Dear parents/carers,
This week at North Town the children have been enthusiastically completing the North Town Readathon! I am absolutely thrilled with the money raised so far and want to thank you all for your kind support!
Today the children showed so much respect, understanding and compassion when observing a two minute silence for Remembrance Day.
It has been wonderful to see so many proud children showing me their work throughout the week. I always enjoy looking at the progress they have made and seeing the pride they take in what they do. Please see below some work from an incredible artist at North Town – I am sure you will agree, it is outstanding!
Wraparound
Our wraparound has become very popular and busy. We cannot always guarantee a last minute place. We recommend that you book through the MCAS app as early as possible to avoid any disappointment.
Use of technology
In the 26 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.
At a recent safeguarding update for all staff in the Richard Huish Trust they highlighted the age recommendation 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.
Maths parents meeting
Next Thursday, 16th November, we are hosting a maths afternoon in the school hall where our Miss Blake (Maths Leader) will be delivering a short presentation talking about your child’s maths journey at North Town. We will be giving guidance and advice on how best to support your child in maths at home without making it a heavy, onerous task.
The afternoon will be split into 2, half an hour slots. The first will start at 2:45pm and will run through until 3:15pm and the second will start at 3:30pm and run until 4pm. Feel free to stay on and ask any questions you might have after these times. Children are welcome to attend the after-school meeting, but it won’t be essential for them to be there. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a creche on this occasion.
Children in Need
Children in Need Friday 17th November 2023
On Friday 17th November North Town will be taking part is supporting Children in Need. Children and staff can come dressed in spots into school for a ‘SPOTacular’ day. 
Any donations received at the gate on Friday morning will be donated to Children in Need.
Christmas Sparkle
Thank you so much for all the fabulous donations! Please can we ask that any further donations are in school by Wednesday 22nd November, so that they can all be bagged up and collected by the Christmas Sparkle Elves! Thank you.
Parents Information Box
With the return to school, comes the dreaded daily dilemma “What can I put in their Lunchbox?”. This week’s information pages may help – there’s even some ideas for a simple HOT packed lunch!
Please help yourself from the box on the wall outside the main Office.
Christmas Events at North Town
Friday 1st December – North Town Christmas Fayre – 3:30pm – 5:15pm
Tuesday 5th December – Reception Christmas Singalong – 10:30am and 2pm
Wednesday 6th December – Year One Christmas Singalong – 10:30am and 2pm
Thursday 7th December – Year Two Christmas Performance – 10am and 2pm
Friday 8th December – North Town Christmas Jumper Day
Wednesday 13th December – North Town Christmas Dinner Day
Friday 15th December – KS2 Christmas Service at St James’ Church – 10am
Key Dates for the Autumn Term
AUTUMN 2
Friday 17th November 2023 – Children In Need
Friday 1st December 2023 – Mufti Day
Friday 1st December 2023 – PTA Christmas Fair
Friday 8th December 2023 – Christmas Jumper Day
Friday 15th December 2023 – Christmas Service at St James Church
Saturday 16th December 2023 – Sunday 31st December 2023 – Christmas Holidays