January 11th 2020 Ionawr 11fed

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Happy New Year! I know not much seems to have changed from the year we’ve just waved goodbye to, but I’m sure you’ll all agree we continue to live in hope that things will.

The new term has begun, with pupils learning remotely and our Key Worker provision has also reopened. We’re here, ready and available to support you in any way we can. Now that we have been able to plan for this eventuality, I’m satisfied the whole package offered by the school has a good structure which will help our pupils to be able to approach home learning with some degree of independence, with reduced need for parental input that hopefully ensures the whole process can take place in a low stress environment!

As I advised you during the initial lockdown, please just do your best amidst your own personal circumstances. All we ask is that you encourage, monitor and support your child the best you can. Our teachers have endeavoured to put together activities that are engaging and that will benefit your child rather than tick a box. If they do their best, I’m sure they will progress, but do not worry about it and let us try and support you. The most important thing is that our pupils and their families are safe and we want that to remain the case.

I have emailed links to support videos that will help our pupils access the learning platforms available, as well as the relevant web pages you need. Any further technical issues, I’m sure can be overcome if you bring them to our attention. There are also videos and information posted to Google Classroom, with instructions, advice and guidance directed towards our pupils on how to get the best out of their online learning experience. A big thank you goes out to the teachers for their diligent preparation.

Today, there has been an announcement by Welsh Government saying that in relation to arrangements for schools, online learning will continue until February 13th (the beginning of half term) unless there is a significant reduction of Covid cases by the next review of regulations on January 29th. While this information is disappointing as we all yearn to get back to normal, it does allow us to plan ahead in terms of the activities our pupils will be asked to tackle at home and strengthen the package that teachers are putting together in a meaningful way.

Please let us know how you are getting on and send some photos to us on Twitter. Let’s try to keep in touch as a community as we did in such a positive and humorous way last spring and summer.

Snow has arrived, so while it’s here, one activity that MUST be added to the suggested timetable is to go and play in the snow and also send a photo to us on Twitter! We have remained open today for our pupils of Critical Workers and vulnerable children. Once again, a big thank you to the staff concerned for their efforts while providing this support on site.

I’m hoping you’re all feeling positive despite the gloom. Please stay safe in relation to Covid, but also look out for yourselves and one another in terms of your wellbeing. Every single one of us is doing our best in a situation that has no textbook! Be kind to yourselves and fingers crossed, everything else will take care of itself. Have a lovely weekend!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth