It’s amazing to think we’re three weeks into the second half of Autumn Term already. The children have returned full of energy and school is in full swing. We’ve started our new project for this half term and our ‘Gateway’ is ‘Cracking Ideas’. Following the session for parents last year, when we discussed Buckland St. Mary’s Curriculum, the school’s website has been updated. Under the ‘About Us’ tab you will find a ‘Curriculum’ tab. Please have a read of the document at the bottom of this page titled Curriculum Intent. Some of the pages are ‘under construction’ so watch this space for updates. My thanks to parents/carers for supporting the Shoe Box Appeal so well. We were able to send off many items that benefit those less fortunate than ourselves. In addition, we raised a fantastic ‘£104’ towards Children In Need. Raising the awareness of such charities and issues in the world is an integral part of what we do at Buckland St. Mary C of E School and clearly has a direct link to our Christian Values. It was lovely to see so many of you at Parents Evening last week. For those of you who didn’t manage to complete the survey, please scan the QR code on the back of this newsletter and answer the questions. On Wednesday 27th November, I will collate the responses and share with everyone before the end of term. Your feedback is valued and has already guided much of the work and efforts to date. For example, communication has been raised as an area for improvement. In light of this, we continue to send emails, letters etc. and all key dates are regularly updated on our school website as well as being added to all newsletters. In addition, and when necessary, we text/phone parents. All communication will aim to give parents/carers a minimum of two weeks notice. I appreciate that some things may have to change due to unforeseen circumstances but we endeavour to keep this to a minimum. If you feel this is not enough, please do get in touch so we can agree other forms of communication. 

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Also in the News

Posted on: 30/04/2024

A Message from Mrs Staniland

As the school year moves rapidly past and we transition into the summer term, I find myself reflecting back on the year so far. It is a real privilege to be part of the learning journey that our children undertake. I'm consistently amazed by their ability to apply their skills and knowledge, forging connections that broaden their understanding of the world. Witnessing the growth of all our children, as learners, is immensely rewarding. It's a joy to observe them deeply engaged in their learning enquiries across all our teaching spaces, whether it's our youngest ones exploring their rain gauges outdoors, our middle year groups observing cows and calves to learn about how plants and animals reply on each other through or our oldest engaging in debates to express their perspectives. Together, we are nurturing young minds and shaping the future. Every moment in school contributes to their growth and development and I feel privileged to be part of their journey. Keep up the wonderful work Team Buckland!Categories: 1 CategorySchool News

Posted on: 11/03/2024

A Message from Mrs Staniland

How are we in March already?! It has been wonderful to see the sun shining, the flowers beginning to bloom, as well as the lighter evenings coming in. Buckland has been a hive of activity so far this half term from netball development days at Holyrood, cross country at Stockland, music lessons, dance workshops, World Book Day and a visit from Ferne animal sanctuary to name just a few of the additional experiences available for our children.  Since we transferred to the ACE Multi Academy Trust, on the 1st January, we have enjoyed a close working relationship with the other ACE schools in Devon and Somerset. ACE has 3 core values of Academic Excellence, Learning to Learning and Character Education.   This half term, Ash, Oak and Beech class have all trialled our exciting, enquiry-based curriculum linking our History and English learning experiences. We look forward to sharing their learning journals with you at our Parents Evening on Wednesday 13th March. It has been wonderful to see the children embracing their learning and taking pride in their work as I have walked around the school.  Families have an opportunity to meet Nick Hind, ACE Deputy CEO and William Jaworski, ACE Strategic Advisor on Monday 25th March. An email to ask if you are attending has been sent out by the office. Please reply so that we can organise seating and arrangements. We look forward to seeing you then.       Categories: 1 CategorySchool News

Posted on: 8/12/2023

A Message from Mrs Staniland

Where has the term gone? I can’t quite believe it is December already and what a month we have had!  It has been fantastic to hear how hard the children have been working practising their songs for the Carols by Candlelight. We were so thankful that we were able to go ahead with this wonderful event despite the weather's efforts to the contrary! A big thank you goes to Sephi and Somerset Music for her wonderful work with the children in preparation for this (with her three month old twins in tow on the night of the performance too!), the Stoke band for their wonderful music, the teachers and staff for all their additional preparation and rehearsals and to FoBs for the delicious refreshments - it certainly made us all feel full of the festive spirit.  Following this Christmas theme - I was delighted to experience my first Buckland St Mary Christingle service this week. The highlight for me was when the children were singing with the lights dimmed and their candles lit - just magical. Thank you goes to Reverend Jim and Revd. Nick for supplying us with all the oranges and sweets to enable all the children to make their own Christingles. The children looked all the more festive in their Christmas jumpers too. In the afternoon we enjoyed a tasty Christmas lunch in the hall - complete with log fire (on the big screen), Christmas music, festive place mats and crackers (thank you FoBs!)  If that wasn’t enough - I have also heard great things about the community carol concert in the church which is taking place on Wednesday 13th December and I am very much looking forward to it. If you haven’t already please put the date in your diary to join us!  With one final week to go before we break up for the Christmas holidays I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas with your friends and families from all of the staff at Buckland St Mary Primary School. We look forward to seeing you again for the start of the new year.  Categories: 1 CategorySchool News

Posted on: 10/11/2023

A Message from Mrs Staniland

Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to all of you - the Buckland family - for welcoming me so warmly as I begin my phased return to work as Head of School. Children, staff and parents have all been so kind and friendly. The children especially have made me smile every day. We've had a jam packed week this week with a postponed Harvest service and our Rememberance service too. I think you'll all agree that the children performed beautifully, created some fantastic artwork and were a credit to you and their school. The school has been a hive of activity over the past couple of weeks and it has been great to hear the children talk about what they have been learning with such enthusiasm. I can't believe that I am mentioning the 'C' word already but the children have also been busy working with Mrs Williams from Somerset Music to learn songs in preparation for our Christmas carols by candlelight on Tuesday 5th December. We look forward to welcoming you then. It was great to meet and talk to so many of you at our recent parents' evening - if you haven't had a chance to introduce yourself please do come and speak to me - my door is always open.Categories: 1 CategorySchool News

Posted on: 12/10/2023

A Message from Mr Morton

It has been an added treat to my start of the term to still be able to see all of your smiling faces on the playground this term. Buckland St Mary Primary School is a wonderful place to be, even on the greyest of days. The children are off to a great start this term and our learning adventures are well underway. Already this term we have welcomed visitors in to share their experiences of the wider world and cultures that we may not often get to experience. We are bringing the wider world to our children! I am pleased to share with you that Mrs Ellie Marriott will be joining our teaching team from the start of next term for the remainder of the school year. Mrs Marriott will be stepping into Mrs Wells-Burr’s shoes as she begins her own exciting adventure of preparing to welcome her newest member of the family into the world. Mrs Marriott will be in school many times over the next few weeks, getting to know the children and the routines of our school. Please take a moment to say hi and introduce yourselves to her over the coming weeks. We are also pleased to share with you that Mrs Staniland will be returning to work after the half term too.  Categories: 1 CategorySchool News

Posted on: 6/09/2023

Welcome Back- A Message from Mr Morton

Welcome back everyone! The sun is shining and we have had a delightful start to our term. I just wanted to share a staffing update with you all. It was a surprise to you all to see my smiling face on the gate today rather than Mrs Staniland’s. Thank you all for smiling back! During the summer break Mrs Staniland underwent major surgery. She is now home and in recovery. She is fine and on the mend and we hope to see her back with us later on this term (medical expectation is that this is likely to be for half a term) . Until then I will continue to support the school as interim Head of School. I am sure you will join me in wishing Mrs Staniland a speedy recovery.   Mr Kalopsidiotis has been called to the wilds and has begun his apprenticeship Exmoor Ranger training. We wish him all the best and look forward to seeing at some point soon. Mrs Napper has assumed the post of Forest School leader.   We also welcome Deborah Gilbert to our school team. Deborah will be working in school with us full time from the start of this term.   Please catch me if you have any questions or queries.   Kind regards   Steve Morton Interim Head of School  Categories: 1 CategorySchool News

Posted on: 14/07/2023

A Message from Mr Morton

As I write the final newsletter of the school year, I think back on all of the challenges and adventures that we, as a school, have faced and overcome this year. With each memory I can feel my smile growing wider. For every hardship there has been a happy ending and for every obstacle there has been a new route to discover and they have led us to new adventures.  It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to return to the headship of Buckland St Mary C of E Primary School over the past two years. Our school is a special place and home to a wealth of marvellous minds and creative thinkers. Every child, parent, member of staff and member of our wider village community has made each day here special and filled my heart with memories of happiness. For that, I thank you all.  As the Year 6 children prepare for their next adventures into the big world of secondary school, I know that they will share my thoughts about our school and I know that they too have an abundance of happy memories to see them on their way. They are all amazing young individuals who are destined for greatness. Good luck Year 6 and we wish well. I must also, again, say a huge thank you and good luck to Mrs Lisa Rundle for her passion and commitment to our school. We will miss you very much. Come back and see us any time!  All that is left for me to say is thank you to everyone for everything that you have done for our school, our children and for our staff this year. You are all amazing people. Enjoy your summer break.  Categories: 1 CategorySchool News

Posted on: 4/07/2023

A Message from Mr Morton

Welcome to summer everyone! It has been another lovely start to the school term. Already we have had so many activities happening throughout the school. Bikeability for our KS2 children has offered road safety for our budding cyclists. We have begun a local arts project with the parish council and Somerset Arts. We have immersed ourselves in our local environment, catching moths and exploring our wilderness for inspiration. Our end goal is to create an art installation that will cover the broadband junction box in the village. We are excited to see what we can create! Thank you to everyone who has spoken with me about my move from Buckland and for you kind words. It has been a very hard decision to make but the right one for the school. I am excited to still be part of the school’s journey from a distance and I know that Mrs Staniland will be an excellent fit for the school. We have 4 wonderful weeks left together and I plan on making every moment of them as memorable as I can. Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you all next week.Categories: 1 CategorySchool News