A message from the Headteacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
The half term break is just around the corner and I am sure that your children (and maybe, you too!) are looking forward to a well-earned rest. It has been another challenging few weeks and I want to thank you all for the way that you have supported your children as you have tackled remote learning. It is a big ask, especially when you are juggling working from home, children of different ages and trying to maintain their motivation when away from their usual classroom routines and friends. We don’t underestimate how difficult this has been for some of you and want to thank you for your efforts. I am sure that some days have been easier than others but whatever you have managed to do, or not do, please be assured that keeping your children safe and supporting their wellbeing is everyone’s top priority.
I want to thank all of the staff who have been supporting bubbles for the children of key workers in school. This includes those working with the children in classrooms, staff in the school office, the lunchtime and site teams. Huge gratitude also goes to the teachers who have been delivering remote learning. It is clear from your responses to our recent questionnaire that you value their hard work and the changes to the offer that we have made. There were lots of lovely comments, especially about the ease of communication which we will be sure to feedback to teachers. One parent said ‘I have felt more connected with the teacher than if they were at school.’ And another said ‘The teachers have been amazing – although I would rather the children be at school!’ echoing a longing for that sense of normality that I am sure we all feel!
We acknowledge the difficulties that some of you shared including maintaining concentration, especially for our younger children, but also the practical challenges of printing off resources and the internet crashing. We have noted all of your comments and will reflect on them as we continue to develop our offer, should it be needed in the future. Thank you for taking the time to share your views.
We currently know no more than anyone else about the plans for wider re-opening of schools in March. As soon as we do have some more detail, we will be in touch. In the meantime, until we can all be together again, I hope that you have a restful half term and all stay safe.
Kind regards,
Deb Hudson
Headteacher
Congratulations..........
……to Miss Beddoes and her partner, Rich, on the birth of their baby girl, Amber Grace, born on 10th January. Both mum and baby are doing well and Amber has already visited school – albeit from a distance. She is beautiful!
We also join Mum and Dad in celebrating their engagement: such wonderful news to lift our spirits!
News from the Governors
The school governors continue to work hard to support the school and have met regularly during lockdown. As well as agreeing the purchase of some new iPads and other IT hardware, they have approved our new Relationship and Sex Education Policy which Mrs. Melia has developed. We look forward to sharing this with you next half term and gaining your views on this important part of our curriculum.
Also after half term we will be recruiting a new parent governor to join the team, following the resignation of James Brogan from the board after he and his family relocated. The governors have a vital role in the school and like a board of directors, act as a critical friend to the school. They bring a range of valuable knowledge and skills including experience in finance, HR, education and strategic leadership. At this time, we are especially interested to hear from anyone with skills in finance or a knowledge of building management/ health and safety. Please look out for details of how to be considered as a parent governor, once the school fully re-opens. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to know more about the role.
Half Term Holiday Club
St Michael’s Church Norton and St James Church Wollaston are running a virtual a holiday club session in half term.
Wonder Zone Holiday Club
‘The Creatures of The World’
Available on YouTube from Wednesday 17th Feb 10am
… or search YouTube for ‘Norton and Wollaston’
(NB the link will work from 10am on that day onwards. You can join in any time from then on)
