Cheriton Bishop Community Primary School

Snippets from the Classroom and Beyond

No W72 November 2008

As I write this, it is a blustery day outside with showers interspersed with drizzle and the odd bit of sunshine – and it is feeling much colder than it has been. At least we haven’t been subject to the rainy misery of the Lake District of late! I suppose we can’t expect much more at this time of the year. I seem to recall the days when Bonfire Night was always cold and frosty if not snowy. I think I prefer crisp cold to wet and slightly warmer. Enough! I have had my rant for this issue and there is little we can do about it anyway.

Well, the first thing to mention about the school is that Class 4 were reported to be all back from Grenville House. I am absolutely certain that they all enjoyed themselves tremendously what with caving, abseiling, raft building and all sorts of adventure training. I know the staff enjoyed it. In that sort of activity you can’t help yourself and really have to join in! Mrs. Leyman went along to sample the fun. Not only that, but the weather was kind to them as well. In previous years there has been photographic evidence of the fun and games but none have been forthcoming this year. There is no doubt that the Grenville House experience is beneficial. I hadn’t realised that Grenville House Outdoor Education Centre is actually a charity. It certainly earns the high regard in which it is placed.

The annual appearance of the Jeans for Genes picture heralds the results of the Jeans for Genes Day which was 3^rd October. This year the school raised the magnificent sum of £38.00 for this very, very worthwhile cause. Well done to all the participants. Staying with the good deeds, the School’s annual Harvest Festival was held in the Methodist Church on 7^th October. It was a delightful service and very well attended. The produce on display was really excellent. This produce has been passed on to the Crediton branch of Age Concern. I’m sure they will enjoy it.

Now, you’ll have to bear with me on this one. I have been told that the school took part in a Swimming Gala in the past month, but I only have very sketchy notes about it. All the CLC schools took part. Although Cherry B did not do too well overall, there were some individual successes and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I’m sure everybody did their level best.

Looking ahead at the calendar, Class 4 have their first session of swimming instruction on 7^th November. This goes on for some 5 weeks. On the 10^th , it’s time for the school photographs. I never know how the photographer manages to take such delightful photos of the Little Horrors! I mention the school photos because I still have mine, taken when I was a School Governor. I have to admit that it is one of the best photos I have ever had taken of me. It must be 10 years ago that it was taken!

Half Term is here and now I can mention the Christmas festivities. Essentially, they start on 5^th December with the Christmas Fayre held in the School Hall. The celebrations start in earnest on the 10^th with the Christmas lunch, Carol Services on 12^th, Class parties on 15^th and the big finale of the Northcott Theatre Pantomime and End of Term on 17^th December. Then it’s over to the parentage to cope with the Christmas break – good luck!

The Calendar:-

7^th November – Class 4 Swimming commences

5^th December – School Christmas Fayre

10^th December – School Christmas Lunch

12^th December – Carol Service – St Mary’s Church – 1400 and 1830

17^th December – Whole School Pantomime – Northcott Theatre

17^th December – End of Autumn Term

6^th January 2009 – Start of the Spring Term

There is one further subject I have been asked to publicise. A valuable article was found on the lane outside the school at the end of the summer term. If any parent or their child lost something of value at that time, please see the School Secretary and she will be able to help.

On, then, to the greater community. Last Saturday, 25^th October, saw a motley crew of people assembling at St. Mary’s Church at 10 o’clock, prepared to have a go at learning to sing Fauré’s Requiem. As you see from the photo above there were some 55 attendees of whom one was the choirmaster/conductor and one was the Organist. By 5o’clock we had been cajoled and encouraged to run through the whole Requiem in front of the public. It was a tremendous experience and those that listened were fulsome in their praise of our efforts.

The whole occasion was organised by an erstwhile Chairman of the School’s Governors, Bill Jeffery.

On that note, it’s time to finish. Have a good half term break.

PGR