Newsletter
May Week 1
Friday 1st May
It is incredible to think that we are now entering our sixth week of lockdown with no indication of when this will end or how the easing of restrictions will be implemented.
We are hoping that the news will continue to be positive next week so small steps can be taken to bring the lockdown to a close. However, even with the most optimistic outlook it may take a while before we get back to the way school used to be.
It is therefore imperative that all pupils continue to work on the learning grids and, just as importantly, that they post, download, or send the work they have done to their teachers.
Our research so far has indicated that engagement with the online resources is very mixed, with some pupils doing a significant amount of work and some doing none. We know that some parents are devising work of their own, but unless we know about it we have no idea what work children are doing at home.
We understand the difficulties parents are experiencing due to the lockdown but by next week the pupils will have had the equivilent of the summer holiday in terms of time out of school, so they need to be working on their core learning skills to be ready to resume school work when we get back to normal.
If there is still anyone out there whose children are unable to access a laptop, please let us know. We have given out several computers but we have a bank of laptops ready to be distributed. Subject to demand, we are also able to provide laptops for pupils who are currently having to share with more than one sibling.
Although our teachers and TAs are not in school, they are busy preparing films and resources. They are all online and available to give feedback and advice during school hours, so please do send in your work.
Parents have told us that they would like more direct teaching, so we have responded with more films. Look out for new videos talking you though the learning grids and providing links to videos with supporting materials. Finally, if the technology is causing you any difficulties, we can send you copies of the resources we have used to access the new technology or talk you through it with your child if necessary.
Next week, teachers will be contacting you directly, so please be aware that if you get a call and the number is unfamiliar or protected it is likely to a member of staff calling you. If you do not pick up, a message will be left to say they have called and you will get another call. Please do not ring the office as the teachers are ringing from home.
Finally, we are giving out food parcels to families eligible for FSM on Monday at 12 am. I have tried numerous times to get vouchers without success but will continue to try.