Friday 17th October
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is almost the time of year where we ask parents and carers to take some time to complete our annual school survey. We have really appreciated the number of families that completed our previous survey and the supportive and kind comments about the school. Surveys are really important to us as they help inform of us of the progress we are making and areas where we need to continue to focus.
I would also like to reiterate to all families to never wait for a survey to ask questions etc about the school. Members of the school leadership team are on the front gate every day and are always happy to speak to parents – we all really enjoy being visible every morning.
We are delighted with the progress we are making with our priorities at North Town. There is so much more we want to do and we are very much excited about the years ahead and how we can continue to improve the educational experience at North Town Primary School and Nursery.
Thank you for choosing North Town as the school and nursery to send your children and thank you for your ongoing support. It is very much appreciated.
In other news, I have been really impressed with some homework I have been shown this week by some very excited children. Sylvie, Anna, Winnie and Jonty from Year 2 amazed with their work about significant people that they have been looking at in history.
Have a smashing weekend everyone!
Best wishes,
Mr Braund
Half-Term Dates Reminder
Just a reminder that we break up for half-term on Friday 24th October and return to school on Wednesday 5th November.
Charterhouse thanks
The Year Six children have experienced a wonderful week long residential at Charterhouse and have really enjoyed all the opportunities they have been given. I am really grateful to Miss Newstead, Miss Fairfax, Miss Causley, Mrs Ford, Mrs Tidmarsh and Mr Grave who have given up their time to spend the week with the children. The Charterhouse staff have given the children a brilliant range of activities. Thank you to the North Town and Charterhouse staff and a huge well done to the children!
I was really touched by an email that I received from the Charterhouse Centre Manager, Annouska Evans, commenting on the ‘politeness of our children at mealtime, around the centre and during the activities’. She also commented on the relationships of the North Town staff with the children saying that ‘there was a great balance of control, authority, kindness and fun.’ It means a lot to receive such kind feedback and the children and staff should be very proud of themselves.
North Town has an author!
A huge well done to Alex in Year Two who has written a book and published it! I was so impressed to hear about the story of ‘Zote the mischievous dragon!’ and thoroughly enjoyed reading it! It is a must read for all children and t is now available on Amazon and has already received positive reviews! An absolutely fantastic achievement for Alex! Here’s the opening paragraph from Chapter One!
‘Zote was a mischievous dragon. He was always up to naughty tricks. One day Zote flew to the city and decided that he would steal all the beautiful colours.’
Parent’s Evening Reminder
Just a reminder that our booking system for Parent’s Evenings is now open. We will be having our autumn term Parent’s Evenings straight after half term on Thursday 6th November and Tuesday 11th November. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of attending one of these evenings to meet the class teacher, hear how your child has settled into the new year, to hear about the work they are doing in class and what their strengths are and areas of improvement. It is also an opportunity to have a look at the work in their books.
Please only book one meeting.
Parking
Please can we politely remind parents and carers the importance of sensible parking and only parking in permitted areas at drop off and collection. Over the years, there have been near misses where children could have been hit by a vehicle and this can be avoided.
Winter School Uniform
Just a reminder that after October half-term we switch to our winter school uniform. Please see below:
North Town School Uniform
Logo sweatshirt or cardigan*
White shirt (NOT polo shirt)
Tie*
Grey trousers/skirt/pinafore
Grey, black or white socks
Grey or green tights
Black shoes (No boots, pumps or trainers)
Christmas Sparkle Gift Donations
Across the past few years we have supported the Christmas Sparkle project. They offer a gift to children aged 0 -16yrs in the Taunton area who might otherwise receive very little on Christmas morning. We would like to continue our support for this local project by collecting donations of NEW gifts that we can pass on to the project organisers.
As usual, after the Half Term break, a box will be placed in the Reception area outside the Office for UNWRAPPED gifts to be placed into.
As stated, gifts should be new and NOT wrapped up.
If you are able to donate a small gift for this worthwhile cause, we would be very grateful for your help.
Help With Living Costs
Somerset residents have access to various funds to support them with living costs. The link below will take you to the Somerset Council webpage with details of what is available, who is eligible and how to apply. Cost of living support for Somerset residents
Should you need any further help, please contact Elaine, the school Parent & Family Support Adviser on 07580 537590 or email: pfsa@nt.huish.education
Poppies
From next week’s the children will be able to purchase paper poppies during the school day for 50p. Year 6 children will visit the classrooms to sell them.
If you want to purchase any of the other Poppy merchandise you can do so at the office at the end of the school day.
All money from your purchases will go to the Royal British Legion.
PTA Design a Pumpkin Competition
Key Dates for the Autumn Term
2025/2026 Dates
Autumn Term
Thursday 23rd October – Open morning for new intake
27th October – 3rd November – SCHOOL CLOSED Half term
Autumn 2
Tuesday 4th November – INSET DAY
Wednesday 5th November – SCHOOOL OPEN – Start of Autumn 2
Thursday 6th November (3:30pm – 6:15pm) – Parents’ Evening
7th November – MUFTI Day – Chocolate Donations
Tuesday 11th November (3:30pm – 6:15pm) – Parents’ Evening
Thursday 13th November – Open morning for new Intake
Friday 21st November Children in Need and DISCO
Friday 5th December – MUFTI Day
Friday 5th December (3:30pm – 5:00pm) – Christmas Fayre
Monday 8th December – YR, Y1, Y2 Dress Rehearsal
Tuesday 9th December – Year 2 Singalong
Wednesday 10th December – Reception Singalong
Thursday 11th December – Year 1 Singalong
Friday 12th December – Nursery Singalong
Friday 12th December – Christmas Jumper Day
Wednesday 17th December – Christmas Dinner Day
Thursday 18th December (am) – KS2 Christmas Service
Thursday 18th December (pm) – Christmas parties
Friday 19th December – INSET DAY
20th December – 4th January – Christmas Holidays
Taunton ABC
