Newsletter 10th December 2021

Dear Parents/Carers,

Advent- A time to Prepare

In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist prepares for the coming of Jesus. He tells them to share with others and to show mercy- to put people (not money or power) first; to feel for those who suffer and to do something to help.

This Church encourages us to perform Spiritual Works of Mercy. These include being compassionate; being patient with others even if we are being treated unfairly; forgiving others (even if we feel they don’t deserve forgiveness); sometimes giving people more than they deserve.

Merciful people do things out of their love and care for others and this makes the world a better place. A true message of Christmas for us all to share this year.

Annual Fun Christmas Challenge- Reminder

This year’s challenge has now been set by the Chair of Governors. We would like children to design and make their very own candle holder. All entries will need to be in by Monday 13th December where they will be judged by the Chair of Governors at the Christmas Lunch on Tuesday 14th December. Have fun and good luck.

Christmas Crafts-Reminder

All the Christmas Crafts that the children would have sold at the Christmas Fair are now available to buy on the ParentPay website. Please give generously and thank you for your support.

Leading Lights Christmas Hamper Collection Starts- Monday 6th December

Christmas is always a wonderful time to think of others who are not as fortunate as ourselves. The annual collection of food products begins next week with all donations to be given to the local Foodbank via the school. I know that in the past you have been most generous with this so we look forward to your donations. Y6 will be sorting out a collection area in the hall and we will share some photos of the donations when they have all been collected.

FS and Key Stage 1 Christmas Parties Monday 13th December-Reminder

Children can wear their party clothes and party!! Please can we make sure footwear is appropriate to wear all day at school.

Christmas Lunch Tuesday 14th December-Reminder

Christmas Pantomime Wednesday 15th December

Dick Whittington will be performed in the school hall for all children. Oh no it isn’t, I can assure you it definitely is! Children can wear Christmas Jumpers this day to enter into the festive spirit if they want to.

Key Stage 2 Christmas Parties Thursday 16th December

Children can wear their party clothes and party!! Please can we make sure footwear is appropriate to wear all day at school.

Last Day of Term- Friday 17th December

Christmas films in classrooms and also we are hopefully planning to sing some carols either in school or Church or possibly both. Please watch out for more information on this early next week.

As a parent of two children myself I know just how busy this time of year is. For those who like a simple calendar table to help keep organised see below.

Date Event Remember
Ongoing Christmas Challenge Candle holders in by Monday 13th December
Ongoing Christmas Hamper Collection Food products into school.
Mon 13th December FS/KS1 Parties Party Clothes
Mon 13th December Christmas Challenge All entries in by today
Tues 14th December Christmas Lunch  
Weds 15th December Christmas Panto Christmas Jumpers
Thurs 16th December KS2 Parties Party Clothes
Friday 17th December Last Day of term  

 

COVID 19- Please keep following the guidelines.

We are all wondering what the next few weeks will bring with the new variant and cases locally still high.

Currently in school we only have 1 positive case amongst children and staff so let us pray this continues to be the case.

Please support the school by wearing a face covering at drop off and pick up time. If you do need to come to the school office you must wear a face covering. Staff are also wearing face coverings when moving around the school and we have Carbon Dioxide monitors in all classrooms to help monitor the flow of air in classrooms. We are opening windows and doors periodically during the school day so please can all children wear jumpers and cardigans every day.

It is imperative that as a school community we do everything we can to follow the current guidelines. We do still have cases within the school and local community. Please let the school know ASAP if your child tests positive for COVID or if they have symptoms and you are waiting for a PCR Test result. If it is out of hours please email [email protected]

If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.

Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

  • they are fully vaccinated
  • they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
  • they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
  • they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or carers that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.

For further clarification then please check the DFE website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/step-4-update-what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges

Stars of the Week:

This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their R.E. sessions.

 

  • Little Joey’s- Parker
  • FS1- Noah and Hannah
  • FS2- Dottie and Kaden
  • Y1- Isaac and Connie
  • Y2- Alexis and Imogen
  • Y3- Holly and Joseph
  • Y4- Jolie and Bella
  • Y5- Sienna and Isabelle
  • Y6 –Brooke and Isabelle

Reception Applications

We still have a limited number of places still available for next year’s Reception (FS2) class. We encourage you to let your families and friends know should they wish to apply. We are happy to show prospective parents around our School so please encourage anyone who may be interested in sending their child to our School know and Mr Geaves or Miss Wright will happily show them around.

You can apply for a primary school reception place online and the website is now open for applications.

Children who are due to start reception class in September 2022 and who were born between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2018 are eligible to apply now. Parents will be invited to submit their preference for the primary school that they would like their child to attend. Specific places are only allocated once the application form has been filled. Please click on the following link to access the application:

https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/resident/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/primary-school-admissions/Pages/Applying-for-a-Primary-School-Place.aspx

We also still have some places available in our current Nursery (FS1) class. Contact school for further

information. We are more than happy to show parents around our school and discuss our values, aims and curriculum further.

Christmas Raffle

The raffle will be drawn remotely in school on Friday morning. Fingers crossed you will be lucky.

Final Thoughts

Please take care everyone. I know the latest COVID news can be upsetting and make us feel anxious about making plans for the future. My advice is to keep yourself and your family safe in everything that you do. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing my family this Christmas and hope that is manageable this year. The greatest gift that we can give everyone at this time is love- so make sure you spread Christmas joy wherever you go as you never know how greatly that may be appreciated.

Take care everyone, keep yourself safe and thanks you for reading this week’s newsletter.

Remember no after school clubs next week.

Mr Geaves

Executive Head Teacher