Dear Parents/Carers,

Most schools across the country are dealing with significant absence of staff due to covid. We are in the same situation but have further challenges with staff absence linked to other reasons that have recently come to light.

We do not like to use supply teachers as we would prefer to use Newdale adults who are familiar to the children and also familiar with the systems and expectations we have in place.

We have looked really carefully at staffing structures and have had to make the difficult decision to merge Year 3 back into 2 classes from February half term.

Staff are already working hard on which children will join Miss McCullagh and which will join Mrs Pablos and Mrs Poole. Please rest assured that this team will ensure the children continue to thrive for the remainder of their time in Year 3.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers of children in Year 6,

As you will know, it is very tricky to keep clear tabs on what your children are doing on their phones and computers when you are not there. I have teenagers myself and know how hard this can be.

It has come to light today that many children in Year 6 are part of different groups connected to Whatsapp, Instagram, Tik Tok etc. One of the main reasons that the age limit for these apps is 13, is due to the fact that many children in Primary school have not got the maturity to deal with what can take place on these platforms.  We have evidence of misuse happening within our Year 6 cohorts, with unfortunately inappropriate comments being made and children blocking and making other children feeling isolated etc.

We believe there is a bit of a vicious circle now with some children saying to parents, ‘they started it, so I said something back…’. Again, a clear reason why we need to ensure children are not using apps such as these, until they are old enough to do so without things escalating.

We continually speak to children across school about safe use of devices, but alas what they do out of school is beyond our control. I have spoken to both classes this afternoon about the importance of correct use of apps, being kind and showing respect both in person, but also virtually. The vast majority of children admitted they were using these apps and I guess that is the problem. They will tell you, ‘Everyone else uses them, so why can’t I?’ We need your support in this matter as we cannot remove this issue on our own.

Please can we ask you to –

• Remove apps that are not linked to their age group. If everyone does this, it would make it a lot easier and fairer as far as the children are concerned. I have told them they need to concentrate on school and getting ready for Secondary school and that the content of these apps is putting other children off.
• Regularly hold discussions with your children about what they do online and what to do if they are upset by anything.
• Check for yourself what they are doing online and support where necessary.

We cannot control what happens at home, but we will do all we can to influence your child’s behaviour online.

If you have any concerns, do let us know and we will do what we can to support from school.

Can we also ask you to remind your child that if they bring their phone to school (because they travel without an adult), it must be switched off and away when they enter the grounds and passed to their teacher for safe keeping in the office until home time. This is a safeguarding issue and part of our school policy.  I have explained this to the children again this afternoon.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Miss Cook

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers of children in Year 3,

We have been delighted in the amount of progress your children have made this year so far.

We have announced today that Miss Clay in Year 6 is going on maternity leave after half term.

Due to our current staffing structure, Mr McFarland will be moving up into Year 6 for the rest of the year.

As a result of this necessary move, Mrs Bishton will be delivering Literacy and Numeracy in Mr McFarland’s class up until Easter, supported by one of our highly experienced HLTA team.

We always planned on merging the classes back together for the summer term, in readiness for them moving up as two classes into Year 4.

Please rest assured that the transitions with staff have been very carefully thought out and as always, we have the best interests of your children at heart.

Regards,

Miss Cook

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers of Year 6 children,

Miss Clay is very pleased to announce that she is expecting not one, but two bundles of joy!  The children were beginning to think Miss Clay had overindulged over Christmas!

Miss Clay will be teaching her class until the end of this half term, then will begin her maternity leave. Mr McFarland will be moving up into Year 6 to become your child’s class teacher until the end of the school year.

Transition plans are already in place, with Miss Clay and Mr McFarland working closely together. Mrs Thomas (Assistant Headteacher) will continue to oversee the planning and work closely with Mr McFarland as part of the Year 6 team.

We all wish Miss Clay and her family the very best of luck.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Headteacher

The following after school clubs are now live on Parentpay for this half term. All clubs start next week w/b 10th January unless stated.

Monday- KS1 Football

Year 3 Cartoon drawing club

Year 4 Dance club (starting on 17th January)

Tuesday- KS2 Football

Wednesday- Year 1 – 6 Basketball

Thursday- Year 1 – 6 Girls Football

Year 5 Drama club

Friday- Year 5 Dodgeball