Straight from the Head 30.1.26
Date: 30th Jan 2026 @ 5:47pm
We have reached the end of a very busy week, with many weather variables creating for dynamic scenarios. Thank you for working with us to get the best outcomes for everyone. I have been in contact with the Local Authority and offered a Head's perspective to the Local Resilience Forum should they need some input from a rural school affected by ongoing weather patterns.
We have a few notices for families:
- There are some outstanding payments for our latest round of after school clubs. Please do check and pay if you have not already done so. Thanks to all the families who continue to notify us of their childcare voucher payments via messages / emails. This makes it much easier for us to claim back from the Local Authority.
- Heights and Weights information for Chestnut and Oak families has gone out. Please do fill it in and notify the relevant body if you do not wish your child to partake.
- Due to today's decision to cancel Celebration Worship, Year 3 will get to lead for us us all next Friday, with Year 2 on the final Friday before half term.
- A HUGE thanks to the families that have been in to talk to Chestnut Class about people who help us. Doctors, consultants and Police Community Support Officers have all been in and given some great information our youngest pupils. They are thoroughly inspired!
Next week looks another busy one. We have 2 trainee teachers starting their practices with us in Years Reception and 1.
On Monday, we have a visit from the Head of Education Leadership for Somerset Council Heather Good, who will be accompanied by Cheryl Govier, a friend of the school, and now Assistant Director of the Diocese of Bath and Wells. They will be coming as part of the Aspiring Heads initiative, finding and helping the next generation of Headteachers. We welcome Mr McKechan to Thurlbear...who is going to apply for my job. Before anyone cheers, it is only a practice and I am not leaving. He will be going through the scenario of a Head's interview and our school - and Values Team - are going to help him. I am sure it will be a very intersting morning.
Tuesday sees Year 6 go to Taunton racecourse for their annual 'Race to School' day, which is an amazing day out. back in school, Years 3 to 5 will be spending some time up in Thurlbear Woods orienteering. 'Thrive outside' clothes will be needed by these classes. Our infants will be doing some activities the week after around the school grounds, all part of our 'thrive outside' steps in the curriulum and beyond.
Thursday sees the teddy hospital come to Thurlbear after a little delay!
And Friday is our February DRESS DOWN FRIDAY, with year 3 leading our celebration worship.
There are some activities in the community to be aware of:
SASP have some great fantastic courses on offer in Taunton during Feb Half Term, especially for Primary age children (Yrs 1 to 6 available) who are just starting out in cricket. They are based at the County Ground and in the newly revamped Centre of Excellence where the professionals train!
Parents can book by visiting their website or clicking on this link Children’s Coaching - Somerset Cricket Foundation
Huish Tigers Basketball also have coaching sessions and February half term camps. They can be found attached to this blog post.