Friday 3^rd April 2020                                    

 

Dear Parents,

Another lovely day with the sun shining and apparently more on the way. However, please don't let that tempt you to go out and about as yet again the daily death rate has risen, and we must all stay in to stop this virus spreading further.

 

FSM: Thank you to everyone who has responded to the text messages which were sent out earlier this week. Currently the vouchers for the infant school children are being processed as we are still awaiting the necessary information from the DfE for the junior school. We have logged a complaint but are waiting for a response as to why the junior school code has not been received. 

 

We cannot be sure when these vouchers will be with you but hopefully - very soon and if you have not yet sent in your email address for your e-vouchers…..it’s not too late!!  Please do so as soon as possible.

 

For those of you who are booked in with us for next week, please bring your learning packs with you.

 

The year 1 packs are now ready for collection. These will be available on Monday at the following times from the infant school reception.  Only 1 person at a time will be allowed in to collect their pack, and no children should be brought in with you.  If you have to bring children with you then they will need to remain outside whilst you collect the pack.  It is only a small reception area and we cannot adhere to the 2 metre distancing rule if there is more than one person in there.                                                                                     

Surnames A-C                      9.00 – 10.00 a.m.    

                                                               Surnames D-I                      10.00 – 11.00 a.m.  

                                                            Surnames J-P                     11.00 – 12.00          

                                                           Surnames Q-T                      1.00 – 2.00p.m.    

                                                           Surnames U-Z                      2.00 – 3.00p.m.   

 

Please note the slight changes in times/surnames - this is due to there being a lot of children in year 1 with a surname near the beginning of the alphabet and we didn't want you all arriving together!

 

As these next 2 weeks would normally have been the Easter holidays we should have been closing for 2 weeks, but we definitely are not! Both schools will be open and if you need any support, help or guidance then please ring in and we will do what we can. If you are a key worker and need emergency cover then please ring school to discuss your requirements.

 

It has been rather disappointing not to share Easter activities with the children but hope that you are able to share some activities at home with them.

 

Finally, I shall continue with my updates over the next few weeks but will reduce these to Tuesdays and Fridays but in the meantime please stay in and stay safe, it is staying at home that is saving lives, so please don't be the one to spread this virus or worse still contract it from someone else who has chosen to go out and about and disregard the very clear government advice. Help our NHS.

 

Wishing you a relaxing weekend.

With best wishes

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher

Thursday 2^nd April 2020

 

 Dear Parents,

 

Thank you to those of you who have been in touch to provide an email address for the Free School Meal e-vouchers. If you haven't yet responded to the text sent yesterday, then please do so as soon as possible.  If you feel you are entitled to benefits related Free School Meals and did not receive a text please telephone either school office tomorrow.

 

Learning Packs: Many of the learning packs have now been collected. They will be available again tomorrow for those of you who have not been able to collect them. Please try to visit during the times outlined in previous updates.

 

We have now provided lots of work through a variety of Learning Packs, CGP books, Seesaw, Purple Mash, spelling shed, maths shed and mathletics, depending on their age group. However.... we are not expecting the children to do it all immediately. The teachers have been impressed with how much is being done by some children - but worried that some might feel overwhelmed. Help support them to pace themselves and identify the tasks you would like them to attempt each day.

 

For those of you who are Vivid tenants, you may be interested to see this:

 VIVID, a social housing provider, is offering free devices and internet connections to families who live in our homes.  These devices are available where:  

1. A person is deemed as ‘extremely vulnerable’ and has received an NHS letter telling them to stay home
2. Families who have school children who are unable to complete their homework due to lack of devices.

 This offer is only open to people who live in a VIVID home . 

This will be on a first come, first served basis and the number to ring for enquiries is 02392063327.

 

Finally - if your child is in school please remember to send their learning packs in with them.

Stay safe, stay in and keep washing your hands!!

With very best wishes,

Mrs Sheila Pape,

Executive Headteacher

Wednesday 1st April 2020

 

Dear Parents

 

A good up take on learning packs today by Year 3.  Remember if you have been unable to collect your child's pack they will be available tomorrow at the times outlined in previous updates.

 

Currently more work is being prepared for children in Early Years, Year 1 and Year 2.  I will let you know when this is ready for collection.

 

Can I remind those of you who are sending your children into school that they must bring their learning packs into school with them as they are being given time to work on them at some point during the day.

 

Free School Meals: By the time you read this update those of you who are eligible for FSM should have received a text outlining how you request the e-vouchers which are worth £15 per week per child. They are only payable for these 2 weeks when school would normally have been open. They will not be issued for the Easter Holiday period as outlined by the Dfe. These are only for children who are registered as eligible for FSM and not currently in school.  If your child is only attending part time we will look at these cases individually to decide on the value of the e voucher to which you are entitled.

 

We hope to get these e-vouchers to you by the end of the week.

 

Sadly I hear that the death rate has risen yet again today along with the number of people going out in cars and using public transport!  We cannot become complacent - please remember you should stay in at all times unless you need essential shopping, medication or for daily exercise.  Children should not be out playing, unless they are in their own gardens with their own siblings.

 

Staff are still reporting seeing groups of teenagers walking about the neighbourhood - they are putting all of our lives at risk as well as their own. Please remind them of their responsibilities to help keep the spread of this virus down - otherwise they could well be the next victim, something we want to avoid.

 

By working together as a community, and following the governments guidelines on not going out and social distancing,  we can play our part in trying to keep the number of cases down in our area and so reduce the distress it is causing to many lives.  If every community does this it will significantly help reduce the spread, death rate and pressure on the NHS. 

 

I know the police are also stopping people in Basingstoke to check on the reasons as to why they are out and about - so please - essential journeys only.

 

I am starting to sound like Boris Johnson but I just want you all to stay safe!

 

So - Stay safe, stay in and keep washing your hands frequently.

 

With very best wishes, 

 

 

Mrs Sheila Pape

Executive Headteacher