford is proud of us.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the event a success. Thank you to Claire-Shauna Saunders for these lovely photos of the community picnic.

Fantastic Mr Fox
Parents will be aware that the NEU announced dates for strike action by members which coincide with the performance days fro our production and that, on previous strike days the school has been partially closed.
Teachers who are members of the NEU have been forced to make a very difficult decision. They nwant to support their union and to oppose the government's real terms cuts in funding for schools which are causing so much damage to the sector and to the provision that our young people can receive. At the same time they do not want our pupils to miss out on the opportunity to perform for their parents and carers.
After discusion, colleagues have decided that they will not take strike action on those days and will work as usual so that the performances can go ahead as planned. As such, the school will be open as usual to all pupils on that day.
We hope parents and carers will understand that the position of the teachers has not changed. They remian in opposition to government policy and reject the unfunded pay proposal that would have put intolerable strain on every school's budget and which would result in redundancies. However, they do not want to waste the investment of time, commitment and money that has gone into this produiction. We cannot wait for you to see it.
It would mean a very great deal to colleagues if you would find a way to signal your appreciation of this very hard decision.
Tickedts are still available for performances of Fantastic Mr Fox on July 5th, 6th and 7th. Do book online here. Buy tickets
There is a second workshop to create costumes and props tomorrow from 10:00 till 1:30. Do come along for all or part of that time to help Lydia, Phillipa and the team work thier magic.

Read to a Dog
Okehampton Library are starting new 'Read to a Dog' sessions with 'Rafa' on Monday 17th July,  to help and encourage children and teenagers to read. Rafa has been assessed by and is registered with Pets as Therapy (PAT)  
 
Why Read to a Dog? – Dogs are amazing listeners, they are non-judgemental, give unconditional acceptance, help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure, do not criticise, allow children to proceed at their own pace, provide confidence and a sense of comfort and security.
 
Which children will benefit from reading to a Library Dog? All children can benefit from this activity and are welcome, however, it is particularly beneficial to those children who find reading challenging, are worried about reading aloud in front of others or lack self-confidence and self esteem.
 
Research undertaken in America, where there are many dogs (known as the READ dogs) who help children with reading, has proved that children who read to these dogs show an increase in reading levels, word recognition, a higher desire to read and write, and an increase in intra and interpersonal skills among the children they mix with.  
 
What happens during a Doggy Tales session at Okehampton Library? 
Each reading session lasts up to 15 minutes, depending on the age and ability of the child.  The session consists of the library dog (Rafa), his owner, the child (the reader) and their parent/carer. The session will take part in a quiet corner of the library and there will be some comfy cushions for the child to use and settle down to read. 
 
If you would like to find out more, please speak to a member of staff at Okehampton Library on 01837 52805 or email: okehampton.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk. Booking is essential.