Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,

 It has been a short term, but it has been packed with exciting opportunities and events.
 Our runners have competed in Cross Country at Chagford. Well done to Lily Rose and Ruben for achieving bronze medals!  We have started our Ocra 13 running club after school who will be completing their 13th mile at Simmonds Park. 
 We had our first poetry recital afternoon. Each class performed a poem as a class. Some children took up the challenge to learn a poem by themselves, or with a friend. Well done to Emily Barter and Daisy MH, Ben, Albie and Louie, Sofiia, Ned, Jaxon DD, George, Tawanaishe, Miriam, Reuben, Lily Rose, Jackson H, Daisy J and Ellie May, Amelia S and Mari.
Special mentions to Amelia and Mari for writing their own poems\! Our huge thanks to Mrs Carol Hughes for coming and supporting and encouraging our performers. She declared them all winners, so in assembly they all received certificates and winner medals!
Meradeth and Tracie from our catering company  brought a van load of fruit and vegetables for us to identify and taste.
 Ross John had his winning menu cooked for us all
On our last afternoon, Nursery ran, walked, skipped and jumped their way around the huge field six times to raise money for the pond. Hazel and Sycamore cheered them on! 

To find out more about our 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.
 
 Attendance to date (since September 2024)

Well done to Beech and Sycamore for keeping above the national average!
  
Wishing you all a wonderful half term, 
​
Tara Penny
Principal 

Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,
 
This term has brought beautiful sunshine and a spring in everyone's step! A reminder that in the hot weather children should be wearing a hat, they apply their own sun cream (with supervision and support for our youngest), sunglasses are allowed (not expensive ones please) and please label water bottles. Children are encouraged to sip water throughout the day, especially when outside. We do have some shade, but if too hot, we will bring them inside at lunchtime. Please can we ask that parents of older children talk to them about personal hygiene, reducing layers and to consider deodorant or anti perspirant. The classrooms can get a bit wiffy in the afternoon!  

Wraparound Care
The children are having a wonderful time together with Kelly at our breakfast and afterschool provision. She is tailoring activities to suit children's interests and there is much fun and laughter! It is Ofsted registered, under the school number, so child care vouchers can be used.   Do sign up!
 
Poetry Recital
I have challenged the children to learn a poem and recite it! Please support this at home.  We will have a recital on Wednesday 21st May for children to impress us with their skills! Parents are welcome to attend at 2pm
 
Mr Foreman
Hazel class families are aware, but the rest of you may be wondering why you haven’t seen Mr Foreman at he gate. He has been unwell with a respiratory difficulty, but he is on the mend! I have been sending your best wishes and keeping him in touch with school news!

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
 

 Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,
 
We sadly say farewell to Adam Newland today. He has supported our school staff, children and families with strategies, referrals and guidance to ensure we work together to support all children across or school, especially those with additional needs. We wish him all the best in his new role.
  
Easter Egg Design Competition
 Congratulations to Wade and Daisy MH for winning the Easter Egg design competition. Thank you to Mandy and Nicky and the Educatering team for the fabulous prizes!

Attendance Update 
100% Attendance Certificates were awarded to Callen, Wade, Freya, Eliza, Bobby, Amelia C, Felicity, Isla F, Noah G, Able, Lily Rose, Reuben, Jackson H, Tawanaishe, Tinenyasha, Henry, Toby, Delilah, George W, Alexander for being here every day this term! Well done! 

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. 

Made - Well
​Have you been to Made Well recently? Fun for all the family - animals to see, fully accessible play area and a café which serves great coffee delicious cake! It's just beyond Hatherleigh on the road towards Meeth and Merton. It's well worth a visit!  On Sunday 20th April there will be an Easter Egg Hunt! See their website or Facebook Page for more details.  Saturday Animal Club is an absolute treat!   ​Made-Well Events | Events | Made-well, Farm, Hatherleigh, Okehampton, UK

Saints Holiday Club
A few places left for the Saints Holiday Club. 
Thu 10th April 10:00am - 3:00pm and Thu 17th April 10:00am - 3:00pm
£24 a day
See Dojo for a discount code for North Tawton School Children 
https://saints-southwest.classforkids.io/camp/1008

I reread this poem this week – it’s a great reminder to stop and enjoy the moment. I hope you find time this Easter to relax and enjoy this beautiful part of the world we are blessed to live in.
 
Leisure
by William Henry Davies
 
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
 
Happy Easter Everyone!
 
Tara Penny
Principal
 
 Dates for your diary
Tuesday 22nd April - Start of Summer Term
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 2.15pm Nursery celebration of learning
Wednesday 9th July KS2 Evening performance
Thursday 10th July KS2 Afternoon performance
Wednesday 16th July 10 am Y6 Leavers Assembly

 Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,

 Meet our Special Educational Need and Disabilities Team

​Wraparound Care
Kelly has worked hard the past two weeks to prepare a great offer for before and after school care. Due to parent need, we are opening this up to reception chidren. Please sign up!
 
 
Design a Menu Competition
Thank you all who took part in our Educatering competition to design a menu.
Well done to our worthy runners up Albie and Reuben and congratulations to Ross John for winning the competition.
 
I am really looking forward to this! 

Holiday Activities
Saints will be running two days of activities in the Easter Holidays
 Thu 10th April 10:00am - 3:00pm
Thu 17th April 10:00am - 3:00pm
£24 a day
 
North Tawton families can use the code LEO412 to receive £4 off
 
https://saints-southwest.classforkids.io/camp/1008

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.
 
 All the best 

Tara Penny
​Principal 

Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,
 
Finally, we have had some better weather! Lighter mornings and evenings, and some warmer sunshine during the day is certainly good for our spirits.
 
The children are really keen to be on the field at play and lunchtimes. They are welcome to bring a pair of wellies or old trainers to change in to while the field is still a bit damp.
  
Welcome to the team!
We have had new staff join our team this term.  Miss Amelia Nye is working in the mornings with children across KS1 and KS2, supporting learning in classes and Miss Chloe Brooking who has been a reliable supply teacher for us during staff absences, is now teaching Willow class on a Monday and Tuesday and providing PPA cover the rest of the week.
Mrs May Whybrow has made a brilliant addition to our Nursery team and Mrs Jenny Dunster is now working in our hall and playground at lunchtimes.  Also, welcome to Mr Wood, our new Saints Sports coach. He will be teaching all classes on Tuesdays and Fridays.
 
World Book Day
On Thursday we had a packed book themed day! We started the day sharing reading activities with parents in our classes. Throughout the day we have made bookmarks, had book quizzes, shared favourite books with each other, discussed books and reading, completed maths challenges with a book theme, and written in different genres. Classes joined the Bookery online with for a World Book Day celebration of stories, and we dressed up as our favourite book characters! 

For more World Book Day photos and 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.
 
Wrap around Care
I am excited to announce that we were successful in recruiting Mrs Kelly Hutton to lead wrap around care. She and I have met to discuss logistics and ensure the policy and parent agreement are ready for our launch. Watch this space!
 
Attendance Update
With at whole school attendance of 94.2% since September, we are currently just below the national average of 94.6%. Well done to Sycamore and Beech for remaining above 95% and to and Willow and Hazel who are still above national.
We expect our younger children to pick up bugs and colds in the winter months, but also that their attendance will vastly improve in this second part of the year. 

Parent Meetings
Please sign up for a parent meeting so you can discuss your child’s progress with their teacher. 

Uniform
There has been a noticeable decline in the adherence to our uniform agreement. Please can all parents ensure children are wearing the uniform as set out on our website -  Parent Information Hub
 Children can wear: a white or green polo shirt, a green sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo, with grey or black trousers, or grey or black shorts. A grey skirt or pinafore dress or green and white check dress. Grey or white socks or tights with black shoes.  Black, low-heeled boots may also be worn in Winter/adverse weather conditions.  

​PE Kit
The PE kit is a house colour T shirt, black or navy shorts, white sports socks, and trainers or pumps. You can purchase a t shirt in the colour of the house they are in.

Please ensure that all your child’s school uniform is labelled with their name.

Jewellery/Hair styles/Fashion
In the interests of safety, we do not allow children to wear jewellery in school. If ears have been pierced, studs may be worn. These should be removed/taped over before swimming. We encourage children to be independent individuals, however we request parents to consider the impact of fashion on their child’s learning and social development and ask parents to ensure their children do not wear inappropriate hairstyles or fashion items to school. Long hair should be tied back for both safety and hygiene reasons.
 
Thank you for your cooperation
 
Tara Penny
Principal 
 
 
Dates for your diary
Friday 21st March – Red Nose Day 
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
 


 

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.

Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,
 
Staffing News
Jess Nuthall will be leaving at half term for a new post. We will be very sad to see her leave and I know you will join me in thanking her for being a great class teacher and wish her all the very best in her new role. Chloe Brooking will be Willow Class teacher on Mondays and Tuesdays and will be taking classes across the school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
I am delighted to announce that we will have three other new staff joining us shortly. Jenny Dunster will be joining our mealtime staff team, May Whybrow will be joining Karen and Kath as a Nursery Teaching Assistant and Amelia Nye will be supporting children as a Teaching Assistant.
 
Talent Show
Talent Show auditions are being held over the next two weeks. Please support your children to come along and have a go! Finalists will be announced on Friday 7th February. The show will be at 2pm on Friday 14th February. Please come along and support our shining stars!
  
Class News 
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.
  
Attendance Update 

​When children are away from school, whether authorised or not, letters are sent to parents to invite them to a meeting to discuss reasons for absence. These meetings have been helpful to enable us to work together to identify barriers and plan for improved attendance in the future.
 
Burns Night
On Saturday, I will be celebrating Burns Night. This is a Scottish tradition where we celebrate Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, on his birthday.
The Selkirk Grace is a prayer written by Robert Burns which is shared on Burns Night to remind us to be thankful for the things we have.
 
Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be Thankit!
 
Which translates as:
Some have more than they need,
Some have very little
We have just what we need
Thank you, God!
 
Wishing you all very good health, or as they say in Scottish Gaelic ‘Slàinte mhath,’ pronounced Slanj-a-va!
 
Tara Penny
Principal
 
 
 
 
 

Dear North Tawton Families and Friends,

 What a busy festive December we have had at North Tawton!

 Santa Dash
We started the month with our Friends of North Tawton School Santa Dash. Great fun and got us in the Christmas spirit! Thank you to all who took part and to our FONTS for organising. Special thanks to Evie Compton for making this happen for the second year.  
Sixty took part in Friends of North Tawton School Santa Dash | creditoncourier.co.uk
  
Lights on at North Tawton
North Tawton Town looks amazing with the Christmas Tree in the square and the new Christmas lights.  Thank you to all who came and sang with the choir at the grand turning on of the lights.  
Crowd counted down for lights switch on at North Tawton | okehampton-today.co.uk
 
Pantomime Trip
A huge thank you to Miss Collins and Miss Ruby for organising for Chestnut, Beech, Willow, Hazel and Sycamore classes to see Cinderella at Exeter Northcott Theatre. This trip was subsidised by FONTS donations and school performance ticket sales.
 
Christmas Lunch
Once again, Mandy and Nicky cooked a delicious Christmas lunch for us. Turkey and veggie roast, with all the traditional trimmings. My favourite meal of the year! Thank you to FONTS for the crackers. Our school dinners really are tasty- I have at least two each week!
 
Christingle
Year Six led a very moving and meaningful Christingle at St Peter’s Church. They read the Nativity and explained the meaning of a Christingle. They sang beautifully and paraded their own Christingles.
 
Nursery Christmas Celebration
Our Nursery children were very brave and put on a Christmas Celebration show for their families. They showed their nativity pictures, shared a Christmas story, sang songs, and showed us Makaton signs too. Families then enjoyed hot chocolate and mince pies.
 
Christmas Market
We had a change of location for our FONTS Christmas market this year. Instead of being at the school, we held the stalls at the church.  Please let us know what you thought. FONTS and the school are always trying to improve our events and make them more accessible.
 
St Peter’s Church Carol Service
The evening Carol Service is quite a formal affair. Very well done to the children who attended and a special than you to our small choir who sang Silent Night. The adult choir were very impressed!
 
Carol Concert at school
The carol concert at school was very well attended by families, thank you for coming and joining in! We enjoyed singing some of our favourite traditional carols as well as some Christmas songs including our school favourite - Dominik The Donkey!
 
A Bundle of Joy
Well done to Beech and Chestnut children and staff for putting on a fantastic Nativity.  They sang beautifully, acted brilliantly and remembered their cues. The hard work from the adults at school and home as well as the children really paid off. Thank you!
 
We have also done lots of work between the festivities!  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 class and event information. 

Beech and Hazel are improving, but Sycamore is still in the lead! 18 children received certificates for 100% attendance in assembly today. 

A Fond Farewell to Mrs Budiman, Mrs Ware Miss Ruby and Mrs Curnow Clark
Please join us in thanking Mrs Budiman, Mrs Ware, Miss Ruby and Mrs Curnow Clark for all of the hard work they have given to our school and community. We wish them all the very best.
  
And welcome!
To Miss Warwick who will be teaching Chestnut Class and to Mrs Hamilton who will be teaching Beech Class. 
  
A message from Miss Florence Warwick:
Hello families, I am beyond excited to be teaching in Chestnut Class in January. I have been working in Nursery for over a year and have loved getting to know the children, team and school and using this to now begin my teaching career. I know the children in Chestnut class well from their time in Nursery and Reception last year but have also spent time reacquainting myself with all the class over the last few weeks and preparing for January which has been a privilege.  I hope to make the transition and change as positive as possible, and I look forward to seeing everyone in the new year. 
 
A message from Mrs Rebecca Hamilton:
I am excited to be taking over as the teacher for Beech class in January. My background is that after studying for an English language and literature degree, I spent a number of years teaching English in France. Since moving back to England, I have also taught in primary schools in Devon.  As a teacher, I enjoy teaching every subject across the curriculum. However, I am particularly looking forward to teaching English, sharing my passion for stories and finding out about all the books your children love to read. In January, I will be building on the fantastic work the children have already started this term. I will also be keeping you updated about what we will be learning.  I look forward to getting to know you and your child.

We are also excited to welcome Mrs Jenny Dunster who will be joining our meal time assistant team and Mrs Chloe Ashford who will be joining as a teaching assistant. 
 
Look after yourself, and each other 
I saw these on Facebook this week and thought it was a good reminder for us all to look after ourselves and each other at this time of year:

I find this prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson very helpful at this time of year
 
Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
  
I  wish every member of our North Tawton Community a very gentle holiday period. 
Buon Natale
Веселого Різдва
Wesołych Świąt
Kisimusi yakanaka
Nadolig Llawen
Joyeux noël
  
Tara Penny
Principal
 
 Upcoming Dates: 
January
Tuesday 7th January – Back to School
Wednesday 8th January at 5.30pm - Y6 Residential Parent meeting at North Tawton