The 2024 – 2025 Academic comes to an end, and we reflect on what has been and we look ahead to what will be.
Our Year 6 have just held a poignant and warm Leavers’ Worship on our school field and all pupils attended. You can see their impact across the school when looking at the reactions of our younger pupils towards them during the Service. They really are loved and respected by the Thurlbear family. As they move on and into their next adventures, we put them in our prayers and wish them the very best of futures. Thanks to the Seven Sowers Benefice for the for the lovely new-style Youth Edition Bibles gifted to all of Oak Class:
Lunches have gone very well, for the vast majority of time, since we went over to a digital approach to food-ordering. Please remember to order your lunches by midnight 3rd September to secure lunch for your child. Please be aware, children coming from Year 2 into 3 will now need to pay for their lunches, as universal free school meals ends at the end of year 2.
From September, we have taken the difficult decision to raise the cost of Breakfast and After School Club to £4.50 per hour, from £4 currently. The price has remained unchanged for 8 years and we have looked around at other offers to ensure we are not asking too much in comparison. As always, it can be booked online and contact the office if you need further details.
GOODBYE AND THANKS to Mr Stead, who stepped into Chestnut Class for us until the end of this academic year. All the staff thank him for his positivity and effort this half term.
We also say GOODBYE AND THANKS to our Chair of Governors, Mr Hurn. In my time as head, he has been an integral part of our progress, and I personally and professionally thank him for his advice, guidance and leadership.
He leaves us with this message:
“What a busy year this has been at Thurlbear! The school leadership team, teachers, support staff and the Governors have all continued to contribute actively to establishing the school as a centre of learning excellence your children. As a Governor for 7 years and Chair for 3 years, I have seen the school continue to move forward and provide the environment and experiences for the children to thrive at and be challenged to achieve academically while developing skills to continue being an even better asset to the world in which they live.
I am retiring as Chair of Governors this summer after 47 years in Education and firmly believe Thurlbear is a great example of the best of British Educational practice and with your continued support, I expect it to be at the forefront of all that is good about schooling experiences for your children in the 21st Century. Have a great Summer and the school looks forward to welcoming the children back in September.
Garry HURN Chair-of Governors- Thurlbear CEVA School ”
We say HELLO to Mrs Strong, who joins the Thurlbear family as Foundation Stage teacher and as cover for the remainder of Miss Kelloway’s time away. It has been lovely having Mrs Strong in school for our stay and play sessions, this half term.
Don’t forget, our community library is still up and running outside the school gate! You are more than welcome to pop up any time and swap a book or two and keep the reading-for-pleasure adventure going.
Coming back to school – which will whizz around before we know it – our INSET day is September 3rd and then children are back 4th September. Our dates can be found on the website and there is an updated link to our 24/25 calendar:
https://www.thurlbear.somerset.sch.uk/events/
And, to finish, here is a selection from Silver’s leaving poem:
“Leaving Thurlbear – a chapter’s end,
New adventures call, with joy to send.
Dance and play, let laughter sway,
Thurlbear behind us, in a bright array.”
Have a wonderful summer, everyone, and
May God Go With You.