There are lots of positives to take from our first week back at school. The main one being seeing our wonderful pupils back where they belong in the classroom. The staff have embraced the new ways of working and so have the children. The changes are here to stay and we must, as adults remain vigilant and stick to the rules. If anyone in your household has Covid symptoms they must not enter the school site; a test must be sought at this stage. If the test is positive, we are working on the 14 day rule for both the person who has tested positive and anyone else living in that household or if they have had close contact. I urge you to please tell to school if you have a positive case and are self-isolating. Make sure when asked by test and trace about your contacts that you tell them about your connection to school. We will be checking to ensure the 14 day rule is adhered to. If the virus is passed to staff we will have to shut classes and possibly the school if we can’t meet the right staff to children ratios to keep the school open. 

As the week progressed it became much calmer on a morning and on an afternoon. Can I please ask that you stick to your start and end time? You should not be arriving too early, as this just results in more people being on site than needs to be here. Once your child has been called to line up you should leave the site and the gate area. Too many adults are congregating near the crossing patrol lady. The message is clear from the government - adults should not be in close contact with each other, 2m apart where possible. The last thing I want to do is to close the playground off to parents but I will have to if adults do not distance themselves and stick to standing on the outside of the playground in a family group circle. 

At the end of the school day please allow staff to come out and line the children up before calling them to you. We have to make sure we have everyone accounted for and staff are aware of where all the children are - we will send them to you. We have had some late pick-ups at the end of the day - this needs to improve. Please phone if an emergency arises that means you will be late collecting. We can no longer allow children to wait inside the building so please ensure you are punctual. Everyone should be collected and off site at 3.10pm.

PE has worked well this week and the children have really enjoyed the sessions. PE days are as follows - Y1 Thursday;    Y2 Wednesday and Thursday; Y3 Tuesday and Thursday; Y4 Thursday and Friday;Y5 Monday and Wednesday; Y6 Thursday and Friday. Children are to come dressed in their PE kit on these days. White T-shirt or polo shirt and jogging bottoms/leggings. If it is warm then shorts can be worn. Trainers should be worn on these days too - preferably plain and dark but please do not be buying new trainers just for PE. I have been through any remaining lost property and any items that had names in have now been sent home.

The children look really smart in their new uniform and I would hate for them to lose items so please ensure all clothing is labelled. The only items pupils need in school are their water bottle and lunch box (if they do not have a school dinner). Bags and book bags are not needed as we are trying to limit the items coming to and from school to home. A labelled water bottle is a must each daily for every child with enough water to last the whole day and lunchtime. 

Can you please return the IT letter on Monday if you have not done so already? Please print your email address so that we can record it accurately. More information to follow on this shortly. 

This is a lot of information to take on board but we are where we are and my priority is protecting your children, the staff and you. A big St.Patrick’s welcome to our new Reception children and their families. It has been lovely to meet you all this week and we hope you will be very happy here.

It's great to be back and long may it continue! 

God bless everyone

Mrs Grady