Cheriton Bishop Community Primary School

Snippets from the Classroom and Beyond

W75 March 2009

Well, have we had winter or haven’t we? It certainly gave the impression of being winter but it didn’t stay around very long at all. Yes, I know, we’ve seen the comments already – it was worse in 1978 – it was worse in 62/63. Actually, if I remember it correctly, it was much worse on both those occasions. But, short and sharp as it was, it was great fun for some and something to be endured for others. The accompanying photos were taken on the morning of Friday 6^th February and feature Church Lane leading up to the school, Cheriton Cross looking in the Exeter direction and the Yeoford Road from Four Cross Ways looking towards Cheriton Cross. For good measure I’ve also included a view towards Crockernwell from Four Cross Ways. The first fall of snow was on Monday 2^nd and Cherry B was open for “business as usual” and well done to all those who made it to school in those conditions. I know some had to leave school early to get home via minibus and taxi. Other schools in the area were shut! Friday 6^th was a different matter and the school was closed . As you can see from the photo on the left, only 4x4s and farm vehicles were able to cope with the conditions. There was one major benefit from the conditions. Everybody that could came out of their houses to walk in the snow and there was a super air of camaraderie around. Children were enjoying the experience to the full employing not-too-reluctant parents to heave sledges around etc.

Unfortunately, the UNICEF Day for Change was snowed off and the school decided to incorporate a new date for UNICEF with a “Stand up for Toilets and Clean Water Day” on 12^th February in support of a Devon County Council Initiative. The money donated by the children will be divided between the two good causes. So far the money has not been counted.

The Internet plays an ever greater part in the area of communication and our children are probably more tuned to it than many parents. To help children avoid falling in to the many dangerous areas of the internet, a Safe Internet Day was held at the school where all the children were told the “dos and don’ts” of internet usage. To help parents, a Fact Sheet has been produced, outlining the pitfalls that await the unwary and how they should approach the subject with their children. Beware, it can be a veritable minefield!

Looking ahead, the children attending the PfS course at the Grecian Club will start their first session on Thursday (26^th) afternoon. The final session will be on 2^nd April. Good luck to them all.

The 3D DanceProject has had both the date and venue changed. It will be held on 15^th March at the Barnfield Theatre. I know the school will do well there.

The girls and boys taking part in the Crediton Learning Centre (CLC) Festival of Song are all eagerly looking forward to their chance to shine. I understand they will be singing “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” in a fantastic Polynesian/Hawaiian style. They also take part in the Grand Finale when all the schools join together to sing a song. Go for it, children!

Now a quickie on my favourite topic. On 12^th February the Waste Recycling Lorry was held up for over five minutes by bad parking on the hill outside the school. The driver of the offending car appeared unconcerned when finally found. Not only is bad parking selfish, it is potentially very dangerous. It wouldn’t have been a laughing matter if it had been an ambulance or fire engine trying to get through. Furthermore, it is against the law to create such an obstruction . Let’s get our collective act together and be sensible. The modern 4x4s tend to be much wider than cars of yesteryear. Let’s think about where we park!

Enough said - the Diary:-

26^th February – PfS at the Grecian Centre starts

3^rd March – World Book Day – Book Fair

15^th March – 3D Dance – Barnfield Theatre

25^th March – CLC Festival of Song – Great Hall, Exeter University

3^rd April – Easter Service – St Mary’s Church - 1400

3^rd April – End of Spring Term

20^th April – Summer Term Begins.

PGR