Dear Parents/ Carers,

I hope this email finds you safe and well. Unfortunately, my son and I have tested positive for Covid, so I won't be able to see any of you until the new term starts. I am very frustrated at missing the end of term fun, but Mrs Hedges is keeping me up to date with the school news every evening.

Here is a round up of what's going on in school, and some key dates for your diaries:

1. Covid update:

Unfortunately, Covid restrictions are coming back into force, so schools have been told to revisit their Outbreak Management Plan which is on our website. This outlines the actions we are taking to reduce the spread of the virus within school, and the things we could do if numbers of infections grew. Currently we have very few children off with Covid, and so we will be continuing with our routines of hand washing and sanitising, enhanced cleaning of contact points over lunch and ventilation of classrooms.

We haven't had to return to bubbles and one-way systems yet, but I attended a public health webinar for Headteachers last week which suggested that this might be something we have to revisit in January. I will keep you updated about that when I receive more information. Please keep your distance as much as you can from each other when you are dropping off or collecting your children, and wear masks unless you are exempt.

It does get cold in the classrooms, so rest assured that children are allowed to keep their coats on if they need to.

2. Reception Nativity:

Reception will be performing their nativity to the children in school, and it will be recorded for release as a YouTube premier. This means that parents with the link will be able to watch it, but only at the specified time. It will then disappear from the internet. This is not as good as being able to invite parents inside to watch with us, but it's the best we can do under the restrictions. The most important thing is that the children have had fun doing it, and will feel like movie stars when it airs!

3. The Christmas Fayre:

Obviously large gatherings such as those that we used to have at the school Christmas Fayre are not advisable, so Mrs Shah is once again selling goodies out of the library. Items cost between 50p and £5 and all the proceeds will go towards buying maths equipment for across the school.

4. Christmas Jumper Day and Christmas Lunch:

The children, staff and governors will be eating their Christmas lunch in the hall on Wednesday 15th December. The children can wear a Christmas jumper (or something sparkly/ colourful) if they want to. This is ONLY THE JUMPER- children wear their usual uniform, but swap the jumper for a Christmassy one. Please don't go and buy a special jumper- there is no need. Anything that will go on top of their uniform and is bright or sparkly will do. If children prefer, they can just come wearing their school jumper- there is no pressure. Please do not let your children wear football shirts- they are NOT in the spirit of Christmas jumper day!

5. Christmas fun:

Classes will be having their parties/ fun activities on Thursday 16th December. This year, we are NOT having food at the parties. The number of children with severe allergies makes sharing food very difficult in some classes, and the sharing of party food is almost impossible to do with 30 children in a Covid-safe way. The children will be having some party snacks and drinks, but these will be provided by school. Father Christmas might even be making an appearance (in a Covid-friendly way), and some of the children (EYFS and KS1) will be able to bring party clothes with them to change into at party time. Further details will come from your child's teacher this week.

6. Dates:

The last day of term is Friday 17th December and the children finish at 12pm.

School reopens to children on Wednesday 5th January.

Best wishes,

Mrs Seymour