Dear Parents and Carers
It certainly looks like Spring is on its way today! I hope you will manage to find an opportunity to enjoy the lovely sunshine either today or over the weekend.
Following the government’s announcement regarding the full re-opening of schools on Monday 8th March, this letter will share with you the arrangements we have put into place so far.
SPRING BACK 2 SCHOOL
Monday 8th March will launch our ‘Spring Back 2 School’ week. We have planned a creative and fun week for all of the children. This starts with our ‘World Book Day’ on the Monday and Wednesday will see the whole school taking their learning outside for the day. Please see the attached information regarding these two days.
Learning will follow a less formal structure during this week, so that the children have fun whilst settling back into school life. We understand that some families may be anxious about the return. We would like to share a message from Cass Tait, who is one of our school governors:
I just wanted to reach out to you all as a parent governor following the Prime Minister’s announcement that all children will return to school on the 8th of March. I know that these are scary times and, as parents, we are all worried about our children’s safety and wellbeing.
I have been fortunate enough to have my children at school during this latest lockdown and I want to assure you all that the school staff have been working really hard to make sure that the children are being kept as safe as possible. As before, every effort is being made to ensure that regular hand-washing is taking place and children are remaining n their class bubbles.
These have been uncertain and scary times and the staff and governors at Yapton do understand the anxiety about all the children returning to school. Please know that you can contact the school to discuss your concerns, or feel free to contact me if you would rather. We can’t predict how the coming weeks will play out, but we can reassure you that as a school family, we care very much about the safety and wellbeing of all of our staff and children.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to say how amazing all of the home learning has been and we have seen some fantastic examples of the work your children have been doing. Thank you for your support with this, I know it’s been difficult but you’ve done a great job.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FULL RE-OPENING OF SCHOOL
We are going to continue with our staggered timetable. This includes the start and end of the day, as well the different times for break and lunch. Children will need to wear their PE kits on their PE days (apart from the two days mentioned above). The children who have been learning at home will need to bring their Home Learning Books back into school. There will be a box in each classroom, so that these books can be ‘quarantined’ before the work can be looked at.
We will continue to ask parents to follow the social distancing guidance, which includes mask wearing and keeping your distance away from others whilst on the school grounds. We will continue the restriction of one family adult on the school grounds at drop off and pick up times. It may be useful to know many of the school staff have not yet received an offer for a vaccination.
BUILDING WORK: PATHWAY IN FRONT OF PEVENSEY AND ARUNDEL CLASSROOMS
We are pleased that our wobbly footpath in front of these classrooms is going to be replaced. The work will begin on Monday 1st March and will potentially take two weeks to complete. From Monday 1st March, entry to the school for some classes will be different.
Arundel Class – The children will use the staff entrance to the right of their classroom.
Pevensey Class – The children will use the main office door.
Southsea Class – The children will use the playground door nearest their classroom at the back of the school.
Portchester Class – The children will use the side gate to the Victorian Garden at the back of the school.
Please can the parents of children in Portchester and Southsea Classes use the gates in the school car park to enter the school grounds.
CHARTWELLS
If you would normally pay for your child to have a hot meal, please can we remind you to log back onto their website to place your order before the end of the weekend.
YOUR SPACE THERAPIES FAMILY SUPPORT
Samantha Wright, our school counsellor, will be available for you to call on Monday between 9:30am and 10:30am. The number for your to you to call is 01903 209991. Any conversation you have will remain confidential. The school will not know of any specific calls but will be told the number of calls and any common themes will be highlighted. If you feel you need a listening ear, some help or advice please call Samantha.
Thank you to everyone for their continued support. If we can help anyone, please use the office2@yaptonschool.org email address which is regularly checked by Mr Hughes and myself.
Have a lovely weekend
Take care
Kim Huggett