Coronavirus Update 06.05.20
Dear parents/carers and wider community of St Bernadette’s,
It is has been so heartening to hear of possible relaxing of some lockdown laws in the press this last week. At last, adherence to social distancing and self-isolation is making an impact. Over the coming weeks, I hope that relaxation of laws does not lead to complacency and an increase in the virus reproductive value. In this respect, we can all begin to see some HOPE and some light at the end of this dark tunnel.
School closure
There is due to be a formal announcement on schools reopening this week. At this stage I cannot speculate on what the guidance will be. I will communicate logistics of future arrangements in my newsletter next Wednesday and provide more details as soon as next steps are clear.
School will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers next week. I would ask that if you need to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle coronavirus to contact myself, Miss Brady or school office by 3pm THURSDAY 7th MAY to request a place in our school for wb 11.05.20.
Home learning
I hope the children are maintaining their enthusiasm and motivation in their home learning. We really appreciate your proactive support at this difficult time – when times are challenging and patience is tested, just remember what an important role you are playing in your child’s future – THANK YOU! We understand how busy many of you are so please do not feel pressured to do all the activities each week but please continue to keep the basics skills developing: reading, writing and Maths.
I hope you have enjoyed engaging in some ‘Victory In Europe’ World War 2 commemorative activities this week. As researching Captain Tom’s life has demonstrated, it is vital we have a respect for history and draw on and keep the good things that emerge from darkness such as community, new skills, respect and appreciation.
Nunthorpe’s Stay at Home Street Party for VE Day
Nunthorpe are encouraging you to decorate your home in red, white and blue on Friday 8th May. Suggested activities for Friday are:
- have a party picnic in your garden between 1pm and 4pm;
- join in on the Royal British Legion’s two minute’s silence at 11am
- Join in on the Nation’s Toast to the heroes of WW2 at 3pm. From the safety of your home or front garden, choose a refreshment of your choice and undertake the following toast: “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”
Competition time: Trust Faith competition
Members of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust family of schools are being invited to take part in a special competition that celebrates faith in troubled times. Inspired by the words of chapter 35 verse 35 in the Book of Exodus, Project 35:35 is an invitation to use our artistic talents to respond to the challenge of the coronavirus outbreak by giving glory to God.
In Exodus – which tells how God delivered the Israelites from slavery – the people were called upon to use their gifts to adorn the tabernacle that was built as a pace of worship before they reached the Promised Land. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers – Exodus 35:35
In these times of uncertainty, many people may question how anyone can possibly believe in God and, if they do, why he would let something like this happen.
Despite this, believers are flooding social media, reaching out to their places of faith, as faith leaders reach to them in return. They pray in earnest and yearn to be back in their places of worship. Why do they do this? What is your response in these times?
Explore your response to these questions by creating a piece of original art, a poem, a song or a dance. Add a short explanation of your piece, including some of the following…How did you create your work? What inspired you? How does your work demonstrate your faith response to coronavirus? What has it made you think about? What do you hope people will understand from it?
Bronze, silver and gold prizes will be awarded within each category.
To submit your work, please email a picture or video of the piece, along with your commentary, to [email protected]. The closing date is Sunday May 31.
Please state the category you are entering.
- Category 1: EYFS and KS1
- Category 2: KS2
- Category 3: Years 7–9
- Category 4: Years 10–13
- Category 5: Extended family of NPCAT, open to staff, parents, grandparents, parish members and all associated with NPCAT.
Work will be displayed online via our NPCAT Twitter/website and included in an exhibition when life is back to normal and we can all celebrate together as one family.
Hope project-Art
Mrs Stoker was overwhelmed with your amazing responses to our Hope project – thank you. We have decorated our railings outside of school to share our key messages of HOPE at this time. If you can safely pass school on your daily exercise please come and see our various Art work, prayers and messages.
‘Let it Be’
Mr Bourner has complied a second song – ‘Let it be’. The song is available to view via our Twitter feed. This song is to mark the month of May (the month of Mary, the Mother of Jesus). Vocals are provided by the talented Mr Bourner and we all felt this song was a poignant song at this time and to focus our minds on prayer this month. It has been a long-standing Catholic tradition to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary in May. In most Catholic churches (and even in many Catholic homes), a “May Altar” is erected with a statue or picture of Mary, flowers, and perhaps candles. The altar stands from May 1 to 31 as a reminder of Mary’s importance in the life of the Church and in our own lives as well. Please say some extra ‘Hail Mary’s’ this month as we walk delicately towards the next stage of this crisis.
Home Cooking ideas
After witnessing what great bakers we have in school following our Easter Cookathon, many of you may be interested in ‘Cook with Jack’ which is cooking up its second week of new and exciting recipes. Tune in live every school day at 12pm for details of how to make fantastic recipes for just £15. .
Bite Back 2030, generously supported by the Laidlaw Foundation, is a new series to show you how to prepare quick, tasty and affordable lunches. Jack Deane, a chef from the Jamie Oliver Cookery School, is volunteering his time to teach easy lunches from a shopping list. The simple meals can be made with minimal prep time and equipment.
https://www.biteback2030.com/real-story/cook-jack-4th-may-8th-may
General
Financial reminders
If anyone thinks they may be eligible to FSM (Free School Meals) as a result of changing circumstances send your applications to school as soon as possible. One successful applicant commented, “You just need to fill in details like name and address, you and your partner’s National Insurance number and the children’s date of birth. You don’t have to show any other evidence at that point. The school does the rest.”
A successful application will ensure you can access Government funding. Full guidance is via the red link (NPCAT Schools Latest COVID-19 Information) on the school website https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk or please contact me directly to discuss further.
The St Bernadette’s Parish SVP have also 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 so please reach out if you are in need of any support financially and we will help immediately.
Step Up 7 (Year 5 transtion)
As a result of high demand for places in all four of the Trust’s rapidly improving secondary schools, it has decided to introduce the NPCAT Step 7 Pathway for our current Year 5’s. Our four secondary schools have had new leadership in place since September 2019 and the impact on pupils’ behaviour, attendance, attainment and progress is clearly evident. Since the formation of the Trust we have continued to see an increase in pupil performance and we are confident of continued improvement in GCSE and sixth form outcomes.
As a Trust we want to offer all Year 6 pupils the opportunity to remain within our family of Catholic schools. However, the current number of available places for Year 7 pupils is 240 at Trinity, 150 at Sacred Heart, 105 at St Peter’s and 111 at St Patrick’s. This leaves a shortfall of 99 places.
The Step 7 Pathway eliminates all anxiety and stress and puts children at the heart of the transfer process. To assist our pupil placement planning, we are requesting that Year 5 parents complete a short survey to identify which of our secondary schools meets your child’s future needs.
This exercise will be followed up by a meeting with the secondary school headteachers, who will set out their vision and outline the wonderful advances being made across secondary education in NPCAT. By choosing NPCAT schools you can be assured of quality schooling from the age of three to 19. With us, your family’s values and your expectations for your sons and daughters can be realised in a rich and unique schoosl that recognise the individuality of every child and offers education and care that is carefully tailored to his or her needs.
And finally…
Good News
Teachers will again be contacting you this week with details of a special project we would like all children to engage in. Miss Brady has already a made a Nursery class video which has been shared on Twitter. The theme she chose links to the RE topic about ‘Good News. Each class teacher will chose their own theme.
It has been circulated on various forums how following last week’s clap for carers a rainbow appeared in many parts of the country – let us HOPE this is another sign that we are slowly emerging into a new phase of recovery from COVID-19.
There will continue to be many challenges ahead but we will continue to adapt, react and cope as best we can. We will emerge from this stronger! We will emerge from this a tighter, loving and kind community.
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
Latest Official Guidance
To keep abreast of the latest Coronavirus information or to access Trust support services please refer to our school website (https://stbernadettes.npcat.org.uk ) and click the red link (NPCAT Schools Latest COVID-19 Information) at the top of the page.
Tell me the one about the virus again…
This following YouTube clip has been shared widely over the last week. It depicts a father telling a bed time story to his son and how life changed as a result of ‘the virus.’
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw5KQMXDiM4
…through deep hurt and sadness may we all be inspired to continue acting with love and kindness towards each other today and in the future..
