Cheriton Bishop Community Primary School

Snippets from the Classroom and Beyond

No W60 July 2007

I popped up to the school this afternoon, having heard a rumour that the School Administrator was in the office. Sorry, Linda, I’m only joking. Our Secretary is s very hard-working member of staff. To continue, I was met by a veritable snow storm of awards and certificates. We really have a high-achieving little school. The photograph on the left is an immediate illustration of this. Mrs Angela Cocker is a Walking Bus Champion and the photo shows Mrs Cocker receiving her certificate from Marion Deacock, Devon County Council’s Road Safety Officer. I think it is worthwhile using the press release about this award. I quote: “Mrs Angela Cocker is a Walking Bus Champion and that is official. For six years, she has helped to keep the Walking Bus running at Cheriton Bishop Primary School and is the longest serving Walking Bus volunteer in Devon. Marion Deacock, Devon County Council’s Road Safety Officer presented an award and said “Mrs Cocker has shown much dedication and commitment to the Walking Bus. Success depends on parents coming forward on a voluntary basis to supervise the children who walk and Cheriton Bishop Primary School has had outstanding support from Mrs Cocker and other parents to keep this Bus running for so long.” ” Well done Angela and many , many thanks for all your efforts. It should also be noted that Cherry B’s Walking Bus is the longest running in Devon and operates more times during the week than any other school. What an excellent record.

Another award has been announced recently. CB School has been awarded the prestigious Arts Council England Artsmark . This recognises the school’s high level of provision in the arts covering art, dance drama and music. Cheriton Bishop School is one of only 452 schools across the country to achieve Artsmark Silver status. That really is a super pat on the back for all concerned. The award will be presented at a ceremony on Wednesday 4^th July at Tavistock Wharf.

Now to a more personal award. Congratulations are in order to Josh Pearce. He has been awarded a Commemorative Pen and Certificate as a runner-up in Poetry in Print’s National Open Poetry Competition for Schools. As well as his certificate and pen, Josh’s work will appear in print in All Booked Up, published by Poetry in Print and due to be issued shortly. Well done Josh!

Having dwelt on the arts for a moment, I must mention the School’s Opera. The main performances were held at the Cygnet Theatre in Exeter and consisted of two performances, one afternoon and one evening. I was away on official duties escorting Barney Bear on his trip to the Arctic Circle so I found myself unable to attend. I understand that it was a magnificent success. It was attended by some of the Royal Opera House staff who pronounced themselves impressed with all aspects of the production. I have included two photographs of the performances. The first shows a “Cool Cat” of a celeb and she really looks the part. The second has the spotlight on another celeb. Well done to all those who took part in this somewhat daunting experience, however small or large that input might be. I’m absolutely sure that it was an excellent experience for all the children involved. Thanks are also due to Liz Watkins, of course, who put so much time and effort into it. I thought that it was going to be a step to far for the school but I am quite happy to e proved wrong! I am sure that there will be another production on this scale in a future year.

Now, what else has been happening? The School Fête, held last Saturday was extraordinarily successful. The grand total of £1820.00 was raised. What an achievement! The fête was a joint operation between the Playgroup and the PTFA and the money raised will be split between the two organisations. Two people who must be thanked for this success are Sarah Brazier of Pre-school and Sally Everton of the PTFA. Thanks so much for being the brains behind the event and for all your efforts.

Unfortunately, the Tag-rugby teams did not achieve too much at the Crediton Tournament but Charlotte Hill was selected to represent Mid Devon at the Youth Games at Okehampton. On 17^th July, by special invitation, the Tag Rugby players will be at the Exeter Chiefs.

Taiko keeps on drumming with a much appreciated performance at the Teignton Fair. They will be performing at the West Point Devon Schools MXL

I would just like to insert a little bit of information about numbers attending CB. I had certainly lost touch with this aspect of our school. At the moment, we have 75 pupils attending. In January, this total is set to rise to 85. I seem to recall the days when staff had to be made redundant because of falling numbers!! Certainly not the case today. 85 is still a “comfortable” number of pupils to deal with.

On, then, to the diary:-

26^th June – Class 4 – Life Skills at Blundells

27^th June – Devon MXL – Taiko Team and Years 3&4

5^th July – Cricket Tournament – Spreyton School

6^th July – Class 3 – Eden Project visit

10^th July – Annual Report to Parents

11^th July – KS1 Athletics – St Luke’s Sports and Science College

16^th July – Design and Technology – Open Day

20^th July – Sports Afternoon

24^th July – Valedictory Service – St Mary’s Church – 2pm

24^th July – Summer Term Ends

5^th September – Autumn Term Starts.

22^nd-26^th October – Half Term

14^th December – Carol Service – St Mary’s Church – 2pm

18^th December – Autumn Term Ends

PGR