Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,
 
Happy Valentines day!
 In assembly this week, we found out who Saint Valentine was and why he is remembered. St. Valentine was a priest who lived in ancient Rome under the rule of Emperor Claudius II.  Legend has it that he secretly married couples when it was forbidden to do so. He believed in the power of love and wanted to help others find happiness. Unfortunately, Emperor Claudius found out about St. Valentine’s actions and put him in prison. Even in prison, St. Valentine showed kindness and healed the jailer’s daughter, who was blind. Before his execution, he sent her a note signed, “From your Valentine,” which started the tradition of exchanging heartfelt messages on Valentine’s Day.
 He was made a martyr on February 14, in 278 AD. He is the patron saint for love, but also epilepsy and beekeepers!
 The children reflected upon the word love and that it can be a feeling we have for our friends, family members as well as for romance. (for when they are much older, obviously!)  
  
In the Bible, St. Paul says:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”  1 Corinthians
A great message for us all to think about as we show our love to others.
   
Talent Show
 Today was our long awaited talent show! After lots of rehearsals, auditions, more rehearsals, changes of songs and line-ups, we had our ten final acts!
Very well done to all of our finalists. We had a wonderful afternoon of singing, dancing, comedy, music and magic. Thank you to Anande James and Coach Kai for being our judges. Unfortunately Councillor Jen Palfry was unwell and unable to come.
 We were all impressed with the quality of the acts. The over all winner was Sofiia with her beautiful ballet.
Photos to follow after the holiday!
  
Saints Sports 
Today we said farewell to Coach Kai who is moving on to another school. We will have a change to our PE days after half term as they will be Tuesdays and Fridays for all classes.
 
Attendance Update
After a few weeks of staff and pupil sickness, our health and attendance this week has fortunately improved. 

To find out what we have been learning, please click on the links to our latest class blogs:

 Sycamore Class
Hazel Class
Willow Class
Beech Class
Chestnut Class
​​Acorn Class
 
Parents – please make sure you are signed up to Dojo as this is where we post information about class and school events.
 
This half term, please support out local Brownies and see their production of Dick Whittington.

​Dates for your diary
Thursday 6th March – World Book Day – dress up and parent events in classes
Friday 21st March – Red Nose Day – school council to confirm details
Monday 12th May – Friday 16th May – SATS Week
Tuesday 17th June – Friday 20th June Y6 Cambridge Residential
Wednesday 25th June – Y6 Okehampton Transition day 1
Thursday 26th June Y6 Okehampton Transition day 2
Tuesday 1st July Sports Day (8th as a backup in case of rain!)
Tuesday 8th July KS2 Evening performance
Wednesday 9th July KS2 Evening performance
Thursday 10th July KS2 Afternoon performance
Wednesday 16th July 10 am Y6 Leavers Assembly
 
Wishing you a happy half term break
Tara Penny
Principal

Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,
 
 Chinese New Year
We learnt about Chinese New Year in assembly. We acted out the story of the Jade Emperor choosing the animals to name the years. This year is the Year of the snake. Thank you so much to Mandy, Nicki and Meradith for preparing a special Chinese New Year Lunch! We had chicken noodles, veggie wraps, Chinese fruit, biscuits and fortune cookies. We used chop sticks and listened to traditional Chinese music. The kitchen servery looked amazing, as did our chefs!

Talent Show
We are so proud of all of the children who came along to an audition over the past two weeks. We have been treated with lots of different acts and the children have enjoyed being an audience as well as performing. It takes courage to stand up and perform in front of others, so well done to them all. We can not showcase them all, so after lengthy deliberation and tough choices, the finalist are, (in no particular order) drum roll please…..
 
The Ghost Busters – William, Rupert, Eloise, Lyra and Ada
The Diamonds – Willow, Amelia, Poppy, Lola, Mia, Grace, Brooke, Delilah and Adaline
The Little Frogs - Friday afternoon Nursery
The Magnificant Magicians – Layla and Emily
Ben
Sofiia
Francesca and Friend
Raf Sheeran-  Rafie
The Crazy Dads - Clayton and Evander
The Blossoms - Lily Rose, Amelia, Tabitha, Evie May
  
Please come along to the show at 2pm next Friday.  
 
 Attendance 
 With the horrible bug doing the rounds, the attendance of children and staff has dropped dramatically. Thankfully we seem to be out of the worst of it. ​We track attendance of all children across the year. When attendance drops, we do follow up with letters and meetings, even when the absences are authorised. We always want to work with you to identify barriers and plan for improved attendance in the future. Please do not see this as anything other than us fulfilling our role to ensure children have every opportunity to thrive.
 
To find out what we have been learning, please click on the links to our latest class blogs:

 Sycamore Class
Hazel Class
Willow Class
Beech Class
Chestnut Class
​​Acorn Class
 
Parents – please make sure you are signed up to Dojo as this is where we post information about class and school events.