It was quite special celebrating the end of our Positive value half term in an assembly today and seeing children receiving awards. Well done to Caya for receiving the Values Cup for being so positive and always seeing and celebrating the best in others.

Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? If you, please see here for a dental surgery that is accepting new patients.

When we return after half term, please continue to park respectfully for our neighbours and remember that Kingsley Avenue is private road that you are not permitted to park on when collecting or dropping off your children. If you need a parking permit for Odun Road, please contact the school office.

For our most recent attendance newsletter please see here.

Dates for the diary:

• Half term theatre workshop Monday 16th February, Shirwell Village Hall see here
• Half term sports camps at Bideford Blues, Sandymere, EX39 1XX on the 16th and 18th February see here
• The Northam Burrows rangers run free family events and on Tuesday 17th February they will have crafts, games and stories at the Northam Burrows visitor centre – all on the theme of ‘magnificent mice’! see here and Thursday 19th February the Northam Burrows Rangers will be on the rocky shore near Westward Ho! slipway to lead a rock pool ramble see here. Both events will take place from 2pm to 4pm and are free to attend.
• Half term free Safari Storytime and Play, ages 4-11, 10am-12.30pm, Tuesday 17th February, St Mary’s Hall, Appledore see here
• Big Brush Club – Free Oral Health Webinar for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children 10am 28th February see here
• World Book Day – Thursday 5th March – Children in FSU and KS1 (Turtles, Dolphins, Year 1, Year 2) children can come to school dressed in pyjamas ready for a bedtime story.  KS2 children (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) can choose whether they wear pyjamas or come dressed as a character from a book they have read.
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Wishing you all a good (and dry, perhaps) half term.

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff (more…)

Dear parents and carers

Next half term our value is Healthy and children will continue to learn about how they can keep themselves safe and healthy. Included within this is the statutory curriculum for relationship, sex and health education.

To support you with understanding what will be taught and to address initial questions and concerns we have published information, including relevant outline lesson plans and FAQs, on our school website

The lesson plans content meets the Department of Education statutory requirements of what we have to teach and the timing of the content, which may have been earlier than some expect, is based on guidance that ensures children become aware of what they need to know before it could happen, e.g. girls menstruating.

The lessons are designed to ensure children are safe and safeguarded and delivered sensitively and in a way to eliminate stigma, which is why lessons will be taught to boys and girls. Opportunities for children to ask questions 1:1 or in small same sex groups will be provided if proving necessary.

Please follow the links to understand what will be taught and to prepare yourself for questions your children may ask following their lessons. If you have any questions, please email admin@appledoreprimary.co.uk and we will respond asap and prior to the delivery of the lessons.

A week of rain dodging has not stopped another busy week here. Please read the around the classes section to find out what has been going on in each classroom.

Next half term our value is Healthy and children will continue to learn about how they can keep themselves safe and healthy. Included within this is the statutory curriculum for relationship, sex and health education. Please see here for more information, including lesson content.

Dates for the diary:

• Half term theatre workshop Monday 16th February, Shirwell Village Hall see here
• Half term sports camps at Bideford Blues, Sandymere, EX39 1XX on the 16th and 18th February see here
• Half term free Safari Storytime and Play, ages 4-11, 10am-12.30pm, Tuesday 17th February, St Mary’s Hall, Appledore see here
• World Book Day – Thursday 5th March – Children in FSU and KS1 (Turtles, Dolphins, Year 1, Year 2) children can come to school dressed in pyjamas ready for a bedtime story.  KS2 children (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) can choose whether they wear pyjamas or come dressed as a character from a book they have read.
• Sports Day Wednesday 20th May all day for Years 1-6 and the afternoon for Reception/Dolphins. Tuesday 16th June is back-up day should the weather be bad in May. More details to follow nearer the time.

Have a good weekend everybody.

From Jeremy Cooper and all the children and staff

(more…)