Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you all had a lovely Easter break and were able to enjoy the relaxation of restrictions which enabled family and friends to meet up again, after such a long time.

Everyone has settled smoothly back into school and we look forward to a good term ahead.

Forest School

We want to say a great big ‘thank you’ to the parents who helped us get ready for our first forest school session last week. Thanks go to all who provided pallets, logs and sticks, but a special ‘thank you’ must go to the Mums who worked their socks off to clear the undergrowth of brambles to open up the space. Their determination to get the job done was inspirational! Because of their hard work, the children in Year 1 and 2 have had a wonderful time, learning in the outdoors during the sessions led by Mr Yates. We look forward to sharing their experiences with you.

PE Kit

We are happy for the children to come in their kit on days when they have PE. However, recently we have noticed a great variety of non-uniform items being worn. Please can we take this opportunity to remind you that PE kit is made up of the following items.

• Plain white tee or polo shirt
• Blue shorts or PE skirt
• In colder weather, blue joggers or blue track suit may be worn
• Pumps
• Trainers may be worn for outdoor lessons

School Closure Days

A quick reminder that school is closed on Monday 3^rd May as it is a Bank Holiday. Election Day on Thursday 6^th May is a ‘Remote Leaning Day’ as the school will be used for voting. Staff will upload remote learning to Class Dojo on Tuesday 4th May, and feedback will be given in class on Friday as all staff will be in training all day on Thursday. Please remember the importance of informing us of any positive covid cases during these closure days using the email address covidnotifcation@ridge.dudley.sch.uk.

INSET Days

In September we will be launching a new approach to teaching phonics and will be using our remaining two INSET days to support the significant training required.  Therefore, school will be closed to pupils on

• Friday 25^th June
• Monday 28^th June

As these are additional staff working days, remote learning will not be set for these days.

Covid Testing

We have been asked by Public Health to remind you to arrange a PCR test not a LFD test if you or your child display any of the following symptoms:

• one or more of the 3 main Covid symptoms - a new, continuous cough, or a high temperature, or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste/smell
• any of the other symptoms linked to Covid-19 infection (loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, headache, joint/muscle pain, nausea, sore throat, sneezing, diarrhoea, vomiting, runny nose or congestion)

LFD tests should only be used where the individual is asymptomatic.

Parents should ensure that they inform the school of a positive result (LFD or PCR) immediately, so that the school can undertake any necessary contact tracing straight away.

Baby News!

We were delighted to hear of the safe arrival of Mrs. Burley’s baby last week. Pennie Rae Burley weighed in at 8lb exactly and mother and baby are doing well. We send our congratulations to Mr and Mrs Burley and wish them every happiness. During Mrs Burley’s maternity leave, we are delighted that Mrs Catherine Giles will be working in Kindergarten. It is lovely to welcome her back to The Ridge: she previously taught Year 3 so knows us well!

Photographer

We have booked the photographer to come and do individual photos on Monday 17th May 2021. Unfortunately, this year we will be unable to offer family group photos. We will send a reminder nearer the time as some parents may wish to send their children in Winter Uniform on this occasion.

Fundraising

Thank you for your support for ‘Break the Rules’. The event raised £257.15.

I hope that you all have a lovely Bank Holiday Monday.

Kind regards,

Mrs D Hudson

Headteacher