Newsletter 08.01.21

​Friday 8th January 2021
 
Dear Chagford Families,
 
Well done everyone, we made it through this week!
 
Thank you for being patient while we organised platforms and resources for home learning, free school meal packages, updated our risk assessments in line with government directives and made the complex in-school arrangements to cater for the children of key workers and vulnerable families. I know there have been a lot of emails this week, and a lot of information to digest. On behalf of the whole team, thank you for your understanding, kind words and positivity; it is much appreciated.

Home Learning
For many families, home-learning is a real challenge. Please do not worry or get stressed! Sharing devices can be tricky and teaching your own children can be daunting - we do understand! If you have any difficulty accessing Tapestry (Early Years) or Google Classrooms (Year 1 - Year 6) please email Miss Coleman, our school IT hotline!
I found out yesterday that Microsoft Teams and Google Classrooms can be accessed via XBox and PlayStation consoles. If you have these, this could solve some access issues.
 
Our sports coach (Saints) will be leading a live online PE lesson for each class on Mondays. Teachers will send you the Zoom link securely so you can access at home and the children in school will access it from here. Children will just need a bit of space and to wear some loose clothing. The instructor will be recorded, but not the children.
 
Staffing News
Sara is recovering from her operation and we are keeping in touch with her. I know she is missing being at work and looks forward to being back as soon as she is able to.  Kaydee Prince has joined the Foundation Stage Team and is fitting in brilliantly.
 
Office Staff
We were not able to appoint an office administrator to replace the much missed, Miss Jackson. I am very grateful to our Three Hares Administrator Miss Bryant who has stepped in to support us this week while we set up systems. Between Miss Bryant, Miss Rowe, Miss Glanville and myself, we will try to answer the phone if you call. If there is no answer, please leave a message or email. We will check the answerphone and email account regularly and get back to you as soon as possible.
 
A message from Chagford Pharmacy
Dear children of Chagford. I would like to brighten up our corner of the town now that Christmas is over and lockdown is in full swing. I was wondering if any of you would like to create some happy and bright posters for me to display in the pharmacy to cheer us all up?! There will be a prize for the most cheerful and I will display as many as I can.
Any size will do (Max A3), deadline Thursday 14th Jan. Please write your full name on the back (or front if you are happy for it to be displayed)
Many thanks. Emma.
 
 
A Prayer for the World

And finally, I’d like to share this prayer with you.
 
God of love and hope,
you made the world and care for all creation,
but the world feels strange right now.
The news is full of stories about Coronavirus.
Some people are worried that they might get ill.
Others are anxious for their family and friends.
Be with them and help them to find peace.
We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists,
and all who are working to discover the right medicines
to help those who are ill.
Thank you that even in these anxious times,
you are with us.
Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe.
Amen.
 
For more prayers and other resources, see the Church of England Website
https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches/coronavirus-covid-19-liturgy-and-prayer-resources
 
 
Keep safe and keep in touch,
 
With very best wishes,
 
Tara Penny
 
Head of School