Spring Term Newsletter No.01 Friday 6th January 2023

on January 9, 2023

Spring Term Newsletter No.01 Friday 6th January 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,

Happy New Year! ��

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2023. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and a fun-filled New Year with your families. The new year brings the promise of so much more to come, and that is certainly the case this term.

I would like to start by saying a humungous thank you from myself and all the staff for your generosity at the end of last term; the cards, gifts and well-wishes given are very much appreciated.

The after-school clubs’ letter has been sent out today, which contains details of the Premier Sport and teacher-led clubs available after school. Both schools continue to fully subsidise the Premier Sport clubs and teachers run clubs in their own time too. I would like to thank the staff at both schools for offering their time for the enrichment of our children. As always, clubs are on a first-come, first-served basis, so do sign up quickly, or run the risk of being on the dreaded “reserve list”. When joining a club, your child is making a commitment to attend every session (barring unforeseen events of course); if attendance is patchy, their place may be offered to another child. Do keep an eye out for the booking link for Stage School too, which has been sent out with a separate letter today. You can book a place using the link set up by Wellington School; payment for the term is required upon booking.

Next week sees our intrepid year 5 & 6 children return to Uffculme for more basketball-based action. The two teams have developed confidence and cooperation over their previous matches with courage often needed when trying to make the ball your own against the wishes of a competitor. The best of luck to both teams.

Both PTFAs have meetings coming up in the next few weeks. If you are interested in joining either Burlescombe’s or Webber’s essential association to help plan the fund-raising events that will be held throughout the year, please enquire at either school office as I know you would be most welcome.

Next Friday 13th January, KS2 children from Webber’s will start their weekly visit to Tiverton swimming pool for this term. There are 3 swimming instructors at the pool and Mrs. Hunter will be teaching a group of the younger children too. I would like to thank the PTFA for fully subsidising the cost of the coach to transport children to the pool every week. Swimming is an

essential life skill and an important part of the PE curriculum – please see the separate letter that has been sent if you require further details, or contact Webber’s school office.

Children in year 5 & 6 received a lovely surprise at the end of the autumn term; they were introduced to their new Chromebooks, which were received very well indeed. This is an Alumnis initiative, part of the Digital & Innovation Cornerstone in our curriculum and will help children become creators of learning with tools that build upon what

teachers are already doing. As children begin to use the Chromebooks more, they will support accessibility, increase engagement with all stakeholders through shared portfolios, and help to build future-ready skills. Audio, video, and screen recording will be used to make thinking visible; photos can easily capture hands-on learning and files can be uploaded to each child’s own secure area to keep evidence of developing mastery in one place and help to show children their progress over weeks, months and even years. These are indeed exciting times in the evolving world of education!

Thursday 19th January is our school Census Day and the Government-sponsored free school meal count in EYFS/KS1 is very important to us. Please can I ask everyone in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 to have a school lunch – it is free and delicious too! If you have had a change of circumstance and may be eligible for free school meals, whether your child is in the EYFS, KS1 or KS2, do please talk to our admin team.

Curriculum Information letters, which detail the different areas of learning for children in each class this term, will be sent to you on Monday, so do keep an eye out for them and talk with your child about what they have been getting up to in school.

Kind regards,

Mr. Roffey

Head Teacher

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Communications sent out this week

Swimming Letter

Stage School Letter

Clubs Information Letter

Chromebook Agreement Template Letter

This week’s TEAM POINT winners are WEBBER’S: BURLESCOMBE:
STARS OF THE WEEK
WEBBER’S			BURLESCOMBE
Class 1			Acorns
Year 2
Class 2			Squirrels
Class 3			Oaks

After our first full week back, details will be included above.

Diary Dates
Tues 10th January	Uffculme School	Yr5/6 High 5s & Basketball – 3.15pm – 5pm
Thurs 12th January	Webber’s	PTFA Meeting 7.30pm
Fri 13th January	Webber’s	KS2 Swimming at Tiverton Pool
Tues 17th January	Uffculme School	Yr5/6 Sports Hall Athletics – 1.30pm – 3pm (selected squad of 6 boys and 6 girls)
Tues 17th January	Burlescombe	PTFA Meeting 7.30pm
Thurs 19th January	Both schools	Census Day
Fri 20th January	Webber’s	KS2 Swimming at Tiverton Pool
Fri 27th January	Webber’s	KS2 Swimming at Tiverton Pool
Fri 3rd February	Webber’s	KS2 Swimming at Tiverton Pool
Tues 7th February	Uffculme School	Yr1 Multi-Skills event 1.30pm – 3pm.
Wed 8th February	Webber’s	CVSA Yr3/4/5/6 Swimming Gala – Tiverton Pool – Time TBC
Fri 10th February	Webber’s	KS2 Swimming at Tiverton Pool

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CHILDREN’S CORNER

Young Martial Artists

Congratulations to pupils from Webber’s Primary School on grading to yellow belt in the art of Kenpo. The young martial artists train on Tuesday evenings at Holcombe Rogus Village Hall. This achievement was after 4 months of hard work and dedication to the art and culminated in an award of yellow belt presented by an 8th Degree Kenpo Master.

The standard and commitment of junior students at Kenpo Connection Martial Arts UK was outstanding – well done to all! The students are now training hard for their next grade of orange belt planned for this summer.

Mrs E Farley 6th Degree (Kenpo enquiries robwalsh55@btinternet.com)

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Community Section

Campaign to create the Holcombe Rogus Hub

A campaign has been launched with the aim of buying the Prince of Wales pub and turning it into a community business with a café and shop – the Holcombe Rogus Hub.

A community share offer has been opened, where anyone can invest in the future of the hub and become a member with a say in how it’s run.

The team are also running events, gathering donations and pursuing grants.

For all the information head to www.HolcombeRogusHub.co.uk.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas, please send them to info@HolcombeRogusHub.co.uk.