School Re-Opening Letter 23.02.21

Dear Parent/Carer

Following yesterday’s announcement we are busy making plans for the return of all students to school beginning the week commencing March 8th.  Firstly can I say that I am looking forward to welcoming the students back and hopefully this is the beginning of getting back to some form of normality.

The Government has asked us to build in a mass testing programme as part of this wider return.  This means the Year groups will be phased in over the course of the week. I will update you later as to which Year Groups should return and on which day but you will appreciate that Year 11 have to be the priority.

Year 11 students should prepare to be available to have their first test on Friday 5th March, which will allow for a full year group return on Monday 8th.  Details regarding testing and appointment times will follow later.  We will also reissue Google consent forms.

We will provide further updates regarding Home testing, specific return and testing dates for each year group nearer the time.  Remote learning will continue for each year group until they return to face to face teaching during the week of the 8th.

All other safety procedures will be similar to what we introduced in September, students will be in Bubbles to minimise movement, hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms, students will have the same staggered start and end times.  Again, we will reissue these guidelines to remind everyone.  The main change is that the Government is now recommending that face coverings should be worn throughout the day in the building, that means including in lessons.  Whilst, I personally find this very disheartening as it is not how a school should be I understand the reasons for introducing this expectation and welcome your support.

Thank you once again for your support in these very difficult times- it is very much appreciated.  Please monitor your emails for further communication and a timetable outlining the return to school plans.