We were all treated to a fascinating acted story by our Open the Book visitors. They told us the story of someone who had lost one of her coins, and spent time and energy finding it. We learned that Christians believe this is how God views all people - each is equally important.

We are very excited to have purchased a new set of books which have been recommended for children by carers, health professionals and librarians. Reading Well for children recommends reading to help children deal with worries, feel better and boost their mood. The books aim to help children understand their feelings and cope with tough times. The books cover: healthy minds, worries, feelings, the world around us, grief, depression, autism and dyslexic and can be enjoyed by the child alone or with an adult. If you feel your child might benefit from reading one of these books please get in contact with your child’s class teacher or contact Mrs Lowden in the office. More information can be found at www.reading-well.org.uk
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Everyone in Barn Owls came in in non-uniform, with as many dots as possible, for Children in Need day. Here are a few. Thankyou for your kind donations.

This week, Forest School Club planted bulbs in the Outdoor Area. We hope they'll bring an extra splash of colour in February and March. One observant worker also found a dead rat tucked away. We all tentatively made our way over to have a look.

This week, Barn Owls completed training on Netball, culminating in some matches. This gave everyone a chance to try out the skills learned. The improvement in marking and footwork was impressive.

We were lucky enough to find the sun one afternoon this week, and made the most of it by exploring some routes around Bridestowe. This links well with our English and Geography work this half-term. Despite the flooding en route, we managed to stay dry, and found an intriguing abandoned tractor. Ellenor, with her links to the agricultural world, has been tasked with trying to find out more!

In Barn Owls, we've been finding out about solutions, formulations and states of matter. This week we tried to find ways to separate soluble and insoluble substances (solutes) from water (solvent). We've left a solution on the window sill in the hope that the sun will help us to get some salt back from water through evaporation. Retrieving sand through filtration was much speedier.

Today we welcomed the Stop, Look, Listen road safety roadshow workshop to school. 

Be safe, be seen! 

We had a very detailed show about how we can stay safe on our roads. We explored the Green Cross Code, safe places to cross a road and how to keep others around us safe. As the evenings get darker, we must all remember these important safety points - can your child tell you something they learnt from the session? 

All of the children have contributed to another fantastic display at the front of our school. We hope you enjoy looking at our artwork and have some time to reflect. 

World leaders are coming together in Glasgow on Friday 12th November at a big meeting called COP26, to plan how to tackle the urgent threat to climate change. The Snowy Owls have created art pieces which will be entered into the art exhibition which will mark the event. Their art aims to raise awareness of water and climate change. The children carefully considered how to express important messages through their art. 

We were treated to an Open the Book Assembly today. The story was 'The Big Picnic' and told how Christians believe God fed 5000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. 

Thank you to all who attended this afternoon's Harvest festival. 

The children performed brilliantly and were so happy to see a live audience. 

The food donations will be passed to Okehampton Community Kitchen. 

£55.60 was raised for Send a Cow which will be donated directly to the charity. 

We all found something that was yellow to wear (in addition to the school uniform for photos!) to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. 

For the past few weeks, we've been trained in tag rugby by Mr. Pugh. The progress all of the class have made is very impressive, and their ability to create diagonal formations for effective passing of the ball can be seen in these photos.

Meet our new school council members. 

Everyone's day was brightened up with yellow accessories to mark World Mental Health Day. We talked about the range of feelings we can have at different times.  #HelloYellow 

We are very proud of everyone who had the courage and ambition to put themselves forward for the post of School Councillor. The campaign speeches were confidently presented. Children drew on key issues such as all children having their voice heard, wellbeing and our school values of respect, ambition and flourishing together. We look forward to sharing the election results with the children on Friday. 

Running club braved the rain and completed 3.5km this evening - a great effort. How lucky are we to have such fantastic scenery on our doorstep?

We all walked over the the Methodist Church Hall on Friday morning for a wonderful and very inspiring performance and workshop by the Kyan String Quartet.

The four musicians each demonstrated their stringed instruments: two violins, a viola and a cello. We listened to their rousing music, and their conductor helped us to interpret the music by Haydn and Britten, with some more modern compositions as well.

We were joined by the fantastic Kyan Quartet who performed for the children in the Methodist Chapel. 
The children were enthralled - what an experience! 

The whole school have worked on a collaborative piece of art. The piece includes a handprint of every child in the school and reflects how together we can all flourish. During out values assembly, each class fed back on our school values and what they mean to us. Look out for the new display on the School House board.