In our PSHE lessons this term, we will be discussing the NSPCC’s Underwear Rule. This is designed to teach pupils how to stay safe from sexual abuse, without giving explicit information or telling scary stories or even using the term “sexual abuse.” In the lesson, children will learn about the ‘PANTS’ acrostic, which stands for:

• Privates are private
• Always remember your body belongs to you
• No means no
• Talk about secrets that upset you
• Speak up, someone can help

The lessons will introduce a range of ideas, all delivered in a way that’s fully age-appropriate. These include:

• “appropriate” and “inappropriate” touching 
• your child’s right to say no to things that make them feel upset or uncomfortable 
• naming parts of the body 
• who your child can turn to if they ever feel upset or worried.

If you would like to know more about the NSPCC’s campaign and see how you can help keep your children safe in partnership with your child’s school, more information can be found by clicking here for the parent guide or clicking here to view a short film on the NSPCC website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your child’s class teacher.

Please read on to find out about the Christmas Jolly, Shoebox Appeal, what has been happening in and around the classes and much, much more…

 First half of the autumn term.

We stayed down in the summer camp for the first half of this term and enjoyed our chats, crafts, snacks and end of half term cooking session in the wild part of the woods. Now we have moved camp, up to the top of the woods, for our winter sessions, where music and singing around the fire, warm soup, storytelling, winter crafts and fairy lights in the trees will make this a very different, special time of the year.

You may have noticed…(please read on)

Following our PTFA meeting yesterday we have decided to shift our focus to some new fundraising events that are less labour intensive and reliant on volunteers. Please share any ideas for fundraising events (such as a quiz or bingo night) on the Appledore School PTFA facebook page or email admin@ appledore-primary.devon.sch.uk We will discuss all these ideas and plan a new Spring event at the next PTFA meeting on 17th January at 7pm. We are hoping more of you can join us.

Unfortunately we are unable to run a full Xmas Fayre this year due to a lack of volunteers. Instead there will be a Xmas Jolly on 13th December 3 – 5pm with enterprise stalls selling your children’s Xmas crafts, refreshments and a visit from Santa. We will ask for your best bakes nearer the time and more details will follow.

Kind Regards The PTFA

A busy week for all, not least Year 5 on their residential, and please don’t forget the rotary shoebox we sent home recently. Please be aware there is no charge for the shoebox, it doesn’t require new items placed in it and it will go to children who are very deserving.

Please read on to find out all that has been happening in and around the school…

A good first day and night was had by all and raring to go again today. 

Having visited the centre last night, I can confirm they are eating well!  After a day on and in the water multiple second helpings were accepted at tea time and thirds were witnessed in not insignificant numbers! Another busy day today and it was clear the children were enjoying their surroundings and spending time with one another.

A busy week around school, so please read on to find out what has been happening…

Please read on to find out about what has been going on in and around classes, how to get Halloween disco tickets and much, much more…

Due to the problems experienced because of the NHS’s organisation of the flu vaccination schools have been asked to share more information in the form of a letter. To read this letter please click here. 

The school nurse provides a service that is quite wide ranging. Please click here to view the services on offer to support parents with medical matters and other general parenting matter. 

Please read on to find out what has been going on in and around the classes… 

…not forgetting that Next Friday at 2pm is the harvest festival service at St Mary’s Church and Monday 29th October is a non-pupil day so children are back from half term and in school on Tuesday 30th October. 

Please read on to find out was has been happening this week…

Thursday – 11.20pm!

A busy afternoon doing the river scramble and low adventure course. Evening meal was a turkey roast followed by ice cream. We had fun on a night walked and returned to hot chocolate and cake. Friday morning we are all doing bushcraft.  We have had a fantastic week but looking forward to getting home and seeing our families. Thank you to both Mrs Evans, Mrs Phillips and Rhys for helping make the week so successful.

Thursday – 12.20pm

An excellent morning.  All very wet and muddy (Mrs McMorine managed to get the) and more of the same this afternoon!

Thursday – 7.30am

A great night of sleep after evacuating a room due to an invasion of hundreds of ladybirds. Today’s activities include ‘Low Adventure’, ‘Stream Scramble’ and kayaking. 

Wednesday – 5pm

All have had a great day – some kayaking and some doing the ‘River Scramble’ and all on the high ropes during the afternoon. Currently playing outside in the sunshine with a fish and chip supper to follow.

Tuesday – 8.30pm

Children watched a filmm together before setlling down for the evening.

Tuesday – 4pm

All back safely from being on Dartmoor all day rock scrambling hungry for tea and happy it’s chicken pie and treacle pudding!

Tuesday – 8am

A good night with all sleeping well and eating a good brakfast before today’s activity – ‘Wilderness Venture’!  Weather much better there than here.

Monday

All children arrived safe and well, are now fed and watered, happy and off to their afternoon activities. Weather good too!  Keep visiting this website for updates.

Further to us sending a paper copy home with your child and an email recently, please ensure that you have returned a completed consent form for each of your children. It is very important we receive these from you and a copy is available to download here or from the Parents/Letters and Forms section of this website.

Thank you.

Please read on to find out what has been happening in and around school this week, including a trip to Exmoor Zoo for Key Stage 1..!