More than 1000 cakes were sold, making a total of £229.

Pupils Lexy Herriot and Libby Curtis said:

‘The cakes were lovely; we wish we could have eaten more!’

A newsletter of hellos, goodbyes and thank yous…

A huge thank you from all the children and parents at Marpool to the teaching team, the kitchen team and meal time helpers, Mr Luxton, Plantation gardening (for keeping the grounds so beautiful), the lollipop man and lady, the office team, the MSA, the breakfast club team, the after school club team, the Board of Governors and Mrs Pattison…for ensuring all the children have had a fun and rewarding 2009-2010.

Welcome to all the new children who will be starting at Marpool

We are really pleased that there will be new pupils joining Marpool School after the summer holidays. It will be nice to make new friends. At Marpool we have lots of activity clubs. Some clubs are at lunch times and some are after school.
Marpool School also has a breakfast club and an after school club. We have great opportunities at our school. This year we went to Finland. We visited the Arctic Circle and saw Father Christmas.

By Hope Ellis and Millie Edlin

Goodbye Mrs Squire

As some of you may know, we will have to say a very sad goodbye to Mrs Squire, who has worked in the school for over sixteen years. She is very sad to be leaving and said she will miss all the children. We would like to wish Mrs Squire the best for the future and hope she enjoys her summer holidays.

By Charlotte Roach and Isaac Belsey

Trophies and Awards

The following children were given trophies for achieving the highest level of academic achievement in their year group. Not only are they to be personally acknowledged but a big thank you goes to all the pupils in their classes who have challenged and supported them to achieve these results.

The following Year six pupils received awards for consistently displaying the valuable qualities of; Leadership : Alfred Downs, Endeavour: Melanie Parkinson and Sportsmanship : Robert Marshall.

Thank you to Miss Tarr for organising the lovely trophies and making this a special occasion.

Sports day

We recently had our annual sports day. This year was rather different than usual, with the whole school participating in sporting activities at the same time. We still tried to have our traditional races, but the rain obviously disagreed!
Thank you to ‘Team Bennington’ for organising such a fun event.

By Lucy-Anne Murdoch

Leavers Assembly Thurday 15th July

Although, everyone enjoyed themselves at our recent year six leavers assembly there were some tears! Ellie Leefmans said “It was a good leavers assembly, although lots of people cried!” Thank you to Mr Bennington for writing and organising the assembly , Miss Tarr and Mrs White for arranging the autograph books, Mrs Pattirson and Mr Downend for the memory cards and the kitchen staff for the lovely cake. “It was the best cake I’ve have had in a long time”. Copies of the photo slide can be obtained from the office.

By Lucy-Anne Murdoch and Abby Curtis

Year six 2010 Leavers party!

On 15th July the year sixes had their leaver’s party. Unfortunately, the unseasonal weather cancelled the forestschool section of the party. However, there were lots of other exciting things happening such as; table tennis, dancing to music and eating the fantastic food. When people arrived they were greeted with an amazing mini cocktail, canapés and welcome cakes.

“It was really fun and exciting and the food was really nice. It was a lovely way to say goodbye.”

Said Beth James.

Thank you to the excellent DJ (Harry Germon) and all the adults who helped. A special thank you to Mr and Mrs Downs, Mrs Roach and Mrs Marshall. They have been have been involved with Marpool for many years and will be missed.

Fiona Murdoch (parent) said

“The children all looked so grown-up. It’s clear to see, in a nice way, they’ve out-grown Marpool. They are a credit to the school. Thank you to all members of the Marpool team who have helped in their development.”

By Lucy-Anne Murdoch

Dinner money

A huge thank you from the office team to all parents who are now paying in advance for school dinners. It has been a real help.

Recycling team

We are looking for people who “want to do recycling”. We need sensible helpers to be a part of our recycling team. If you would like to join in please write a short note to Keiran Lock and Mrs Dunn explaining why you would like to be involved.

By Keiran Lock

Would you like to be a reporter for the school newsletter, have your work on the school website or on the library display board?

Write an article about your most interesting day in the summer holidays and email it to admin@marpool.devon.sch.uk , or bring in a paper copy with photos and give it to Mrs Sharkey for the display board. We would welcome articles from the new pupils who have not yet joined us. If you are still learning to write you could tell your story to a grown up and they can write it for you.

The Junior Reporters team will help Mrs Sharkey choose the most suitable place to display the articles. We would also like pieces from any year sixes on their first week at Exmouth Community College. We hope your exciting new experiences will give the new year sixes something to look forward to.

Autumn Term starts on Monday 6th September.
Mrs Marles is kindly coming in on Thursday 2nd September between 9.00am and 10.00am should you require new uniform.

Wednesday is not a ‘mufti day’ – pupils need to wear uniform!

Beech base visit to Withycombe church

Last week we went to Withycombe church with the rest of Beech Base.  We went to the church to learn about the different areas in the church. There is a small room called the vestry with different coloured robes for the vicar.  The altar is a table made out of wood and it is the holiest part of the church.

The chalice is a silver cup.  On Sundays people drink wine out of it.  It is so precious it needs to be locked away every day of the week except Sundays. We talked very quietly in the church because people go there to pray and get married.  Inside it was calm and relaxing. Beech Base would like to thank Father Michael for showing them around.

By Thomas Croal, Aleisha Turner and Libby Curtis

Awards for the week

Jessica Freeman-Roach ‘Dragon Scroll’
Magical reading skills for reading: 10 books

Jamie Wood ‘Dragon Scroll’
Magical reading skills for reading: 20 books

Cari Howard ‘Dragon Scroll’
Magical reading skills for reading 30 books

Ebony Henning ‘Dragon Scroll’
Magical reading skills for reading 80 Books

Raymond O’Sullivan
‘Marpool School recognition of achievement cup’
For being a loyal and a well mannered class mate

Alley Patrol

This group was designed by Tristan Downend. Followed by Charlie, Carly and Reece. This group patrols the ally by making it clean, tidy and planting all the flowers to brighten it up. Lyn Curtis helps us with all the planting. Alley patrol is supported by Mrs Pattison, Steve Downend and Lyn Curtis. We have been able to get Steve to make some badges to help people recognise us. Thank you to all of the children who have supported the alley patrol.

Also we would like to share with you another gardening group. Most days Mrs Iles, one of our teaching assistants is joined by Brendon Mulcahy, Taeler Turner, Haydon Rowe, Richie Godden and Malachi Smith to maintain our vegetables and fruit areas. They have enjoyed tasting what they have grown and then take it to the kitchen for use in our school dinners.

The Devon Games to Inspire 2010

A huge congratulations is to be given to the Marpool Year 3/4 Gymnastics Team. On Saturday the 10th July four children from Marpool travelled to Tavistock to represent East Devon in the 2010 Devon Games to Inspire. The day was a huge success and over 2000 children competed in the mini Olympics style competition.

Our very own Teresa Scott, Thomas Bessford, Aaron Bingham Jones and Josh Kilner competed in the gymnastics event against nine other Local Authority teams. They performed to a very high standard against stiff opposition and should be extremely proud of themselves. A huge well done to all involved.’

“It was great fun to join in.”
said Thomas Bessford.

Reminders

Carrier bag (Not foundation stage unit)

Please can all children bring in a carrier bag on Tuesday 20th July, so they can clear trays and bring home some of their work from this year. Your child may also bring home some exercise books which will be from last year. They will not be bringing home their current workbooks as these will be passed on to their teachers to ensure a smooth transition into their next year group.

Books and Games

Please return any school library books, reading books and library games.

Interested in learning to play a musical instrument

We have a wide variety of music teachers who visit the school to give lessons. If your child is interested in learning to play a musical instrument next year please see Miss Worth for more details.

Summer Activity sessions

The timetables and details of these sessions will be available this week.

Key Dates & Events

*Applications to the community college

Marpool Menu week beginning 19th July

VOLUNTEERS: Marpool School years five and six helped plant trees with EDF Energy staff.

Youngsters from years five and six planted four different species of trees at the school, in Moorfield Road, last week, with the help of staff from EDF energy.
The project was help to mark Green Britain Day, a national initiative to help people reduce carbon footprint by 2012.

HELPING HAND: Courtney Richards, 10, waters the trees.

Adam Tomlin, a teacher at Marpool School; said: “The trees were all planted in our grounds so that the children can care for them in forestry sessions.

“We hope to donate some of them to parts of the community at some point to places like Phear Park and on the seafront.”

Dear Parents

I am aware that the information given regarding the welcome days for the community college needed to go out before the visits to the college and that it was not clear the Foundation Stage Unit would not be open on the recent parents evening. I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

With my team I am trying to improve the way we communicate with you.  We value the role you play and are working hard to share and involve you in all the great things happening in our school.

We are very open to any suggestions and feedback you may have on how we achieve this, please contact me or one of my team at Marpool.

Kind regards

Rachel Pattison – Head Teacher

Marpool School Term Dates : Sept 2010 – July 2011

Reminders

PE kit (This does not apply to Foundation Stage Unit)

On Friday 16th July its Sport’s Day and all pupils will need a PE kit in school (a white t-shirt, black shorts and correctly fitting plimsolls or trainers). Could you check to ensure all the correct items are in school and if anything is missing replace it. Please be reassured that these will be used again in September.
Pupils do not need to change back into their uniform at the end of Sports day. Instead they may go home wearing their kit and it will not need to be back in school until September.

School dinners

From September you will be able to pay for school dinners either on the day or in advance. We will no longer be able to take payment in arrears. Please could any outstanding school dinner money be paid to the office.

Books and Games

Reading books will continue to be changed up until Thursday 15th July. After this date please return any school library books, reading books and library games.

Forest school

Could Mr Tomlin have any spare towels, hats, gloves and wellies. He is also collecting 2 litre water/fizzy drink bottles for a greenhouse!

Key Dates & Events

Marpool Menu week beginning 12th July

Background

Forest school has been an integral part of Early Years education in Scandinavia since the 1950s. The philosophy was based upon a desire to provide young children with an education that encouraged an appreciation of the natural world and responsibility for nature conservation in later life.

Forest school has been running in other areas of this country for several years. Marpool is the first school in Exmouth to adopt this scheme.

What happens at forest school?

When we arrive at the Forest school area we count the children in and remind them of the rules. We then spend some time reflecting on any changes to the environment. We do an activity together and then it is time to explore. The children make their own choices during this time, but it might include:

• creating a picture on the floor using natural materials
• making a nest or a shelter for an animal
• making a collection of objects
• caring for the chickens
• finding bugs.

We then gather together and share some of our work, and finally count everybody out as we leave forest school.

Duck!

The weather just about held off to ensure the afternoon could be completed, and staff and parents could don their running shoes to compete in the ‘parents’ and ‘parents and teachers’ races!

Have a look at the pictures, there are some lovely smiles and faces of  determination!

Look for the picture of Mr. Bennington and his partner narrowly beating Mrs. Pattison, the Head, and hers!!

01395 263961

Newsletter 0309 April 2009

Dear Parent/Carer

New School Uniform

We are pleased to be able to confirm that as a direct result of parent consultation and discussions with numerous suppliers and local businesses a decision has been reached regarding a revamped New School Uniform taking into account the issues raised. This has included a change from the grey micro fleece to a navy sweatshirt/cardigan. A summer dress option will be available from summer 2010. If you would like to see the items please join us in the main reception area after school tonight or tomorrow. The new uniform will be on display and any questions you may have can be answered by staff and governors. The uniform will remain on display after Easter for the summer term.

Mufti Day – Friday 3^rd April

A reminder that tomorrow will be a Mufti Day when we will collect money for the Pupil Forum who will use their funds to support a charity of their choice.

Easter Holiday: Monday 6th – Friday 17^th April inclusive

We will be closed on Friday 3rd April at 3.15pm for two weeks for the Easter Holiday. We will reopen on Monday 20^th April. Please have a safe and enjoyable Easter break returning to school rested and refreshed for the summer term.

School Lunch – New menu

With increased awareness of the nutritional value of good quality meals we at Marpool are working to create an improved menu system for your children. All menus over a weekly period are analysed to ensure a balance of nutrients, vitamins and calorific value. We will be sending this menu out to you on a monthly basis so you can select meals or book meals in advance thus knowing what your child will be receiving each day. As from next term there will be a 5p increase on meals which will now cost £1.85.

Cycling course

In the summer term Year 6 children will have the opportunity of attending a five day cycle training course provided by Devon County Council which will be run at school. The purpose of the course is to provide children with basic bicycle safety and awareness on the road. As soon as we know details of dates and times we will send application forms out to those interested.

School Holidays and Term dates

We have sent you a copy of next year’s term and holiday dates with this news letter; please keep it for your future reference. Please do not arrange holidays or other absences during term time without getting authorisation from us first otherwise a bargain break could become expensive if the Local Authority takes action against you through the courts. I am only able to authorise absence for specific reasons so please discuss it with us before booking.

Easter Raffle

It will be your last chance to buy tickets for the Easter Raffle in the morning with the raffle being drawn in assembly on Friday morning – good luck!

Marpool After School Club

We currently have vacancies for children to attend the after school club on a Monday and Thursday evening. Please speak to the staff in the office if you would like to book a place for your child.

Thank you once again for your help and support.

Rachel Pattison

Head teacher