Monday 2nd November 2020
Welcome back to the 2nd half of the Autumn Term. You will all be aware of the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday which will see the introduction of a new national lockdown from Thursday 5th November. Unlike the last lockdown school’s nationally will remain open to all children with local bubble lockdowns still being used if positive cases are identified. As we reopen it is more important than ever for everyone to be reminded of the need to follow the rules which we established in September. When dropping off or collecting please be aware of the need to socially distance from others and be aware of the importance of not sending children to school if you have any concerns about their health or the health of anyone in your household.
The school had a successful training day which included a session on the ways in which we will deliver a full curriculum to any class bubble which has to lockdown if required for a period of time. Our priority will continue to be to keep everyone safe at school and to continue to deliver a curriculum which allows all children to continue to make progress following the last lockdown and to enjoy their learning experience.
We are continuing to respond to the changing situation with regard to the new national lockdown. This term would usually be full of shared community experiences which would have included: Children in Need ‘Pennies for Pudsey’ our new parents reading information, Book Fair and all of our Christmas celebrations from our Advent Procession, Nativity Performances, Christmas Fairs and ending with our Carol Service. None of these events will be able to take place in the usual manner but we are determined not to lose the many events which help to bring our community together. As we have shown with our Harvest celebration we will harness technology to share as many of these events with you as possible.
Our first newsletter of the year will provide details of all the events taking place this half term including our virtual Book Fair and online Pudsey Duck Race.
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to our harvest appeal. The tins and packets have been safely stored over half term and will be delivered to the Harrogate Foodbank where they will be very welcomed.
Congratulations to all of the families who are logging in and participating in the online PE Challenge programme. The numbers involved have grown over the last half term and we now have 43% of the school population involved. Well done to Nidderdale who have the most children taking part and to Wharfedale who have seen the biggest increase in children taking part.
I look forward to working with everyone to keep our community safe and in school as we move into the 2nd national lockdown.
Andrew Symonds