Newsletters

Newsletter 24/10/2025

{item_alt_tag}

Dear Parents, Carers and Families,

What a brilliant half term it’s been at Nancealverne! Our classrooms and corridors have been filled with laughing, learning, and lots of fun, all culminating in today’s Halloween Spectacular — a fantastic day of creativity, costumes, and community spirit. It’s been wonderful to see everyone join in the celebrations with such enthusiasm!

This week, we also want to share a very special message of thanks and appreciation to Margaret, one of our incredible Teaching Assistants, who has been part of the Nancealverne family for an amazing 32 years. Margaret has supported and inspired countless pupils over the decades, leaving a lasting impression on so many lives. Her kindness, dedication, and sense of humour have made her a true cornerstone of our school community — thank you, Margaret, for everything you’ve done and continue to do.

We’d also like to give a big shout-out to Jess, one of our newer TAs who is also leaving the school today. Her positivity and care have a made such a difference to our students. Thank you, Jess, for bringing your warmth and enthusiasm to every day.

As we head into the break, we wish all our pupils, families, and staff a happy, safe, and restful half term, and we can’t wait to see everyone back, refreshed and ready for another exciting half term ahead! 🎃🍂✨

Best wishes,

Pippa 

Deputy Head Teacher

Happy Retirement Margaret 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Acorns Class:

Acorns have been preparing for Halloween by making, measuring and mixing spooky potions outside. We have really enjoyed our music sessions this term with Sam and have playing the guitar and drums. Every week we have been kicking through the Autumn leaves on our welly walks to see the wind turbine and fire engines. We have also been having spooky Halloween story times and using GRID to retell the story.

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Juniper Class:

In Juniper class we have been learning about the Hindu Festival Diwali! The children loved making Rangoli Rice artwork, listening to Diwali celebration music and exploring the traditions of the festival.  

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Palm Class: 

A Roaring Day Out at Newquay Zoo!

Our pupils had a fantastic time on their recent visit to Newquay Zoo, enjoying a wonderful day exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom and learning first-hand about global conservation efforts.

The trip provided a valuable opportunity for students to see a wide range of exotic creatures, bringing classroom learning about conservation and habitats to life. Among the many fascinating residents the pupils observed were:

  • Red Pandas
  • Humboldt Penguins
  • African Lions
  • Carpathian Lynx
  • Capybara
  • Ring-tailed and Crowned Lemurs
  • Asian Short-clawed Otters
  • Zebras and Black Wildebeest (in the African Savanna exhibit)
  • Meerkats
  • Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth (in the Tropical House)

The pupils were incredibly engaged, asking insightful questions and observing the animals with enthusiasm.

We extend our huge and heartfelt thanks to The Rotary Club for their immense generosity. The entire cost of the trip, including travel and entry, was covered by their kind donation, making this memorable and educational experience possible for all our students.

Thank you, The Rotary Club, for supporting our pupils' learning and giving them a truly unforgettable day!

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

      Oaks Class:

The Aspens and Oaks classes have made an impressive start to their Duke of Edinburgh training, showing real enthusiasm and teamwork from day one. They’ve thrown themselves into every challenge — from map reading and route planning to volunteering projects and hands-on equipment practice. Learners have shown great determination while mastering the tricky art of putting up tents and carrying heavy expedition bags, supporting one another throughout. Their focus, energy, and growing confidence are already shining through, setting them up brilliantly for the adventures ahead. 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Football Tournament: 

On Friday, we had 2 6-a-side teams representing our school against Cape Cornwall in a mini football festival. 

The students have been working really hard to get ready for it for several weeks, working on their teamwork, problem-solving, creative and communication skills along the way.

We are very lucky to have such an array of talented individuals that we get to spend our working week with, and I'm extremely proud of all of our players for showing resilience and heart, never giving up and having a 'yes I can' attitude. 

They play with such freedom and bravery every week, showing that their own decision-making can lead to amazing growth and progress. Sometimes I wonder who is teaching who on the school field! 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Choir:

Recently, 6 members of our school choir, gave up their time one Sunday to sing and sign at a Disability Sunday service at High Street Methodist Church. They wowed the congregation with their singing and Makaton signing and even attempted a new song at the end that they hadn't heard before. 

As a thank you, the church have kindly offered us 2 dates for our school Christmas concerts in December. We will start practising our carols soon! 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Wellbeing Award:

We are delighted to share that Nancealverne School has been awarded the Well at Work Award from the Duchy Health Charity, recognising our supportive culture and commitment to staff wellbeing.

This recognition is thanks to the generosity of colleagues who shared their experiences of Simply Health and other wellbeing initiatives. It was formally celebrated at the Working Well Conference and Awards at the Wadebridge Showground. 

We'd like to say a big thank you to our wellbeing support, Rachel Faulkner, who is available for staff across all sites. 

{item_alt_tag}

                        

Friday 24th October: Last day before half term - normal time finish

Monday 3rd November: Return to school 

Friday 12th December: Christmas Fayre 1-2:30pm

Friday 19th December: Break up for Christmas Holiday - normal tim finish

Tuesday 6th January: Return to school

{item_alt_tag}

Information and Support:

Police are offering drivers and passengers with additional needs free seatbelt covers to help make communication easier after incidents including road traffic collisions.

Please click on the link for more information and how to obtain these.

News Article - Devon & Cornwall Police

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Events:

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

 

                     Heligan Header Logo

Father Christmas - Relaxed Sessions

  • 17 Dec: 5pm - 7pm
    19 Dec: 10am - 11am

This Christmas the Heligan Team are excited to announce the return of a very special guest, as we look forward to welcoming back Father Christmas and his team of Elves to The Lost Gardens.

Relaxed sessions for families with a child with disabilities or additional needs are available during the evening of Wednesday 17th December.

These evening relaxed sessions also include entry to the enchanting Heligan Night Garden.

Father Christmas tells us that he just can’t wait to meet you all again as you visit him beside the famous fireplace and share your stories, hopes and wishes with him.

The Lost Gardens provide the most magical and perfect setting for any Christmas experience, especially for the annual visit to meet Father Christmas. As you explore The Gardens on your way to your visit, don’t forget to write your letter to Father Christmas…. he really does enjoy reading your thoughtful letters!

You and your family will then be welcomed to the gardens, where you will start to prepare for your special visit. Here the Team will ensure you get into the Christmas spirit, with music and festive crafts, and don’t forget your complimentary toasted marshmallows to toast over the warming fire. As anticipation builds you will be escorted by The Head elf to meet Father Christmas in the magical traditional setting of the Head Gardeners Office.

Each child will be gifted a small traditional children’s present to remember their visit to Father Christmas by, along with Christmas wonder and traditions that reconnect you to the magic and true meaning of Christmas.

Father Christmas can’t wait to hear all about your year, your hopes for the future, and your wishes for Christmas. He has some magical stories of his own to share with you too!

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the unique cosy setting we can only accept bookings with maximum of six people.

{item_alt_tag}