Newsletter – 24th January 2020

Dear Families,
In assembly this week, we considered the purpose of prayer. We learnt that people of different religions and faiths pray in similar and different ways: sometimes kneeling on a cushion or mat, with hands together or up high, maybe in a special place or building. Some people pray by singing, chanting or talking aloud, some people pray silently in their heads. Sometimes people pray alone and sometimes in a group. Some prayers are said to give thanks and some to seek advice or wisdom. Some people pray to rejoice and some to ask forgiveness.  Not everyone prays, some people pray daily or weekly and some people only pray occasionally. In assembly, I ask that all children respect those of us who want to pray, and if they want to, they can join in and say ‘Amen.’

We agreed all prayers were communicating to God.
Our school Council have written a school prayer for us to say together:

​Our School Prayer
Dear Lord,
As we come together,
We ask for your guidance as we make our journey through life,
As we work together,
Help us to show commitment and dedication,
As we play together,
Help us to show tolerance and kindness,
And as we look to the future,
Help us to show determination and courage in all we do,
Lord, we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son.
Amen
We are now putting actions to the prayer.

​Letting Policy
The Three Hares’ Governors have been reviewing and revising the Letting Policy for Chagford School. Following the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (DMAT) and Devon County Council regulations, anyone hiring any part of the school premises needs to have Public Liability Insurance cover of £5million. In light of that, and following discussions with the DMAT Premises Department in respect of site access when the building is hired out, we have decided that we are unable to allow the School Hall to be hired out for children’s parties. I hope you understand this decision and if you have any queries please contact me via the Governors’ page on the school website. Emma Neath – Chair of Governors

School safeguarding team
Our school safeguarding team are: Tara Penny, Elizabeth Underwood and Sara Halsey.  If you have any concerns about a child or family, please let one of us know.  Most concerns can be quickly addressed and supported.

Contacts
Do we have your up to date phone number?
If you have changed your phone number, address or child’s medical details, please let us know! Parents can update contact, permission and medical details via the SIMS Parent App, or pop in and let us know.  Please note that we need to always have two up to date contacts in case of an emergency.

Car Park
Please can we ask parents not to use the staff car park unless you are here on site. It is quite a small car park, and we have had a number of occasions where staff cannot park, particularly music tutors, therapists and other staff who come during the day.  Thank you.

Hero Showcase Assembly – Thursday 13th February 2.30 – 3.30pm at the school.
We would like to share our topic learning with you on the last Thursday of the term. As previously, each class will showcase some of their learning so you do not just see your own children, but what has been learnt across the school. Many parents have said they really like this format.

With very best wishes,
​
Miss Tara Penny