The Countdown to Christmas is here! The corridors are filled with a wonderful buzz of excitement and Christmassy winter artwork going on. Without the usual wonderful nativities and KS2 carol services taking place because of covid, our ‘something’ different has been equally fun. EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 have filmed their nativities this week and will be emailed out to families on Wednesday, as well as some singing groups in KS2 which Mrs Browning has organised. Despite lacking the ‘sense of occasion’ the children were, as expected, brilliant.

We have also been recognising our community in our celebrations this year. We have been involved in making cards and pictures for hospitals in Bristol, Truro and Redruth, cards and recyclable decorations for Age UK and cards for members of our community which will be delivered on Wednesday. 

The children have also been learning about Save the Children and St Petrocs, which is where some of our donations will be going as well this week. 

We hope you find time to take part in the TMS to Lapland challenge, making sure all donations go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/TMSlaplandchallenge2020

A reminder for next Friday – it is the last day of term! Children will need to be collected between 1.15-1.30. There  will be no Bibbles/Pebbles on this day.

Have a wonderful time collecting those miles to get to Lapland – see you on Monday!

Ms Teagle

Christmas Parties and Lunches

A reminder that Christmas lunches and parties are happening next week. On Tuesday 15th December, EYFS/Key Stage One classes will be having their Christmas party and  KS2 will be having Christmas Dinner 

On Wednesday 16th December, Key Stage Two classes will be having their Christmas party and  EYFS/KS1 will be having Christmas Dinner.

On the day of your party, it is non uniform – so come dressed for a party! 

This year, due to COVID restrictions, the canteen will only be supplying a limited amount of sandwiches, cake and fruit to share for the Christmas parties. We are kindly asking you to provide your child with their own ‘party style’ packed lunch for your child’s party day. 

If you are also able to provide a small contribution of party food to share in class, this would be gratefully received. A designated adult (wearing gloves!) from their class will distribute shared foods to minimise contact. Please remember there may be children with allergies in your child’s class.

As always we acknowledge that these times for some are challenging and this is not intended to add any additional pressure. If you have any worries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the class teacher or Ms Teagle. We will make sure that all children will receive lunch and have an exciting day!

Lapland Challenge

Remember this weekend is the PTFA Lapland challenge. Can we cover the 2,101 miles / 3,381 km distance to travel from Threemilestone School to Lapland? We are inviting all our families to cover a part of this distance together by walking, running, biking or scooting. By inviting our friends and families, we can clock up as many miles/kms as possible.

To raise money, set yourself your own challenge in your own families: £1 per km for every family member? £5 per mile for your whole family? The options are endless! There is also a small prize for the best dressed family and the family who have covered the most distance. The money can be donated through the JUSTGIVING page and the money raised will be split between the PTFA and St.Petrocs.

Here is the link to the Justgiving page: 

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/TMSlaplandchallenge2020

 All photos of your family taking part, please email to: 

laplandchallenge@threemilestone.cornwall.sch.uk.

Free School Meals – Christmas Holiday Provision

The government has made funding available to Local Authorities, through a Covid Winter Grant Scheme, to support those most in need with the cost of food, energy and water bills. As part of this, our local authority has provided funding to facilitate Free School Meal provision (for those in receipt of benefits related Free School Meals) over the holidays. Following an appraisal of the various options, it was felt that the best option is for families to receive supermarket vouchers which will enable them to buy food where and when they choose to meet the needs of their family, similar to the government voucher scheme which ran earlier this year. Next week we will issue electronic vouchers to the value of £30 per eligible child to cover the two week period of the holidays.

Staffing

Today is Mrs Vale’s last day before she starts her maternity leave. Although she has not physically been in school recently due to restrictions, she has continued to work from home, supporting staff and playing a big part in the development of science at school. We wish her and Mr Vale all the happiness as they go into the next exciting (and sleep deprived) chapter of their lives!

As you are already aware Mrs Tindale will be leaving at the end of term, and we are thrilled to be able to accommodate Mrs Johnston’s request for taking a sabbatical, to prioritise her family. Both Mrs Johnston and Mrs Tindale have given so much to Threemilestone School in their time with us – their creative approach to the curriculum and the pastoral care and support they have given children and their families has been very much been appreciated by all.     

Following 30 years at Threemilestone School, Mrs Lobb has made the decision to move on from her role with the school. Her passion for Early Years has inspired many staff over the years and every child who has had her has been privileged to be in her class. I’m sure you’ll join the school in thanking Mrs Lobb for her hard work and dedication to the role and wishing her the very best for the future.

Although the school will be losing a much valued teacher, we are thrilled that Miss Grubb is able to stay with Lamorna Class. We are lucky to have such a talented teacher in our team!

Many of our children and families have been lucky enough to get to know ‘Chris the Caretaker’ over the last couple of years. Chris has never ceased to amaze us with his patience and kindness, and noticing all the small things which keep our school ticking over: nothing is too much of a problem. Unfortunately for us, special people are often noticed by others as well, and he has been offered a promotion within the same company. We are sad that Chris will be leaving us in the new year, but are excited about the new opportunities which have been opened to him. 

All have played really significant parts in the lives of children, families and staff. We are only too happy to pass on any cards or gifts if you are to leave them in the office. 

Covid update

Symptoms during the holiday 

If your child has symptoms within 48 hours of our closure on Friday (before 5pm on Sunday 20th December), please get a test and let us know by emailing secretary@threemilestone.cornwall.sch.uk.

In the event of a positive test result, then please let us know immediately by using the same email address and leaving contact details. Our emails will be monitored each day between 10am & 1pm. This is to allow us to comply with track and trace protocols.

If we need to ask a bubble to self-isolate in the event of a positive case, we will make contact with you via text message and email, with next step instructions.

Where a child or member of staff tests positive, having developed symptoms more than 48 hours since being in school, the school does not need to be informed. In this instance, parents and carers should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace.

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With the continued restrictions, we are still asking parents/carers to wear masks and/or  have increased vigilance in social distancing on school site. Staff cannot and will not enforce this, but we request for all adults to respect each other in this aspect of Covid safety. If you have meetings in school, or come into the office, we are asking all adults to wear masks. 

It is statutory that we provide learning opportunities for children who are off school for covid related difficulties. From day one of isolation, whether it be as a family, or the closure of a bubble, learning will be provided. Please take time to read and be aware of the information on https://www.threemilestone.cornwall.sch.uk/remote-learning/

Please also contact the school immediately if you require use of the Free School Meals entitlement.

With families still having to adhere to the ‘rule of 6’ both inside and outside, when meeting people you do not live with, it is important to do so outdoors where possible.

Once again we request that your child is collected by an adult in your family bubble, or support bubble. Again, we cannot police this, but we trust adults will work together in the common aim for public safety.   

All mitigating procedures of handwashing, ventilation and remaining in bubbles are in place. With the colder weather upon us, it would be helpful if children wore additional layers, such as vests. Fleeces/lightweight dark colourerd outdoor coats/garments may be worn in the classroom if it gets too cold, as we need to provide ventilation. However, hoodies are still not to be worn in the classroom or out at play. 

Shells, Pebbles and Bibbles

It is clear that our wrap around care can continue, due to it being a consistent group of children. Procedures are in place to mitigate risk and to keep this provision ‘Covid safe’. We are now opening up additional spaces, so please contact Miss Hawken to book your children in. 

We are also taking the opportunity to look at our provision, and we are asking parents/carers to sign a wrap around care agreement so that we have a shared understanding of the provision, including behaviour. 

Free School Meals

Many family situations are changing due to this ongoing pandemic. If you are needing support and unsure whether you are eligible to claim for Free School meals, click on this link to find out more. We currently have 20% of our children eligible for Free School meals – the current economic crisis is tough – please seek help if you need it. 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-colleges/school-meals/application-for-free-school-meals-and-pupil-premium/

Letters/emails home to Parents

PTFA – Lapland Challenge letters 

Diary Dates