January Headteacher Update

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

First of all, I would like to wish you a happy new year; I hope that you and your families remain safe and well. 

You will have seen a great deal in the media about schools opening and the issues that many are facing with regards to staffing.  I am pleased to report that, at this stage, we have only a small number of staff who will be absent from school due to Covid.  I am pleased that we have been able to complete Covid testing before school officially starts so that teaching and learning can begin without disruption on Thursday 6th January 2022 (tomorrow).   If your child has not come into school for testing this week, we would appreciate it if you would carry out testing at home.  Please do not send your child into school if they have any Covid symptoms or test positive. 

As I have said in previous communications, your children have been absolutely fantastic in following the rules with regards to mask wearing and hand sanitising.  Over the holiday, the government has asked schools to reintroduce face masks in classrooms.  This will be a temporary measure and we are informed that this will be reviewed at the end of January.   Unless your child is exempt, can I please ask that you send your child in with at least one face mask tomorrow morning?  Students and staff will continue to wear masks as they move around the school and when queuing in cafes, as they did last term. 

Despite significant staffing challenges last term, we remained open for all students; we will do everything we can again this term so that all students can be in school receiving face-to-face teaching and enjoying the wealth of extra curricular provision we have in place.   

We look forward to seeing your child in school tomorrow in the correct school uniform (warm coats will be essential this week – no hoodies please) and ready for an exciting new term!

Yours faithfully,

Craig Burns
Headteacher