Coronavirus Update 01.04.20
Dear parents and wider family of St Bernadette’s,
During these very challenging times I will try to write weekly to update you with latest education and Government headlines.
In the last week, myself and the teachers have contacted you all to see how you are and how the children are getting on. We will continue to do this. On the whole we have been heartened by your responses. Thank you to you all for your resilience, fortitude and solidarity in a rapidly changing situation. I realise that the events taking place are unsettling for all of us.
In some way, we are all feeling worried about various things at the moment: family, finances, work, and at times, this it can be overwhelming. I want to remind you that we are here for you all. If you are concerned about anything or anyone, please contact us immediately. We are one community and together we will emerge from this. If you need us, please contact us via school or via our school leadership team: myself; Miss Brady or Mrs Pennick are available anytime for you all. In most cases, we can’t solve every problem but we can support a little and try to access support and advice where we can.
As many people’s work circumstances change because of the effects of COVID-19, Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust is aware that some families may be in need of free school meals (FSM) for the first time. I would strongly urge anyone who feels they may be eligible for FSM to complete the form attached to this letter immediately. Applications can be returned directly to me. We will process it quickly to ensure you can access support as soon as possible. By accessing this support, the TRUST CAN HELP YOU NOW through food vouchers/hampers!
Despite the current challenges, where we can, we must try to be people of hope. We must look for the good and try to be positive in all situations, despite how extreme the situation currently is. The thing that will keep us going is hope and the scientific knowledge that this time will pass. This week, we have seen hope and shards of light in many forms. We have seen hope on a national scale, the many brave people who have volunteered to support the critical work of the country. We have also seen the tireless and brilliant NHS staff and other critical workers who continue to put themselves on the front lines – I am sure, like me, you displayed your appreciation for them on your doorstep last Thursday evening. Furthermore, we see tangible examples of good in our community through the growing numbers of volunteers of local Food Banks.
The Education Secretary has confirmed that ‘Schools and other settings will remain closed for the foreseeable future – except for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.’ I support this 100%. The safest place for your children at present is at home. However, I know the importance of our school being open for critical workers and their families. As such, I can confirm that St Bernadette’s will remain open Monday to Friday throughout the Easter holidays, including Good Friday and Easter Monday. I am grateful to the commitment of ALL our staff who, without question, continue to work in school throughout their holidays to ensure the critical workers can do their jobs. If you need to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle coronavirus, please contact school via my email or phone school by 3pm THURSDAY to request a place in school next week.
This unprecedented time has led us to a ‘distance or home learning’. We don’t yet know how long schools are going to be closed for but we do know that ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ so I would ask that you try to practice regularly the essential skills of learning (read lots; practise key spellings and phonics; handwriting and maths especially basic skills in the Y1-6 white booklets). Share your 100 reads or Maths key skills developments with your teachers. Teachers are making fresh resources available via the Learning Platform each week. New resources will be updated each Friday during ‘term time’. Thank you so much for your dedicated support in helping your children – it makes a massive difference. Should any of you be having any issues at all at any time, please contact your child’s teacher. Please mix up formal learning on the Learning Platform with other activities such as: baking, exercise or learning new skills. We do not necessarily expect you to complete every task set – you may have days when the children do no school work and other days when they catch up – that’s fine!
Next week, the teachers will set mainly RE work linked to Holy Week via the Learning Platform. Holy Week is such an important week in school and we were so disappointed not to complete our Easter preparations in school this year. Please engage in this learning next week at home as we prepare for the death and resurrection of our Lord. Advance notice: please note we will not set work over our planned Easter break (Friday 10th April – Friday 17th April). It is important, where possible, to try to relax (both children and teachers). Therefore, further work will not be set after this Friday until Monday 20th April.
As time goes on, we are working hard to ensure that we access support for your child’s mental health. It is vital we look after each other, try to stay calm and be mentally strong. This week, a parent shared some online mental health resources which look really good for children who are worried or confused about current events. The resource covers: helpful information about what the new virus is; how to stay healthy and do your best not to pass it on; how children might feel about it and things to do at home. If you feel this would be of benefit to your child, please share with them using the following link:
https://lms.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk/mod/scorm/player.php?scoid=166&cm=6455¤torg=articulate_rise&display=popup
Please continue to keep abreast with official school communication and support via email/Twitter/School Website/Learning Platform.
As a proud member of the St Bernadette’s community, I know that we will come through this! Despite the overwhelming challenges we are facing, we will adapt and cope as best we can. We will emerge from this even stronger.
God Bless,
Mr P Conway
St Bernadette, Patron of our School, Pray for Us and Help Us
Blessed Nicholas Postgate, Pray for Us
Latest Official Government 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 at the top of the page.
A beautiful message of hope from Holy Father Pope Francis
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”
Let us all remember then that every changing colour of a leaf is beautiful and every changing situation of life is meaningful, both need very clear vision. So do not grumble or complain, let us instead remember that Pain is a sign that we are alive, Problems are a sign that we are strong and Prayer is a sign we are not alone!! If we can acknowledge these truths and condition our hearts and minds, our lives will be more meaningful, different and worthwhile!!
