Today in Barn Owls, we voted for our School Council, Sports Council and Class Gardener Representatives. Different individuals wrote their own speeches, discussed their campaign and then created posters which they placed around the school environment. Each candidate presently their speeches eloquently, audience members listened actively and then an anonymous vote, using our school ballot box, took place. The class' choice will be announced later this week - watch this space!  

In Mindfulness Club this week we practised the skill of mindful eating. We made sure we had no distractions, we looked and smelt what we were eating before taking a small bite and tasting the food. Sometimes we eat without thinking but by slowing down and taking notice of what we are eating we can really taste and enjoy our meals. 

This week in our Physical Education lessons, we explored how we could improve and develop our ball skills in small groups. We had to manipulate the ball around our bodies in different ways. We then moved on to using different passes such as the chest pass. 

Rev. Brooks led an assembly all about emotions. We explored the emotions we experience and how this may feel. He used a balloon to symbolise how emotions can build and may lead to anger. He explained that we need to be in control of our anger and not let anger control us and our actions. We discussed strategies we can use to reduce our anger such a deep breathing and finding a quiet space. We never want our anger to get to the point where we feel we are going to pop - like the balloon which Rev. Brooks blew up! 

Day One in France - we arrived early on the overnight ferry, and visited Pegasus Bridge to start our learning about D-Day. We then travelled to Bayeux, ate a yummy picnic which included the most delicious chocolate brownie cakes. We visited the Bayeux Tapestry and the Bayeux Cathedral too. We were all very happy to get to the chateau for dinner, outdoor games and dinner of course! Please follow our blog here from now on for more updates: Trust Normandy Residential Archives | Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk) 

Key Stage 2 attended a virtual assembly led by Jade Simmons from the Youth Mental Health Foundation. A charity that promotes positive choices for mental health. Jade is 19 so was able to really relate to the children and share her experiences of growing up. Jade has ADHD and she explained how our differences are what make us special. Jade discussed setting positive goals and targets. She also talked about how visualising ourselves doing something that makes us happy can help in times of difficulty. 

Barn Owls joined the online British Council event today to mark the 80th anniversary of the D day landings. Barn Owls children asked some very interesting and exciting questions to Ken Hay. Ken fought in Normandy as a Private in the 43rd Essex Regiment for just a few days before being captured by the Nazis.  Despite the issues with sound, all the children were very interested in his detailed answers. The Y6's in particular, are even more excited for their trip to Normandy. 

This week we were visited by Rev. Brooks. Rev. Brooks did an experiment which showed that even though we can not see air we know it is there and can feel its effects. This the what Christians believe about the Holy Spirit. 

​To mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week on Monday, Key Stage 2 children took part in a virtual assembly delivered by the charity 52Lives. Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will run until Sunday 19thMay, the theme this year is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. Across all classrooms, movement is always important with children encouraged to take part in daily sensory movement breaks. These breaks contribute to alertness and concentration.  Having the opportunity to move and be active whilst recognising the important impact this has on the way we feel is an important skill for life.  

We are so proud of our Year 6s this week. They have approached the tests with such confidence and positivity. The special breakfasts have helped. The whole school is supporting us this week. A big thank you to Tawny Owls for being so quiet in the room next door. Mrs Jordan had to check they were actually in school today because they were so quiet. Well done everyone, but especially the superhero Year 6s.

In Barn Owls we are trying to keep active in line with this year's theme of 'movement'. Year 6s are stretching, breathing deeply and doing superhero poses each morning before SATs. We are continuing with our running before lunch every day as we work towards a half marathon. We have also started our sports day practice with Mr Burns today.

Barn Owls received replies to their penpal letters today. It was very exciting to read about their hobbies, pets and family. We were impressed with their handwriting and it was reassuring to see that they were learning similar phrases in English to those we are learning in French.

Mrs Harris and Mrs Jordan have been teaching rounders skills this week in Barn Owls. The children have been learning about how to throw accurately underarm, and bowl. Children have been leading the warm ups which has been a lot of fun!

The Wildlife Champions were excited to launch their new project during assembly. They have created their own plastic waste collection box. After lunch each day, cleaned plastic can be posted into the post-box and the Wildlife Champions plan to monitor the amount and type of waste that we have across the school. The Wildlife Champions are keen to reduce the amount of plastic we use and explained the negative impact of plastic on our environment. We look forward to finding out the results of their project. 

Barn Owls travelled to Lydford Primary for two music workshops. Children learnt to play the djembe as well as a call and response African song. Thank you to everyone who transported the children between Bridestowe and Lydford.