Newsletter – 10th January 2020

Dear Families,
Wishing every family a very Happy New Year! May 2020 be a year of peace, prosperity and happiness for us all.

I hope you are all well rested and looking forward to the term ahead. Hopefully with the longer days we will have some warmer, drier weather! 

INSET
On Monday Chagford, North Tawton and South Tawton teachers met up for shared in service training (INSET). Together we continued our planning for our shared curriculum and vision and looked at how we are working together as Three Hares, and how we can work more closely and effectively in the future.

We also looked at recent educational research, and how we can use this to improve our teaching, and we continued our programme of training in safeguarding and mental health.

A highlight of the day was Merrick and his daughter Maya leading us in developing skills in storytelling. We are really excited to try out some of the activities and techniques and to encourage and develop this with our children.

Think first, speak second
In assembly on Tuesday I introduced a poster to help us all ‘think first, speak second.’ It is a very useful tool which we will be using with the children over the term. I am sure there have been times in all of our lives when we wish we had not said, texted, posted or emailed something. This poster is a reminder for us all to think: is it true, helpful, inspiring, necessary or kind?  You may wish to use this at home as a point of discussion with your children.
There are several versions of this, the one we have used can be printed from this website: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/486318459733231021/

Super Heroes
This term we start our topic ‘Superheroes’, and our value is ‘Courage.’ Please talk to your children about what they are learning about in class. Remember you are welcome to come in to school on Friday mornings to see books and displays.

Security
The door to the side of the building is faulty. For the time being it will be locked shut. Children coming to breakfast club, please come to the front entrance. Parents collecting from after school club, please ring the intercom and we will let you in to collect your children. We have reported this to the company who installed it and we should have a solution to this as soon as possible.

Angel
Have you seen our beautiful angel? It was at Exeter Cathedral with the North Tawton and South Tawton angels for their Christmas display. The wings contain our children’s hopes for the future.  They have now all flown back to the schools; ours is in the school entrance. Do come and see it; it is stunning!

Clubs
We are currently looking at the range of clubs and activities on offer and want to expand them.  During this review we have updated our lettings agreement and met with current club leaders to discuss paperwork. Once this is in place we will be in a position to continue and expand the clubs we have on offer. Please check which clubs are running this week.

Staff news
Mrs Stoner is a making steady, but slow recovery from her knee surgery. We wish her all the best and look forward to seeing her later this term. We are delighted that Miss Clarke is able to continue to work with us in her absence.
We welcome Miss Turner and Miss Ley who are joining the staff team this term as part of their teaching training. We look forward to supporting them in their journey and benefiting from their skills and enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, I came down with a very sudden and dramatic dose of norovirus on Tuesday so I was away the rest of the week. I am pleased to say I am well now and looking forward to the week ahead.

With very best wishes,
​
Miss Tara Penny