Newsletter Friday 4th February 2022
Friday 4th February 2022
Dear Parents/Carers,
COVID 19 Updates
I am delighted to report that we have returned to a much more normal position within the school this week. We still have a few children absent due to COVID and despite numbers being much lower in school and in the community the virus is still around.
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]
Changes to the self-isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19
From Monday 17 January, people who are self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative with a lateral flow device (LFD) test on both day 5 and day 6 and they do not have a temperature. For example, if they test negative on the morning of day 5 and the morning of day 6, they can return to their education or childcare setting immediately on day 6.
All test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.
Children’s Mental Health Week
I am delighted that next week the school will be taking an active part in Mental Health Week. The theme for this year is Growing Together. We are encouraging all children (and adults) to consider how they have grown, and how they can help others grow. We have all had to endure many difficulties caused by the Pandemic or by events in our lives generally. Next week we will give the children an opportunity to express this in a variety of ways.
On Monday the school will be visited by the author Jessica Bowers. Her brilliant book Fantastic Fin Faces his Fears really helps children to understand their emotions and feelings better.
As you know this book is available at a discount price of £5.60 with £3.60 going to the charity Place2Be. For more information about the stunning work this charity does please visit their website: https://www.place2be.org.uk/ This book can be purchased through ParentPay.
On Friday the school will be finishing the week supporting Dress to Express Day. By getting involved in this not only will it continue to raise awareness of Mental Health issues it can also raise vital funds to ensure every child has access to mental health support. We have set up a donation payment of £2 so children can express themselves in colourful clothes rather than school uniform.
Please visit this website which has a host of activities for children and some interesting articles for us all to read.
https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/
Safer Internet Day Tuesday 8th February
Safer Internet Day explores new issues which impact the lives of young people in the UK.
On 8th February 2022, the theme will revolve around safety in online gaming and apps. Play your part and we can make An Internet We Trust.
Another great website for you to explore is https://www.saferinternetday.org.uk
School Photograph Day
Thursday 17th February 2022 the school photographer will be in school. Best school uniform at the ready. If children do PE on a Thursday we will ask them to change for PE for this day only so that all photographs will be in full uniform.
School Meals Reminder
Every day that I am in school I have one of the wonderful school meals produced by the school kitchen. Over the past couple of weeks with high absence levels and other bits and bobs our numbers have been out for lunches which might result in unnecessary food waste or even worse shortages. Please can you let the school know with a minimum of a week’s notice if you are changing your child’s dinner from packed lunch to dinners or vice versa. This does also include the children who are able to claim the Universal Free School Meal in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.
School Minibus Service
Again we have noticed with the high absence levels another little procedure that we require families to follow. If your child is ill and not attending school and they are booked on the minibus, please can you phone the minibus mobile numbers as well as letting the school know of your child’s absence. This helps the minibuses stay punctual in the morning and avoid them waiting for pupils who are not coming to school. The telephone numbers are listed below:
- Mr Cuthbert and Mrs Atkinson’s bus mob 07927030192
- Mrs Philpott and Mrs Grey’s bus mob 07927030210
Postponement of February 2022 Parent’s Evening-Reminder
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter we will be rearranging Parent’s Evening for next half-term. This will give teachers and children the chance to have a more continuous run at school following the COVID absences and enable us to provide you with an update in as safe a school environment as possible.
Students of the Week
This week students have been nominated for their topic work. One of the joys of a primary school is finding out about the wider themes in our engaging curriculum. Well done to the following pupils:
Little Joeys- Lilly
Nursery/FS1-Noah & Macy
Reception/FS2- Reuben & Stanley
Year 1- Morgan & Tabitha
Year 2- James & Bella
Year 3- Orlaith & Bobby
Year 4- Fiann & Bella
Year 5- Konrad & Freya
Year 6- Rowan & Polyanna
Final Thoughts of the Week:
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Peter (after a night of failed fishing) is finally successful and realises his true calling because he listens to and follows Jesus’ instructions.
It’s important to make the right choice about who or what we follow in life. Simply following our desires and feelings, which often change, can leave us feeling unsatisfied. Jesus invites each and every one of us to make following him our most important priority.
We follow Jesus whenever we are kind, try to make peace, and make others feel welcome. Choosing to follow him is not always easy but it really does guide and help our families to keep growing in wisdom and love.
This message seems most appropriate as I am aware of some issues in some of our classes with children and adults not following this example and making the right choices. As a parent myself I am acutely aware of the daily influence I have on my two daughters who watch, listen and copy my words and actions.
As we prepare for Children’s Mental Health Week let us be kind to each other and remember we are all growing together.
Take care everyone, stay safe and good luck to the Boro tonight!
Mr Geaves
Executive Head Teacher
