Newsletter 15th January 2021 - apologies it's late this week

​Dear Chagford Families,
 
As you are aware from my communications, we have had a member of our school community test positive for covid. I am very grateful to everyone for acting swiftly so that people who needed to could isolate.
 
Over the weekend, a number of staff have been advised to have a test and / or isolate, therefore we will have a reduced staff team next week. I have informed parents where we are unable to host their children’s bubbles. I have now been told that I must isolate, so I shall be working from home next week.

​Home Learning
We do appreciate that for some families working from home is a challenge, especially where you have a number of children and if you do not have devices. If you would like work to be printed out, please let class teachers know and we can arrange this for collection either daily or weekly. It is important that children have a routine and that you do what you can to support them in keeping up with the curriculum where possible. Of most importance is your and their mental health. If you are not able to access everything, then that is the reality and you must not worry. If you are having difficulties, please get in touch and we will help where we can.  
 
We are trying to upload more videos and arrange live lessons for those of you who are able to access, but this is a challenge for teachers who are also leading bubbles. Do try to log on for the Saints Sports session on Monday as this is a live lesson where children can see their class mates, and do some exercise in the front room!
 
Chagford Pharmacy Art Exhibition
Thank you to those who submitted art work to Chagford Pharmacy. Many are displayed on the windows to cheer people up as they walk past. Well done to Emily and Fred who won the competition with their work.
 
Donations Please
Do you have any laptops or iPads you are not using? If so, please drop these off at school. Our IT department can wipe the memory and repurpose these for children home learning.
 
A message from Chagford Library
Keep reading! Good news - after receiving updated guidance and reviewing local information, Chagford Library is reintroducing Choose and Collect as a lifeline service from Monday 18th January. Encourage your child's literacy with our board books for babies; picture books and Early Readers; junior fiction; books on any topic to support home learning; audio books on CD; and DVDs.
Order any books (for adults too) from the Devon Libraries catalogue free of charge (until 29th March) to collect from Chagford Library. Reserve online or message the library and we'll reserve them for you. Or we can select lovely books for you from our shelves. If you need a local delivery, please ask and we will do our best to help.
Loans are for 10 weeks and you can borrow up to 24 books. Books can be collected from the library on Friday mornings (from this Friday) and alternate Saturdays (starting 30th Jan). Current loans have been extended until 29th March.  
Lifeline library services are by appointment only and customers need to get in touch - [email protected] or 01647 433651 - to book.
Please try and support your local library, and spread the word to those not on FB. 
Our lifeline library services are COVID secure and contactless. We encourage you to book at a time when you’re leaving your home for other essential reasons such as collecting your shopping or taking exercise to avoid unnecessary trips out.
Send any queries to [email protected] or visit: bit.ly/Jan21-Lockdown-Update
Applications for the post of Customer Service Assistant at Chagford Library close on 25th January - see the Libraries Unlimited website for details. 
 
Christine Phillips (Merryn's mum and temporary Customer Service Assistant at Chagford Library)
 
An important reminder
Please can I remind our families to wear masks and keep distance from others not only when collecting and dropping off children at school but also when around the town.
 
Please do not come in to the school building unless you have a pre-arranged appointment.
Children should arrive between 8.55 and 9am and be collected at 3.30pm
Y6 children and children from the bus should enter the school through the main entrance.
Those in the Beech classroom to enter and exit through the class door, those in the EYFS room through their door and all others to use the side entrance. We are working hard to maintain our bubbles, please do not let your children play with others in the park or visit each other as this will compromise the school community.
 
With very best wishes
Tara Penny