September 2nd 2020 Medi 2ail

Dear Parents and Carers,

The new school year is upon us and while we cannot yet say we are returning to normal, it’s certainly a step in the right direction. We are very much looking forward to beginning the process of welcoming our pupils back tomorrow and very much hope they are all looking forward to coming, meeting their new teachers and seeing their friends once again.

I understand that there will be many anxieties among some of our pupils as they return, but rest assured that their wellbeing, happiness and safety will be of the utmost priority to us all and we will do everything we can to ensure that the transition back into school will be smooth and comfortable. I hope this also gives parents and carers added reassurance, as I’m sure those anxieties will also be evident amongst yourselves. Please do not worry. We aim to make the school a happy and nurturing environment and create the best conditions we can for them to resume their learning. We have followed the safety guidance and the school has been made as safe as it possibly can be.

There are a few things I would like to bring to your attention and also remind you of, ahead of us opening our doors tomorrow. You have previously received the schedule of which classes are in on which days this week and next, as well as the breakdown of pupils in Nursery, Reception, Years 1, 2 and 3 attending tomorrow and Friday. There were many details I shared with you in my letter on August 21st and I’d be grateful if you could revisit the information included, to refresh your minds.

In addition, I would like to point out the following clarifications/amendments to arrangements:

Year 5 and 6 Pick Up – We are now asking for parents to enter the school hall at the end of the day to pick up their children. Please ensure you are socially distanced. The children will be dismissed in the hall.

Wellingtons – In order for us to be able to allocate playtime space for our 4 contact groups separately, classes will spend some time on the school fields. As the grass will be wet on many days, we request that all pupils bring in a pair of wellingtons to be kept in school, so they can wear them when they have their allocated time on the field. Please ensure they have their name on!

Walking Home – Year 5 and 6 are always given the option of walking to and from school on their own, subject to parental consent. If you wish to have that conversation as a family and give that permission, we have a form in school for you to fill and sign.

School Bags – In order to minimise the amount of items being sent in and taken home on a daily basis, we ask that unless your child is having a packed lunch prepared at home that your child does not bring in a school bag. We will however, be using book bags for reading books and homework for all pupils.

Year 3 – Miss Davies, Class 3 teacher, has been called at short notice for an operation, which will take place later this month. This means that for at least the first half term, Miss Davies will not be teaching Year 3 and we have once again asked Mrs Jan Hughes to step in to cover. You will all know Mrs Hughes well, as she so capably stood in for Mrs Liddy last year after her accident. I’m fully confident she will continue to do an excellent job for us. I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing Miss Davies well and we look forward to her return.

Nursery Bags – Could Nursery pupil bags that include their change of clothes be kept in school on the children’s pegs please and not brought back and forth on a daily basis.

Nursery School Lunches
– When the new pupil forms have been received and processed, you will receive a log-in for Parent Pay. Once activated, your child will be able to have a school meal if they stay on for Giggles in the afternoon, which must be paid for in advance please. The current cost is £2.20 per meal.

Finally, I am appealing to everybody to please follow the national guidelines of social distancing on site. There will be many people attending at the same time, particularly at 3.15pm, so please be patient with one another, allow time for you to get where you need to go and please arrive and leave promptly so the flow of human traffic is as smooth as it can be.

We’ll see you all very soon!

Yours sincerely,

Bryn D. Jones
Headteacher