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As we bid farewell to the Spring term, let's pause to celebrate our collective successes and accomplishments. Just as the ancient Roman God Janus symbolises transitions and new beginnings, this moment marks a time for reflection and anticipation of the future.

Throughout this term, your dedication and resilience have been tremendous. Despite the challenges we currently face in education, your unwavering commitment has been the cornerstone of our collective success.

As we embark on the Easter break, let's embrace the spirit of hope and renewal that this season brings. Like Easter's promise of new life and beginnings, let's approach the coming weeks with optimism and possibility. It's during these moments of reflection and renewal that we find the strength to pursue our goals with renewed vigour.

In the words of basketball legend Michael Jordan, "I've failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed." Let's remember that success often begins with hope – hope for a brighter future and for the success of our children.

Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Easter break filled with hope, happiness, and cherished moments with friends and family.

Best wishes,

Rob Haring

CEO

Change to the National Insurance Rate 

The government has introduced a reduction to the rate of Class 1 National Insurance contributions from 10% to 8% from 6 April 2024; further information is available here.

We are working with our payroll provider to ensure staff will benefit from these changes in April's pay.

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At Westcountry Schools Trust we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a healthy work culture with access to responsive and quality advice, support and wellbeing services.

Research shows that people who talk about money:

· Make better and less risky financial decisions

· Have stronger personal relationships

· Help their children form good money habits for life

· Feel less stressed or anxious and more in control

The Money Helper website from the Money and Pensions Service has a huge range of information, tools, and guidance about all aspects of money.

If you would like free, independent and impartial guidance on a range of money and pensions topics, please visit the website where helpful guides are available.

WeST aims to promote a positive attitude towards menopause at work. However we know that some colleagues and line managers find discussions difficult. As an employer, we are committed to providing support for open dialogues. In light of which we are sharing key information and aim to increase awareness. Please take a few moments to watch a new video (3mins) from the Equality Human Rights Commission on supportive discussions on menopause at work.

Please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/tCS4uYR5Qmw

In coming weeks we hope to share more information and materials. However if you would like to join our mail list for specific menopause at WeST updates please contact hr@westst.org.uk.

Outdoor Learning Conference 

Over 100 teachers and educators attended the outdoor learning conference in March. The conference was delivered in partnership with Arena Wild Tribe and Devon Education Services. The conference kicked off with a keynote speech from Dr Alun Morgan from Plymouth University. Alun discussed the current research into Outdoor Learning and the benefits of getting children outdoors. Alun talked about the National Curriculum and the need to evolve the science and geography curriculum to meet the DfE’s strategy 'Climate change and Sustainability’ (April 2022). The conference also launched the newly written publication ‘Sustainability and Climate Change KS2 Outdoors’ written in collaboration by Alun Morgan, Deborah Lambert, Sue Waite and Michelle Roberts. The book provides a guide to developing sustainability and climate change within schools, with case study examples of site development alongside lesson plans to deliver innovative science and geography in the outdoors. St Catherines School sent their beekeeping team to present and share their knowledge of beekeeping and how this can help reduce the effects of climate change.

Surfers Against Sewage, The Ocean Trust, Devon Waste Management, and the Ministry of Eco Education also attended the conference, delivering workshops for all those who attended. They were able to share their work and deliver practical examples of how to introduce key concepts to children about this important subject. Many of our children will be working in green jobs in the future, so it is vital that we start to develop a curriculum in our schools which meets the needs of our changing society.

The feedback from the conference has been fantastic, with many teachers inspired to take ideas back to their schools. The main questions everyone leaving the conference wanted to ask was when is the next conference?  Can we book now?

A big thank you to Duchy College for hosting this conference, Devon Education services and all those who contributed to this fantastic event. A special thank you is extended to the beekeepers from St Catherines Church of England Primary school in Launceston who delivered a very special presentation.

Mindful March 2024

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Internal Vacancies: 

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Headteacher at Ermington Primary School. Part of the Headteacher's responsibilities will include leadership of SEND or some classroom teaching. This will be negotiated through a discussion with the successful candidate, depending on their experience and preference. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 16 April 2024.

Hele's school is looking to appoint a Secondary Intervention Coordinator. Hele's is seeking an exceptional teacher with energy, creativity and commitment to join their Intervention department. They wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach literacy. Hele's is seeking someone who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. For more information please click here. Closing date: 15 April 2024. 

Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you of the following exciting career opportunities within our Trust:- 

Callington Community College is looking  to fill the following vacancies: 

Cover Supervisor - Callington require a passionate and inspirational Cover Supervisor to join their thriving team where the community is at the heart of everything they do. The successful candidate will oversee classes during the short-term absences of teaching staff. Closing date: 12 April 2024. 

Finance Officer - Callington is seeking a hard-working individual with high attention to detail and able to quickly establish excellent relationships with all stakeholders. The successful candidate will work within the College Finance Team to raise and manage purchase orders and supplier invoices in accordance with Financial policies and procedures. Closing date: 12 April 2024.

 For more information on the above vacancies, please click here.

Coombe Dean School is looking to appoint a Teacher of Social Sciences (Maternity Cover). Coombe Dean are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational Teacher. The successful candidate will deliver high quality lessons and opportunities to Post 16 students. The successful candidate will be a hard working individual, passionate about Social Sciences, and a Teacher with high expectations and an unwavering determination to get the best outcomes for students. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 15 April 2024.

Eggbuckland Community College is seeking to fill the following vacancies:

Casual Examination Invigilators - Successful candidates will support the exams administrators with the day-to-day operation of examination venues. Duties may include reading and/or scribing for students with special needs. Closing date: On-going.

Cleaner - Eggbuckland is looking for an after-school cleaner to work as part of a team providing an efficient cleaning service for all parts of the college. Closing date: 14 April 2024.

For more information on the above vacancies, please click here.

Hele's School is looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Teacher of Maths - Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner who will be an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. You will be joining a passionate team of teachers who have a deep commitment to transform the lives and opportunities of every one of our students. Closing date: 17 April 2024.

Teacher of Maths - KS3 Coordinator - Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. The successful candidate will have a proven record of delivering excellent outcomes for students. Closing date: 15 April 2024.

Learning (Cover) Supervisor - Hele's are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Learning (Cover) Supervisor to provide stability and continuity for students whose lessons are affected through short-term teaching staff absence. Closing date: 15 April 2024.

Teacher of Technology - Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner who will be an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. This post represents a fantastic opportunity for the successful applicant to play a role in their school improvement journey and quest for excellence in every measure. Closing date: 18 April 2024.

Music Curriculum Lead - Hele's wish to appoint a dynamic classroom practitioner with the capacity to teach Music at KS3 and KS4, and also potentially at A-Level. They are seeking someone who is both an outstanding teacher and an enthusiastic and influential role model for their students. Closing date: 23 April 2024.

For more information on the above vacancies, please click here.

Ivybridge Community College is looking to appoint Casual Examination Invigilators. Hours of work are by negotiation, to cover examination sessions throughout the year. The ability to work at least three days a week during the peak times in May and June. A full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. For more information, please click here. Closing date: On-going.

South Dartmoor Community College is looking to to appoint Exam Invigilators. South Dartmoor is seeking to appoint a number of Examination Invigilators. The successful candidates will be hardworking, self-motivated and enjoy working in a team as well as under their own initiative. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 14 April 2024.