Dear Parents/Carers,
I hope that you and your family are having a restful break.
We are looking forward to welcoming all students and staff back for the start of Module 3. We had a highly successful Module 1 and 2 and we anticipate celebrating more of the students’ achievements in 2022. Our priorities remain the same as we go forward; a safe community with high quality teaching and learning, progress and achievement for all, combined with high expectations of behaviour. Please find a few reminders below:
COVID-19 Procedures
The government has updated its guidance on COVID-19 measures in schools for our return. Staff, students and visitors should continue to wear face masks/covering in internal communal areas, unless exempt, and students must wear a face covering in classrooms. We continue to monitor the situation and will adapt plans as necessary, informing staff and families beforehand. If your child is exempt from wearing a face covering, please inform their small school if you have not previously done so. For those students who are using the COVID-19 Self-Test kit at home, this testing and reporting process will continue until further notice and your child will be provided with another Self-Test kit when they return.
A reminder that users of public transport are expected to wear a face covering/mask.
COVID-19 Onsite Testing
As students return after the winter break, the government requires secondary schools to test students for COVID-19. Students are required to complete one test on-site, followed by another at home three days later. The testing will take place for all students who have previously provided consent. The academy has sent all families a letter containing a link to a student consent form, as well as your child’s return date and time. Only those families who have not yet provided consent for any testing should complete this form.
Please note that all information regarding COVID-19 is subject to change depending on government guidance.
Attendance and Punctuality
All students will return via a staggered return on Tuesday 4th or Wednesday 5th January 2022 to complete an on-site COVID test. The academy has written to you separately with your child’s start date and time. If your child is unable to attend, please report this in the usual way. Good habits of attendance and punctuality are extremely important and contribute to successful individual outcomes.
I would like to remind you that students are able to purchase breakfast items from 8:00am using a cash only service before the academy day.
Equipment and Uniform
Please ensure that your child attends the academy each day in the correct uniform and with the correct equipment. Students should have at least one pen, one pencil, a rubber, and a ruler, although it is advisable they have more than one pen for a replacement. Students must also bring their Chromebook with them each day, fully charged and their PE kit on their allocated PE days.
Our high expectations of student uniform remain and our students should look smart at all times, wearing their uniform with pride. As the cold weather continues, we advise students to prepare for this by having a warm coat. All coats should be plain black in colour and hoodies must not be worn. Other outdoor items such as scarves and gloves are to be plain black and must not be worn inside the academy. In reference to jewellery, a reminder that students are only allowed to wear a maximum of one small stud in each ear, worn in the lower lobe, and a wrist watch only, no other jewellery is permitted. Furthermore, the wearing of false eyelashes, acrylic nails and nail varnish is not allowed. A reminder that students must not be in possession of e-cigarettes and, if found to be, we will apply our policy consistently.
I am very grateful for your support in working together to ensure that our students can achieve the very best that they deserve. Should you require any further information on the contents of this letter, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s small school.
I wish you and your family good health and all the very best for 2022.
Yours faithfully,
Hannah Sharma
Deputy Principal