16th October 2020
Dear parents/ carers,
As another week ends, we are faced with the knowledge that from midnight tonight, Essex will move into the High Local Alert Level. We have been informed that the move for Essex means no change to the education system in Essex. It is of the utmost importance that all children can attend school safely, to support their wellbeing and education and it is intended that all education settings remain fully open.
I can also confirm, that our planned parent consultations next week will still be going ahead. We will be following strict guidelines regarding the meetings. As previously advised to Year 3 parents, your sessions will be after half term; I will be back in touch with the exact dates but your appointment time slots for the new dates will remain the same as already booked online.
The arrangements for Monday and Wednesday next week are as follows:
The consultations will be held in individual classrooms:
- Reception – Reception Classroom
- Year 1 – Year 1 Classroom
- Year 2 – Year 3 Classroom
- Year 4 – Year 4 Classroom
- Year 5 – Year 5 Classroom
Please make your way to the classroom doors via the main school nursery entrance and exit via the main school gate (as you have been doing for drop off and pick up this week).
- Where safe to do so, we ask that children do not attend; if you do need to bring in children, then they must remain seated with you.
- Face masks must be worn while in the classroom – teachers will also be wearing face coverings.
- Hands must be sanitised as you enter the classroom – this will be available.
- Strict appointment times will need to be adhered to. The teachers will advise you when your appointment time has ended. If you are late for your appointment, we will not be able to offer you an alternative session or extend past your booked finish time.
- Only one family may be in the classroom at any one time, there is to be no waiting inside the classroom. Please wait outside, until you are called in.
- Unfortunately, children’s work and books will not be available to look through at these sessions.
I will also be available at both consultation sessions should you wish to see me. Thank you in advance for following our safety measures.
Photographer: As you know Pret a Portrait are in school on Monday to take individual photos of the children. There is a full risk assessment in place and the children will be going into the hall in their year group bubbles. On Monday, all children are to come into school in their school uniform, even if they normally wear PE kit on this day.
While on the subject of uniform, a reminder that winter uniform should now be worn. Shorts can now be packed away for the summer! There has been quite a few jumpers and cardigans left on the playground at break and lunch times and many of them without names, which makes them almost impossible to return to their owner. Could you please check your child’s name is still visible; thank you.
Jewellery: We have seen an increase in the number of children wearing jewellery and earrings to school. Jewellery, including bracelets and necklaces are not permitted, and earrings should be studs only. A reminder that earrings must be removed for PE, which is Essex County Council health and safety guidance.
48 hour rule: a quick reminder that if your child is unwell due to sickness or diarrhoea, they cannot return to school until 48 hours have passed since the last bout of sickness or diarrhoea.
PSA Bags2School: Thank you so much for the bags dropped, this has raised a wonderful £165 for the school! I noticed today that there have been several bags left under the carport. As the collection has ended can I ask that no more bags are placed at school and if you have dropped a bag off in the last two weeks you come and collect it. The PSA will be organising the next collection in the new year so hold onto your bags until then!
Design a Christmas Card project with Prontaprint Bishops Stortford: I know several parents have been asking, so to confirm, payment for any orders can be made by cash or cheque, cheque payments should be made out to Prontaprint. All orders need to be received by Wednesday November 4th. If you would like additional forms, just let your class teacher know.
Student Update Forms: We still don’t have all the student update forms back, please could I request that these are returned by Wednesday this week, thank you.
Phone Box Library: A plea regarding the phone box library near OSCA. If you wish to donate books for the phone box library, please don’t leave books on the phone box floor. If you would like to donate books, you can contact Stephanie Honour on Facebook, for details. Thank you.
Mrs Holman: It is with sadness that I let you know that Mrs Holman will be leaving us the week after half term. Mrs Holman has been invaluable across the school and will be greatly missed. She has secured a post at SWCHS utilizing her fantastic science skills and we are all thrilled for her. I would like to thank Mrs Holman for her dedication and enthusiasm in school, we will all miss her greatly and wish her much love and success as she starts her next adventure!
Finally, Miss Jeremy has set the children a writing competition challenge to be completed during half term. The details are attached; I can’t wait to see the entries when we return on the 3rd November!
A longer newsletter than normal, so well done for getting to the end! Have a fabulous weekend and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.
Keep safe everyone,
Kim
Kim Hall
Headteacher
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