Last weekend was extremely busy as Stephen and I travelled to Hertfordshire. We stayed with his mum .On Saturday we went to see The Levellers at Bedford Corn Exchange which was brilliant. We have seen them countless times and will again no doubt.

On Sunday we went for a long walk around the Knebworth area. Photo is of Knebworth House now more famous worldwide for its rock concerts . It was also the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton - author of the words "The pen is mightier than the sword".When I worked in Hertfordshire I used to take children on visits frequently but I've never been to a concert there.

On Monday we travelled into London for a meal and to see Les Miserables. Wow it was amazing. If you are planning a visit to London you should put it on your 'must do' list.

Back home now contemplating sowing some seeds and perhaps painting the kitchen walls. The latter I've been planning to do since Christmas but still haven't taken the lid off the tin yet. The sun is coming out as I write this. Its great to see some blue sky at last.Perhaps I'll potter around in the garden instead. Instead of painting that is!

Thank you for all the cards and lovely presents and for making my birthday really special. The basket of flowers was presented to me in Assembly before I disappeared for the rest of the week to attend Headteacher and Learning Community meetings.

The Valentine 's disco was well attended and very much enjoyed by the children. Well done to all the KSA members and staff that made the event such a success. After the disco I was treated to a surprise meal at the Keepers Cottage by some staff and governors. It was an excellent evening all round.

Next week there are lots of trips out. Year 4 are going to visit Sandy Park, Year 5 and 6 will be spending a day in Exeter visiting the cathedral and underground passages as part of their topic work this term. A squad of KS2 children will be representing the school at the Culm Valley Learning Community Swimming Gala at Tiverton. I look forward to going to this and expect I will see some of you there.

Friday is a non-uniform day raising money for the Eco Council. The theme is Eco Warrior so use your imagination!

Have a good week.

My girls enjoying the garden........

and 1 for the pot!
(not really)

On Saturday children and staff braved the weather around Withypool building up for the Exmoor Challenge at the end of April. Meanwhile I was chicken and stayed at home.

Next week starts with a visit from the schools' library service. Nicola (librarian) will be visiting most classes enthusing the children with her passion for books and leaving us lots of new titles for specific year groups.

The year 6 will be visiting Uffculme to do maths with Laurence Eve building on the work he has done with them at Kentisbeare.

The year 5 children have been working with dancer Mandi from Daisy and I'm looking forward to going to the Barnfield Theatre to see them perform along with other talented Devon children and young adults. Look out for the date in future newsletters.

Tuesday is Internet Safety Day and we intend to raise awareness in assemblies and class activities.

I'll be away from school the rest of the week with other headteachers in the Culm Valley attending briefings on future funding, organisation of the local authority and the possible impact on schools.

Have a good week.

Well done everyone.

Sponsorship money has been pouring in from the swimming event. The children involved did so well and all the money raised will be spent on small playground equipment and possibly seating. I think the School Council (co-ordinated by Mrs Ainsworth) are busy deciding how it will be spent and I'll let you know as soon as they tell me!

On Friday the Recycling Bag2school Campaign was a great success. You all managed to hand in 840kg which has raised £420 towards our Eco Projects for this year. The Eco Council will decide how this will be spent. Mrs P has planned another collection before the year ends so hang on to all your cast offs until then.

Thursday and Friday were quite busy for me so I haven't chattered to the staff regarding what's been happening. Perhaps me being away for a few days was the high light of the week!

The Quiz Night was great. Not because my husband wrote it but because it was a great atmosphere. Perhaps we should hold more events like this in the school hall instead of the village hall. After the heating kicked in it was really cosy and the evening ran smoothly. Well done to the KSA and members of the school and village community who came along.

Next KSA event - Valentines Disco- sadly I'll miss that one but Mr White will be there in my place!

It could be Spring

I have enjoyed my walks with the dog this weekend and it feels almost like Spring is here. Of course it's only the end of January and no doubt there will be more sharp frosts and possibly more snow ahead.

The KSA Film Night went well on Friday I was sad to miss it. I think because of its success there will be more similar events booked in the future. I went to a farewell dinner for one of my headteacher colleagues. It was a great evening.

The weekend has been very quiet as my husband is visiting family and friends in Hertfordshire. I have quite enjoyed going out with the dog, pottering around the house and of course having full control of the TV remote.



Have a good week.

A really good turn out for the KSA meeting last week with lots of events planned for this term. The week seemed to go quickly and so too did this weekend hence writing my blog so late on Sunday evening.

On Saturday the sponsored swim was well supported and the children did really well. The children collectively swam over 50 miles, far more than we anticipated. I think some of you underestimated how many lengths your children would do. The School Council will decide on how the money raised will be spent. A big thank you to all the children who took part, all the parents who supported them and my dedicated staff. Also thank you to members of Exmouth Swimming Club who gave up their valuable time to supervise the swimmers and support the event.

On Sunday, together with many others, I attended Evensong at Exeter Cathedral and the installation of Anna Norman-Walker as a Residentiary Canon. Kentisbeare School was very sad to lose the Reverend Anna as she is well loved by the children and staff. I know she will make a valuable contribution in her new role and no doubt we will find opportunities to go and visit her. In fact the year 5 and 6 children are off to Exeter in a few weeks and the Cathedral is number 1 on their list.

Enjoy the week ahead.

The new term begins

Not going anywhere in a hurry!

Still at home with husband and Thomas. Those Christmas presents that I didn't manage to buy at the Christmas Fayre- I still haven't bought! My shopping list still sits on the kitchen table and includes turkey, sprouts and all the rest of Christmas dinner. Taken the dog for lots of walks he loves the snow although it is very deep today.

Snow

Views from all around my house.

Not quite prepared to be snowed in!

Victorian Christmas

Chair of Governors with Santa

The last few days of the term were rather hectic. The Christmas Cracker Fayre went well all thanks to a dedicated KSA committee and helpers. Spent most of the evening in Santa's Grotto taking photos so my plans to do some Christmas shopping didn't happen. Everyone had a lovely evening and I'm pleased we went ahead with it.

The year 3 /4 Candlelit Victorian Carol Service was great. The KSA served mince pies and mulled wine and the children entertained their guests with traditional carols, extracts from 'A Christmas Carol' and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. Both evenings were excellent. Well done children and teachers.

On Wednesday we had our school Christmas Dinner. This is always well received particularly as Father Christmas pays a visit in the afternoon bringing presents to everyone.

On Thursday morning we held our end of term service at Saint Mary's. Sadly the Reverend Pam was unwell and unable to attend. The children who took the service were excellent. In the afternoon the foundation class and year 1 children went to the theatre to see 'Room on a Broom'. They all had a lovely time and this was a perfect end to the term.

We were fortunate to finish on the Thursday as during the night along came the snow. Lots of it and I have been unable to drive anywhere since then. The views from my house are spectacular and the lanes thick with deep untouched snow. My dog loves it. Not sure if I am sufficiently prepared for hibernation though. Freezer full but no turkey or sprouts!

Have a great Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Peace Child

Busy, busy week.

Monday was fairly quiet although there were already staff and children absent with a variety of ailments ranging from sore throats , coughs, high temperatures and sickness. By the end of the week there were 65 children absent and 5 staff which made it increasingly difficult for the year 5/6 performances on Thursday and Friday. Despite this, the performances were superb. Each night different children stood in for those who were absent. Both evenings were fabulous and I am very proud of both the children and staff that made this happen. Well done to you all.

On Wednesday I accompanied the Key Stage 2 children to the Brewhouse Theatre to watch the 'Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. This was an excellent production and we all had a great time. In the afternoon the Year 6 and myself went to see the Foundation and Key Stage 1 Nativity, 'Born in a Barn'. You can't help shedding a few tears here and I can't wait to have a copy of the DVD. All thanks to Mrs Botrill who recorded all performances in order to sell them and raise money for the school. If you haven't ordered a copy pop into the office next week or talk to Mrs Botrill.

On a more trivial matter, I have had a quiet weekend catching up on my favourite soap 'Coronation Street' and watching the finals of Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor. How sad am I?

On Monday this week (6-8pm) I hope you will all attend the Christmas Cracker Fayre which has plenty of stalls, refreshments and of course a visit from FC himself. On Tuesday and Wednesday evening years 3 and 4 entertain us all with a more traditional Christmas Carol Service which I am looking forward to. Refreshments will be served by the KSA and includes mince pies and mulled wine. Again all proceeds will go to school priorities. On Thursday everyone is welcome to our end of term service at St. Mary's Church starts 10.30am. In the afternoon Foundation and year 1 will be going to the theatre to see 'Room on a Broom'.

Enjoy the week and I hope to see you at some of the events.

p.s. I will post more photos during the week . There should also be photos in the Gazette and the Mid- Devon Star so look out for them.

Winter Wonderland

The lanes where I live.

My oil tank!

Getting ready for Christmas

Year 3 making Christmas Wreaths
.

Year 6 Painting the scenery for Peace Child.

Beginning to feel alot like Christmas!

On Wednesday evening I went to the Cullompton Community College Christmas Market and Food Fair. The event was fabulously well attended and a great success. Very well done to Ruth Squires and the other members of the Cullompton School PTFA who I know worked very hard in organising and promoting this event.

Thursday morning we all woke up to snow and although it looked beautiful it caused the usual chaos on the roads. The children from the outer villages enjoyed the snow at home as all the buses were cancelled. Myself and some other staff left at lunch time because we live in remote locations where access can be difficult. I haven't been in since! The lanes are sheer ice and even today there has been no change.


Meanwhile in school last week those who made it were busy getting ready for the school plays and making scenery and props. The children have also been making Christmas Wreaths as part of the Outdoor Learning Programme.


They had intended to sell them at the Christmas Cracker Fayre but sadly we had to postpone the evening because of the weather conditions. We have managed to book another date which will be confirmed on Monday. Although the KSA were very disappointed I hope that many of you enjoyed the Turkeys that had been already prepared. The staff and myself really appreciate all the effort that the KSA put in and hope that you will support them by coming to the rearranged Christmas Cracker Fayre if you can.

Lots happening next week: Foundation and KS1 Nativity, KS2 visit to the theatre to see 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', and the KS2 performances of the Peace Child.

The wintry weather is here and I haven't left the house all weekend except for letting the chickens out. My dog, Thomas, is staring at me as I type but I'm avoiding eye contact because he's still waiting for 'the grand day out'.

School was busy last week and filled with the sound of children singing and practicing their parts in the school productions. The music room is above my office and throughout most weeks I 'enjoy' a variety of tunes on a range of instruments starting with piano and ending with drumming! Concentrating with the latter is really difficult so I tend to spend Fridays around the school and visiting the children in the Foundation stage. On Fridays the pre-school children spend some time with Mrs A in preparation for starting school in January and it's a great opportunity for me to start learning their names.

Sparklers in the Glade went well on Friday evening, despite the weather, and it was lovely to see the year 6 children looking after their buddies. The evening was a great opportunity for staff to meet new parents . It was so cold I spent most of my time around the campfire or hugging the Cob Oven!

Next Friday(6pm-8pm) we have the Christmas Cracker Fayre which is always well attended. I'll probably start my Christmas shopping then. The Kentisbeare School Association (KSA) have been busy preparing the event and it would be great to see you all there.

I am really impressed with the new KSA facebook page set up by Helen Botrill, the new chair and supported by the pro-active committee. All Kentisbeare parents are automatically members of the KSA but if you wish to access the page you need to be invited into the group by other members. The committee are hoping that this will be a great outlet to share information regarding events they are holding. Any questions or queries please contact Helen Botrill or other members of the committee.

Have a good week and keep warm. The dog has taken my husband for a walk around Killerton!

Tracey Hailey

The highlight of the children's week was obviously Friday when they supported Children in Need. The school council organised the day and invited children to 'Wear Spots' for the day and bring in a pound towards this worthy charity. They also organised a cake stall for the end of the day which was well supported. Many thanks to all the children and adults who helped make the day a success. Next week I'll tell you how much we raised and post a few photographs too.

Mrs Ainsworth was Forest School Training again this week which I know will have a great impact on the Outdoor Learning Programme(OLP) for Foundation and Key Stage 1 children. The OLP is working well in Key Stage 2 organised and run by Mrs Postlethwaite.Mr White and I attended a course on 21st Century Curriculum run by Chris Quigley. It was an inspirational day and also reassuring in many ways because it was very much in line with what we are trying to achieve at Kentisbeare. We came away with fresh ideas to discuss with staff.Throughout the year staff attend courses and meetings some of them compulsory but others to extend their own professional development and enrich the learning for our children.

Also last week I spent many hours in meetings with colleagues from neighbouring schools and at the Devon Association of Primary Headings briefing. Much of the discussion and concern was about how schools will continue to meet the needs of the children in this period of financial restraint. During the last 12 years budgets have increased and many initiatives have been introduced into schools. Daily I hear on the news ' what's in and what's now out' but many of the things we have introduced at Kentisbeare work well. We are all experiencing a period of uncertainty under new leadership but one thing is for sure all schools will be expected to cut spending costs but increase efficiency.

Don't forget Next Friday 26th November is another non-uniform day. For the privilege of wearing what you like children need to bring a bottle for the Tombola at the Christmas Fayre, which is on Friday 3rd December 6-8pm.

Last week felt very long mainly because of wet play-times. Sadly the weekend weather has been equally grim.Unfortunately we had to cancel 'Sparklers in the Glade' on Friday but hope to find another evening before Christmas.

The week started well with the year 5/6 athletic team winning the indoor tournament at Uffculme Secondary. Medals were awarded in our Celebration Assembly.

On Tuesday the year 3/4 children had a visit from the Really Wild Show as part of their work on Habitats and Rainforests. Everyone had a fantastic time and I'm pleased to say all beasties were accounted for at the end of the day.

It was lovely showing around prospective parents this week who were very complimentary about the school, the pupils and all we do.

I am pleased to say that on Thursday evening the Kentisbeare School Association (KSA)Meeting was well attended and we now have a complete committee and the support of many. If you couldn't make this meeting but are happy to help at events please contact the school or speak directly to the Chair Helen Botrell.

As part of our Remembrance Day Collective Worship we held a 2 minute silence and I felt very proud of how all our children, including the 4 year olds were able to show respect in this way.

The year 6 had a visit from Caroline Atkins, England International Cricketer who worked with the childen and plans to return again soon. The year 4 children are taking part in a 'Maths through Rugby' scheme which involves a player from Exeter Chiefs working with the children. It has been great so far and who knows maybe he can get the rest of the team to pay us a visit before the end of term.

Rehearsals for the Christmas Productions have started and the KSA are planning the Christmas Cracker Fayre. Before this we will be supporting Children in Need by having a non uniform day on Friday 19th November. The schools involvement has been planned by the School Council and they would like all the children and adults to wear spotty clothing and bring a contribution of 50p for this excellent charity.

Another busy week. Hopefully a dry one.

A busy time for everyone last week with 2 late evenings with parents. I enjoyed chatting to many parents who were waiting for their appointments. It's always great to catch up on news particularly about ex-pupils who have gone on to secondary school.

I also enjoyed meeting parents of our January starters who attended our information evening on Thursday. Mrs Ainsworth (class teacher) led the session, handed out our Welcome Pack and answered any questions. Both evenings went well and I received a positive response from many parents regarding our Outdoor Learning Programme which has been running since September.

The OLP is a culmination of initiatives we have implemented over the years: Forest School, Eco schools, Sustainable schools development and so on. Each year group in KS2 has an afternoon working on the OLP and the feedback from the children and parents has been excellent. We intend to do the same in Fondation and KS1 one the staff training is completed.

Bikeability training also took place this week for our year 6 children. This was quite an intense course but very worth while. The children will be presented with their certificates next week.

Also next week don't forget the Kentisbeare School Association (KSA) meeting on Thursday 11th November in the school hall. We really do need your support.

I'm looking forward to Friday when our September and January starters are invited to a 'Sparklers in the Glade' evening. We have done this for several years now and it has been great. Food cooked outside and an opportunity for parents to meet each other, the staff and the year 6 buddies.

Have a good week.

Thank you to all the parent volunteers and staff who gave up the first day of the holidays to help tidy up the school grounds. I know I speak for all the staff and governors when I say how much your support is appreciated. The rest of the week I enjoyed walking on Dartmoor and visiting other areas of interest with family.

Look forward to seeing you all on Monday. Don't forget Parent Evenings this week. If you can't make any of these days please telephone the office and we can make an alternative arrangement.