Friday 3rd October
Dear Parents and Carers,
A huge thank you for all the mufti day donations today. All the money raised will go to our PTA. Our PTA are an incredible support to the school with the events that they organise but also the sums of money they raise that enables us to buy resources and equipment.
In this newsletter, I have included a piece on the use of technology and highlighting age appropriate apps and websites. Whilst I am aware that a lot of the information is for families of children in upper Key Stage Two, it is important for all parents to read.
The school football team took part in a tournament on Thursday which Rufus has kindly written about later in the newsletter. What I did want to highlight was how pleased I was with the feedback from Mr Grave on how the children represented themselves and the school with their respect and sporting behaviour.
I was absolutely delighted to see some brilliant writing from Noah, Nedal, Ebony and in Year Two this week. They were all using impressive verbs in their sentences.
I just wanted to finish by congratulating Mr Grave on achieving 3rd place in the Taunton 10K run last weekend. What an absolutely incredible achievement!
Have a smashing weekend everyone!
Best wishes,
Mr Braund
School Meals at North Town – A message from our Catering Manager
On Thursday, the children enjoyed a special menu day featuring hotdogs, curly fries, and corn on the cob. It’s always a joy to see them tucking into a meal they are excited about! We encourage you to involve your children in choosing their meals—let them explore the available options and help decide on something they’ll enjoy. After the half-term break, the lunch menu will be changing, with some new and exciting choices for the children to try.
Emma Woodward – North Town Catering Manager
Flu Immunisation Reminder
It has been confirmed that the nasal flu vaccination program for 2025 is being offered to all school aged children from Reception up to and including Year 11. This will take place at North Town on Friday 10th October.
The vaccine is given as a simple spray up the nose. It is painless, quick, and serious side effects are uncommon. It is designed to protect your child against flu which can be an unpleasant illness and, although rarely may cause serious complications.
Please complete the decision form (one for each child, please) using the link below. Please complete even if you do not consent to the vaccination.
https://www.somersetsaint.co.uk/Forms/Flu
Unique school code: (North Town Academy) SM137126
Sports at North Town
Monday saw a group of Y5 and Y6’s take part in cross country at Kings College. Everyone turned up ready to run and gave their best efforts, enjoying the run around Kings. Well done to all our runners that took part.
This Thursday, we had a school football tournament against Ruishton, West Monkton and Trull. They were all tough teams, but we played hard and well. In the first game against Ruishton we won 3-0, the second game we won 2-1 against WM and 2-0 against Trull. That means we have made it through to the Taunton Area Finals. The communication and teamwork were really good, and the skill level we all had was perfect. Well done to the team!
Rufus E, 6JF
Use of Technology
In the 28 years I have been a teacher, there have been huge advances in technology. There are lots of positives but there are also lots of areas that cause great concern. I see first hand from my two children how they can pick things up so easily when using technology. My concern is ensuring that the children are using age appropriate apps/websites. We want to make sure that our children are safe online and have the robust systems in place to safeguard them. As part of our computing curriculum we do discuss computer safety. Can I please encourage all parents and carers to have these conversations with the children about this matter and also ensure parental controls are in place to ensure children are safeguarded when online.
Mobile Phones
We also cover the way to communicate and what to communicate with friends when online and when using phones. The staff often speak to the KS2 children about the importance of being aware of others feelings and whatever you post to think carefully about:
- Would I want this messaged to me?
- How would I feel if it was messaged to me?
- Do I want my parents, someone else’s parents or my teacher to read my message?
I always say to the children that you message/text only what you would say in person. I also remind the children of whatever is text/typed is in the domain forever.
Below are the age recommendations of using specific apps and social media. These are:
Whatsapp – 16+
Snap Chat – 13+
Instagram – 13+
Tik Tok – 13+
Youtube 13+
We would really appreciate your ongoing support with such matters by checking phones from time to time and having the conversations with the children about how we communicate when using technology.
We really appreciate your support with this and working together with us.
Applying for North Town Primary School and Nursery
We have two open mornings planned for Thursday 23rd October and Thursday 13th November for parents and carers that have children starting school in September 2026. Please be aware that the deadline to apply for primary school places will Thursday 15th January. Please visit our school website homepage to book a place for our open mornings.
Applying for Secondary School
If your child is due to transfer to secondary school next September, please be aware that places in Taunton and Wellington are limited due to a high birth rate. It is important that you apply on time (deadline 31st October 2025) and choose 3 preferences of school. We also strongly recommend you include your catchment school as one of your preferences.
If you do not include your catchment school among your preferences and are refused your preferred schools, we cannot guarantee your child a place in the local area. Your child may then be offered a place at a school further away with no entitlement to travel assistance.
Premier Holiday Clubs
★ SOMERSET OCTOBER HOLIDAY CLUBS
★ Birchfield Community Primary School, Yeovil, BA21 5RL
★ Cotford St Luke Primary School, Taunton, TA4 1HZ
★ Herne View CofE Primary School, Ilminster, TA19 0BL
★ Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School, Taunton, TA1 3AF
★ Primrose Lane Primary School, Yeovil, BA21 5FH
★ Parkfield Primary School, Taunton, TA1 4RT**
★ Multi Activity, Gymnastics & Dance, Football, Nerf & Dodgeball camps available
★ Running 27th – 31st October , 9am – 3:30pm
**8:30 am – 4pm
★ £24.99 per child, per day
**£28.99 per child, per day
★ Available to children aged 4 – 11
★ Book at www.premier-education.com/holiday-camps
★ Contact dcrysell@premier-education.com for queries
Key Dates for the Autumn Term
2025/2026 Dates
Autumn Term
Friday 10th October Flu vaccinations
Monday 13th-17th October – Year 6 Charterhouse
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