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LYMPSTONE C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL
EXTRACTS FROM THE GOVERNORS’ NEWSLETTER ~ MARCH 2008
The Governing Body continues to review pupils’ academic performance on a regular basis, which makes us more able to review the successes and challenges of long term strategies and resourcing issues. Our youngest pupils at the Foundation Stage, for example, are performing very well, with particularly encouraging results in their first term from September. Further up the school, we are conscious that support is needed in key areas, and we have taken steps to tackle Key Stage 2 mathematics specifically. Pupils are being taught maths in ability-based sets, we have an additional teacher, Miss Singleton, working to support maths teaching and additional twilight booster maths sessions are being offered to pupils in Year 6. These measures are proving to be successful, and we are encouraged by pupils’ performance in this area. We are confident that these extra resources will enable pupils to meet their targets in SATs tests next term.
Governors are well aware that the suitability of our school site is a problem, but work is underway to further improve our facilities. The new classroom is now up and running, and Mrs MacDonald has firmly established herself in the role of Class 5 teacher, with Miss Jutson and Mrs Williams providing invaluable support. I hope that parents will agree that the new room is very useful, and provides a lovely environment for our staff and pupils. A further significant benefit of the new classroom has been that class sizes across the school have been reduced and our extra overall capacity has meant that pupil numbers have risen to 154 this term.
The new pond is well-established now, and the site of the old pond has been transformed into what will become a very exciting new recreational space for pupils. The sensory garden is planned to stimulate the pupils’ senses in many ways, and pupils will themselves be involved in the planting, selection of features and construction of this space. Community support for this project has been very encouraging and we are extremely grateful to Lympstone Garden Club, and our County Councillor, Bernard Hughes for their generous donations. Governors would also like to thank Mrs Emma Jones for her work on this project, and for driving forward our hopes for a “Healthy Schools Award”, for which we received accreditation this term.
We are fortunate to have had a wide variety of visitors to the school, and pupils have benefited from a diverse range of after school activities, such as First Aid, drama, netball and gardening. The Governors are grateful to all staff and volunteers who have given their time to support and encourage our pupils in so many aspects of their development, and particular thanks should be given to the many adults who helped to make this term’s production of “Oliver” such a resounding success, and an event of which our school should be very proud. Congratulations to all pupils and staff involved, we shall look forward to your next spectacular show!
At our March meeting, the Governing Body again discussed the issue of Extended Schools, and we are continuing to research and develop links with care-providers who might be interested in offering after school facilities in the village. Any parents or carers who would like to get involved in this consultation process are very welcome to join us.
Governors have worked hard this term, on their respective sub-committees and I would like to thank them for all their hard work and time. I would particularly draw parents’ attention to our school website www.lympstone-primary.devon.sch.uk, which carries much information about our school, and to remind parents that the School Profile is available either online or in paper form at the school office. Thanks to Margaret Turgoose for putting that report together.
The Governing Body has again seen changes this term. John Welton has agreed to join us as a Community Governor. John lives in the village, has much experience of education and is an experienced Governor elsewhere, so we are looking forward to welcoming him to our ranks. Our Clerk, Elaine Fisher has taken maternity leave and is enjoying time with her new daughter, so we have welcomed Karen Pemberton as her replacement, and Karen is providing us with essential support in many aspects of our work.
I hope that you have an enjoyable Spring break, and look forward to reporting our continuing successes next term.
Victoria Laney-Hubbard, Chair of Governors
Illustrated Talk on Film Studies : Wed 21st May 2008
To coincide with Adult Learners' Week, WEA (Lympstone) in conjunction with the Lympstone Film Society introduces Dr Richard Bradbury who will give an illustrated talk on Film Studies in the Function Room of the Village Hall starting 7.30pm for 8pm . Tickets including light refreshments, £2.50 on the door. This introductory talk, whilst a one-off, is intended to encourage future participation in a 6-10 week WEA course in Lympstone starting in September. More details of this and other WEA Lympstone courses later.
Richard Crisp
Old London Bed and Breakfast
The Strand EX8 5JW. For a warm welcome and a great breakfast Ring Norma on 01395 266116 or visit www.oldlondonbandb.co.uk
Or email keith.exelby@sky.com
POLICE
REPORT April 08
Between 1600 of the 07/03/08 and 1100 of 08/03/08 a red Toyota vehicle that was parked in Underhill car park was scratched and dented. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact us on the numbers below, quoting KE/08/640.
On a separate matter it was reported to me that a car had cooking oil poured over the windscreen and the rubber off the windscreen wipers pulled off. It was found it this condition on the morning of the 16th March by the registered keeper. If anyone has any information, please contact us.
We reported in last months edition that a car had been criminally damaged whilst parked in Lympstone. We are pleased to report that after further enquiries an individual was arrested and is now on bail pending court hearing.
It has come to our attention that there have been a number of anti social behaviour incidents in and around Lympstone recently. Individuals have been spoken to about their behaviour and we will continue to monitor the situation. Should anybody see anyone committing what they consider to be antisocial behaviour, I would ask that you try and get a good description of the individual and contact us on the numbers below. Behaviour that affects other people’s quality of life is not acceptable and will be dealt with in an appropriate way.
Whilst on patrol in the village I am often stopped and spoken to by residents who are concerned about parking issues. Can I remind all car drivers that it is an offence to park vehicles on double yellow lines and close to any sort of junction. Please be considerate to other people, especially when parking on Station Hill as people need to access their garages which are situated on the left of the hill.
And finally, it is lovely to see so many residents out and about enjoying the sunshine. Please feel free to speak to me if you have any concerns or problems or even just to say hello! I have situated a box and some postcards in the post office, where you can leave a message for me or let me know your concerns, should you have any. All replies will be dealt with in strictest confidence.
PCSO Sarah Trayhurn
General Enquiries – 0845 656 7853
sarah.trayhur@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
Tracey Webb (AICB) Qualified Bookkeeper. For all you bookkeeping needs. Access to SAGE. Please call 07727168817
MATHS TUITION
Experienced teacher available to teach
AS and A2 mathematics. Tel: David
Moss-Gibbons 275782
Lympstone
Twinning Association
Only four weeks before fulfilling our raison d’être in May. Potential new
members who are interested or who wish to find out more should also contact
Richard Crisp on 273211. Members who are not hosting this year but who would
like to join either our coach trip to Lyme Regis on Friday 9th May or our main
dinner, entertainment and dance the following evening should contact Richard
Crisp soon, as places are limited. Twinners Tuck-In held last Sunday attracted
30 members and was hugely enjoyable.
Richard Crisp
FIRST 'HOUSE HISTORIES' HANDED OVER
The Function Room was full on 12th March when Friends of the Lympstone Historic Houses Group gathered for one of their most important events to date. The occasion was the presentation by Ian Angus of 'House Histories' to the owners of the first batch of listed buildings in the village to have their architectural features and what is known of their domestic history collated, with census-extracts, photographs and maps, in a specially designed dossier. As Chairman Harland Walshaw explained, the intention behind these documents is to provide a foundation for present and future owners of Lympstone's historically significant houses to build on as time goes by. Keeping the history of these properties alive and accessible for future generations is one of the causes LHHG has been committed to from its formation three years ago. He thanked Rosemary Smith in particular for her work on the project.
Before the presentation, Friends heard a most interesting and well illustrated talk by Isabel Richardson on her experiences as a surveyor of Devon's vernacular buildings, principally for the National Trust. All agreed it was a very full and worthwhile evening.
John Eaton-Terry
Wednesday Lunches
As from Wednesday May 7th these will take place in the new venue in the Methodist Village Hall/Church at 12.30pm price £2.50. Bookings as before through Mrs Betty Cole, Telephone 264223. All Senior citizens are welcome.
Mary Blair 265586
LYMPSTONE ENTERTAINMENTS
Our next event will be a welcome return visit by the locally based Clarion Clarinet Quartet, who will be playing in the Parish Church, by kind permission of the Rector, at 7.30pm on Friday 16th May.
John Eaton-Terry