We’re now over half-way through the school year. If you managed one, we hope you had a good break over the half-term period. This week’s message contains an attendance update and a reminder about two things that were communicated earlier in the week.
Attendance matters
The overall whole-school attendance figure up to the end of Spring 1 is 94.2%. That’s the same as we were at the end of the Autumn term, despite Covid – great news!
- Reception: 93.8% – a slight increase since December – well done!
- Year 1: 95.3% – another increase – brilliant!
- Year 2: 95.9%
- Year 3: 91.6%
- Year 4: 92.2% – this attendance has increased a little, too – thank you!
- Year 5: 95.5%
- Year 6: 96.1% – and another year group where attendance has risen – fantastic!
Russia-Ukraine war
On Monday evening, we sent an email to let you know we’d be speaking with children about the current crisis. Children in Key Stage 2 had an assembly about this. Children in Key Stage 1 had a shorter discussion in class. We had no plans to speak with children in Foundation Stage unless a child raised it, in which case we’d respond in a very ‘light’ way.
Children coped well. They seemed to appreciate being told some basic facts and being provided with some reassurance. In case you missed it, we provided some website links so that you can support your child more:
- Supporting your child if they see upsetting content online about what is happening in Ukraine (Childnet)
- How to talk to children about what’s happening in Ukraine and World War Three anxiety (Metro)
- How and when to talk to children about war, according to a parenting expert (Independent)
- How to cope with traumatic news – an illustrated guide (ABC News, Australia)
- Talking with Children About War and Violence in the World (Family Education, US)
- Tips for parents and caregivers on media coverage of traumatic events (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, US)
Covid caution continues
You’ll know that the government issued new advice about self-isolation and testing. This letter from Leeds Children and Families Team sets out what the new guidance is. If you’ve not already done so, do take a minute or so to read it.
Next week’s message comes from Mr Wilks, who leads on Science and Topic subjects – it’s about our current Computing topic.