Mount Tamar School and Drake’s View HousePart of the Quay Partnership

Tel: (01752) 365 128www.mounttamar.org.uk/Email: admin@mounttamar.org.uk

8th June 2018

I hope everybody had a good week off and enjoyed the lovely weather. We are now in the final run up to the summer holidays. All the pupils are now well into their transition into “September”, and I must say they are doing tremendously well. Please could all parents and carers ensure that they have made their payments for activities week. The rates we set are hugely discounted by the school to make them affordable.If any parents or carers have any suggestions, ideas or feedback in any way please let us know - It is really great when we have positives to take home too! Have a good weekend.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS!!

Yesterday many primary students took part in a jiu-jitsu lesson as part of our plans to increase the range of sports we offer. We have chosen Jiu-jitsu because it is a sport whereby you are not allowed to hit out or strike but move your body around the floor and objects.

All staff and students had a fantastic time with Jordan, our coach. We are hoping that these sessions will help our students understand and feel how their bodies move and work.

The Pupil Parliament recently asked that the students are allowed to wear shirts, ties and blazers. The School Governors agreed that this was a great idea therefore as an OPTION, policy is being changed so that a white school shirt, green and blue striped tie and black blazer will be permitted for secondary pupils. Just to be clear; a combination of the new and old uniforms will not be allowed. Primary uniform has not changed, secondary pupils now have the option of the current uniform or any combination of the new items.

On Wednesday 23rd May Class RH went on a trip to Berry Pomeroy Castle. The trip supported our recent learning, studying gothic genre and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Of course, the main priority was to check out the dungeons for ghosts and enjoy a picnic lunch.

The Granary Farm has been full of activity recently with the students working hard to care for the animals and also help to further develop the facility. The vegetable garden is nearly complete and a very healthy assortment of vegetables are growing nicely. Ben and Mason have worked hard to get the BBQ built just in time for summer. Great teamwork skills and positive attitudes all round.Thank you farm students!

Buzzards class have been getting ready for the world cup with their interactive wall chart! The pupils (and staff) worked hard to create a chart for their numeracy lesson, that will allow them to record the world cup fixtures. The class also discussed what the starting line up should be for the England opening game. Who agrees with the class? Discuss you thoughts with Buzzards class!

Coping with Aggressive OutburstsUnfortunately, not all aggressive outbursts can be avoided but parents do have choices in how they react to and cope with these events. Many parents choose to:

● Ignore aggressive behaviours that can be tolerated. Denying a child the attention that (s)he craves often helps defuse aggression.

● Channel the child’s energy. A child with the energy to kick at others has the energy to kick a football instead.

● Show affection. Many times a child acts aggressively if (s)he is feeling hurt and a hug can be very soothing.

● Talk with the child. Often if a child understands a whole situation they are less likely to become frustrated and act aggressively.

● Removing a child from the trigger. Particularly if a child is becoming a danger to him/herself or others, picking them up and taking them to another location may be best.

Downham pupils Darnell, James W and Harvey, have made a great start out at Downham working hard on all their work as well as their social skills. They are building positive relationships between each other and staff. They are doing fantastically so far and I am positive that this will continue. Darnell is only a Year 5 and is doing maths Ninja like the secondary students, well done Darnell, that’s what we like to see!!

Just a reminder to all that we still have many outstanding payments for the activities week. This is an important week for the pupils, as it is great way to end the academic year. Please ensure that all payments are made as early as possible. Also, should your child take a packed lunch to school, it is vital that they are provided with one for every day of the activities week. Should your child be on Free school meals, they will have a lunch provided on the day.

Sadly, last week saw Masons last night in the Hostel. Mason has been with us for many years and has been an absolute pleasure. I think what all the staff will miss the most is Masons, let's say 'unique' sense of humor. we wish Mason all the best, and hope he comes back to visit whenever he can. Cheers Mason, it's been a pleasure.

This section is dedicated to achievements from the pupils within the school. An achievement can be anything from receiving an award in the local paper, to someone using their manners well in the playground. Achievements are individual, and Mount Tamar will celebrate them in any way they can. Please see this week’s below.

Week ending 8/6/18

Workers of the week: Arshum, Mason, Shae, Harley, Hannah, MatthewStars of the week:Lyla, Olivia, Mason, Ashton, TobyActs of Kindness: Mason, Luca, Jenny

Academic year 18/19Autumn term

School starts: Thursday 6th September 2018Non Pupil days: 4th and 5th September and 19th October 2018Half term 22nd October- 2nd November 2018 (2 week break)Term ends-21st December 2018

Spring term

School starts: Friday 4th January 2019Half term: 18th February- 22nd February 2019Term ends: 5th April 2019

Summer term

School starts- 23rd April 2019Bank holiday- Monday 6th May 2019Non pupil days- 29th and 30th July 2019Half term-27th May-31st May 2019Term ends- 26 th July 2019

Aquarium family passesPlease remember these passes are available for all families to use - For 4 people, completely free! These tickets are valid until the end of August, so please give us a ring if you would like one and you can see the aquarium first hand!

New to Mount Tamar School……….“One to One” drop in sessions with your Parent

Support Adviser – HayleyAs you know, my role is to support and advise all parents and carers. Our Coffee Mornings are now up and running well, together with various other

events that run throughout the academic year. However, I thought that it might be nice for you to have some allocated time, whereby you know you can pop in to school to see me, for a chat, on your own, about anything that might

be concerning you. I have therefore made arrangements to make myself available on the second Tuesday of every month. You can make appointments

at the following times: -

9am, 10am, 11am and 12 midday; simply call reception and Karen will book you in.

Future dates of the drop-ins are as follows: -

12th June

10th July

9th October

13th November

11th DecemberPLEASE remember that these times are simply to give you some allocated “you time”. I am more than happy to come and see you at different times, here at school, at home or indeed anywhere else that you feel comfortable.

Kind Regards,

Hayley Lee – Parent Support Adviser

Summer Mix 2018From 30 July to 24 August 2018, the Council’s Community Connections Youth Team has organised and funded hundreds of fantastic free activities to young people in Plymouth to liven up their school summer holidays.

Limited to eight courses for duration of the four weeks, but will have a reserve list for any unfilled spaces.

Summer Mix 2018 - Going local is:

§ Open to young people living in Plymouth (your home address must receive services from Plymouth City Council)§ Completely free§ For young people aged 11 to 19 years - some courses are available for those aged up to 25 years if you have a disability§ Allocated on a first come, first served basis

If you would like your child to participate in this year’s summer mix, please contact Carrie King at the school as soon as possible to get him/her signed up. This is such a fantastic opportunity for the young people to take advantage of, with £1000s worth of activities for free.

Please get in touch

Letting children know how their day “looks”.

────

Managing a calm environment for your child.

────

Ensuring your child is ready to learn and achieve

────

A vital tool that we use to help your child

────

Sharing these methods with you, so that you too can benefit at home

Main Site, Mount Tamar School

Please call 01752 365128 to book yMain Site, Mount Tamar School

Please call 01752 365128 to book your place.our place.

INVITATION

THURSDAY 5TH JULY

11 AM UNTIL 1 PM

INSIGHT INTO YOUR

CHILD’S

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

We would like to share with you

some of the methods that we use

to help to structure your child’s

day.

We work hard to create an

environment where your child is

comfortable and ready to learn.

It is very important to us that

your child feels calm and safe in

their surroundings.

Please come along to our information session to learn more.

Letting children know how their day “looks”.

────

Managing a calm environment for your

child.

────

Ensuring your child is ready to learn and

achieve

────

A vital tool that we use to help your child

────

Sharing these methods with you, so that you too

can benefit at home

Main Site, Mount Tamar School

Please call 01752 365128 to

book your place.

Calling all children & young people

Can you design us a logo / picture for the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service

(CAMHS) - Community Team?

Please send us your entry from your school or for attention of Fred Kemp / Ruth Houghton, CAMHS Community Team, Plym Bridge House, 4 William Prance Road, Plymouth, PL6 5ZD.

Please put your NAME, DOB / AGE and SCHOOL / COLLEGE on the back of your logo / picture

What does mental health mean?

Happy Angry

Low Mood

SadSelf esteem

Grumpy

Scared

May and June at Devonport Park Activity Centre

Rooted Groups Rooted groups have been enjoying cooking in our forest schools area, den building, making potions and making friends ! They held a festival in a day, and created an absolutely amazing obstacle course around the garden. Pirates , smugglers and boats and digging for victory will all be explored over the next few weeks. Please call us on 01752 500496 if you are in interested in attending either of our

Rooted groups.

An inclusive group for young people aged 8 - 16 years Every Monday in term time 4-6 PM.Every Saturday from 10-1 £5 for the first or only young person in a family £3 for each and every sibling. Pre booking required.

Autism Friendly Games Night

We've been having fun at our Autism Friendly Games Night. This runs at the Activity Centre on the 2nd Friday of every month from 4-7 PM £5 per young person. Can be pre booked through https://bookwhen.com/routeways

Children's Minds~Families Matter and In Other Words These are our supportive, non judgemental mental and emotional well being support and participation groups. The next session of Children's Minds~Families Matter will be on Saturday 2nd June 2-4 PM , on the theme of sleep! All welcome, please contact us if you have any queries beforehand. Recently the In Other Words young people have taken part in interviews for CAMHS staff, and assessed and given feedback on the rooms at Revive, as well as holding a quiz night.They are currently planning a vintage Karaoke night over at Rumpus Cosy as part of our June Spirit of the Community events.In Other Words meet from 4-6 PM at Devonport Park Activity Centre on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. Text or call Rose on 07920558543 or call 01752 500496 or email rtaylor@routeways.org.uk for more information.All welcome, but please let us know you are coming!

Little Seeds Whatever the weather Little Seeds love being outside, sowing, growing, playing and exploring.Upcoming themes will include The Scarecrow's Wedding, The Large Family, and all things elephant, and Super Tato. Our potatoes, beans and peas are growing well, and we are setting pumpkin seeds so there will be lots of different produce to pick and take home.Come along and join us every Friday from 1-3 pm at the Activity Centre. £2 per family, drinks and snack provided. No need to book.

Upcoming Special Events :

Spirit of the Community

Friday 1st June - The Big Lunch 12-14:00 Please note Little Seeds will run as part of this event so from 12-2 According to research, building relationships can help maintain a healthy brain. So, join us for a ‘bring and share’ lunch in our beautiful gardens and help keep your brain sharp and your community strong. FREE ENTRY Find out more about the Eden Projects’ Big Lunch here www.edenprojectcommunities.com/thebiglunchhomepage

Saturday 9th June - World Knit in Public day 12-14:00 Please note this event will run on from Rooted groups, please either come along and knit with your young people or collect at 12 on this dayNew to knitting? Never knitted before? Whether you are an experienced knitter or a raw beginner, come and join us for an afternoon of KIP (Knitting in Public).Wool and needles provided, or bring your own! Help us knit a traditional picnic blanket or create a great hanging basket . Light refreshments provided. FREE ENTRY

Sunday 24th June - The ‘Big Get Together’ 12-14:00

Celebrating an inspiring fusion of old and new community spirit, this traditional fete style event includes a bring and share picnic /BBQ.Special guests, face painting, nature-based activities, dancing, games and more.Come along and check out the progress of our NEW sensory building FREE ENTRY, small charges for some activities on site.Find out more about the Great Big Get Together here

www.greatgettogether.org

Thank you to everyone whoattended Coffee Morning this week, it was a really great

turnout.A reminder of the future dates: -

14th June—10 am-12 noon28th June—10 am—12 noon12th July—10 am—12 noon

This is a very informal get together here at the main site at Mount Tamar—everyone is welcome. We chat, have lots of laughs and find out all sorts of bits of information from school and each other.