| From the Office | A message from the Executive Head
Dear Parents and Guardians
When planning the reopening of a school, it helps to know which year groups will be attending!
During the first lockdown I vividly remember a conversation I had with Hugh Wilding about the first stage of getting children back to class. I confidently reassured him that in no way would the government select Reception or Year 1 in the first instance as there can be no expectation for children of that age to understand the concept of social distancing. Low and behold, Reception, Year 1 (and Year 6) headed back to school first, and I was left rather red-faced!
Nevertheless, it has taught me to expect the unexpected from the Department for Education (DfE). So what could happen on 8 March, the allocated return to school day?
Well, firstly, the date may get pushed back depending on the number of Covid-19 cases, Covid-19 associated deaths/numbers in hospitals, and regional variations. If March 8 is the starting date, it is highly likely that only certain Year groups will return, or they may choose for schools to use a rotational basis for having pupils in school. However, this can prove difficult for larger schools in regard to deep cleaning of areas and bubbling.
So which Year groups are considered, by the government, as priorities?
In my opinion, strong arguments can be made for every year group. Naturally, Reception and Year 1 pupils will find it most difficult to access online work without considerable support from parents, but then Year 11 and 13 are in the midst of their crucial national examinations. Year 7 have only got to know their new schools for a term...and now they are back home. And, what about Year 8 and 9 who it sometimes feels have been forgotten by the DfE. These children especially need those essential social interactions to support the creative areas of their brains, which can be valuable when responding to more resolution based tasks.
Year 10 and 12 have just started their relevant examination courses, Year 2 and 3 are seen as the vital age range for cementing the building blocks of learning they received in EYFS, and then Year 6 are in the final year of junior education and need support in making the transition to Year 7. Hang on, surely Year 4 and 5 is the children's first experience of gaining inference-based conceptual learning, isn’t that important, if not imperative?
Who knows! As you can see, all year groups have strong cases to return. What we can be sure of is this: we will continue to support you and your families no matter what actions emerge from the DfE, and when we are given the opportunity, we will have your children back in school as quickly, as happily, and most importantly, as safely as possible. We will keep you informed of details as they become clear.
Have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes
Justin Spanswick
Executive Head Teacher
Thursday 11 February - Michael Morpurgo Author Live Event G3 to G6 Junior Girls
Please see here a letter with details about the live Michael Morpurgo event on the 11 February. The link will be posted in the pupils' classrooms for them to attend. Please don't feel any pressure to buy the books advertised in this letter.
Wednesday 24 February - Mindfulness Lesson - G2 Junior Girls only
Mindfulness expert, Neil Seligman will be leading a short session with the class. During the session, Mr Seligman will teach the girls about different breathing exercises and mindful movements. It is a fantastic opportunity for the girls as the session will teach them about looking after their wellbeing.
The session will be recorded using the zoom platform, more details will follow.
We request your permission for your daughter's participation in the lesson. The session will be filmed and may be used as part of Mr Seligman's showreel and may also be part of the school bulletin and social media account.
Please fill out this short form with your consent.
Reporting your daughter’s absence from school
Please don’t forget to call the school office to report any sickness/absence/medical appointments on 01628 327500 (any voicemails left will be picked up by the office when it opens at 8am). Alternatively you can also email girls@clairescourt.com. |
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