24th October 2020

 

Dear Parent/Carer,

 

We have been advised that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the Year 2 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 Year 2 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 Year 2 you will receive an additional PHE letter.

 

If your child is not in Year 2 there is no need for your child to self isolate.  Your children should continue to attend school after half term 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 over half term please contact Mr Conway or Jill Benson, Trust Head of Attendance and Welfare on 01642 529200.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Paul Conway

Headteacher

St Bernadette’s Primary School

October Newsletter 2020

Dear Parents, Carers and Children,

Firstly, on behalf of the leadership team and teachers, we cannot thank you enough for all your support and commitment to your children’s attendance, work and uniform.  The children have returned with enthusiasm and a real vigour to learn.

Later this week we will share our Curriculum newsletters so you are fully informed of what your children are learning each day in school.

Attendance

Attendance for September has been fantastic.  Thank you.  We are very proud of our exceptional attendance in school and your commitment to your child’s education and welfare – thank you.  The expectation is for pupils to attend school every day, otherwise attaining at least 97% attendance for the school year, which equates to having 5 days (or 10 sessions) absence. Please keep supporting us in ensuring your child is at school each day and punctual.  Our full attendance policy can be accessed via the school website.

Parking

Our staggered start and end times mean that we have a slight overlap with The Avenue.  We appreciate this can cause some congestion.  There have been some reports of unsafe car manoeuvres endangering pedestrians.  Please continue to be respectful of our neighbours, other car users and pedestrians and you must NOT park on the yellow zigzags – this endangers your children and could result in a major incident!   Where at all possible please help to reduce congestion by walking, cycling or scooting.

Local lockdowns/ bubble closures

You will have heard through the local press about a range of schools who have had class/year group bubble closures as a result of positive COVID cases.  You will be aware that we have unfortunately had to close our Year 5 bubble over the next few weeks.  Under current guidance, unfortunately such situations may occur from time to time.  Please be reassured that we adhere to very stringent risk assessments in place in school to keep our staff and children safe.  We do have contingency plans should a bubble need to collapse and if this happened your child’s class you would be informed of next steps via official school correspondence.

Please be reassured that anytime we need advice in relation to COVID we contact Public Health England – in most cases the subsequent actions only affect a limited number of individuals (close contacts) who generally need to isolate.  As you will be aware our classes (staff and children) have little or no close contact with other bubbles so generally only limited or isolated bubbles would need to collapse should there be a positive case within our school community.   It is difficult to generalise and in all cases we follow advice but usually only if a staff member or a child tests positive would whole groups need to isolate.

In the event of a year group closure we will now use Google Classroom to maintain children’s learning experiences.  Please practise logging onto this area for homework.  If any children are absent as a result of COVID testing, Track and Trace or bubble closures key skills work will be placed on the class pages weekly.

Local lockdowns may also occur but we fully expect school to remain open.  It is a difficult time for us all but all we can do is remain vigilant to our school and Government safety measures, namely adhere to hand hygiene advice and limit our social contact with others.  We must remain hopeful that if we stay positive and adhere to guidance then we will return sooner to ‘normal’ again.

Google classroom / ILP

As referred to above, we have replaced our Learning Platform with Google Classroom.  Google Classroom provides an area where your children can access homework and weekly key skills.  It is essential you and your child can access Google Classroom in order to support their progress at home.  Work can be completed directly via Google Classroom or via homework books.  We would kindly ask you to check homework books for the foreseeable future and not return them to school.

Mr Bourner will be sending a letter today to clarify instructions but many children will be aware of the process already.   If anyone needs further support accessing this platform please contact your child’s teacher or the school office.

Out of this world / x tables

 

Over the last few weeks teachers have been organising and sending home reading books (Rec-Y6) and times table practise cards (Y1-6).  Books will be quarantined between use so depending on the range of books available children may not change books as frequently as previously.  In class displays reward pupil practise and develop the key skills essential to learning.   Please support your children by listening to your children regularly –  2-3 times weekly makes such a difference!

 

There are videos on our school website to explain our reading/lottos/Maths practice initiatives. https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/curriculum-support-videos/

 

Dependant on year group, there are relevant passwords in your child’s reading records to help them access interactive resources at home including Times Table Rockstars, SPaG.com, Tapestry etc

 

Flu 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. We will inform you once we are aware of when the immunisations will take place.

Financial support

We are aware that people’s circumstances are constantly changing so 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.  I 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.

Lunch menu

Our staggered lunch times are now running efficiently and children are choosing their meals weekly with their class teacher.  If you want to view the menu please visit our school website so you can support your children make their choices: https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk/lunch-menu/

Volunteers

 

Because of current COVID restrictions we are unable to have our usual invaluable band of volunteers. At present only limited adults are allowed on site.  We will make contact once we are able to welcome further visitors.

 

Pupil/Parent/Carer contact information

Please advise the school office if there are any changes to the information we currently hold. In particular: addresses, all telephone contact numbers and parent/carer email addresses.  As the majority or correspondence is sent out via email, it is essential that we have up to date email addresses.

 

September Events

Trinity HT meet

We were delighted so many parents were able to attend our Y5/6 parents meet in our school hall on Monday 21^st September.  Thank you.  Unfortunately, Open Evenings are not in person this year as a result of COVID restrictions.  A virtual tour and presentation will be shared next week.  As our Catholic feeder school, we will be sharing Trinity’s Open Evening via our social media platforms (Twitter/Facebook).  Trinity’s Virtual Open Evening will be on Tuesday 6^th October, 6-8pm – it will be available to view anytime after this also.   If anyone would like further information about Trinity please do not hesitate to contact Mr Conway/Miss Brady.

Mindfulness Jars

As part of our Recovery Curriculum planning, Mrs Smith organised class mindfulness sessions this week.  Children created their own mindful jar and practised some mindful exercises and relaxation techniques.  The sessions were well received and enjoyed by all and formed part of our ambition to ensure our children develop resilience and hope to cope with the unusual world we are currently living in.

 

Dates for the Diary

PTA News

Due to the current climate all of our usual PTA events have been cancelled. We would love to get together virtually and see if we can come up with some necessary innovative ways to continue to raise funds for school. Currently we are hoping to raise money to complete out fabulous new reading scheme for school.

You are invited to join our google meet TOMORROW  Thursday 1st October at 7:30pm by following this link. https://meet.google.com/bci-fiqu-mgp

 

Extended Schools

Mrs Smith is looking into the feasibility of starting class bubble extended school clubs again in the new year.  When we are able to proceed we will be in contact with identified year groups.

 

Tempest Photographs

Individual photographs of school children only (there will be no wider family group photographs this year) will be taken by Tempest Photography on Monday 19th October.   The older children will be photographed individually (with the exception of twins). Photos will be taken standing up for the majority of children.  Younger children may sit down on a bench. There will then be a break between bubbles to allow areas and surfaces to be disinfected.   The Tempest staff will socially distance from the children, adhere to all school risk assessments (hand hygiene, temperature checks etc) and will not make adjustments to ties/hair.  A staff member from class bubbles will assist where necessary.  Unless you inform us otherwise, we presume you would like a professional photo taken.

School’s In/Out

Following feedback from our survey in March we have decided to alter the opening hours of our Wraparound care (School’s In/Out) from November: 7.45am-5.30pm.  Staff have kindly agreed to come in earlier to facilitate working parents.

We will not provide breakfast in the morning club but children are welcome to bring small packed lunches.  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.  A further breakdown is provided below:

Collection time	Cost on collection (Parentpay)
From 3.10pm-3.30pm* Class teachers bring children to School’s Out at approximately 3.10pm	£2
From 3.35pm-4pm	£4
From 4.05pm-4.30pm	£6
From 4.35pm-5pm	£8
From 5.05pm-5.30pm	£10
School’s Out close 5.30pm

 

Morning Maths Club

Because of COVID restrictions on mixing bubbles we do not have additional rooms to facilitate Maths Club however we can provide Maths Club resources on request for children to complete in School’s In/Out.  Please inform the school office or School’s In/Out staff if you would like your child to complete some additional Maths work.

 

And finally,

Lunch supervisor 

We have just advertised for a new lunchtime supervisor.  If you would like to join our school team and are available each day at lunchtime please complete the application which is available via our Trust website: https://npcat.org.uk/current-vacancies/   If you require further information do not hesitate to contact Mr Conway / Miss Brady.

Time for Goodbyes

We are really sorry to announce two staffing goodbyes:

Mrs McAvoy

Mrs McAvoy has decided to retire at October half term.  Mrs McAvoy has been present at our school since 1992  Mrs McAvoy has had many roles: lunchtime supervisor, teaching assistant, ICT support, Catholic Cup coordinator and of course School’s In/Out manager.  She has not had a days illness since 1999 – we wish her continued good health and happiness as she looks forward to spending quality time with her new Grandson – Jacob!  Enjoy your last few weeks at St Bernadette’s Lynne and thank you for all your commitment to our school.

Mrs Beaumont

Mrs Beaumont has decided to move closer to family over the summer so will be unable to continue providing her excellent weekly Music lessons and support with performances.  We will all greatly miss Mrs Beaumont but we wish her well on her new venture and are happy she will be closer to loved ones.

Please find below a heartfelt goodbye to you and the children:

To the whole school family, I have to say thank you before I say farewell.  I came to St. Bernadettes 20 years ago, a foreigner with a funny accent, to an unknown community where football was more important than rugby! There have obviously been numerous changes over the years, but one thing that has remained a constant is the solid family community and the love and respect that we share. It is not something common to all schools and it is very precious. Thank you to Monsignor, Mrs Cobbold, Mr Conway, Miss Brady, Mrs Pennick, every member of staff and governing body, and of course every child, for so many wonderful (and whacky) Wednesdays. If I think of all the masses, liturgies, class assemblies, concerts, tea parties…. as well as regular class sessions, it has been a fabulous chapter of my life. I’m also extremely grateful for the invaluable emotional support I received from the school when I was widowed 3 years ago. It’s time to say goodbye now though. Over the last few months, there seemed to be many indications that it was time to move south, closer to my daughter. Once again, it’s a huge move to an unknown area and community – this time a tiny village – but I have felt God leading me in every aspect of this, so trust that He has a plan for me. I am sorry that I couldn’t say goodbye to people in person, as we would normally have done, but these are unusual times. My sincerest thanks and love, Katherine Beaumont

 

Best wishes

Mr P Conway                   Miss S Brady

Head Teacher                  Head of School

29th September 2020

 

 

Dear Parent/Carer,

 

We have been advised that there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the Year 5 class 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.

 

If you have been contacted and your child is required to self isolate, you should follow the school instructions to access virtual and home based learning – Google Classroom.  Children are all aware of log in details and a letter outlining full instructions will be issued tomorrow.

 

If you have not been contacted directly and asked to self isolate your children should continue to attend school as normal.  Other household members do not need to self-isolate unless the child, young person or staff member they live with in that group subsequently develops symptoms.

 

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.  It is important that bubbles not affected by this case continue to attend school so that they can carry on catching up on their missed learning as a result of school closures in the Summer term.

 

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 to make it safe for pupils to continue attending.  Staff fully understand and are following all protocols designed to keep children safe

 

If you have any further questions please contact Mr Conway, Headteacher; Miss Brady, Head of School at the school or Jill Benson, Trust Head of Attendance and Welfare on 01642 529200.

 

Yours sincerely,

Paul Conway / Sarah Brady

Headteacher / Head of School

 

September Newsletter 2020

 

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

Welcome

Wow – what resilient children you have!  We are so proud of how your children have returned after what has been 6 months for many!  We have been delighted to welcome the children back to school this week. It is a privilege to teach your children and we are taking every possible precaution to ensure the well-being of your children.

 

This week children have been in their new classes which has really helpful in helping them settle, understand new school systems and get ready for their new teacher next week.

 

Next week, children will transit to their new classes.

• Nursery – Mrs Andrews-3 days / Miss Lumley -2 days
• Reception – Mrs Harris until Mrs Whitfield returns from Maternity leave
• Year 1 – Miss Simpson
• Year 2 – Mrs Pennick
• Year 3 – Mrs Smith
• Year 4 – Mr Lynn
• Year 5 – Mr Bourner
• Year 6 – Miss Cuff

 

Our new Reception children will have an extended transition week next week.  We would ask that you collect Reception children at 12.15pm each day from the main side gate as usual. We will still have a New Starters Parent meeting on Monday 7th September, at 9am in the school hall. We would ask for one parent per family to attend to allow adequate social distancing. The new Reception children will begin full time schooling from w/b 14th September.  They will begin in two groups (Monday 14th September or Wednesday 16th September).

 

 

Collecting children from school

Thank you for dropping and collecting children at the staggered times we currently have in place.  Please note the timings/zonings for next week as children move up to the next class.

 

	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 manage social distancing guidance we would like prompt drop off and collection times.  There are lines on our paths as a reminder to distance from each other. Parents/children are encouraged to walk/cycle/scoot to school where possible and only one parent should drop off/collect their child. To maximise curriculum time and minimise disruption to lessons, families with multiple sibling links should arrive at the earliest sibling time slot.  All siblings can enter school at the same time.  Parents should collect at the latest time slot therefore please collect oldest children first and proceed to younger children’s exit points.

 

Walking to/from School

All children must be collected by a designated adult and are not permitted to walk to/from school alone or go home with other families.  Therefore there will not be a need for children to have a mobile phone in school.

 

Uniform

Despite our temporary trainer concession, the children have returned ‘as smart as carrots!’ – Thank you. Please could we ask that particular attention is given to the following:

 

• All uniform is clearly labelled with the child’s name.
• Ties to be worn with shirts.
• Long hair must be tied back.
• Small plain bows can be worn.
• Skirts should be of an appropriate and modest length.
• Shirts/blouses to be tucked in.
• Haircuts to be appropriate (no tramlines, patterns or sculpting).

 

Bags

Please can we ask you to provide small bags for the children as they only need limited items for school.  There is no need for them to bring their own stationary next week (except coloured pencils if you have them). Next week teachers will begin to issue reading books.

We will also set up homework log ins via the Learning Platform – we will write any relevant passwords via the Reading Records.  Please ask your child’s class teacher if you need any support with this.  As a result of current COVID rules it will be more practical for homework books to be checked at home and not returned to school or completed electronically.

 

Earrings

Only small stud earrings are suitable for school. This is to prevent accidents as children are very active at playtimes. Earrings must be removed for PE. Children who have recently had their ears pierced will be given tape to cover their ears before PE lessons. Staff cannot be held responsible for lost earrings. No other jewellery is permitted for school.

 

School Lunches

Our staggered lunches are beginning to take shape with lunch being served from the hall and in the classroom.  Please keep discussing menu choices with your child as the teachers will ask them what they would like each week in advance.  The menu is available to view on our school website. School will of course still cater for specific dietary requirements; if you want to discuss this further please contact the school office. School dinners cost of £2.10 per day. Dinners must be paid for in advance by ParentPay. If you have forgotten your log in details, or don’t have one please see the office staff.

Please can we remind you that the school needs two weeks’ notice if your child changes from school dinners to packed lunch.

 

Parking

For those coming via cars, please can we ask that you continue to park your cars respectfully around the school area (including Skiddaw Court). You are not permitted to park before or after school over drives and on the yellow zig-zag lines.

 

Twitter/Facebook

If you have a Twitter/Facebook account, please find and follow us. We have a private twitter account you can access easily through the school website or Twitter. To protect the safety of the account only parents, family and known friends to the school will be accepted on our Twitter account.  We share a variety of class pictures via Twitter.  Our Facebook page will be used to share information so it is more accessible.

 

School Nurse

Should anyone have any new or regular medical concerns with their children such as bed wetting, nits etc. Please inform the school office who will make contact with our school nursing team. Our website also contains relevant generic health advice.

 

Future events

 

PTA

We will plan our Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the PTA in the coming weeks but many of our traditional events will need to be cancelled as a result of current restrictions. More details of this and subsequent future events will be provided following the AGM.

 

 

Parent Teacher Consultations

In November we will hold our Parent / Teacher meetings.  However, we will not be able to offer face to face meeting so we will conduct either phone call or video calls. These will take place during the week in mid-November; further details will follow in future newsletters.

 

Christmas Productions

It is unlikely that Christmas events and productions will go ahead this year but we hope to produce something for you to celebrate this special time.

 

School Calendar and events

Please find attached the school calendar showing some of major events for the coming year.  The planned events are limited.  Provisional events will only go ahead if guidance changes. These events will be preceded by a ‘P’ on the calendar.  When events are scheduled during the year, you will receive more detailed information through our monthly newsletters, our website and our schools messaging services. On occasions we may have to change some of these dates due to unforeseen conflicts but will inform you if this happens.

Those parents new to school will be issued with a unique code and instructions on how to register to eschools and how to use our Learning Platform. If you need any support with this please contact the school office

Curriculum and Religious Education newsletters will be sent out towards the end of September. To keep fully informed of all our communication please can you ensure the school office have your up to date information. If you are not receiving emails please contact the school office.

 

And finally,

 

Thank you so much for your support this week.  Attendance has been fantastic and it is a real credit to you all that despite our worries you can see the positive benefits of our children returning to school.  We have loved seeing you all again and look forward to the school continuing to thrive in the coming year.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact teachers, office or myself should you wish further clarification with anything or on how to support your children further.

 

Yours sincerely

Mr. P. Conway        Miss S Brady

Head Teacher                         Head of School

Full reopening of school information (September 2020)

 

Monday 24^th August 2020

 

Dear parents/carers,

 

As we approach the new academic year, we begin to set our sights on the full opening of schools in September. Over the last six months, the whole school community has faced challenges that we could never have imagined. Yet we have faced them. Our pupils have faced them and you, as parents and carers, have also faced them. You have shown determination and resilience in juggling family commitments with home-schooling. For this we thank you. We also thank our pupils. Many have needed to adapt to home learning and have needed to display new skills of resilience and independence.

 

Thankfully, we are delighted to confirm the Government has allowed schools to reopen fully in September and we look forward to welcoming back all of our pupils. The school has not been the same without them all!

In order to effectively manage the risks that remain, things will be a bit different when our pupils return to school for the new academic year. This letter sets out some of the changes and protective measures the government is asking us to put in place and what you will need to do to help ensure we can be as safe as possible for everyone. We hope these measures are temporary and will implement alterations as instructed by Government guidance.

Please read the following carefully so you understand the measures and expectations in place to ensure the safety of all pupils and staff.

 

Transition plans (Nursery to Year 6 September 2020)

 ALL children will spend their first few days back in school (Wednesday 2^nd September to Friday 4^th September) with their previous teachers before transferring to their new teacher wb 7^th September.

This period will also allow a short period of familiarising the children with new year group routines as well as a short settling back into school amongst familiar surroundings.

 

Transition plans (New Reception class – September 2020)

The Reception 2020 children will have an extended transition week commencing on Monday 7th September – half days for one week.  In this first week of transition they will meet their new class teacher.

We would ask that you collect Reception children at 12.15pm each day. Traditionally, we have found that this half day transition week really helps the children settle into school life and eases them into the new changes.   We will have a New Starters Parent meeting on Monday 7^th September, 10.30am in the school hall. We would ask for one parent per family to attend to allow adequate social distancing.

The Reception 2020 children will begin full time schooling from wb 14th September.  They will begin in two groups (Monday 14^th September or Wednesday 16^th September).  They will be in school all day from this point – you received this information in July.

 

Staffing for next year is as follows:

• Nursery – Mrs Andrews-3 days / Miss Lumley -2 days
• Reception – Mrs Harris until Mrs Whitfield returns from Maternity leave
• Year 1 – Miss Simpson
• Year 2 – Mrs Pennick
• Year 3 – Mrs Smith
• Year 4 – Mr Lynn
• Year 5 – Mr Bourner
• Year 6 – Miss Cuff

 

Attendance

 From September 2020, school attendance will be mandatory again. This means that the legal duty on parents of children of compulsory school age will apply. It is vital that children return to school for their educational progress, wellbeing and wider development.

• Where shielding advice remains in place for your child, liaise directly with us so we can put in place appropriate risk assessments.
• It is the expectation that parents will avoid a holiday in term-time as this will cause further disruption to their child’s education. Holidays in term-time must be in writing to the Headteacher using the appropriate form and providing details of the destination to be visited. A request will only be agreed where it is satisfied there is an exceptional circumstance that is in accordance with the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust policy.  If the area to be visited is at high risk of transmission of the coronavirus, the school must ensure that there is an individual risk assessment in place for the child to return to school.  Legal powers to enforce attendance will be used where a child misses school without a valid reason and the absence is unauthorised.

*Term time dates detailed on the website.

 

 Staggered start and end times

 

	Nursery	Reception	Y1/Y2	Y3/Y4	Y5/Y6
Drop off time	Morning: 8.30-8.45am 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

 

In this interim period the proposed school drop off and collection arrangements will be altered as follows.

• To manage social distancing guidance we would like prompt drop off and collection times.  There are lines on our paths as a reminder to distance from each other. Parents must not congregate and strictly distance themselves.
• Parents/children are encouraged to walk/cycle/scoot to school where possible and only one parent should drop off/collect their child.
• Parents should drop off children at side gate on entry. Parents should not enter school premises unless permitted by a teacher. The office area should be avoided if possible and phonecalls are encouraged.
• On collection, parents will collect from set areas around the perimeter of school. Parents should stand socially distanced from each other at all times inside allocated collection zone and promptly and safely leave school grounds as soon as child is collected.
• To maximise curriculum time and minimise disruption to lessons, families with multiple sibling links should arrive at the earliest sibling time slot. All siblings can enter school at the same time.  Parents should collect at the latest time slot. Please collect oldest children first and proceed to younger children’s exit points.
• Children must be collected by a designated adult and are not permitted to walk to/from school alone or go home with other families. Without this measure, there is an increased risk of social contact outside of school.

 

Organisation of Children in school

 

• Children will remain with their class ‘bubbles’ throughout the school day
• Y2-Y6 each child will have their own desk. The desks will all be facing forward so children do not sit opposite each other. Y1 and EYFS will have limited desks and use play-based learning.
• There will be no whole school gatherings in the hall but we will conduct video meetings to celebrate the Gospel’s and individual achievements.
• Pupils will be assigned their own toilet areas and hand washing facilities.

 

Behaviour

• We have had to adapt our current behaviour policy to the current situation. Our usual Code of Conduct and standards of behaviour are expected. Expected behaviours will be carefully explained and children will receive regular reminders about our Code of Conduct.
• Any child putting others at risk will be sent home immediately. This includes consistent refusal to follow social distancing measures and other anti-social behaviour.

 

Break times and lunch times

• Breaks and lunch times will be staggered to enable social distancing. More than one group will be allowed to play outside but only within their designated areas.
• Activities will be extremely limited; for example no contact football games. There will be limited play equipment available and many activities will focus on skill development.

 

Catering arrangements

• Our hot school meal provision will return and children can choose their menu of choice for the week each Monday.
• In this interim period and to support children with their choices, we are going to be using only the same menu each week. There will be a hot meal or cold meal choice (meat/vegetarian/jacket potato or tuna/egg or ham sandwich) Hot foods will be served either in classrooms in takeaway boxes or in the Hall on trays and distributed to the children.
• Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children are entitled to a free school meal under the universal free school meals offer. Normal charges will apply to all other year groups (£2.10).  Please inform us if your child is having a home packed lunch.
• Each bubble will eat school meals in their own set areas – hall/classroom

*On our website is the current weekly menu so you can help your child choose what they may want.

 

Curriculum

• We have been given clear expectations from the Government on what we are expected to teach when pupils return in September. We will continue to provide an ambitious and broad curriculum in all subjects in order to support the needs of our pupils and address the gaps as a result of lost learning time.
• The Recovery curriculum model will be applied on return to school throughout Autumn 1 – there will be a strong focus on developing key skills (Maths, Handwriting, Spelling); outdoor play and emotional/spiritual development.
• Music lessons will be limited to 15 children so classes will engage in split class lessons
• PE activities will be non-contact and focus on skill development, and will take place outside when appropriate.

 

Homework

• Initially our established learning platform will be used for homework and home learning.
• The staff will be trained in the Autumn term to use Google classroom. It is essential all children know how to access learning from home if required.
• Homework books will stay at home.

 

Use of Equipment

• Y1-6 children will be allowed to bring their own stationary in the first three days back at school (with their previous teacher). Stationary will be returned home on Friday 4th September.
• From wb Monday 7th Sept all children will use school stationary with the exception that they may bring in and leave their own glue sticks/ coloured pencils (no felt tips/Sharpies allowed).
• Y2-6 children will be allocated their own resources in their set places. They will keep stationary/books on their own desks and not share with others.
• EYFS/Y1 equipment and areas will be cleaned regularly.
• All materials and surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

 

Uniform and items from Home

• On return to school our normal standards and expectations will be expected for behaviour and work, therefore all children are asked to wear school uniform each day, inclusive of school tie. Comfortable shoes or trainers suitable for outdoors are permitted until Christmas therefore there is no need for PE kits.
• Children should bring limited items to school other than a coat, sun hat and water bottle. Sun cream should be applied before arriving. Children should not need additional suncream but will have to apply it themselves if necessary.
• The water fountains will be out of use so please provide water bottles for your children (still WATER only- no juice allowed).
• Children may bring in some of their home learning to share with their class/teachers if they wish on Wednesday 2nd. These will be returned by the end of the week.

*Uniform orders can be placed via the school website https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html

 

Reading books

• Children will take home reading books as usual from wb 7^th September – books/lottos will be changed twice weekly and quarantined in a class box between reading.

 

Contact with School

• All contact with school should be via telephone and email. Please do not visit the office unless absolutely necessary. Please adhere to all measures in place, particularly with regard to drop off and pick up times.
• Please ensure that we have your most up to date contact details and that you are able to be contacted throughout the day.

 

Wraparound care

• Our Schools In and Out service will resume (8am-6pm) in Autumn 1 and we plan to alter hours in Autumn 2 (7.45am-5.30pm).
• To manage staffing ratios, adhere to social distancing guidance and keep children separated safely we will temporarily suspend Maths Club.
• Children will remain in consistent bubbles in School’s In/Out and separate tables will be set up with activities in the hall/ICT suite or outdoor.
• Schools In children will access school through the main office entrance and be registered on entry. Children in School’s In will be taken from the hall to class from 8.30am.
• Children remaining in school after 3pm will be taken to School’s Out by their teachers. On collection, parents should ring the bell and wait for their child in the holding bay in the office or outside.
• Currently charges are applied as follows:

SCHOOL’S IN:    8am-8.40am £4  and   8.20am -8.40am £2

(Cost as per evening hourly rates to cover staff who must be on site prior to 8am)

SCHOOL’S OUT:  3pm-6pm   –    £4 per hour / £2 per half hour

 

Extended clubs

• There will be no extended schools clubs (lunch or after school in Autumn 1) to help manage staggered lunch and end of day.

 

Precautions

We will continue to take precautions in line with DFE guidance such as:

• a thorough and deep clean of the whole school prior to the return of all children
• enhanced cleaning, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces more often
• ensuring everyone at the school cleans their hands more often than usual – this will be both hand soap and hand sanitiser (please inform school if you do not want your child to use alcohol based sanitiser)
• ensuring good respiratory hygiene, by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach
• regular opportunities for outdoor development and good ventilation to minimise risk of spread
• generally staff will not wear PPE unless necessary for personal or intimate care. Pupils are not permitted to wear PPE.
• minimising contact and maintaining distance between each other and other bubbles where possible

 

You must not send your child to school if they have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or if you have someone in your household who does. The symptoms of coronavirus are: new, continuous cough; high temperature (37.8C +) and loss of sense of taste. We would ask parents and carers to support us by engaging with the NHS Test and Trace process so that cases can be identified and action taken – this means if your child develops symptoms, you should arrange for them to get a test and you should inform us of the results of that test.  

 

And finally,

 

In order to protect the well-being and safety of our staff and pupils, it is paramount that everyone follows the social distancing measures and health safety as outlined by the government.         As a school, we are doing all we can to minimise risk and operate a safe learning environment but please be prepared for changes as we assess the impact of a full school return and as guidance changes. We hope this long and detailed letter provides you with the information you need to prepare yourselves and your children for the full reopening of schools in September.  Despite the formality of this letter, please be assured that we are so excited to see all of our children return on Wednesday 2^nd September.  Look out for the videos to accompany some off this information via Facebook and Twitter.

If you need any further guidance or information please do not hesitate to make contact.

 

With thanks for your support.

Mr P Conway (Headteacher) and Miss S Brady (Head of School)

[email protected]    [email protected]

 

 

Friday 17th July 2020

Dear Parents/Carers

 

The last day of term!  What a strange year it has been!  I am thankful we have all come through this period safe and well.

 

Below are a few brief reminders for September but please note a comprehensive letter will be issued in late August to clarify full logistics of full opening of school.

 

Start and finish times

In order to minimise the amount of children arriving at the same time, we are extending the morning drop off window between 8.30-9am.  End of the school day collections will be from approximately 2.40-3.10pm.  We will allocate set timings for different year group arrivals in our late August update.    In September, our Wraparound service will be available 8am-6pm.

 

Uniform

Children should wear full uniform.  The only change is that we request up until Christmas the children wear trainers for school so they are able to take part in outdoor activities without having to get changed.  This change in footwear will be reviewed at the end of the autumn term.

 

What the children need to bring

The children do not need to bring anything with them for the first few weeks apart from themselves, a coat, a water bottle and a small bag (no PE kit bag necessary).  Over a staggered lunch, hot and cold meals will be served as normal but children may choose to have packed lunches.

 

Key dates

Tuesday 1^st September – PD day

Wednesday 2nd September – all children back to school with current class teacher

• Please encourage the children to bring their home learning books to share with their teachers in their first few days back.
• In this first week please can children be provided with a pencil case to use in school. This will be returned home on Friday 4^th

Monday 7^th September – all children move to new class teacher.

• Children do not need to bring their own stationery in and will be using their own personal school equipment. However it would be useful if they did have their own colouring pencils (not felt tips/Sharpies etc)

Monday 7^th September – Reception children start half days until 12.15pm (they will have school lunch before going home)

Monday 7^th September – New Starters Meeting for parents 10.30am

Monday 14^th/Wednesday 16^th New Reception children start full time

 

Full calendar attached with all holidays and PD days.

 

Key information on the website

You will be able to find out a lot of information from the website such as further details on staffing, our Recovery curriculum and 20-21 school brochures.   I am delighted to inform you that Mrs Sarah Cunningham was appointed this week to join our Teaching Assistant staffing from September.

 

If you have any questions please email the school email address and we will be happy to help.  Have a lovely summer and I will write again towards the end of August with full details of our full opening plans.

 

Mr Conway

Headteacher

Coronavirus Update 15.07.20

Dear parents and wider St Bernadette’s family,

As I reflect on a year I never imagined I would lead, I am filled with great pride and gratitude.

• I am proud to be the leader of our school.
• I am proud to lead such a dedicated group of passionate and caring individuals (administrators, teachers, teaching assistants, lunchtime supervisors, caretakers, cleaners, kitchen staff).
• I am proud of how you, our families, have supported our children at home

 

…. and finally I am proud that our school is slowly emerging from this crisis with its head held high.

Thank you all!

 

Mike Headley

I am sorry to inform you that Mike Headley died this week.  Mr Headley was the second headteacher of St Bernadette’s.  He may have been headteacher to some of you! Many of our staff still have so many fond memories of him.  Our children for many years visited his retreat centre in Wycliffe as part of their First Holy Communion preparation.  He was such a kind and gentle soul.  We give thanks for his impact on our community.  May he rest in peace.

 

Staffing 2019-20

A reminder of staffing for next year:

• Nursery – Mrs Andrews-3 days / Miss Lumley -2 days
• Reception – Mrs Harris until Mrs Whitfield returns from Maternity leave

(Miss Brady will continue to support the EYFS team as appropriate)

• Year 1 – Miss Simpson
• Year 2 – Mrs Pennick
• Year 3 – Mrs Smith
• Year 4 – Mr Lynn
• Year 5 – Mr Bourner
• Year 6 – Miss Cuff (Mrs Stoker will revert to her maiden name from next academic year)

Thank you in advance to the warm welcome you will give our new members of staff.  On Friday, we bid farewell to Mrs Mannion – once again thank you for your classroom commitment and leadership duties.  You have been an amazing teacher and friend and will be missed by all.

Mr Mullins, our Foundation Governor, will be leaving our Governing body at the end of this academic year.   He has been a Governor since 2012.  Since which the school has encountered many significant changes (changes of leadership, moving to academy status etc).  Mr Mullins has always passionately championed our school cause and fought for the best for the good of St Bernadette’s.  On behalf of the Governing body and the school family, thank you Paul.

 

Transition plans (Nursery to Year 6 September 2020)

We plan for ALL children to spend their first few days back in school (Wednesday 2^nd September to Friday 4^th September) with their current teachers before transferring to their new teacher wb 7^th September. 

This period will also allow a short period of familiarising the children with new year group routines as well as a short settling back into school amongst familiar surroundings.

 

Transition plans (Reception September 2020)

We are planning for the Reception 2020 children to have an extended transition week commencing on Monday 7th September – half days for one week.  In this first week of transition they will meet their new class teacher.

We would ask that you collect Reception children at 12.15pm each day. Traditionally, we have found that this half day transition week really helps the children settle into school life and eases them into the new changes.   We also plan to proceed with a New Starters Parent meeting on Monday 7^th September, 10.30am in the school hall.

The Reception 2020 children will begin full time schooling from wb 14th September.  They will begin in two groups (Monday 14^th September or Wednesday 16^th September).  They will be in school all day from this point – you should have received this information in the last 24 hours.

 

School dinners

Our full kitchen service will resume from September providing hot and cold options.  Reception -Year 2 meals will be provided for free as part of the Government Universal offer.  Year 3-6 school dinners will be available at a cost of £2.10 per day.

 

Recovery Curriculum

From Monday 7th September, Nursery-Year 6 will with their new teachers.  At this point, teachers will begin an individual class ‘Recovery Curriculum.’  The primary focus of the recovery curriculum is to ‘help children to recover from their loss of routine, structure, friendship, sleep, opportunity and freedom’ by focusing on key basic skills (Literacy/Numeracy); understanding new rules and our school values; restoring children’s mental wealth and rebuilding the resilience of our pupils to allow them to become effective learners again by.

 

School’s In/Out

Please note that we plan for our School’s In service to begin again from September.  We will open as usual from 8am on Wednesday 2^nd September. School’s Out will also be available 3-6pm.

From November 2020, we hope to adjust our School’s In/Out timings from 7.45am-5.30pm.

We will not convene Maths Club in the initial weeks as we need to assess how our Wraparound service operates following full reopening of school.  Maths Club will resume once we feel we have the staffing and space to accommodate this.

 

General

Year 6 leavers

I cannot praise highly enough our leaving Year 6 cohort.  They have been perfect role models throughout their time in school.  We are so sorry they missed many of their rights of passage as school leavers but the way they ALL returned is testament to the mature, confident individuals they are.  We will miss you greatly and at an appropriate time we will invite you back to school celebrate properly.  Good luck and thank you!

 

End of year reports

You should have all received your child’s end of year report for parents on Friday 10^th July (Nursery leavers – Year 6).  They were emailed individually to all parents.  If you did not receive a report please inform school.

 

Socially distanced picnics

It was so heart-warming seeing our children for their socially distanced picnics over the last two weeks.   We hope this experience lessens some children’s anxiety about returning to school and allowed opportunity to engage positively and in person with their peers and their teachers.

 

Summer holidays

A reminder that our school will not be open over the six weeks holiday.

 

FSM

Those in receipt of FSM vouchers will be receiving your voucher over the next week for the full six week period.

 

SVP support

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

 

Uniform

To order uniform for September please visit our school website or contact Motiv8: https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html

If anyone is struggling financially please contact Emma Dacey on [email protected] for support with school uniform.

 

Foodbank

You have all been so generous during this period to ourselves and our wider community – thank you.  Please find attached details of foodbank support – if anyone needs any support over the holidays please access these foodbanks or contact me via my school email.

 

And finally,

We can almost touch the rainbow!   In September we will welcome back all our children.  We cannot wait to be together again as one (staff, governors, parents and children) and I am grateful to how we have all stayed united for the good of our community.

There will be difficulties ahead but I have no doubt that we will continue to rise to these challenges.  School will look different for a period of time in September and it is likely we will need to have staggered times (start and finish times, break and lunch times etc) throughout the day.   I give you fully up to date information and guidance on how a fully open school will look in late August.  This information will also be inclusive of our wraparound provision.  At this time I will also share appropriate risk assessments and attendance expectations.

 

Wishing you all the best for the Summer holidays.  God Bless and thank you – we are truly blessed to be amongst such supportive and loving families,

 

Mr P Conway [email protected] / [email protected]

 

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

Blessed Nicholas Postgate, Pray for Us

 

 

Wider school opening (Dfe guidance)

Please find below the latest Government guidance on wider school opening so you are fully aware of how we are planning this return.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-in-the-autumn-term

 

A closing prayer for this academic year from Joe Hughes, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Nicholas Postgate Trust

For the Nicholas Postgate Community

Dear Lord,

Keep us under the shadow of your mercy at this difficult time.

Be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.

We commend our children and young people and their families, our schools and their staff and our governors to your loving care and protection.

Amen

Coronavirus Update 08.07.20

 

Dear parents and wider St Bernadette’s family,

Socially distanced picnics

It was so heart-warming seeing our Reception, Year 2 and Year 3 children for a wonderful socially distanced picnic yesterday.  It really gave the staff and hopefully the children a great lift!  One Year 2 commented on her way out: “That was the best day of my life!”

We are looking forward to seeing Nursery, Year 4 and Year 5 on Tuesday 14^th July.  We hope this experience lessens some children’s anxiety about returning to school and allows opportunity to engage positively and in person with their peers and their teachers.  In the event of poor weather, we will have the picnic in the school hall.

School opening

We will be open next week, our last week of the school year, to Year 1, Year 6 and children of critical workers and vulnerable children only in school.

Children who fall into the critical worker/vulnerable group may only come to school if you have first authorised this with Mr Conway/Miss Brady.

Only in exceptional circumstances can a child be in school before/beyond our interim times.  Mr Conway/Miss Brady must authorise these cases prior to commencement of each week (where agreed normal charges will apply).

Staffing 2019-20

Next year, as a result of our period of absence and for continuity of the children, all teachers will remain with the same year group they have taught this year with the exception of Mrs Mannion who will be leaving us to assume her Assistant Headteacher role at St Therese of Liseaux. We are delighted to inform you that Miss Victoria Simpson will be joining our teaching team.  Miss Simpson is a teacher who has 3 years experience at Caedmon Primary School and St Margaret Clitherow.  She will assume responsibility for Year 1 from September 2020.  We have also employed Miss Lumley, a former pupil at our school and a recently qualified NQT to teach in school as part of the Nursery team.  Mrs Harris will continue covering Mrs Whitfield’s maternity leave until she returns in 2021.

Staffing for next year is as follows:

• Nursery – Mrs Andrews-3 days / Miss Lumley -2 days
• Reception – Mrs Harris until Mrs Whitfield returns from Maternity leave

(Miss Brady will continue to support the EYFS team as appropriate)

• Year 1 – Miss Simpson
• Year 2 – Mrs Pennick
• Year 3 – Mrs Smith
• Year 4 – Mr Lynn
• Year 5 – Mr Bourner
• Year 6 – Miss Cuff (Mrs Stoker will revert to her maiden name from next academic year)

We are delighted to have the continued support of our skilled and dedicated group of Teaching Assistants who will be assigned to their classes and duties by the Leadership Team.

Thank you in advance to the warm welcome you will give our new members of staff.

Transition plans (Y1-6 2020-21)

Unfortunately, our annual transition week will not take place in July as in previous years. However we plan for ALL children to spend their first few days back in school (Wednesday 2^nd September to Friday 4^th September) with their current teachers before transferring to their new teacher wb 7^th September. 

In this way we hope children will not be anxious about a school return and look forward to seeing their usual familiar faces.  This period will also allow a short period of familiarising the children with new year group routines.

Transition plans (Reception 2020-21)

We are planning for the 2020 Reception children to have an extended transition week commencing on Monday 7th September – half days for one week.  In this first week of transition they will meet their new class teacher.  We would ask that you collect Reception children at 12.15pm each day. Traditionally, we have found that this half day transition week really helps the children settle into school life and eases them into the new changes.   We also plan to proceed with a New Starters Parent meeting on Monday 7^th September, 10.30am in the school hall.

The Reception 2020 children will begin full time schooling from wb 14th September.  As they will be in school all day from this point, we will be informing you of the two staggered starting days in the coming week.

Recovery Curriculum

From Monday 7th September, Nursery-Year 6 will with their new teachers.  At this point, teachers will begin an individual class ‘Recovery Curriculum.’ The primary focus of the recovery curriculum is to ‘help children to recover from their loss of routine, structure, friendship, sleep, opportunity and freedom’ by focusing on key basic skills (Literacy/Numeracy); understanding new rules and our school values; restoring children’s mental wealth and rebuilding the resilience of our pupils to allow them to become effective learners again by.

We are confident this transition curriculum will enable our children to once again become efficient and confident learners.   This time will reinforce our very high expectations of all children.  Many children will have regressed as a result of not being in school however we will do everything we can to ensure each child quickly progresses as appropriate.   Our quest is to journey with each child through a process of re-engagement, which leads them back to their rightful status as a fully engaged, authentic learner.

General

Year 6 leavers

Unfortunately many of our planned leaver events for Year 6 have had to be cancelled.  At an appropriate time we hope to invite our children back to school celebrate properly.  Year 6 have been completing various transition preparations in class and over the last week of term will have a special liturgy as a class to reflect on their time with us.  If your child is not currently in school, please inform Mrs Stoker if they will be in next week so she can plan accordingly.

End of year reports

We will issue an adapted end of year report for parents on Friday 10^th July.  They will be emailed to parents.  Emails will be sent individually to you and will be staggered throughout the day so for parents who have children in different year groups, the reports will arrive intermittently.  If you do not receive a report on this day please inform school immediately. Within the report there will be a summary of attendance, progress and attainment.

Summer holidays

A reminder that our school will not be open over the six weeks holiday.  As such, home learning resources will end wb 13.07.20 – thank you for engaging in this learning during this period of enforced school closure – your support has been vital.

Uniform

In the light of full school reopening from September I have attached a reminder of our school Uniform Policy.  To order uniform for September please visit our school website or contact Motiv8: https://www.motif8.co.uk/schoolwear/primary-schools/st-bernadette-s-primary.html

 

And finally,

 

Thank you for your support, patience and understanding during this period of partial school closure.    We are really excited about and planning for all children to return in September.   Please prepare yourself and your children for this.

School will look different for a period of time and it is likely we will need to have staggered times (start and finish times, break and lunch times etc) throughout the day.   I give you fully up to date information and guidance on how a fully open school will look in late August.  This information will also be inclusive of our wraparound provision. At this time I will also share appropriate risk assessments and attendance expectations.

Please note that we plan for our School’s In service to begin again from September.  We will open as usual from 8am.  School’s Out will also be available 3-6pm.  Following feedback, from November 2020, we hope to adjust our timings from 7.45am-5.30pm.  I had planned to share the findings of our Wraparound care survey in March and hoped to alter timings earlier but as a result of school closure decided to wait until a more opportune time.  Please find the results of the March 2020 survey attached.

 

God Bless,

Mr P Conway [email protected] / [email protected]

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

Blessed Nicholas Postgate, Pray for Us

 

Wider school opening (Dfe guidance)

Please find below the latest Government guidance on wider school opening so you are fully aware of how we are planning this return.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-in-the-autumn-term

 

 

Coronavirus Update 01.07.20

Dear parents/carers and wider community of St Bernadette’s,

School opening

Under the current guidelines, it is not possible to open our school safely to more pupils however following the Government’s recent announcement regarding September returns for all pupils, we are making plans to facilitate all groups again to start next academic year.

• We are currently receiving Year 1, Year 6 and children of critical workers and vulnerable children only in school.

Children who fall into the critical worker/vulnerable group may only come to school if you have first authorised this with Mr Conway/Miss Brady.

Only in exceptional circumstances can a child be in school before/beyond our interim times.  Mr Conway/Miss Brady must authorise these cases prior to commencement of each week (where agreed normal charges will apply).

 

Recovery Curriculum

Due to the reduction of pupils attending school during the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be necessary to re-evaluate our schools approach to the provision on offer for our children as and when all children return to school (hopefully in September).

All school’s within our Trust will plan individual ‘Recovery Curriculum’s’ so our curriculum will be very different for at least the first half term.  Re engagement with our original school 20/21 planned curriculum will resume as soon we feel children have adjusted and are ready.

The Recovery Curriculum Framework is based upon the work of Barry Carpenter and the Evidence for Learning team, which sets out the importance of recognising the trauma and loss that children will have been through during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The primary focus of the recovery curriculum is to ‘help children to recover from their loss of routine, structure, friendship, sleep, opportunity and freedom’.

The Recovery Curriculum Framework is built on the 5 Levers, as a systematic, relationships-based approach to reigniting the flame of learning in each child. The levers are:

1. Relationships – rebuild relationships with peers and staff
2. Community – understand school context and wider community
3. Transparent curriculum – address gaps to reassure parents and children
4. Metacognition – reskill and rebuild confidence of learners
5. Space – rediscover self and find voice again through exploration

We will focus on reaffirming basic skills (Literacy/Numeracy); understanding new rules and our school values; restoring children’s mental wealth and rebuilding the resilience of our pupils to allow them to become effective learners again by.  Our quest is to journey with each child through a process of re-engagement, which leads them back to their rightful status as a fully engaged, authentic learner.

Successful transition for our children will enable them to once again become efficient and confident learners.   This time will reinforce our very high expectations of all children and our Recovery Curriculum for the start of the next academic year will ensure children catch up academically, socially and emotionally.  Many children will have regressed as a result of not being in school however we will do everything we can to ensure each child quickly progresses as appropriate.   This work will be made so much easier by your dedicated support for our home learning materials since March 23^rd – thank you and well done!

 

Video calls

After last week’s successful trial with Y5 and Y6, teachers in Reception, Year 1-Year 4 have invited all children via their school emails to a whole class video invite this week or next.  If you need support setting up your child’s school email please contact your child’s class teacher.

As we have issued child emails this week to you all, it would present as a perfect opportunity to discuss/demonstrate how to use email safely and also set some ground rules with them. See https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/young-people/resources-3-11s for up-to-date, relevant guidance.

 

General notices

Y5 Parent meeting (Trinity Transition)

I was delighted so many parents indicated their intention to consider Trinity as the next phase in education for their Y5 children in the recent Trust (Step 7) survey.  As a passionate Catholic Headteacher I can see the positive impact the wider Trust is having on Trinity.  Mrs Dwyer, the new Headteacher at Trinity is facilitating a meeting on Tuesday 7^th July to speak to interested Year 5 parents.  This meeting will now take place at 9am in the school hall (not in the Year 4 classroom as previously communicated).

 

End of year reports

 

We will issue an adapted end of year report for parents on Monday 13^th July.  They will be emailed to parents.  If you do not receive a report on this day please inform school immediately. Within the report there will be a summary of attendance, progress and attainment.

 

Socially distanced picnic

 

Attached with this letter are details of a socially distanced picnic that Mrs Pennick is organising.  As we are unable to allow attendance to school to more year groups before September we would love to offer a socially distanced meet with your child’s class over the next two weeks. Mrs Pennick is organising various class meet ups on our school field (weather permitting) to allow children time to visit school again before the summer.  We hope this experience lessens some children’s anxiety about returning to school and allows opportunity to engage positively and in person with their peers and their teachers.  In the event of poor weather we will unfortunately have to cancel so pray for a two lovely Tuesdays!

 

Parish reopening plans

 

Monsignor Hogan has written to parishioners this week to outline plans for facilitating a partial St Bernadette’s Church opening.  It is hoped that in the not too distant future, when the necessary equipment ordered by the Diocese comes to hand, the Church will hopefully reopen for a limited number of Services provided that the stringent measures required can be implemented and managed. There will be many changes to how St Bernadette’s will look.  For this to be implemented and to cover the many other controls, the Church will need teams of stewards and cleaners. Monsignor Hogan is asking for volunteers to support in this process.

 

Volunteers cannot be aged 70 or over and or from the identified, health based, high risk groups.  The number of Services which will be offered will be limited by the ongoing medical advice Monsignor Hogan is receiving and also by the number of volunteers which will be required for the teams available.  Those who act as Stewards will be expected to wear hygiene masks. Those cleaning will also be required to wear plastic aprons, gloves, and a face shield – over and above the need for a hygiene mask.   It is also important to bear in mind that despite our natural instincts, stewards will be unable to help those entering, worshiping, or leaving the church by the designated route – the need for social distancing cannot be compromised.

 

If you feel as though you could support the parish effort to bring back some limited Services as either a steward/cleaner, then please e-mail [email protected] for more details.

 

And finally,

 

Summer holidays

I am now in a position to inform you that our school will not be open over the six weeks holiday.  School staff, like many key workers, have worked without holidays since March and need time to recuperate on what has been an emotional and stressful period for us all.  In this respect, we would encourage children to have a break also.  As such, home learning resources will end wb 13.07.20 – thank you for engaging in this vital learning during this period of enforced school closure – your support has been vital.

We expect and are really excited about the prospect of all children returning in September but cannot guarantee this until further Government guidance is available.  At this stage, we hope all children (Nursery-Year 6) return to school in September so would encourage you and your children to prepare for this. School will look different for a period of time and it is likely we will need to have staggered times (start and finish times, break and lunch times etc) throughout the day to manage continued appreciation of social distancing.  However, as you will appreciate by now, the situation and advice changes with regularity so I give you fully up to date information and guidance on how a fully open school will look in late August.  At this time I will share appropriate risk assessments and attendance expectations.

God Bless,

Mr P Conway [email protected] / [email protected]

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

Blessed Nicholas Postgate, Pray for Us