Newsletter22 March Newsletter

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we approach the end of the Spring term, I reflect on what has been another very challenging time for us all. What makes me proud is how the St. Paul’s community has risen to the challenge.

The return to full school capacity has been uplifting, but not without its issues. I believe we will be indirectly affected by COVID-19 for a good while to come, but with your help and support we will get through and rise above any issues it may present.

Our commitment through all of this is to ensure that we provide a safe and happy environment for your children, in the very best way we can. Thank you to all teachers and adults in school who have worked tirelessly to make this possible.

I do hope you all have a great Easter break and are able to make the most of the freedoms the roadmap will bring us on 12th April. I’m looking forward to sitting under a gazebo in the garden of a public house, having a proper haircut, and seeing the sea for the first time in a good while.

Mr. C. M. Thornton
Head Teacher

Attendance

Attendance up to the 19th March, 2021 is 96.33%. The school target is 97%.

Mr. Longdon’s Book Choice

“During my childhood, I was dragged to the local library most Saturday mornings. I was what you would best describe as a “reluctant reader” – I much preferred running around kicking or throwing a ball than sitting down with a book.

However, when I was 11 or 12 years old I was given a biography of the great Welsh scrum half, Gareth Edwards. I devoured every page and loved learning about his school days, and how one of my rugby heroes grew to be a world star. It definitely inspired me to work hard in school, not just at sport, but in every subject. In particular, it sparked the beginnings of a love for reading, which has been a brilliant source of joy and escape ever since.

For me, it was finding that book which I was really interested in and determined to finish, which made me a life-long book lover”.

Face Coverings

May we remind parents/carers that face coverings are to be worn whilst on school premises.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Self-Isolation

We would like to remind you of the importance of keeping your child at home if someone in

your household, or a close contact, has Covid symptoms and needs to go for a test. Your child, and the household, must self-isolate until the results come back negative. If someone in the household is unwell and is being tested, or maybe sent home from work for testing, please call the school to inform us and then collect your child immediately.

Your child can return to school once the test result comes back negative.

A frequently asked question is ‘What happens if someone self-isolating as a close contact then develops symptoms?’

• If anyone isolating develops symptoms of COVID-19, they should book a test immediately.
• They should inform the school they have symptoms, are being tested and of any test result as soon as they receive them.
• All other household members must now isolate and not leave home until the result of the test.

If your child’s class is closed due to a positive COVID-19 test result within the class, and your child goes for a test which comes back positive, please still let the school know as soon as the results are received.

Punctuality

It is really important that children arrive on time for the start of the school day. Parents/carers are required by law to ensure their child’s regular and punctual attendance at school. Persistent lateness is a serious issue and failure to ensure punctuality can be a prosecutable offence. More over the impact on learning can be severe, especially where, as in Primary schools, morning sessions are aimed at improving key skills.

Currently children are to arrive at school at the following time:-

• 8.40 a.m. : Class Oak, Year 1 and Year 6
• 8.45 a.m. : Year 2 and Year 4
• 8.50 a.m. : Class Bay, Year 3 and Year 5

Incident Outside School Gates

There was an incident this week where a car parked opposite school reversed, knocking into a child’s pushchair when a parent was crossing the road. Can we please ask parents/carers to be extra careful when parked outside school premises as this could have resulted in a serious incident. Thank you.

Infectious Conditions

If your child has a case of head lice, worms, ring worm etc., please let the school office know so that letters can be sent out to the rest of the class advising them to be aware of the condition. This is the only way we can eradicate these infections. Thank you for your support.

School Closure

School will close on Wednesday, 31st March at the normal time for the Easter Holidays and will re-open on Monday, 19th April. (Thursday, 1st April is a Teacher Training Day).

Hatton Drive In Cinema & Diner

Hatton Country Park Drive In Cinema & Diner is back from the 13th April with a line up of Blockbuster films, all showing at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, 13th April – How to Train Your Dragon

Thursday, 15th April – Moana

Saturday, 17th April – The Greatest Showman

Friday, 24th April – The Lion King

Saturday, 25th April – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

• Two LED Screens
• Hardstanding for all cars
• Great menu
• Licensed bar
• Food delivered to your car

Burgers, hot dogs, kids meals, popcorn, ice cream and drinks are all available.

Book tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Dates for Your Diary

Happy Easter Holidays