Newsletters

Dear Families

I hope this bulletin finds you well.

Covid

We have had no confirmed cases of Covid in our community this week.

A reminder to families who have sent for, or done, Covid tests.  Please be aware your child cannot  return to school until we have evidence of a negative test or it is beyond the isolation period.

If your child has a sibling who has been told to isolate as part of a bubble but is not displaying any symptoms, they can and should still attend school.  If the sibling is  displaying symptoms, the normal isolation period applies to the whole family.  For more advice and guidance go to: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/ 

I have noticed that many pupils who are wearing face coverings either drop them down below their nose or have it under the chin rather than taking it off.  We are educating pupils about the risks of doing it and would be grateful if families could reinforce this at home.  It has been suggested that having the mask under your chin could make the risk of breathing in the virus greater if it has been deposited on the outside of the mask.  We are simply saying 'if its on, cover your mouth and nose, if its off, take it off completely'.

Assemblies

Hosting virtual assemblies (or ones with only one class in attendance with the rest of the school watching virtually) has been a learning experience!

I am extremely grateful to the classes who have volunteered to attend and participate in my assemblies as it makes it not only a far more enjoyable experience for me, it is much more interesting for those watching as well!

Thank you to:

7NC: Claire Ronnie Evie Dennis Hartej Oscar Charlie Precious Sam Daniel . 'Working together to achieve'

LD:  Amiya Alicia Kofi Elyas Yanani Jason Vinaay Iqra.
'Recycling'

9MC: Diego Zakaria Sherice Colin Sarah CallumKevin Harwinder Archie Marcel. 'Change' 

Next week we are looking forward to an assembly about Mcmillan Cancer Support where one of our staff will be 'Braving the Shave' live!  If you would like to sponsor Mr Paul Hornal as he has his long flowing locks shaved please go to https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/?text=hornal&__ncforminfo=FvxxX-0-BgTiHnc7oxcvRjc27kreN1zD8SqV9GFRnR03kaamIMoXIuH6-anbPYATylu9ON-2jqIb7tIvYWWVe0Emq_srDzD59dq1PzTaun2CeAK9q0MFgg%3D%3D 

We will be posting photos of the event!

Uniform

Please can I remind families that pupils should have a blue jumper to wear in school as they are expected to remove their outdoor coats in class.  This must not be a hoody.

Please can 6th form students remember that they should not be wearing jeans to school.

For days when it is drizzly we still send pupils out to break but they must have a coat to wear.  Please ensure your child has one with them every day so they don't miss their outdoor break.

As we are still trying to make use of our entire play spaces to allow all groups to get some fresh air and movement we are continuing to use the school field, even though it is getting wet.  If you would like to, you can send in alternative footwear for your child to change into at break and lunchtime so that their school shoes don't need cleaning every night.

I am aware this is not an ideal solution, but we simply don't have the hard standing space to assign to all classes.

Half term

I am aware that there has been a lot of speculation that schools may have an extended half term.  At present, we have not had notice of this.  Our half term dates are from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October.

From Monday 2nd of November, pupils will resume all aspects of their timetable which will necessitate more movement about the site.  We will keep pupils based in their tutor rooms as much as possible for but for lessons that require specialist rooms or for option groups this will not be possible.  We will continue with all other aspects of our Covid response plan which was deemed highly effective by the safeguarding audit that took place last Monday. 

If your child is off school related to Covid but is well,  the school will provide work packs for them which they are expected to complete and bring back with them on their return to school.

Best wishes to everyone for a restful weekend.

Jenny Rigby
Head Teacher