Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
You may be aware that the return of pupils to school in January is proving to be a controversial matter. Over the last few days, there have been many meetings with between the Department for Education, the government and unions regarding the safe opening of schools in January. There have been many changes to the recommendations/guidance too.
As it stands at the current time of writing (Saturday 7:00 p.m) we will be open for all pupils on Monday 4th January. But this could change with very little notice.
I must, however, make you aware that this is being challenged regarding whether or not it is safe for primary pupils and their teachers to attend and is therefore subject to change, with very little notice. The current R rate does not take into account the mixing over Christmas and there is still a lack of clarity over the severity and level of infection with the new strains of the virus we are hearing about.
Of course, we want all pupils to be in school but we desperately want all of the children, their families and the teachers to be safe and this may mean new procedures. If we end up closing temporarily, all lessons will be put online.
I appreciate this lack of confirmation does not help with childcare arrangements but the health and safety of all our pupils, families and teachers is paramount.
I will be keeping track of this situation and will send another update tomorrow.
New procedures:
As a result, I have had to update and increase the procedures to keep us all safe.
As a reminder, pupils will need to attend school to enter classes and learning at the following times:
Y6 8:45
Y5 8:55
Y4 8:50
Y3 8:55
Please stick to these times - do not be late as pupils will miss the start of lessons.
1. Only pupils will be allowed entry to the playground at the start of the day - parents will need to leave children at the wooden gates where staff will be on duty. Pupils will then be chaperoned into areas/lines to wait for entry into their classrooms. This is to prevent mixing and cross contamination.
2. Parents/adults will be asked to wear a face covering when delivering and collecting their child - access will be allowed onto the playground for safe collection. Please keep your distance from others - 2m - and leave as soon as you have your child. Do not wait with others.
3. Pupils are able to wear face masks to enter and leave school, at break times and in communal areas.
Your co-operation is vital and appreciated in these difficult times.
Our last week before the winter break and there are a few reminders for you:
1. We have a new raffle this week - tickets 2 for 50p. Sold at breaktime with Mrs Clarke
2. Christmas party day tomorrow (Tuesday) - pupils can come in party clothes all day but DO make sure they have a warm jumper/cardigan AND A COAT as we will still be going outside for breaks. They will need to bring a party snack/food for the afternoon, separate to their lunch. Pupils can bring a bag of crisps, wrapped cake, chocolate biscuit. Drinks will be provided.
3. Wednesday is Christmas lunch for those who have already booked it. Sorry, but we cannot take any orders on the day. If you have not booked a lunch and your child is not eligible for free school meals, you will need to provide a packed lunch for this day.
We finish at normal home times on Thursday 17th December, with Friday 18th December being an Inset day so school is closed to children.
Don't forget that tomorrow is National Christmas Jumper day - if you wish to join in you can wear your Christmas jumper for school tomorrow (no charge).
For those who do not wish to join in, please wear your normal school uniform.
URGENT SAFETY NOTICE
For the next two weeks, we will not have a school crossing patrol person available to help children and families cross over Derby Road, both at the start and end of the day. Please ensure you take extra care and support your own children during this period.
We will be running a postal service for Christmas card exchange under a controlled system from Thursday 3rd December. This is to keep it safe. Please see the full details in our newsletter.
Pupils should not deliver/pass cards between themselves at school under any circumstance as this could inadvertently pass on the virus. The school system will use the necessary period of quarantine.
We have been planning our festive programme for the remaining few weeks of our Autumn 2 term (albeit COVID compliant!). We are all especially determined not to miss out as Christmas is a special time for the vast majority at Harrington. But, as we are all too aware, things will be a bit different this year.
We will be hosting a raffle for winter prizes from Monday 7th December - 2 tickets for 50p.
The charity we always support at this time of year is Shelter - any loose change or donations can be made to our Gingerbread House collection box from Monday 7th December.
Our Christmas craft afternoon will still occur, albeit without our families and in our own bubbles on Thursday 10th December.
Pupils can join in Christmas jumper day on Friday 11 December by wearing a festive top - no charge (as school will make a donation to Save the Children)
Christmas parties will occur in our separate bubbles on Tuesday 15th December. Pupils can come dressed in their party gear all day (so make sure they are warm enough) with festive activities being held in the morning, before our party afternoon. Pupils can bring their own snack to have in the afternoon as our usual sharing of party food donations will not be able to be offered. Pupils can bring a bag of crisps, wrapped cake, chocolate biscuit. Drinks will be provided.
And to finish, Christmas dinner will be served on Wednesday 16th December for those who have already booked it. No further orders can be taken.
Pupils break up for the holiday at the usual home-times on Friday 18th December.
We return to school on Monday 4th January 2021.
We are doing all we can to keep everyone safe - please continue to do your bit. Keep apart from other families in and outside of school and avoid mixing class bubbles. Please continue to use the 2m rule with other people including staff. Cross-contamination poses the biggest risk to all at school, mainly created by people bending the rules. We want to finish the term on a high - by staying open and letting our pupils have a fun time. Let's stick to the rules and keep safe - HANDS - FACE -SPACE.