January 5th 2021
Dear parents and carers,
We find ourselves yet again in a similar situation to last year following several last minute changes for schools from the government. As always, we respond appropriately by following the government guidance.
Following the letter I sent you last week regarding a staggered start to the new term, I would like to clarify a few important things for you as there are changes following yesterday’s address by the Prime Minster.
Children of key workers and vulnerable pupils
From today until February half term, only those children of key workers and vulnerable pupils may come into school. Parents of vulnerable pupils have already been contacted. If your child is currently not attending but you decide you want them to come in to school, you will be sent a survey each Wednesday to complete by Friday. This will enable us to ensure we have enough staff in school. Please do not just send your child in without telling us as we shall not be able to accommodate them. If your child is coming into school it is important they attend regularly and not dip in and out of the provision unless this is organized with the school. We do expect that pupils who are in school behave in a safe and responsible way. Failure to do so may mean their provision is withdrawn.
If a key worker or vulnerable child is going to be absent, please ensure you let the school know.
Remote learning
This week we expect Year 11 pupils to complete their remote learning and next week Year 7-10 will also be required to engage with remote learning. Please click this link https://www.deantrustardwick.co.uk/remote-to find all the key information.
Year 10 and 11 External Creative iMedia Exam – Monday 11th January
Following the government’s confirmation yesterday, the Year 10 and 11 Creative iMedia external exam next week is still taking place on Monday 11th January. All pupils taking the qualification in Year 10 and 11 must arrive to school by 9am on Monday 11th January to ensure that they have time to revise with teaching staff in the morning. Lunch will be provided for pupils. Pupils will need to bring with them:
The exam is 1 hour and 15 minutes long and pupils will begin being dismissed from 2.30pm.
The exam is worth a whole unit towards the final grade and therefore it is absolutely vital all pupils prepare this week and attend the exam. All revision material and tasks are on the Creative iMedia Google Classrooms.
Free School Meals
Electronic Free School Meals vouchers will be emailed out to the majority of parents each week. A small number of parents will be contacted to collect physical vouchers from the school reception and further communication will follow if this applies to you.
Lateral Flow Testing
Schools are now required to offer ‘rapid testing’ to staff and pupils with the aim of identifying asymptomatic cases of Covid-19 and therefore breaking the chain of transmission. The testing will be useful in preventing pupils and staff needing to self- isolate if named as a contact of a positive case. We are currently planning the provision and more information will be sent to you shortly once we have finalised our plans.
Please ensure you have downloaded the Parent Gateway App from your App store as this will make communication easier. Rest assured we shall stay in contact with you, update you with any new information and send you weekly newsletters.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a query or concern.
Stay safe and take care.
Ms S Finlay
Headteacher