African Drumming with Dennis

The week before half term was very busy starting with the year 4 children visiting the Egyptian Exhibition in London. Travelling by train and the tube was a great adventure and for some children a whole new experience. Although a little tired, the children were buzzing the next day telling everyone about their experiences and what they had found out.

We were all excited to hear that both our year 5 and 6 Kwik cricket teams got through to the County finals in Newton Abbot. Sport is a strength at Kentisbeare School but, along with swimming, cricket is a passion! I might go along to support.

On Thursday a group of year 3/4 children went to visit our friends at Shaftsbury School in Newham. For some of these children it was their second visit to London this week. They all stayed overnight and had a fantastic time. I'll post some photos soon and I' sure Miss Dudley and Mrs Thompson will put more on the website.

The children that didn't go to London went with Mrs P to a Bio-science Day at Exeter University. They too had a great day being 'mad scientists' and I think the teachers and adult helpers were equally excited.

Also in school Mrs Bastin organised a visit from African drummer, Denis. During the day he worked with different classes; telling stories of his childhood, facts about Africa and Uganda where he was born. He taught them songs and they all played the drums, loudly! Perhaps I should have warned the neighbours.

As you see here is always a lot going on at school.

Another short week after the Royal wedding and I'm still trying to get into a routine- hence missing writing my blog last Sunday.

Last week was very quiet in school with SATs in years 2-6 and our Foundation and year 1 children out of school on day trips. I know the younger children had an enjoyable time but I'm not sure about the rest. The year 6 tests seemed quite hard this year particularly the maths papers but they are all over now for another year. It is such a shame that children and schools are judged on their performance in these tests when so much more, relevant learning goes on which is not celebrated. SATs are just a snapshot of how a child performs on that particular day but teacher ongoing assessments are far more accurate.

I've just come back from The Tiverton Imps Gala where a squad of our children took part. Our children did well and some of them represented school and their swimming club. We bring back to school a trophy for fastest relay and some children won individual medals. We will share our experiences and successes in Assembly tomorrow.

Next week I have lots of meetings after school. Looking at the diary I think there is an equally busy time during school time too. I'll let you know more next week.

Weekend celebrations

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I know some of you had street parties to celebrate the Royal wedding. I admit I thoroughly enjoyed the whole occasion on the television. Mrs Thompson travelled to London on Thursday night and soaked up the atmosphere on the crowded streets.

After the wedding celebrations Mrs T travelled back to Devon to support our children who 'endured' the Exmoor Challenge on the Saturday. The weather was fine for walking but most of the children found it hard going despite all the practice walks. Their perseverance and determination to complete the 16 miles is worthy of praise. I will post team photos when I get them.

Parent Pay has got off to a great start but I understand that some parents have some concerns about the implementation of our new system.

We’re very proud to be the first primary school in Devon to go live with parent pay and we believe that it will assist us in becoming more efficient in an environment when there are enormous pressures on us to find savings with very little room for manoeuvre.

Although there may be initial teething issues the projected savings on admin time will free up staff for other important tasks. We also believe that it will save time for parents too as the facility is there 24 hours a day.

Any initiative that helps us to become more efficient frees up funds to be spent where they are most on important, on the children.

Many of you will already be familiar with Parent pay as Uffculme have used it for a few years now. For those of you with children starting at Uffculme in the future it will be good practice for you!

Soon we will be setting up the school shop which will make it easier for you to order and pay for uniform and other school merchandise.

Have a good week.

SUMMER TERM BEGINS

Hope you all had an excellent Easter break and are ready for the new term ahead. What fantastic weather we have had and here's hoping it continues well into the next term.


I've spent a lot of time gardening and Spring cleaning. On Good Friday I had the most exhilarating experience- a hot air balloon ride. It was a birthday present from my husband and the day couldn't have been more perfect. I admit I was a little apprehensive about the whole thing but once in the air - wow- it was amazing

Have a good first week back.

Tracey Hailey


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Happy Easter

The end of term was well received by everyone. Both children and staff are in need of a well earned rest. It would be great if the weather stayed as warm and sunny as it has been this last week.

The children who play violin put on an excellent concert for the school and their parents. A big thank you to Sue Rivett who puts in a lot of extra hours to make it happen.

The Spring Fayre and Easter Egg Hunt went smoothly all down to the hard work of the Kentisbeare School Association. £700 was raised towards school resources.

The Easter Service at St. Mary's Church was led by the year 3 children. They did really well and the whole school sang the Easter songs with great enthusiasm. An excellent end to the Spring Term.

The staff and governors of Kentisbeare School wish you all a Happy Easter and look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 26th April.

Helping to send aid to Japan.

On Thursday we brought in all our loose change and created lines in the playground- 'very artistic'. The final count was £330 towards a Shelterbox to send out to help those who are homeless in Japan. On the Friday the village continued the coin trail and set up a cake stall - adding to the Shelterbox fund. Thank you to all who brought in change and spent the evening baking.

'Place as many coins as you can - we're raising money for Japan'

Next week we have the Easter Egg Hunt and Fayre on Thursday-hope to see you there. Last day of term Friday- Easter Service 11am at St.Mary's Church, Kentisbeare.