Newsletter 2nd December

Flourishing!
As ever, children at Chagford Primary School have been flourishing this week.
Years R, 1 and 2 have been working on their unique and very special nativity play. The Year Twos have the job of telling the story, while the Reception and Year One children act it out following the storytelling. Everyone gets to pick their role and do what they need to do to share the challenge and responsibility of telling the story. It will bring tears to your eyes. Do please come along on 14th December at 2:30 pm.

Year Five have been working out of their skins to write their own myths based on stories they've heard from Ancient Greece and the Norse world. They have been on fire and have written some terrific stories. I was impressed and very pleased by some children who went way beyond what they had previously been able to show us, Great work Year Five.

Year Six enjoyed a trip to the recycling centre in Plymouth. It was led by an excellent guide who made the experience really meaningful for the children. Lovely work.

Year Two have impressed us by getting on with life without missing a beat with their new teacher - Mrs Robertson back from maternity leave and very happy to be back at work and thriving in Year Two.

We all enjoyed the beauty of the world this morning in the first proper frost of winter. Chunks and plates of ice were retreived from buckets, wheelbarrows and tyres sparking curiosity and wonder. It's easy to forget how special things like frosty grass or a frozen puddle are - it's a joy when the children remind us.

It was beautiful seeing so many parents and carers at our Friday Celebration today and even more beautiful to see so many people volunteering to take part in our weekly 'Attitude of Gratitude'. The evenings are nearly as dark as they are going to be, the weather has been foul and colds and viruses seem to be everywhere but in our community of learners the knack of gratitude seems to run strong.

Celebrate a Life
We will be attending the Celebrate a Life event at Cross Tree opposite the Jubilee Hall at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. There will be carols, mince pies and mulled wine. You will be able to add a star to the tree in memory of a loved one.

Children from the school will join together to sing 'Away in a Manger' led by Mr Finch. We have the words printed off so all children are very welcome indeed to come along and join us to sing together.
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This event will be raising money for Cancer Research, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Charity and for Hospiscare. These are causes very close indeed to many of our hearts, so do please come along to take part, to share joyful memories of loved ones and to raise a little money for these very worthwhile charities.

Stars for the tree can be bought in advance from Uptown but don't worry about attending if you haven't been able to purchase a star in advance - this will not be an issue. You are invited to bring a small hand torch.
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Christmas Jumper Day
Our Christmas Jumper Day is this coming Wednesday 7th December.
Children are invited to wear a Christmas Jumper if they have one or any other warm and cosy jumper, and to bring a donation for the tombola at the School Christmas Fayre. A tin of drink, a can of beans, a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine - bring something you wouldn't mind winning,  add it to the pile and we'll enjoy each others jumpers.
This is NOT the school Christmas dinner which will be the following Wednesday 14th December.
The Christmas Fayre is next Saturday 10th December from 2:00 till 4:00 in the school hall. The PTFA would love to see as many people as possible there.

Miniature Pony Christmas Experience
Our friends at the Miniature Pony Centre have put together a special offer for children attending Chagford Primary.
Any children attending the school and their immediate family members (siblings, parents and guardians) -- can all get a reduced price ticket for only £12.00 (normal price (£17.95 each).

• Come and join us for a festive day at the centre. Ticket price includes (for children aged 2 and over):
• Entry to the centre
• Each child (aged 2 and over) will get a chance to see Santa in his grotto plus receive a free gift
• Visit our Elf Station and enjoy our candy bar (! x free bag of sweets per child), a chance to make or decorate a Christmas Decoration and write a letter to Santa.
• Listen to our Christmas Story
• Activities happening throughout the day including Pony Rides, pony walking, grooming and tractor
• PLUS a chance to see our wonderful fluffy ponies and much more.
• Every parent receives a free hot drink and mince pie plus a Christmas gift from us.

Christmas Hampers
As an extra activity for the Christmas period our friends at Chagford Eco Pantry are preparing hampers full of good things to distribute.
Do you know someone who you think might welcome a Hamper - maybe a neighbour, an elderly person in the area or a family who haven't got a huge amount to spare at the moment. It's fine to nominate yourself if you could do with a bit of extra help.

There are hampers waiting at the Eco Pantry at St Michael's and you can just come along and help yourself or, if it is easier for you, or if you have any special dietary requirements, you can call Lucy Tufton on 01647-432314 and she will be happy to make up a special hamper and have it delivered to your home. Don't worry about the cost of this - the church has received a very generous donation to fund the project so you will be helping the church and the community to fulfil their mission if you do nominate someone to receive a hamper. This will be a lovely way to spread random acts of kindness - do get involved. If the stock of hampers runs out, it will be replenished - so if you go into the church and there are none there please don't lose heart. Check again in a day or two or just give Lucy a call.

Thank you to everyone for organising this and to Lucy for heading it up - 01647-432314 ​.

Dates for Your Diary
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PTFA Christmas Fayre - Saturday 10th December 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Nativity Play - Wednesday 14th December 2:30 p.m.
Carol Concert - Thursday 15th December 5:00 p.m.
End of Term - Friday 16th December
First day of Spring Term - Wednesday 4th January

Attendance
This week attendance has fallen back to 93.4%. This is a percentage point back from last week and below national levels. There has been an absolutely horrible cold going around which has impacted many of us, myself included so there's no blame. Sympathies to everyone who has had it or who has been looking after poorly little ones.
A point that I've been asked a couple of times in the last few weeks is "If my child is poorly in the morning but perks up in hte day, should I bring them to school?" The answer is an absolute 'yes'. If your child is well enough to come into school - even just for the afternoon session - they should be at school. We will be ahppy to see them, they will be off the sof and off your hands and they will stand a good chance of learning something interesting or doing something useful.
In purely administrative terms, we mark each morning and afternoon as separate sessions. A child who comes to school every day for a week attends ten sessions. If they miss a morning but come in for the afternoon that's nine sessions and 90% for the week. We are happy to welcome the children at any time so if they perk up soon after school would have started then why not bring them in for ten forty-five. They'lll get to have break time with their friends and won't miss the lessons between break and lunch.

Woodland School
We'll be having another Woodland School session this coming Friday 9th December. Children will need wellies, coats, hats and gloves most likely. Thanks to the PTFA for funding this.