As my first Blog of this academic year, and only a few days in, I just wanted to welcome you all back and to let you know how well your children have settled into their new classes. They have met up with missed friends and have warmly welcomed all new pupils, to their own classes. This will be the first week for our new Foundation children and their parents as well as some new families. I am sure we will all give them the warm welcome that is Wembury.

As you can see my office was invaded by these delightful Foundation children. (It was a bit of a squash and a squeeze!)

Wedding Bells!

As some of you may know, Mr Greg Chantler got married in Bali over the summer. Congratulations to both Mr Chantler and his lovely wife Abbi.

Building Works Continue

As you can see some external work has been carried out over the holiday;

• The swimming pool changing room has gone! Ground works, with new water and electric connections have been made ready for the arrival of our new changing rooms, which are in the final stages of construction. All internal and exterior work is completed before arrival, and the main task will be connections. (As well as getting it into situ!) In order for this to be a smooth as possible the likelihood it will be the autumn half term, for this to be achieved. In the meantime please take care if you are using the path directly next to this work.
• Other work completed was the re-levelling of the pathway into the KS2 playground and the levelling and renewal of slabs in the ‘quiet area.’ Additional fencing has been installed in areas around the site, in order to maintain safety for all and improve aesthetics. (Hopefully without looking like Fort Knox!?)
• The pond has been filled in and will be relocated into the Forest School area, at a later stage, once decisions and confirmation of plans for renewed EYFS/KS1 classrooms and play areas have been decided, and in the hope that through WeST we can attract the additional funding, to that we are already assigned, to complete this. (If we get the go ahead, after eight years of trying, this should commence next summer.) The vision is that through this Wembury, as a village, can meet the growing need and demand of provision for 2 year olds to 11 year olds.
• Internally there has been some painting, including the girls’ toilets. However if you think you notice a smell it’s not gas! (We have had gas engineers in checking.) Unfortunately it appears it is the paint that smells and as a consequence they will need re-painting!

Massive thanks have to go to our governor Mr Martin Luck, for overseeing the major works, and to Terry Clarke and another Martin, for additional work. With everyone’s ongoing hard work you would never know that the school is still a temporary building, and has been since its installation in the mid-sixties!

Pupils' Roles & Responsibilities

On Friday the children elected their House Captains. They are;

Staff and children also voted for Prefects. They are;

Alexis Houghton, Ruby Core, Eddie Fielding, Jo Young, Grace Freeland, Rowan Stansell, Imogen Sims, Ella Seddon, Phoebe Core, Anna Tall, Robyn Jones, Lila Skilton-Dower.

A massive congratulations has to go to all nominations for the House Captains, and their persuasive speeches. And of course to the Prefects, in recognition of the responsibilities of this role. Well done all! Over the coming weeks we will also be voting for and nominating the new School Council, class representatives and Bronze Ambassadors. Then Librarians, and Playground Monitors and Playleaders.

Return of data collection/permission forms

A reminder that all forms requiring signatures need to be returned, in order for your child/children to be able to access and use IT, attend trips and visits. Please could you also ensure that the office has more than one up-to-date contact details, new addresses, mobile numbers and emails in order to communicate effectively and appropriately as well as a requirement for safeguarding children. Thank  you.

Awful Auntie

For pupils in Years 2 - 6 we have managed to reserve tickets for a performance of 'Awful Auntie' by David Walliams, which will be taking place in the Theatre Royal Plymouth, on Thursday 6th December @ 1.30pm. parents of these classes should have received an email with letter, enclosing further details. Please follow this link if you did not receive such email. (It may also be because we need to update contact details.)

AWFUL AUNTIE link.

WeST

As you know Wembury is a partner school in WeST (Westcountry Schools Trust). This term WeST has officially welcomed Sherford & Holbeton schools to the Trust.  We have already been working with these schools so it is great that they are now part of this family of schools - '...stronger together.'  

As you know Wembury is leading the way with Maths Mastery, with Mrs Susie Jackson as Maths Lead, and being a representative school of support and good practice through the Cornwall and East Devon Maths Hub. Mr Chantler has also gained training to become a Maths Mastery Specialist Teacher.

WeST has been successful in a bid to gain funding for a project and additional resources for all its primary schools. This will ensure that all schools have access to the same, valuable resources, (both in terms of quality and expense) which support the planning and delivery of mastery. Our expectation is that our pupils become -

'Well-reasoned, Mathematical Problem Solving, Mathematicians.’

FroWS

Staff would like to thank FroWS for the £100 for each class, that has been donated to fund additional resources for each class. As you know they do an amazing job at raising additional funds for the school, through the organisation of events, which ultimately provides resources for our children, to enhance their learning and experiences. 

The current committee will be holding their AGM this Thursday 13th September @ 8.00pm, The Odd Wheel Pub, where they shall be looking for new members, to continue their good work. As you know they continually rely upon the support of parents and staff; it would be lovely to see new faces and glean new ideas. All welcome.

Contact FroWS here.