25th March 2020Paul Conway

 

Coronavirus Update 25.03.20

Dear Parents, Carers, and Children,

What strange times we are living in.  Life is so challenging for us all at present because the government restrictions are tightening and changing at a rapid pace – it is vital we all adhere to these new guidelines, namely only leaving the house for essential tasks.

This week is a week I never imagined I would ever have to lead. What keeps me going through these most challenging times is the friendship of the whole staff, the Governors, the parents, the children and love of our families.  Thank you so much to the many parents who have contacted either myself or the staff to express their gratitude for all the school is trying to do to support your children, families and the local community.  Earlier this week Miss Brady and our Chair of Governors, Mrs Bilous, delivered your kind donations of food from our Food Bank (and some Easter eggs) to the families of our Christmas CAUSE campaign – thank you!  Supporting communities who need it most is our gift and the donations were gratefully received.

I hope you are all now fully accessing the learning platform.  Should any of you be having any issues at all, please contact your child’s teacher.  Already we have been delighted to hear and see the home learning from so many of you.  It has been a great pleasure to witness your children’s home learning via your communication with the staff via Twitter, Tapestry or email.  Please keep on sharing the learning of your wonderfully motivated children.  Teachers will update the ILP each Friday with a new timetable, resources and suggested activities.   As the children are using more online materials please continue to remind them about important ‘stay-safe’ advice.  With your permission we will try to share your learning via Twitter however we cannot retweet messages with your child’s name in. 

You will all be aware of the latest advice from the Government this week:

  • The safest place you can be now is at home!
  • Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
  • Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Do not leave your home if you have coronavirus symptoms. Use the 111 online coronavirus service if you need advice.
  • Anyone can spread the virus!
  • Protect the NHS. Save lives.  Stay at home! 

As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  As things stand, on Monday (30.03.20) St Bernadette’s will continue to support childcare ONLY for families of key workers.  For your own child’s safety and the safety of our key workers families, attending school should be the last resort!   All other children will need to remain at home. 

If you need to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle Coronavirus, please contact school via my email or phone school by 3pm THURSDAY.   If we believe your child is eligible for a school place next week, I will discuss logistical arrangements with you in person.  Where we are not able to offer you a place, I am extremely sorry.

More school staff are now having to self isolate as per the Government guidance and this continues to put an obvious stress on our intended provision in school, therefore our offer of support will be assessed on a weekly basis.  I can confirm next week that identified children will be cared for at St Bernadette’s school, by St Bernadette’s staff next week.

Thank you so much to ALL the key workers out there.  We must keep believing that our current challenges will pass at some point!

I know we are all going through this awful time, the stress within our lives, is at times, unbearable – the concern for our families and our children at school is always at the forefront of our minds.   You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Please keep abreast of official school communication via email/Twitter/School Website/Learning Platform. I will regularly update you with education and Government headlines.

We are here as you need us for: prayers, provide updates, food provisions, childcare needs etc. and we will endeavour to access support where we can.

God Bless,

Mr Conway

St Bernadette, Patron of our School, Pray for Us and Help Us

 

PS Please find in our Newsletter section a letter to share with your children.

 

Latest Official Government Guidance

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 

In these dark times, offer hope to others where you can … some thoughts on random acts of kindness

  • Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while.
  • Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them.
  • Make a cup of tea for someone you live with.
  • Arrange to have a virtual catch up with someone or a group you know.
  • Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call.
  • Send a motivational text to a friend who is struggling.
  • Send an interesting article to a friend.
  • Reach out to call a friend, family member or neighbour who is experiencing loneliness or self-isolation.
  • Give praise to your colleague for something they’ve done well.
  • Donate to foodbanks.