St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

Coronavirus update – School Closure – Provision for Vulnerable Children and Key Workers – Monday 4^th January, 9.30pm

 

Dear parents,

 

As you will most probably be aware the British Government has announced tonight at 8pm that all English schools must close from tomorrow, Tuesday 5^th January.  I am sure tonight’s announcement  presents you with many concerns and questions.  We share your concerns.  Over the coming days we will communicate guidance fully to clarify everything as we understand it and its impact on your child’s ongoing education.

 

 

It is clear that Coronavirus will continue to present us all with huge challenges in the coming months at homes, for our families and at work.  We all need to continue to do all we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is once again. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading. 

 

 

In school provision

 

As communicated on Sunday we fully intended to open school for all children from tomorrow, however now guidance has changed.  From tomorrow, as directed by the Government we will support in school learning in the coming weeks for families of key workers and all vulnerable children (Nursery-Y6).  All other children are requested to stay at home.   It is hoped that lower class numbers will rapidly reduce the spread of Coronavirus.   Under Government guidelines, during the period of school closure, parents who do not have jobs classed as Key Workers are expected to support home learning for their own children.

 

 

The St Bernadette’s staff are an amazing team, who care deeply for all of your children.  As frontline workers, school staff are willing to sacrifice being with their own families to support the provision of our school children where we can.   We know you will all be appreciative of this.  We can confirm that children in school will continue to be taught by their current staff.  At present, we will keep our current consistent bubbles and we will update relevant families on a daily/weekly basis should this need to change. Autumn term arrangements and staggered entry and exit times and entry points will be the same.  Although PE will still be timetabled, times may be altered so it may be best if all in school children come into school in uniform/trainers.  As things stand, Schools In and Out will be available for key workers but this may change depending on future staffing pressures.  We have a limited school kitchen service from tomorrow, therefore if you are bringing your child into school tomorrow please inform school if you require a school lunch – if possible please provide a packed lunch.

 

Live learning

Tuesday 5^th January

On Tuesday 5th January we will proceed with our planned ‘A Hope and a future’ project.  We will be having a special retreat day.  As such, Miss Brady will deliver an assembly tomorrow for all children to join.  Children in school will do activities as planned within their classes.  Children who will be at home will be sent a link to join the assembly at set times throughout the morning via their Google mails. Following each year group assembly, relevant resources will be uploaded to the Google classroom for children at home to access.

Google video assembly times:

• Y5/6 9am
• Y3/4 9.30am
• Y1/2 10am
• EYFS (Nursery and Reception) Assembly

A reminder of how to access Google Meet/Classroom will be sent following this letter.

Wednesday 6^th January

From Wednesday 6^th January we will be delivering live learning for children as per an agreed timetable at home and this will exactly mirror in class timetables.  This will be communicated tomorrow afternoon once timetable have been finalised with class teachers and weekly resources have been uploaded.

 

And finally,

 

Could we thank you in advance for all your support, your friendship and your understanding in these changing and worrying times.   Last term, we were so proud of the way our children thrived since our full school return in September but your children are resilient and we all ensure they bounce back again after this set back.

 

We hope to see you all again in school in the not too distant future.  We have ran through the storm before and we will do it again.  We look forward to seeing you in person again when the rainbow starts to appear in the not to distant future…

 

Please keep abreast of official school communication via email/Facebook/Twitter/School Website/Google Classroom. We will regularly update you with Government updates.  As soon as we have an official date to re-open, we will communicate this with you.

 

We are here for you

 

Please keep in touch in the coming days/weeks with our school leadership team: myself ([email protected]); Miss Brady ([email protected]) or Mrs Pennick ([email protected]) via our emails.  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 and Miss Brady

 

3 January 2020

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

All NPCAT Primary Schools are scheduled to open from January as planned. We will
continuously monitor the situation taking account of updated science in respect of the
new variant of Covid 19 and any school based staffing limitations based on illness, tier 4
requirements or Section 44 of the 1996 Employment Act.

I appreciate that this is a very anxious time but thank you for your continued support.

Hugh Hegarty
NPQH / M.Sc /PGCCGC / B.Ed.Hons / CTC
CEO
Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust

Dear parents,

 

We hope you and your families are all well and have had a good, if a very different, Christmas.

 

January return

We are sure you will have seen this weeks’ media coverage of the Government’s latest announcement for the start of term.  To confirm, there are no changes to our published reopening for Nursery to Year 6.  St Bernadette’s will reopen from Tuesday 5^th January. Monday 4^th January is a PD day so school will not be open to children.

 

Staggered times

Thank you for dropping and collecting children at the staggered times we have had in place this year and your support with attendance.  Last term we had a record high in terms of attendance – thank you!   Timings will remain unaltered as we move into 2021.

Please be reminded that to manage social distancing guidance we would like prompt drop off and collection times.   Also please be careful in the light of recent weather of icy conditions.

	Nursery	Reception	Y1/Y2	Y3/Y4	Y5/Y6
Drop off time	Morning: 8.30-8.40am Afternoon: 12.15-12.30pm	8.30-8.40am	8.40-8.50am	8.50-8.55am	8.55-9.00am
Collection time	Morning: 11.15-11.30am Afternoon: 2.30pm-3.15pm   From class/EYFS playground	2.30-2.40pm   From class/EYFS playground	2.40-2.50pm   Y1 – Zone 1 Y2 – Zone 2	2.50-3pm   Y3 – Zone 3 Y4 – Zone 4	3-3.10pm   Y5 – Zone 4 Y6 – Zone 3

To maximise curriculum time and minimise disruption to lessons, families with multiple sibling links should arrive at the earliest sibling time slot.  Parents should collect at the latest time slot therefore please collect oldest children first and proceed to younger children’s exit points.

 

PE

Please also be reminded that from January we will be asking children to wear PE kits again (Rec-Y6).  PE kit consists of: a t-shirt in your child’s house colour, plain blue shorts, trainers (for outdoor use) and plimsolls (for indoor use), a purple hoody and navy joggers.  We do not permit branded t-shirts/football tops etc so please ensure children come to school in the correct attire on their set days:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
·       Reception, Y5	·       Y3, Y4, Y5	·       Y6, Y4, Y2	·       Y1, Y2	·       Y6, Y3, Y1

 

Google Classroom

Under current guidance, unfortunately bubble closures may occur from time to time.  In the event of a year/school closure we use Google Classroom/Google Video Meet to maintain children’s learning experiences.  Please can children complete any home learning in their homework books – for the foreseeable future please can we kindly ask you to check these but not return them to school. Please regularly practise logging onto your child’s class page for homework so you can access this as required.  Also please be reminded that if any children are absent, as a result of COVID testing or Track and Trace, key skills work will be placed on the Google Classroom class pages weekly.

 

Tier 4

We understand that being placed in Tier 4 will cause some concern about returning to school.  The increasing number of positive COVID cases, both locally and nationally, will have caused anxieties among many of us. As a school, we have put in place stringent measures that mitigate as far as possible the transmission of the virus, while at the same time minimising disruption to both you and your children. Please be assured of our continued vigilance in this respect in ensuring your children are kept safe.

 

And finally,

 

A Hope and a future

On Tuesday 5^th January the whole school will be engaging in a Trust project – ‘A Hope and a future.’  We will be having a special retreat day where we will focus on the message of hope and looking forward with positivity!   It will be a lovely way of starting the new year…’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11

Either Tuesday 5^th or at some point this week please could all children bring in a small, clean, empty plastic bottle – children will place a message of hope in them which will in turn be displayed in our prayer garden.

 

Further updates

If we receive any further DfE/Trust updates we will be in touch.  Please be advised, however, that schools do not get any advance notification of government announcements and our response is often in real time.

Thank you for your continued support and flexibility in these ever-changing times.

Kind regards

Mr Conway and Miss Brady

 

 

Reflection

‘The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings…do not be disheartened by your struggles, but always rise up again and again with fresh courage. We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention generous, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on the mystery of a loving God.’

St Francis de Sales, a heart centred humanist Christian from around 1600AD

 

18/12/20

End of Year 2020 Newsletter

 

Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

 

As we approach the end of our first school term of 2020-21, may we thank you all for your support and encouragement this term.  It has been one of the most challenging years in most unprecedented circumstances that any of us will ever experience.   Despite this we have together tackled each challenge with positivity and determination to seek a way through.  Well done to you for supporting your children and for your encouragement to the school at every stage.

 

It has been a pleasure to witness how the children have embraced the Christmas spirit in recent weeks.  We hope by sharing your child’s performances via Google Classroom that you too were able to experience some of the unique Christmas joy that children bring!

 

Please can we respectfully remind you, following our Christmas performances, not to upload in-school photos to your own personal social networks.

 

Staffing update

Our Reception class teacher, Mrs Harris, will leave us at Christmas to take on a leadership role at St Clare’s for two terms.  Mrs Harris is an excellent practitioner and we will greatly miss her.  Miss Lumley who has been teaching Monday and Tuesday in Nursery will assume class responsibility for the Reception class (full time) for the remainder of the academic year from January.

Prior to Mrs Whitfield’s return from maternity in late February, Mrs Conway, who has been teaching Music each Wednesday and is a qualified teacher, will teach in Nursery on a Monday and Tuesday until half term (January and February).  Mrs Andrews will continue to be in Nursery as normal Wednesday – Friday.   After February half term, when Mrs Whitfield returns, she will teach in Nursery on a Monday and Tuesday.

 

Reception applications

Nursery parents please remember to apply for your primary school reception place online as soon as possible. (The website is open for applications between 16 November 2020 and 15 January 2021)

Children who are due to start primary school reception class in September 2021 and who were born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 should apply now!

Parents will be invited to submit their preferences for the three primary schools they’d like their child to attend.  Even if you are currently attending our Nursery, your child won’t automatically be given a school place; you have to apply.  Please use the following link to make an online application: https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-admissions/primary-school-admissions-reception-intake

 

Our indications based on Nursery numbers would predict there are a limited number of places still available so please spread the word and encourage family members/friends to apply.

 

 

E-safety Tips for Parents (gaming)

As the holidays approach, many children will be spending more time online and many will be having fun gaming and chatting to their friends online. The majority of children use gaming for socialisation over and above the actual game. It’s one of the reasons games like Fortnite and other games are so popular.  These games obviously have age restrictions but we understand some children are accessing these or similar games.

CEOP released a YouTube video in August that might be useful for some parents. It’s only 38 seconds long but is well worth a view: YouTube video is HERE.

Some of your children may be receiving new electronic devices over Christmas.  If anyone requires support restricting the content your children can access on their personal devices  (like our school networks) please contact Mr Bourner or the school office and we will add parental locks to children’s home personal devices if requested.

 

COVID Winter Grant

The COVID Winter Grant application is for households getting Council Tax Reduction and with dependent children.  You will not need to make another application to get the additional grant. The payment is available to anyone who meets all of the following criteria:

• lives within the Middlesbrough Council local authority area (find out if you live in the Middlesbrough Council area)
• has a liability to pay either rent or Council Tax
• has dependent children
• is getting Council Tax Reduction

 

The Winter Grant Fund registration is now live.  Families must submit their own requests via the application link: https://my.middlesbrough.gov.uk/service/Winter_Grant_Application_Form_CTR

For more information to see if you are eligible, please visit https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/wintergrant

If anyone would like support with registering for this grant please contact Mr Conway or Miss Brady.

 

Recent events

 

Virtual School tour

We appreciate you cannot witness the inside of our school at present but hope you enjoyed our virtual tour which was shared via your child’s Google classroom last week.  Our staff work so hard to maintain stimulating and vibrant classrooms! If you haven’t seen it yet it is available to view via our website. https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/curriculum-support-videos/

 

PTA

Thank you for your purchases in recent weeks.  Profits raised for children’s crafts, Hot Chocolate kits, Class photos, Reindeer hay etc will be directed towards PTA funds.  Particular thanks to supporters of our Christmas gifts: Dawn McNamara, Sandra Rowney and Helen Gilpin Your contributions helped raise over £800.

 

CAUSE hampers

We would like to say a huge thank you for the gifts and provisions you kindly donated for the CAUSE hampers. The hampers looked wonderful and have been delivered to the families on Monday 14th December.

 

Y2 SVP support

Our Y2 children this week have been writing Christmas cards in conjunction the Parish SVP.  The SVP will deliver the cards to our elderly neighbours and parishioners.  We hope next year we may be able to invite them back for our annual Local Residents/Parishioner Party.

 

Sporting Events

Please be reminded that from January we will be asking children to wear PE kits again (Rec-Y6).  PE kit consists of: a t-shirt in your child’s house colour, plain blue shorts, trainers (for outdoor use) and plimsolls (for indoor use), a purple hoody and navy joggers.  We do not permit branded t-shirts/football tops etc so please ensure children come to school in the correct attire on their set days:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
·        Reception, Y5	·        Y3, Y4, Y5	·        Y6, Y4, Y2	·        Y1, Y2	·        Y6, Y3, Y1

 

If you require any PE kit please place your order asap via our school website or order directly from Motiv8    https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html

Please note that in line with wider Trust policy as a result of COVID, children will not get changed in school (except footwear if necessary) and will be asked to wear their PE kits in school all day on the days they have PE.  We will continue to allow children to wear trainers in throughout the full academic year so there is no need to purchase additional shoes.

Please note as part of our COVID risk measures some PE days are fortnightly due to our decision to limit different adults in class eg Y5 is with Mr Peacock every fortnight for the full Tuesday afternoon.  However, for ease of remembering please can children wear PE kits on the days as indicated above.

 

Future notices

Although events are still currently restricted, all significant dates/letters for the Spring and Summer term are regularly refreshed on our school website.   A reminder that 2021-22 Term dates were sent last week and can be accessed via our website: https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/term-dates/

 

Extended school clubs

We are proud of our extended school offer but as you will appreciate the logistics of an extended offer are difficult this year.  We hope you had opportunity to try some of the YTP virtual sports clubs on a week night at 5pm  – we will keep you updated if they continue in January (http://www.youtube.com/user/YouthSportTrust ).  Mrs Smith, our new PE lead, is currently reviewing our extended school timetable for the Spring term.  We are considering a return of clubs virtually in Spring – details will follow in the new year!

 

Primary assessment

It has been announced by the DfE (Department for Education) that as things stand primary statutory assessments will change this year as a result of school closures in March:

• Y6: Key stage 2 SATs in reading and maths and teacher assessment of writing will go ahead in 2021. The grammar, punctuation and spelling test at key stage two will also be non-statutory.  The administration of these will be made more flexible with an extended timetable variation window.
• Y4: the multiplication tables check will be non-statutory
• Y2: Key stage 1 assessments in reading, writing and maths will be by teacher assessment only.
• There will be no teacher assessment of science in 2021 at either key stage one or key stage two.
• Y1/2: Key stage 1 phonics will go ahead in June and the Autumn term Y2 additional phonics check has taken place already.

 

Spring term routines

Thank you for dropping and collecting children at the staggered times we have had in place this year.  Timings will remain unaltered as we move into 2021.

 

	Nursery	Reception	Y1/Y2	Y3/Y4	Y5/Y6
Drop off time	Morning: 8.30-8.40am Afternoon: 12.15-12.30pm	8.30-8.40am	8.40-8.50am	8.50-8.55am	8.55-9.00am
Collection time	Morning: 11.15-11.30am Afternoon: 2.30pm-3.15pm   From class/EYFS playground	2.30-2.40pm   From class/EYFS playground	2.40-2.50pm   Y1 – Zone 1 Y2 – Zone 2	2.50-3pm   Y3 – Zone 3 Y4 – Zone 4	3-3.10pm   Y5 – Zone 4 Y6 – Zone 3

Please be reminded that to manage social distancing guidance we would like prompt drop off and collection times.  To maximise curriculum time and minimise disruption to lessons, families with multiple sibling links should arrive at the earliest sibling time slot.  Parents should collect at the latest time slot therefore please collect oldest children first and proceed to younger children’s exit points.

 

And finally,

 

Emergency contact

Should anyone need to contact the school in an emergency over the holiday period please could I ask that you email Mr Conway using his school email address ([email protected] )  The school emergency phone numbers are also on the school website (COVID 19 tab).

 

 

Enjoy spending time together this Christmas.   May we take this opportunity to wish you all a holy and peaceful Christmas. On behalf of the whole staff team, we also extend our very best wishes for 2021.

If 2020 has taught us anything it is to treasure our loved ones and offer kindness to everyone we encounter: “Choose kindness.  Those who do so become shining stars in the midst of darkness.” Pope Francis.

 

A reminder that school staff have a training day on Monday 4^th January.  See you and your children back at school on Tuesday 5th January 2021.

 

 

Best wishes,

Mr P Conway                        Miss S Brady

Head Teacher                       Head of School

 

 

 

December 2020 Newsletter

 

Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

 

This Christmas will be like no other but we are determined in school to retain our festive cheer and bring some joy over the coming weeks through the various activities children will be partaking in.

December Dates to Remember

Filming of Christmas productions.

When your child is filming their Christmas production they will need to come to school in their chosen costume to wear all day. The class teacher will send out a separate letter explaining which costume your child will need. If you have any problems sourcing the costume please let us know as we have some spares in school. We will not expect the children to go outside if it is too cold in their costumes.

• Y3/Y4 will be filming on Monday 7th December
• Nursery/Reception will be filming on Tuesday 8th December
• Y1/Y2 will be filming on Thursday 10th December
• Y5/Y6 will be filming on Friday 11th December

Christmas crafts will be handed out the week beginning 7th December.

All contributions towards the PTA must be made directly on Parent Pay. There will be separate sections on Parent Pay for each craft so we know who to give things to. All crafts must be paid for by 7th December and then they will be distributed throughout the week.

Crafts available to buy are:

• Reindeer hay £1.50
• Hot chocolate sets £1.50
• Your child’s class craft £1.50
• Professional laminated class photo 2020 £2

Thank you to you all for your kind donations.  The proceeds of the fayre all go directly into improving resources for our children.

 

 

Final week of school:

Monday 14th December

Christmas plays, liturgies and Nativities will be sent home via your child’s google classroom.

Tuesday 15th December

The PTA have helped to arrange a virtual meeting with Santa.  (As Santa is delivering presents on Christmas Eve he has been asked to isolate for 14 days before so he is available for a google meet) All classes will have the opportunity to meet Santa.

Wednesday 16th December

The children can wear Christmas jumpers to school.  If you would like to contribute £1 to the PTA please use the link on ParentPay. We will also have Christmas lunch today and watch a Christmas film within their bubbles.  If anyone who does not normally have school lunch would like a Christmas dinner please inform the school office.

Friday 18th December

Christmas Party Day – The children will celebrate within their own bubbles, a Christmas virtual quiz, Christmas games and Lots of crafts and activities. The children can wear party clothes on the last day of term.

CAUSE Hampers

All children will have received a CAUSE hamper in recent weeks.  Thank you in advance for supporting our annual appeal to provide gifts for local families in need.  Cause Hamper appeal presents must be returned to school for Friday 11th December to allow time to quarantine.

General

 

Attendance

Thank you for your commitment to your children’s attendance and punctuality across the school especially due to the current COVID pandemic.  On the whole, our attendance rates have been excellent and as a result the children are again making strong progress following school closures.

We are currently in the process of evaluating attendance patterns as a school and with the Trust attendance team.  Absence from school is monitored to identify pupils who may be vulnerable for welfare reasons or identified as not making progress in their learning.  Where a child’s attendance has fallen below expectations we will issue an attendance letter.  If an improvement is not evident then an attendance meeting may be convened or the matter may be referred to the local authority for consideration of the issue of a penalty notice.

Our full attendance policy can be accessed via the school website.

FSM

We are aware that people’s circumstances are constantly changing and as we approach Christmas please know we are here for you.  Please, if you are struggling financially in any way, complete a FSM form (Free School Meals).  The form is available via our website https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk  or from the school office.    Applications can be returned to the school email or via our general school enquiries: [email protected]   If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions please contact Mr Conway or Miss Brady.

A reminder that the St Bernadette’s Parish SVP have provided school with emergency funds.  We have vouchers in school available for any families (FSM or not) who are concerned about providing necessary provisions for their families.  Please reach out if you are in need of any support financially and we will help immediately.

 

Social networks

Please can we remind you, as we approach our Christmas performances not to upload in-school photos/videos to your own personal social networks. We share photos/videos, with your permission, via Twitter or Google classroom.

 

Home learning

Thank you to our families of EYFS (Nursery and Reception) and Year 6 for supporting your children at home during their enforced period of isolation.  The engagement in live lessons and Google classroom was nothing short of phenomenal.  We are lucky to be supported by such committed parents.  Your support will ensure the children can hit the ground running when they return on Tuesday 1^st December.

Homework

Please continue to support us with your children’s homework…it makes such a difference!  We appreciate the shift to Google Classroom has been a significant change to procedure so thank you for engaging so positively with this.  It is essential all children can log on and access work.

To minimise disruption as a result of lost learning, please be reminded that any children who are unable to attend school as a result of COVID isolation must access COVID home learning made available by class teachers on a weekly basis via Google Classroom.

Please ask your child’s teacher or school office if you require support logging on.

 

Self-isolating

A reminder that should you or your child need to book a COVID test as a result of COVID symptoms the full family must self-isolate until results are back.  Please inform school at every stage so appropriate steps can be taken/advice can be given.

 

After School Clubs

Unfortunately, at this stage as a result of the associated COVID risks we are not planning on beginning after school clubs in January.  We will update you when we are able to begin after school clubs again.

 

Run for reading

Mrs Harris and Miss Cuff have been busily spending your kind donations from our Run for reading event in October.  Miss Cuff has spent £1000 updating our KS2 accelerated reading resources and Mrs Harris spend £1422 on EYFS/KS1 individual reading books.  Thank you – without your support, this would not be possible.

 

Music teacher

As you will be aware Mrs Beaumont has moved to be closer to family so is no longer able to support with our school music provision.  Our Music curriculum has now resumed and is being led each Wednesday by Mrs Conway, a trained primary school practitioner and music specialist.  We are confident our children will enjoy engaging again in small groups with this vital curriculum area.

 

November Events

 

Remembrance Liturgy

Each bubble lead Remembrance Liturgy on Wednesday 11^th November.    This was a reflective liturgy where we remembered those who had died in service.   Hopefully you will have seen the montage of the liturgies via Twitter / our school website, ‘Collective Worship’ tab.

 

Children In Need

Our own clothes day raised over £263.  This money has been sent directly to Children in Need. Thank you also to everyone who donated online.

 

Anti-bullying week

Thank you for supporting the national ‘odd sock’ anti bullying week.  The children also received teacher and assembly inputs to focusing on our uniqueness and sharing kindness.

 

 

 

Parents Consultations

We hope you found this month’s parent consultations useful and informative.  We included a summary report on how the children have returned to school as well as specific targets to support your children with at home.

 

Last week we issued a parental questionnaire.  Thank you for the responses already.  Please could all responses be received by Monday 7^th December.  All feedback will be shared in the new year.

 

 

Virtual visit/hangouts

It is not only isolating children who have enjoyed virtual hangouts recently…Y2 enjoyed a virtual trip around Captain Cook Monument and Y1 enjoyed a hangout with a friend of Miss Simpson who discussed ‘old toys’ as part of their topic work.

 

Our EYFS parents also had opportunity to witness the fabulous EYFS setting as part of our welcome events last month.

 

We usually welcome volunteers, parents and visitors into school regularly throughout the year, but as this is not possible at present, Miss Brady is also planning to share a whole school learning walk video with you to showcase our outstanding environment.

 

Letters to the elderly

Y1 and Y6 have been writing letters to the elderly at Oaks Residential home this month.  These have been shared with the residents and the children really enjoyed a ‘real life’ purpose to their writing.

 

Videos

 

We have shared various videos in recent weeks (Harvest, Remembrance, Nursery Welcome liturgy) and will continue to do so via our website/your child’s Gmail.  Please keep a look out for these so we can continue to share our worship and celebrations with you.

 

Upcoming events

 

Immunisations

The flu vaccine is being offered to all children (Reception-Year 6).  You must consent via: www.hdft.nhs.uk/electronic-consent   School Code: 142369.  The last date of submission is 02/12/2020. If you do not have internet access please contact us on 0300 003 2554.   Children will not be provided the immunisation without consent.  Flu immunisations will take place at St.Bernadette’s on Tuesday 8th December 2020.

 

Reception applications

You can apply for a primary school reception place online. (The website is open for applications between 16 November 2020 and 15 January 2021)

Children who are due to start primary school reception class in September 2021 and who were born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 should apply now!

Parents will be invited to submit their preferences for the primary school they’d like their child to attend.

Your child won’t automatically be given a school place; you have to apply.  Please use the following link to make an online application: https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-admissions/primary-school-admissions-reception-intake

 

Our indications based on Nursery numbers would predict there are a limited number of places still available so please spread the word and encourage family members/friends to apply.

 

 

 

 

PE kits / trainers

Please be aware that from January we will be asking children to wear PE kits again (Rec-Y6).  PE kit consists of your child’s house colour, plain blue shorts, trainers (for outdoor use) and plimsolls (for indoor use) and a purple hoody/navy joggers.  If you require any PE kit please place your order asap via our school website or order directly from Motiv8    https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html

In line with wider Trust policy as a result of COVID, children will not get changed in school (except footwear if necessary) and will be asked to wear their PE kits in school all day on the days they have PE.  PE will continue to be outside where possible so purple hoodies and navy jogging bottoms are recommended to keep them warm throughout the day.   By sporting their hoodies the children will continue to look ‘smart as carrots!’

We will continue to allow children to wear trainers in the Spring term so there is no need to purchase additional shoes.  We will confirm 2 days of PE prior to Christmas.

 

Emergency contact

 

Should anyone need to contact the school in an emergency at any time could we ask that you email Mr Conway using his school email address ([email protected]) or school mobile 07824998789.

 

And finally,

 

Christmas Gifts

May we take this opportunity to thank you for your support and respectfully ask that you be mindful of our Gifts policy in the lead up to the end of term – especially with current quarantine rules and financial pressures as a result of COVID.  The Trust has a policy whereby gifts must be declared. As a staff, we feel very privileged to teach your children and your kind words and messages are more than enough thanks for the work we do.

 

Buddie Presents

For a number of years we have been discouraging children to purchase presents for their Y6-Reception buddies however it still happens – it is a lovely gesture but not all children receive gifts and particularly younger children can become upset if they do not receive a gift.  Please can we encourage you to write cards to buddies rather than gifts this year.

 

 

Best wishes,

Mr. P. Conway                                      Miss. S. Brady

Head Teacher                                       Head of school

18^th November

 

 

Dear Parent/Carer,

 

We have been advised that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the Nursery, Reception and Year 6 bubble.

 

Leaders have swiftly followed the advice given by Public Health England (PHE) and will continue to follow the strict protocols in place in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

 

Only children and staff within the Nursery, Reception and Year 6 bubble are required to self isolate. Other household members do not need to self-isolate unless someone subsequently develops symptoms. If your child is in Nursery, Reception or Year 6 you will receive an additional PHE letter.  Children in these bubbles should access home learning as directed by their class teachers.  Self isolating staff/children

 

If your child is not in Nursery, Reception and Year 6 there is no need for your child to self isolate.  Your children should continue to attend school as normal.

 

School attendance has been highly encouraging with pupils excited to return to school.  The children have readily adapted to the new school routine and precautionary measures that are in place to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus.  Bubbles have been set up across school to plan for events like this so that only limited groups are affected.

 

Please do not be alarmed. There is no evidence of transmission of the virus within school, however this case reinforces the need for all of us to remain vigilant and adhere to PHE guidance in all aspects of our lives.  Stringent risk assessments in line with all Government guidance are in place across the school and in our local area.  We must keep following all these protocols to keep everyone safe.

 

How to stop COVID-19 spreading

 

There are things we can all do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• wash your hands as soon as you get home
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

 

Further information

 

Further information is available at nhs.uk/coronavirus

 

If you have any further questions please contact Mr Conway ([email protected]), school or Jill Benson, Trust Head of Attendance and Welfare on 01642 529200.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Paul Conway

Headteacher

St Bernadette’s Primary School

 

St Bernadette’s Nursery

We are excited to inform you that we are currently close to capacity for our Nursery places this year.  As a result we would like to remind all families who would like to enrol children from the age of 3 to complete a Nursery application form as soon as possible – applications are available via our website (admissions) or from the school office.  It is never too early to register interest in a Nursery school place! This means we have an early indication of future numbers and also avoids disappointment should places be filled if applying for a place at a later date.

We are currently able to offer up to 16 places of 30 hour provision in our Nursery currently. These places will be offered on the criteria of age, so oldest children will get first chance to take up the places.   We prefer places to be taken up for the full 30 hours but in exceptional cases can allocate additional provision as required.

If you are interested in taking up an additional 15 hour provision for your child please read the following criteria to check entitlement.

You will be eligible for 30 hours if the criteria below apply to you:

• both parents must be working (or the sole parent is working in a lone parent family), and each parent earns a weekly minimum equivalent to 16 hours at national minimum wage or living wage, and less than £100,000 per year
• working will include employed and self-employed persons
• both parents are employed but one or both parents is temporarily away from the workplace on parental, maternity or paternity leave
• both parents are employed but one or both parents is temporarily away from the workplace on adoption leave
• both parents are employed but one or both parents is temporarily away from the workplace on statutory sick pay
• one parent is employed and one parent has substantial caring responsibilities based on specific benefits received for caring or one parent is employed and one parent is disabled or incapacitated based on receipt of specific benefits.
• in general families where one parent does not work (or neither parent works) you will not be eligible for these additional hours

If you are not eligible under this criteria we could still offer you a place at an additional small charge of approximately £15 per session.  If you would like to pay for 30 hour provision then please speak to the school office to discuss payment options.  

How the offer will be delivered at St Bernadette’s…

Morning school provision if required	From 8:00am Additional payment between £2-£4
Morning session	8:30am-11:30am
Lunch session	11:30am-12:15pm School lunch can be provided during this time (Currently £2.10) Children are supervised at a small cost to parents (Currently £2)
Afternoon session	12:15am-3:15pm
After school provision if required	3:15pm-6:00pm Currently an additional payment of £4 an hour

 

Please contact us asap to register interest in our school Nursery or if you would be interested in taking up the 30 hour provision.

Spread the word – we want to ensure all interested families get a place at our successful and ambitious school.

November Newsletter 2020

Friday 23rd October 2020

 

Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

As we approach half term please can we thank you for your amazing and continued support with attendance this half term in such difficult times.  We have been particularly proud of our Year 5 class and how any children who have had forced periods of COVID related isolation have engaged in home learning.  Your commitment to school life really does make a difference to the outcomes of your children.  Our school attendance to date is 98.5%. Wow!

Last week, the Prime Minister set out how the government intended to further simplify and standardise local rules by introducing a three-tiered system of local COVID Alert Levels in England – medium, high and very high.  Currently the Tees Valley is classed as high alert although this is under review.  Further information on what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in each of the local COVID Alert Levels can be found using the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high?utm_source=13%20October%202020%20C19&utm_medium=Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19

Current, new guidance is to wear face coverings / masks when collecting children from school. Although the school cannot enforce this, we would advise all parents to follow this guidance from November.

 

General notices

 

Homework

Please continue to support us with your children’s homework…it makes such a difference!  We ask children to read and practise their maths skills regularly with their parents and staff update their reads and reward them for each practise with an adult (in school or home).

Each teacher also gives weekly key skill maths or English related homework which is uploaded to Google Classroom.  We appreciate the shift to Google Classroom has been a significant change to procedure but I am sure you appreciate the importance of facilitating and practising online learning.  We will continue to support you in this transition in the coming weeks.  It is essential all children can log on and access work.  Please ask your child’s teacher or school office if you require support logging on.

To minimise disruption as a result of lost learning, please be reminded that any children who are unable to attend school as a result of COVID isolation must access key skill learning made available by class teachers on a weekly basis via Google Classroom.  Please contact school if your child requires additional work on top of this.

Parking 

You will hopefully have seen the Tweet sent from Meika Smiles, our local councillor, regarding dangerous parking around school.  We really appreciate that the vast majority of people park sensibly and with consideration. Please can we remind you to continue to park your cars safely and respectfully around the school.

Social media

We are delighted so many of you enjoy looking at our private School Twitter feed updates – only parents/extended family over 18 and schools/groups/organisations working with the school are accepted.  It is not always obvious through looking at Twitter account’s usernames who is actually asking to follow us so if you request to follow our feed and are not immediately accepted please contact the school office or your child’s class teacher.

We also now are on Facebook and use this as a medium of sharing public information.  Children will only be placed on this platform with your permission.

Please also be aware that all letters/upcoming dates are uploaded to our school website.    A new addition to our website is a COVID tab where you can access up to date COVID guidance; remote learning instructions; recovery curriculum details and emergency contact details.

Brownies

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has given up their valuable time and worked tirelessly over the last 40 years to lead our Brownies provision at St Bernadette’s.  Many children (and parents) have so many fond memories of the group.  Thank you in particular the current leaders: Sandra, Vanessa, Linda and Sharon.

October events

Governor meeting

Last week we held our first Governor meeting of the academic year.  The meeting was held virtually. Governors reappointed Mrs Mary Bilous and Mr John Shiel as Chair and Vice Chair respectively. Mr Nicholas Kane, a parent of children in Nursery and Year 1 has been appointed Foundation Governor to replace Mr Paul Mullins.

Governors reviewed risk assessments associated with our full school return and key school improvement documentation.  Governors have all been assigned monitoring roles and will be meeting with various school leaders / classes to affirm school practice.

 

 

 

Harvest Festival – SVP Food Banks

Thank you for all the food donations in advance of our Harvest preparation this year.  We were overwhelmed by your generosity.  The food was packed in each bubble and sent to deserving families following our school liturgy on Wednesday 21st October.

Y6 Residential – Robinwood 

As things stand we hope our children will still enjoy a residential in June.  We will follow Government guidance in relation to this and communicate final decisions /logistics nearer the time. Please continue to contribute in instalments on ParentPay.  If anyone needs to discuss payments or any information regarding our planned Summer residential please contact Mr Conway/Miss Brady or Mrs B Simpson.

PTA 

We are so grateful for the support of the PTA.   Our accounts for 2019-20 are avaialable in our school office.  As a result of lockdown you will see that our spend outweighed income last year.  The donations from the PTA have been used to source iPads/books, school trips and classroom resources. This year our events will need to be modified to meet the restrictions associated with COVID however several events have been diarised at last night’s meeting.  The following people were appointed to the committee and will help coordinate future events.  Chair: Helen Gilpin; Vice chair: Rachael Arnold and Lucy Adams; Secretary: Dawn McNamara; Treasurer: Sarah Langstaff.  Thank you to these people who have stepped forward and all who regularly organise and support the events.  More details will follow as events are organised.

 

Run for Reading

Our Run for Reading initiative took place last week and a great time was had by all.  Children took part in class bubble ‘marathons’ raising funds and the profile of reading across school.  The event raised £1949.30   If there are any further donations please could they be processed via our ParentPay app (Run for Reading link).  All donations will be used by Miss Cuff and Mrs Harris to purchase further KS1 pupil reading books and KS2 Accelerated reading texts.

Future notices

Times table Rockstars

During half-term week, the school will be competing in a ‘Times Tables Rock Stars Tournament’ against our friends at St. Therese in Ingleby Barwick. In what promises to be a very exciting week of frenetic times tables practise, both schools will compete to become the highest scoring school! All correct answers on any game that the children take part in will count towards our overall total (so they can play garage, studio, soundcheck, festival and it all counts!). We really hope that the children from year one to year six embrace the challenge and improve their skills whilst they are at it!

 

The competition runs from 8am on Monday 26th October to 4pm on Friday 26th October. Only games played between 8am and 4pm on those days will count – we are conscious of too much screen time!  We value TT Rock Stars very highly and it has made a huge difference to children’s time table knowledge since our school began using it. So, regardless of the outcome (it is a friendly tournament after all!), any extra practise that the children take part in will only be a good thing. Look out for further reminders on our Twitter page!

 

Login details should be at the back of the children’s reading record but please contact either their class teacher or Mr Bourner, should you have any difficulties.

 

Tempest Photographs 

Individual photographs took place on Monday 19th October.   The easiest way to order and pay for photographs, is online with Tempest Photography. If you prefer to complete the order and return to school, please do so by Friday 6^th November.

School’s In/Out 

A reminder that from November, our wraparound hours will be changing to 7.45am-5.30pm.  We will not provide breakfast in the morning club but children are welcome to bring small packed lunches (before or after school).  Charges will therefore remain the same: from 7.45am £4 / from 8.15am £2.  Charges are also unchanged for School’s Out: £4 per hour / £2 per half hour.

Parental Consultation

Please note following half term there will be a Nursery-Year 6 parents evening (Wednesday 18th November and Thursday 19th November 2020: 3:10pm to 6pm). The format of this has been detailed in a letter earlier in the week – please book a preferred time via eschools.  Contact the school office if you need support with this.  Teachers will then call your mobile/home number within this timeframe for a 5-10 minute progress update.

Christmas 2020 

Children will be preparing Christmas liturgies in class ‘baubles’ – 15 children at a time.  Teachers will share further information with you mid-late November.  Unfortunately parents/wider families will not be able to attend the productions in school this year as a result of COVID restrictions.   We would still love to bring you Christmas cheer – Mr Bourner is looking into the logistics of filming our productions and will share these with you once we have finalised plans.

 

 

 

 

PE kits / trainers 

Please be aware that from January we will be asking children to wear PE kits again (Rec-Y6).  PE kit consists of your child’s house colour, plain blue shorts, trainers (for outdoor use) and plimsolls (for indoor use) and a purple hoody.  If you require any PE kit please place your order asap via our school website or order directly from Motiv8    https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html

In line with wider Trust policy as a result of COVID, children will not get changed in school (except footwear if necessary) and will be asked to wear their PE kits in school all day on the days they have PE.  PE will continue to be outside where possible so purple hoodies and navy jogging bottoms are recommended to keep them warm throughout the day.

We will continue to allow children to wear trainers in the Spring term so there is no need to purchase additional shoes.

And finally,

Last week we appointed two additional support staff to join our staff team: Mrs Arnold, a parent of a Y5 and Y6 child and Mrs Myers, a grandparent of two children in Nursery and Year 1.  We look forward to them joining our special team from November.

Today we wish goodbye and good luck to Mrs McAvoy who has decided to retire to spend quality time with her family and new grandson.  As reflected upon in the last newsletter she will be missed by us all and I know so many of you will be appreciative of her care particularly as part of our wraparound service.

We hope you are all looking forward to half term and able to share quality time with your children next week.  Y1-6, please engage in Mr Bourner’s times table challenge!  We return to school on Monday 2^nd November.

 

 

Best wishes,

Mr P Conway      Miss S Brady

Head Teacher     Head of School